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How to Calculate Your Car Lease Payment
Understanding how car lease payments are structured can save you thousands of dollars at the dealership. Unlike a standard car loan, a lease payment is primarily based on the vehicle's depreciation during the time you drive it, rather than the total purchase price.
The Three Main Components of a Lease
- Depreciation Fee: This is the loss in the vehicle's value over the lease term. It is calculated by taking the "Adjusted Capitalized Cost" (the price you negotiated minus down payments) and subtracting the "Residual Value" (what the car is worth at the end of the lease).
- Rent Charge (Interest): This is equivalent to the interest on a loan. Dealers often use a "Money Factor" instead of an APR. To convert APR to a Money Factor, divide by 2400.
- Sales Tax: In most states, you only pay sales tax on the monthly lease payment, not the full value of the vehicle.
If you lease a $40,000 SUV with a 60% residual value for 36 months, the car is expected to be worth $24,000 at the end. You are essentially "renting" the $16,000 difference. If your interest rate (APR) is 4%, your monthly depreciation would be approximately $444, plus a small rent charge and local taxes.
Key Terms to Know
Residual Value: Set by the manufacturer, this is the predicted value of the car when the lease ends. A higher residual value usually means a lower monthly payment.
Money Factor: The decimal form of your interest rate. If a dealer quotes a money factor of 0.0020, multiply it by 2400 to get an APR of 4.8%.
Cap Cost Reductions: This includes your down payment, trade-in credit, and any manufacturer rebates that lower the initial price of the vehicle.