Lease Car Then Buy May 2026

You know exactly what the car will cost years in advance. If the market value of the car ends up being higher than the residual value, you’re getting a bargain.

Leasing a car with the intent to buy it later—often called a —is essentially a long-term test drive that ends in ownership. It’s a strategic move for drivers who want lower monthly payments now but want to keep the car for the long haul. Here is how the process works and why you might choose it: How it Works lease car then buy

When you sign the lease, the dealer sets a "residual value." This is the pre-determined price you can buy the car for at the end of the lease. You know exactly what the car will cost years in advance