Should I Lease or Buy a Pickup Truck?
Comparing a $550/month truck lease versus a $650/month auto loan over 36 months — the strong resale value of trucks often tips the math toward buying.
How to use this tool
- Enter the monthly lease payment and any upfront cash due at signing.
- Enter the equivalent loan payment and down payment if buying.
- Enter the expected resale value of the vehicle at the end of the term.
- A positive difference means leasing costs more; negative means buying costs more.
Trucks hold their value unusually well — run the numbers to see whether leasing or buying a pickup makes more financial sense over three years.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it cheaper to lease or buy a car?
- Buying is typically cheaper over the long run because you build equity and keep the vehicle's resale value. Leasing has lower monthly payments but you never own the car.
- What costs does the lease total include?
- This calculator adds all monthly payments plus upfront costs. It does not include insurance, maintenance, or disposition fees at lease end, which add to the true lease cost.