Car Lease Monthly Payment Calculator
24 Months
36 Months
39 Months
48 Months
Lease Summary
Estimated Monthly Payment:
$0.00
Monthly Depreciation:
$0.00
Monthly Finance Fee (Rent):
$0.00
Monthly Sales Tax:
$0.00
Adjusted Capitalized Cost:
$0.00
Residual Value:
$0.00
Understanding Your Car Lease Calculation
Leasing a vehicle is often more complex than a traditional loan because you aren't paying for the entire value of the car. Instead, you are paying for the depreciation of the vehicle over a set period of time, plus finance charges and taxes.
Key Leasing Terms Explained
- Negotiated Price (Gross Cap Cost): This is the final price of the vehicle after negotiations. It should be lower than the MSRP.
- Adjusted Capitalized Cost: The negotiated price minus your down payment, trade-in, and any credits. This is the amount actually being financed.
- Residual Value: The estimated value of the car at the end of the lease. This is set by the leasing company and is usually expressed as a percentage of the MSRP. Higher residual values lead to lower monthly payments.
- Money Factor: This is the interest rate for the lease. To find the equivalent APR, multiply the money factor by 2400. (e.g., 0.00125 x 2400 = 3% APR).
- Rent Charge: The finance fee paid to the leasing company for borrowing their asset.
Example Calculation Scenario
Let's look at a realistic example for a modern sedan:
Vehicle Price: $40,000
Down Payment: $4,000
Term: 36 Months
Residual (55%): $22,000
Money Factor: 0.0015 (3.6% APR)
Result: Approx. $482.22/month + tax
Tips for a Better Lease Deal
- Negotiate the Price First: Don't tell the dealer you want to lease until you've settled on a purchase price. A lower "Cap Cost" directly lowers your monthly payment.
- Check the Money Factor: Some dealers "mark up" the money factor provided by the manufacturer's bank. Always ask for the "base rate."
- Limit Down Payments: In a lease, a large down payment (Cap Cost Reduction) is risky. If the car is totaled or stolen early in the lease, you often won't get that down payment back from insurance.
- Watch the Mileage: Know your driving habits. Over-mileage fees (usually $0.15 to $0.25 per mile) can be expensive at lease-end.