Lease-end decision scenario

Lease-end buyout vs. return calculator

Compare an entered lease-end buyout quote and vehicle value with estimated return fees, wear charges, and excess-mile costs.

Compare an end-of-lease purchase option with returning the vehicle. Use your written buyout quote, contract charges, and an independently researched current vehicle value. This is a cash scenario, not a financing offer or recommendation.

Buyout assumptions

Lease-end purchase option quote ($) Sales/use tax due on purchase ($) Other buyout fees not already in quote ($) Estimated current vehicle value ($)

Return assumptions

Disposition/return fee ($) Estimated excess-wear or missing-equipment charges ($) Expected excess miles over the contract allowance Contract charge per excess mile ($) Other estimated return charges ($)

Enter the written purchase option quote, current value estimate, and charges from your lease documents.

The buyout total adds only the tax and fees you enter to the quote. Check whether your quote already includes any of them to avoid double counting. Return mileage charges are calculated as excess miles multiplied by the entered per-mile contract rate; enter zero if the contract or quote does not show a charge. The tool does not determine whether a fee applies.

How to read the comparison

The buyout cash amount estimates what you would pay to acquire the vehicle at lease end. Comparing your entered current value with that amount gives a rough equity estimate before any future ownership costs. The return estimate totals the charges you enter for disposition, excess wear or missing equipment, excess mileage, and other return costs. Returning the car leaves you without the vehicle; buying it leaves you with an asset whose value and future costs can change.

Use the purchase option and fee terms in your signed lease, and request a current payoff or buyout quote from the leasing company. A third-party value estimate is not a guaranteed sale or trade offer. If you plan to finance the buyout, add the actual APR, fees, and payment schedule separately; this calculator treats the buyout as cash paid at lease end.

FTC: Financing or leasing a car — lease terms can include mileage limits and charges for excess mileage, wear, or damage; whether a purchase option exists depends on the agreement.
CFPB: Leasing versus buying a car

For a new lease versus financing comparison over a full term, see the lease vs. buy car cost comparison. For an entered purchase loan estimate, use the auto loan payment calculator. This tool is educational and is not personalized financial or tax advice. Actual contract terms and applicable taxes control.

Sources checked November 3, 2026: FTC financing or leasing guidance and CFPB leasing versus buying guidance. Values and charges are user-entered estimates; verify the contract and current quote with the leasing company.

How it works

Enter the leasing company’s current purchase option quote and your estimated vehicle value, then add any taxes, fees, mileage, wear, and return charges shown in your contract or quote.

Good to know

How is the buyout amount estimated?

The calculator adds the purchase option quote, entered purchase tax, and other buyout fees not already included in the quote. Check the quote carefully so you do not count an included fee twice.

How are return charges estimated?

The estimate adds the disposition fee, wear or missing-equipment charges, other return charges, and excess miles multiplied by the per-mile rate you enter. Whether a charge applies depends on your lease and return inspection.

Does the calculator say whether buying is better?

No. It compares entered cash costs and shows your estimated vehicle value less the buyout amount. Buying leaves you with the vehicle; returning does not. It does not value the car, estimate future costs, check financing, or give a personalized recommendation.

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