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downlyHow we estimate

How we estimate our lease vs buy numbers

Straight answer: the numbers on our lease-vs-buy pages are national-average estimates to help you understand the trade-off — not a price anyone's promising you. Here's exactly what goes into them, so you can weigh them with clear eyes and then see the real numbers for a specific car.
What our numbers assume
We start from national averages, not a quoteEvery figure on our lease-vs-buy pages is a national-average estimate meant to help you decide — never a price you'll be offered. Your real numbers depend on the exact car, your area, and the day you shop, so we always send you to a specific car for its live numbers.
A typical new car around $40,000On the main guide, "a typical new car" means one priced near $40,000 — a stand-in for the average new car so the story stays concrete. Pick a real car and we use that car's own price instead.
A 3-year lease vs a longer loanWe compare a 3-year lease against a typical car loan, because that's the most common way people lease and buy. Naming both lengths keeps the comparison honest — a lease costs less in total partly because it's a shorter commitment where you own nothing at the end.
The cash you keep grows in a car fundWhen leasing lets you put little or nothing down, we show what that kept cash could grow to if it sits in a car fund while you drive — the whole point of keeping your money working instead of locking it in the car.
Leasing's one honest catchOne honest catch: a lease caps how far you can drive each year — usually around 10,000–12,000 miles — so it fits best if your driving stays fairly steady. Go over and it's about 25¢ for each extra mile when you hand it back — roughly $250 for every 1,000 miles past the cap.
See it in real numbers

Averages are for understanding the choice — not for signing. The moment you have a car in mind, pick it to see its own monthly, the cash you'd keep free, and lease vs buy side by side. No sign-in needed.

Compare lease vs buy for any car

Questions about our numbers

Are Downly's lease-vs-buy numbers a real quote?

No. They're national-average estimates to help you understand the trade-off between leasing and buying — never a price you'll be offered. For real numbers, pick a specific car and see its live monthly, the cash you'd keep, and lease vs buy side by side. A national-average guide, not a quote.

What car do the 'typical new car' figures use?

They use a stand-in car priced near $40,000 — roughly the average new car — so the comparison stays concrete without naming a brand. Choose a real car and every figure switches to that car's own price.

How long a lease and loan do you compare?

We compare a 3-year lease against a typical car loan — the most common way people lease and buy. We always name both lengths, so a lease's smaller total is never mistaken for a free lunch: it's a shorter commitment where you own nothing at the end.

Why does Downly suggest putting $0 down?

Money down lowers the monthly a little but doesn't lower what the car costs — and if the car is totaled or stolen early, that up-front cash is generally gone. Keeping it in your own car fund protects you if plans change and lets it keep growing. A national-average guide, not financial advice.

Want to weigh it for your next car? Read the complete lease vs buy guide.

Ready to look at cars? Compare lease vs buy for SUVs, trucks, electric cars, minivans, sedans, hybrids or luxury cars.

Reviewed August 2026. National-average guidance, not a quote or financial advice.