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Buying vs Leasing

When it comes to buying or leasing a car the options can be confusing. To help you make an informed decision we have provided the information below. We hope you find it informative and useful.

When you buy the new or used car you pay for the entire cost of the vehicle. When you lease a new car, you pay for only a portion of the vehicle's cost, which is the part you use during the time you are driving it.

Buying

Who Owns It

Whether you pay for the car with cash, or finance it and make monthly payments, either way it's yours. Of course, if you're financing it, you'll have to meet the obligations the lender requires, like a certain down payment amount and timely monthly payments. If you don't, they have the right to repossess it.

Up-front Costs

If you're financing it, the bank will probably request a down payment. You can also trade-in another vehicle and use any equity towards your down payment. The amount of the down payment is usually based on the lender's requirements and your credit score.

Future Value

Your vehicle will be worth whatever you can sell it for in the future and that depends on how well you maintain it. (Be smart and protect your investment with regular scheduled maintenance by a factory-authorized facility!)

End of Payments

Once you've paid off what you owe on your contract, that's it. Your vehicle is 100% yours. The lending institution will send you a Lien Release as proof that the vehicle is completely paid off and all yours.

Tips for Buying a Vehicle

Before you visit the dealership:

  • Set a budget: Know how much you're comfortable spending monthly.
  • Choose vehicle type: Are you looking for a fuel-efficient sedan, a family SUV, or a work-ready truck?
  • New, Used, or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)?
  • New Fords: Come with full factory warranties and the latest features.
  • CPO Vehicles: Factory-inspected, low-mileage, and come with extended warranties.
  • Used Vehicles: Wide variety, lower price points, and available vehicle history reports.

To finance your next vehicle with us, make sure you have the following:

  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Proof of Income – Recent pay stubs or 2 years of tax returns (if self-employed)
  • Proof of Residence – Recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement
  • Proof of Insurance
  • Trade-In Title or Loan Info (if applicable) Tip: Want to save time? Start the process online with our easy Pre-Approval Application Form!

Our finance team works with multiple lenders to help you:

  • Get competitive interest rates—even if your credit isn't perfect.
  • Understand lease vs. loan options.
  • Take advantage of Ford incentives, rebates, and special APR offers. First-time buyer or rebuilding credit? We offer flexible financing programs designed to help you get approved.

Don’t hesitate to ask our team about:

  • Vehicle history reports (AutoCheck, maintenance records)
  • Warranty coverage and available protection plans
  • Certified Pre-Owned inspection points Tip: Always test drive the vehicle to check for comfort, visibility, features, and handling.

Once you choose your vehicle:

  • Review the full breakdown of your financing or lease terms
  • Consider extended warranty or maintenance packages
  • Sign the paperwork and drive away with confidence!

Once you choose your vehicle:

  • Large inventory of New Fords, Certified Pre-Owned, and Used Cars
  • On-site service center with factory-trained Ford technicians
  • No-pressure sales team here to help—not push
  • Personalized financing options for every budget Ready to Start?

Leasing

Who Owns It

You do not own the car when you lease. You're paying for the use of the vehicle, but the finance institution that you leased it through actually owns it. This is usually why you pay less per month in a lease than if you were to buy the car.

Up-front Costs

Leases often do not require any type of a down payment. All you usually have to pay is the first month's payment, a security deposit, the acquisition fee and other fees and taxes. But, as with a purchase, if you want to lower your monthly payments you can always pay more upfront.

Future Value

In most leases you don't end up owning it so you don't end up selling it. That's the financial institution's job. Although you may have mileage limits and wear and tear guidelines that, if you exceed them, could cost you extra money when you turn your vehicle back in.

End of Payments

Most people return the vehicle at the end of the lease term. But some like to purchase it during their lease or at the end. Others like to trade it in before their lease is over. Just ask us about these different options before signing any paperwork and we'll make sure you have your lease set up the way you want it.

Best Cars to Lease

The best cars to lease are those with the best book value after the term of the lease. Since they depreciate less, you pay less. Review the lease ratings to see which cars retain their value.

Tips for Leasing a Ford

Leasing is essentially a long-term rental with the option to buy or upgrade later. You pay to drive a new Ford for a set term (typically 28-48 months) without owning it.

  • Lower monthly payments vs. financing
  • Limited mileage (typically 10.500 to 15,000 miles/year)
  • You return or buy the vehicle at the lease term end.
  • Get a Guaranteed Future Value with 3 great options!

Leasing might be a GREAT option if you:

  • Prefer lower monthly payments
  • Drive a predictable number of miles per year
  • Want to upgrade to a new model every few years
  • Enjoy staying under factory warranty coverage

Bring the following items with you to get started:

  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Proof of Income
  • Proof of Insurance
  • Proof of Residence
  • Trade-in Title or Payoff info (if applicable)

Tip: You can start your lease pre-approval online to save time at the dealership.

  • Mileage limit and charges for if you go over
  • Wear and tear guidelines and excess charges
  • Gap coverage in case of total loss
  • Warranty coverage during the lease term

At the end of your lease, your typically have three options:

  • Return the vehicle and replace with something else.
  • Purchase the vehicle for a pre-set price.
  • Start a new lease with another Ford.

Tip: We’ll reach out before your lease ends to help guide your next step. If you don’t here from us around the 30 month mark, give us a call!

  • Wide selection of the latest Ford models
  • Competitive Ford Red Carpet Lease offers
  • Flexible terms and mileage options
  • Easy upgrade paths and lease-end support

Have More Questions?

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.