Leasing vs. Financing a Subaru

Choosing to drive a Subaru is an easy decision since every Subaru vehicle gives you impressive capability, advanced safety, and outstanding value. But when it comes to deciding between leasing versus buying, the choice gets a little harder. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons between leasing and financing to help you make the best decision.

Advantages and Disadvantages of

Leasing vs. Financing

Upfront Costs

Leasing

Upfront costs alone tend to be lower.

Financing

When buying, upfront costs will be higher and you can expect to make a significant down payment.

Monthly Payments

Leasing

Monthly payments are typically lower than vehicle loan payments because you are not paying for the total price of the vehicle. However, the monthly finance charges are higher.

Financing

Monthly payments are typically higher than lease payments.

Maintenance

Leasing

Leased vehicles are typically under a maintenance contract and you only pay for routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations.

Financing

As the owner, you’re responsible for all maintenance. Some loan agreements include more comprehensive service agreements for an additional charge.

Wear and Tear

Leasing

You are responsible for keeping the vehicle in good shape and can be charged extra for excessive wear and tear. These details are typically outlined in the lease agreement.

Financing

Wear and tear won’t affect your loan but could lower the vehicle’s overall value, which would cost you if you eventually trade it in or sell it.

Use/Mileage

Leasing

Leases have mileage limits, typically around 10,000 or 12,000 miles per year. At the end of your lease, you’ll have to pay extra for every mile you go over the limit – usually anywhere between 15 to 30 cents per mile.

Financing

You can drive as many miles as you want, but excessive mileage can lower the vehicle’s resale or trade-in value.

Customization

Leasing

Customizing or changing the appearance of the vehicle can break the lease agreement and lead to additional fees.

Financing

Owners who purchase their vehicles are free to customize and change their vehicles as they see fit.

Ownership

Leasing

You do not own the vehicle, but you make payments to use it during the lease term. At the end of the term, you must return the vehicle unless you decide to purchase it.

Financing

You own the vehicle and make monthly loan payments to pay it off. After completing the payments, it’s all yours.

End of Term

Leasing

At the end of the lease term, you may return, purchase, or trade the vehicle in.

Financing

At the end of your vehicle loan, you own the vehicle and can keep, sell, or trade it in.

Limited-time offers on the 2023 Solterra.

0% APR for 72 mo. or $399/mo. lease, $0 down.

Get great offers on select new 2023 Solterra EV models now through April 1, 2024.

Ready for the Next Step?

Lease Loyalty Benefits

Current lease customers may be eligible for some great benefits when you get a new Subaru through Subaru Motors Finance such as getting up to $550 for your first monthly payment from SOA, no disposition fee when you return your current Subaru.

Apply for Financing

You could qualify for preapproved financing, which means you’ll have the information you’ll need to shop for a Subaru you’ll love.

Special Programs

Subaru Motors Finance (SMF) and Subaru of America (SOA) offer special programs to assist Subaru drivers. Ask a participating retailer for details about these programs to see if you qualify, or see our special offers for more details.

Subaru Motors Finance

Whether you choose to finance a new or pre-owned Subaru or lease a new one, we offer several distinct advantages with the Subaru Motors Finance (SMF) program through your local retailer. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("Chase") provides auto financing and leasing to Subaru customers through the SMF program subject to credit approval.

  • Competitive finance or lease options
  • One-stop shopping through your local Subaru retailer
  • Flexible payment options
  • Paperless statements that are convenient, secure, and eco-friendly
  • Experienced, professional customer service representatives
  • Access to account information when you want, where you want
     

 

 

^The tradename Subaru Motors Finance (SMF) and the Subaru logo are owned by Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) or its affiliates and are licensed to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Chase). Subaru is solely responsible for its products and services and for promotional statements about them and is not affiliated with Chase or its affiliates. Auto finance accounts are owned by Chase and are subject to credit approval, terms, and conditions.