Cloninger Ford of Morganton

Mar 29, 2023
Car Dealership

There are many factors to consider when buying a car. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to lease or purchase the vehicle. Leasing and purchasing both have their advantages and disadvantages, but a Ford dealership lease might be the right option for you.

Let’s explore the differences between leasing and purchasing and why a Ford dealership lease might be the best choice.

What Is a Car Lease?

A car lease is a contract between you and a dealership or leasing company that allows you to use a car for a set period. You make monthly payments to the dealership or leasing company, and at the end of the lease, you return the car.

Leasing often requires a lower down payment and monthly payments than purchasing a car. However, you don’t own the vehicle at the end of the lease, and you may have mileage restrictions and other limitations.

What Is a Car Purchase?

When you purchase a car, you own it outright. You make monthly payments to a lender or finance company until the loan is paid off. Once paid, you own the car outright.

Purchasing a car typically requires a larger down payment and higher monthly payments compared to leasing. However, you have full ownership of the vehicle and can do with it as you please.

Advantages of a Ford Dealership Lease

Lower Monthly Payments

One of the main advantages of a Ford dealership lease is lower monthly payments. Since you’re only paying for using the vehicle for a set period, the monthly payments are typically lower than if you were purchasing the car outright. This can be a big advantage if you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to commit to a large monthly payment.

Lower Down Payment

Leasing a car also requires a lower down payment compared to purchasing. When you purchase a vehicle, you typically need to put down a larger down payment to secure the loan. With a Ford dealership lease, the down payment is typically lower, which can be helpful if you don’t have a lot of cash on hand.

No Long-Term Commitment

Another advantage of a lease is that there is no long-term commitment. When you purchase a car, you’re committing to paying off the loan over several years. With a lease, you’re only committed to the length of the lease, which is typically two to three years. This can be beneficial if you’re unsure about your long-term plans or if you like to switch cars frequently.

Fewer Maintenance Costs

There are also fewer maintenance costs when you lease a car. Since it is under warranty for the duration of the lease, you won’t have to pay for major repairs or maintenance. This can be a big advantage if you’re on a tight budget and don’t want to be hit with unexpected repair bills.

Disadvantages of a Ford Dealership Lease

Mileage Restrictions

Most leases have a set number of miles you can drive per year, typically between 10,000 and 15,000. If you go over the mileage limit, you’ll be charged a fee for each additional mile. This can be a disadvantage if you have a long commute or like to take road trips.

No Ownership

Leasing a car also means that you don’t own the car at the end of the lease. Once the lease is up, you have to return the car to the dealership. This can be a disadvantage if you like to customize your car or want to keep it for a long time.

Higher Insurance Costs

The leasing company will require you to carry higher insurance coverage because the car is not owned. This can be a disadvantage if you’re on a tight budget and want to keep your insurance costs low.

Conclusion

A Ford dealership lease might be the right choice if you’re on a tight budget, don’t want a long-term commitment, or want to avoid unexpected repair bills. However, there are also disadvantages to leasing. Ultimately, the decision to lease or purchase a car comes down to your individual needs and preferences. It is best to consult with a Ford dealership to explore your options and make an informed decision.

Looking for car dealerships in Morganton, NC? Visit Cloninger Ford of Morganton. We offer new and pre-owned Ford cars of various makes and models. We also offer financing options for our vehicles. Contact us today for more information.