When you're in the market for a new Kia, you need to decide how you're going to pay for it. The sad truth of it is that none of our vehicles are free; no matter which model catches your eye, you still need to pay for it before you drive it home. You have two options to choose from: buying and leasing. While many people assume buying is the default option, the truth is that buying and leasing each have their own pros and cons, and both are right for different kinds of drivers. Trying to figure out which one is right for you? Here is a quick rundown of the two.

Buying

When you buy your new Kia, you pay for its full price. Most people can't pay for a new car all at once, so people usually take out a loan for the new car, pay a down payment, then slowly pay off the loan through monthly payments. When you buy a vehicle, you pay for its full cost. If you buy a vehicle, you can drive it as much as you want. Once you fully pay off your loan, the vehicle is completely yours, and you can modify it as you see fit. Buying a vehicle also means you have something you can use as a trade-in, if you ever decide to buy something else later down the line.

Leasing

When you lease a vehicle, you work out a lease period with the dealership (typically two or three years), and you can drive the vehicle for that amount of time. Like buying, leasing has a down payment and monthly payments. However, unlike buying, leasing does not have you pay for the full value of the car. Instead, you work out how much the vehicle's value will depreciate over the course of the lease, and that's the amount you have to pay. This means that leasing has a lower down payment and lower monthly payments than buying, and is much easier on your wallet. The lease period is almost always shorter than the automaker's warranty, so you know that you're covered when you're out on the road. What do you do when the lease period ends? You simply return the vehicle back to the dealership; the next step is up to you. If you've grown attached to the vehicle you were leasing, you can buy it. You can lease another vehicle, or you could just walk away. Leasing gives you more freedom, and it lets you always drive the newest and most exciting models; just lease the newest model again once your current lease is up.

 

Leasing isn't all upside though; since you don't technically own the vehicle, you can't modify it. You also can't use it as a trade-in. When you lease a car, you agree to a yearly mile limit at the dealership, and you have to pay extra for each mile you drive over the limit. While this won't impact typical daily driving, it means that you probably shouldn't go on a cross-country road trip in a leased car.

Come Visit Us Today

If you have any more questions about buying vs leasing, or any questions about anything else Kia-related, come talk to us in person here in Amherst, NY. We know that while reading online is convenient, sometimes you need a more personal touch. Our Kia finance team is here to help you decide on the best option for your budget and lifestyle, and we'll help you get the best deal possible. At Northtown Kia, we proudly serve drivers from all over the Buffalo, Cheektowaga, West Seneca, and Williamsville areas. We can't wait to help you too.