Should I Lease or Buy in 2025?
If you're shopping for a new vehicle in 2025, you're likely asking yourself the same question every buyer asks: Should I buy or lease? Both are great choices – it's just a matter of your priorities, budget, and how long you'll be keeping your set of keys. At Berglund Chevrolet Buick Roanoke, we're going to make the choice easy with no guesswork.
Whether you have your heart set on a trendy new SUV or a workhorse truck, this guide will help you figure out what will best fit your lifestyle.
Leasing a Vehicle in 2025
Leasing is like renting a vehicle for a few years. Typically, you'll lease the vehicle for a set term – usually 24 to 36 months – then return it when the lease ends. It's a great way to enjoy a new vehicle without committing to a long-term purchase.
Pros of Leasing
- Lower Monthly Payments: Leasing payments are usually lower than loan payments on the same vehicle. If you want something new with all the bells and whistles, but don't want to pay a large monthly bill, leasing might be the solution.
- Stay Current: Leasing lets you have a new model every few years. At the end of your lease, simply return the vehicle and select a new model with all the latest technology, design, and safety features.
- Warranty Coverage: The majority of lease terms coincide with the factory warranty. You're protected for the surprise repairs, which saves you from surprises at the service center.
- No Trade-In Hassles: When your lease is over, simply return the car. Don't have to sell it, negotiate a trade-in, or list it online.
Cons of Leasing
- No Ownership: You're not building equity. At the end of the lease, you don't own the vehicle – you return it or pay a lump sum to buy it.
- Mileage Limits: Most leases come with mileage caps (usually around 10,000–15,000 miles/year). Go over, and you'll pay a fee for every extra mile.
- Customization Restrictions: Want to tint the windows, add a lift kit, or install aftermarket wheels? Leasing isn’t ideal for those who like to personalize their ride.
Buying a Vehicle in 2025
Buying gives you full ownership. Once your loan is paid off, the vehicle is yours – free and clear. It’s a solid option if you plan to keep the vehicle long-term or prefer to drive without limits.
Pros of Buying
- Builds Equity: Every payment moves you closer to owning the vehicle outright. Once it's paid off, you can enjoy years of payment-free driving.
- No Mileage Restrictions: Drive across the country or rack up the miles on your daily commute – there are no mileage penalties with ownership.
- Freedom to Customize: From decals to upgraded wheels or performance parts, owning your vehicle means you're free to make it your own.
- Better for Long-Term Value: If you keep your vehicle for five or more years, buying often ends up being more cost-effective than leasing and replacing every few years.
Cons of Buying
- Higher Monthly Payments: Loans typically cost more per month than leases. That can stretch your budget, especially if you’re looking at a fully loaded trim.
- Out-of-Warranty Repairs: Once the warranty expires, you're responsible for all repairs. Long-term maintenance costs can add up, especially with older vehicles.
- Depreciation: Your vehicle loses value over time, especially in the first few years. If you plan to trade in early, depreciation hits harder with a purchase.
Which Option Works for You?
Choose leasing if you want lower monthly payments, the latest features, and the flexibility to upgrade every few years. Choose buying if you drive a lot, want to customize your vehicle, or plan to keep it long after it’s paid off.
At Berglund Chevrolet Buick Roanoke, we offer both leasing and financing options, plus expert advice to help you make a confident choice. Stop by our dealership or shop online to view the latest lease deals and financing offers on new Chevrolet and Buick vehicles.
*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.