Leasing a car can be a complex financial decision, often involving jargon like "Money Factor" and "Residual Value." This calculator simplifies the process by breaking down your monthly payment into its three core components: depreciation, rent charge (interest), and taxes.
Key Terms Defined
MSRP: The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (sticker price).
Negotiated Price: The actual price you agree to pay for the car before incentives and down payments. This is often called the Gross Capitalized Cost.
Residual Value: The estimated value of the car at the end of the lease term. It is usually a percentage of the MSRP.
Money Factor: This is the interest rate on a lease. To find the equivalent APR, multiply the money factor by 2400 (e.g., 0.00125 * 2400 = 3% APR).
Lease Term: The duration of the lease, typically 24, 36, or 48 months.
The Lease Calculation Formula
The math behind a car lease differs significantly from a traditional auto loan. Here is how your payment is calculated:
Monthly Depreciation: (Adjusted Capitalized Cost – Residual Value) ÷ Term
Imagine you are leasing a SUV with an MSRP of $40,000. You negotiate the price down to $38,000 and put $3,000 down. If the residual value is 60% ($24,000) for a 36-month term with a money factor of 0.0015: