Estimate your lease payments including depreciation, finance charges, and taxes.
Monthly Depreciation:$0.00
Monthly Rent Charge:$0.00
Base Monthly Payment:$0.00
Monthly Sales Tax:$0.00
Total Monthly Payment:$0.00
Understanding How Car Lease Payments are Calculated
Leasing a car is significantly different from buying one with a traditional loan. When you lease, you are essentially paying for the depreciation of the vehicle over the time you use it, plus interest and taxes. This calculator helps you break down those costs so you can negotiate a better deal at the dealership.
Key Leasing Terms to Know
Gross Capitalized Cost: The negotiated price of the vehicle plus any added fees or insurance.
Residual Value: The estimated value of the car at the end of the lease term. A higher residual value usually results in a lower monthly payment.
Money Factor: This represents the interest rate on the lease. To convert this to a standard APR, multiply the money factor by 2,400.
Capitalized Cost Reduction: This includes your down payment, trade-in value, and any manufacturer rebates that reduce the amount being financed.
Sales Tax: Usually applied to the sum of the depreciation and rent charges.
Example Calculation
Imagine you negotiate a car price to $30,000 with a residual value of $18,000 after 36 months. You put down $2,000 and the money factor is 0.0015 (3.6% APR). Your tax rate is 8%.