Loans vs Leases: What's Right for You?

We don't prefer a loan or lease for our drivers, and we prefer to find the one that makes the most sense for you. There are differences between the two, so carefully learn about what each way of financing does.

Loan Benefits

With a loan, you'll have full ownership of your Kia. That means you can modify the exterior or interior to your preference without worrying about what you might get charged at the dealership. You can add spoilers, change the exterior color, or add more style to your new Kia. With a lease, you won't be able to make any modifications because it needs to be returned at the end of the lease.

When you buy, you can also earn equity on your purchase. You'll be able to build up the value of the vehicle and anything it sells for when you decide to trade it in, that money is yours. A lease is still owned by the dealership, so you won't earn any equity on it.

When you own your vehicle, you have no restrictions on it. There is no mileage restriction on your Kia, so you can drive as much as you want and wherever you want to go. You are also responsible for your maintenance and repairs, but you can decide that you don't want to have it done. A lease has a mile restriction and because the dealership owns the vehicle still, you'll need to ensure that any damages are paid for out of your pocket.

Lease Benefits

Leased vehicles offer plenty of ways to help you as the driver. When you take out a lease on your vehicle, you're paying for the depreciation of the model. That means your payments are going to be lower per month than they would be if you bought the vehicle with a loan. Most loans also require a sizable down payment, something you typically don't need when you lease your vehicle.

When it comes time to move on from your lease, you can bring it right to the dealership, and we'll take care of it for you. You can walk away without making another purchase, get behind the wheel of the latest model or choose a different vehicle to adapt to your changing needs. When you take out a loan, you're responsible for the sale or trade-in of your vehicle.

A lease term is under the manufacturer's warranty thanks to only lasting about two or three years. That means that any routine maintenance services that you require are covered under the manufacturer's warranty, so you won't have to pay out of pocket. A loan is under your control, so you're responsible for any repairs and services.

No matter which plan is right for you, we're happy to help. Stop by Lancaster Kia today, and we'll help you get started!