Leasing Calculator

Compare the total cost of leasing (LOA/LLD) with buying a vehicle outright or with a car loan.

Parameters

Vehicle price (€)

Down payment (€)

Term (months)

Monthly payment (€)

Residual value (%)

Auto loan rate (%)

Lease (buy at end)

25 800 €

Lease (return vehicle)

19 800 €

Buy with loan

33 489 €

Buy outright

30 000 €

Cost comparison

Lease (buy)25 800 €

Lease (return)19 800 €

Loan33 489 €

Cash30 000 €

Resale value18 590 €

Total cost by option

Leasing vs buying: what are the options?

When acquiring a vehicle in France, you have several financing options: leasing with purchase option (LOA), long-term rental (LLD), auto loan, or cash purchase. Each has different implications for total cost, monthly cash flow, and vehicle ownership.

Lease with Purchase (LOA)

You pay monthly rent plus an optional final payment to buy the vehicle. If you return it, you pay nothing more but own nothing.

Auto Loan

You borrow the full amount (minus down payment), pay fixed monthly installments, and own the vehicle from day one.

Cash Purchase

You pay the full price upfront. No interest costs, but a large immediate cash outlay. Often the cheapest option overall.

How to compare total costs

To fairly compare options, you need to account for all payments made over the term plus any residual value. For leasing, the total cost includes all monthly payments plus the optional purchase price. For a loan, it includes all payments plus interest. Cash purchase is simply the vehicle price minus estimated resale value.

Hidden costs to consider

Leasing contracts often include mileage limits (with penalties for excess), mandatory comprehensive insurance, and return condition requirements. Auto loans may include mandatory borrower insurance. Factor in maintenance, insurance and depreciation for a complete comparison.

Frequently asked questions

Is leasing more expensive than buying?▼

In most cases, yes. Leasing includes a financing margin for the lessor. However, leasing offers lower monthly payments and flexibility to change vehicles regularly, which some drivers value.

What happens at the end of a lease?▼

With LOA, you can buy the vehicle at the pre-agreed residual value, return it, or sometimes extend the lease. With LLD (long-term rental), you simply return the vehicle.

Can I terminate a lease early?▼

Early termination is possible but usually costly. You typically must pay all remaining rent plus penalties. Some contracts allow transfer to another person.

Should I make a large down payment on a lease?▼

A larger down payment reduces monthly payments but increases your upfront risk. If the vehicle is totaled or stolen early in the lease, you may lose the down payment. Many experts recommend minimizing the down payment on leases.