Total lease cost
A low monthly payment with a large due at signing can cost more over the lease than a higher monthly with less upfront. This adds the two in one place.
Educational estimate only. Real quotes depend on taxes, fees, acquisition/disposition charges, rebates, and how your state treats leases. Use your contract and broker numbers as the source of truth. Reading lease payments and the lease glossary explain the fields behind these calculators.
Uses cash due at signing plus all monthly payments. Does not include disposition, excess mileage, or registration renewals unless you fold them into due at signing yourself.
Total cash (approx.)
$15,563.00
Worked example
Two ads on the same vehicle — which is actually cheaper?
- Ad A monthly × term
- $399 × 36 = $14,364
- Ad A drive-off
- $5,000
- Ad A total cost
- $19,364
- Ad B monthly × term
- $479 × 36 = $17,244
- Ad B drive-off
- $1,500
- Ad B total cost
- $18,744
The lower headline payment cost $620 more in total. Always compare full outlay.
Total cost FAQ
Common questions about this calculator. For broader leasing topics, see the full FAQ.
A low monthly with a high drive-off can cost more than a higher monthly with $0 down. Total cost = (monthly × term) + drive-off, and it's the only number that compares apples-to-apples across different DAS structures.
Typically the first payment, acquisition fee, registration, doc fees, taxes (in some states), and any cap reduction (cash down). It's the cash you hand over at signing.
Often yes. Putting cash down to reduce a lease doesn't lower the rent charge proportionally, and you lose that cash if the car is totaled or stolen. Most lease experts prefer minimum DAS.