Lease vs. finance

Three ways to get a car — with different risk and different total cost.

Leasing

You pay for the use, not the car. The residual-value risk sits with the provider. Good for predictable costs and switching often. Watch the deposit, mileage cap, and return condition. More: Is leasing worth it?.

Financing (a loan)

You buy in instalments and own the car at the end. You carry the residual-value risk — in exchange for lower total cost over a long hold.

Paying cash

No interest, full cost control — but tied-up capital.

Rule of thumb

Long hold → lean buy/finance. Frequent switching and risk-aversion → lean lease. Always compare the real €/month, not just the monthly rate.

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