Lease vs Buy: What’s Right for Sycamore Drivers?

• Lease = long-term borrow. You pay for the slice of the car you use (depreciation) for ~2–4 years, then give it back or buy it. Car prices and new car prices can significantly influence whether leasing or buying is the better option, as leasing may offer a cost-effective alternative when new vehicle costs are high.
• Buy/Finance = own it. You’re paying for the whole car and building equity. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is a starting point for new vehicle pricing, but actual costs may vary depending on dealer fees, taxes, and optional features.

Think: Lease = lower monthly + new car more often. Leasing typically means lower monthly payments, the ability to drive newer models more frequently, and greater flexibility compared to buying. Buy = higher monthly now, but paid-off car later.

Leasing can allow you to drive a nicer car for the same monthly payment compared to buying.

• Lease payment ≈ (Cap Cost − Residual) ÷ Term + finance charge
• Residual = car’s value at lease end. Higher residual = lower payment for the vehicle.
• Finance payment ≈ Loan amount + APR + Term. More down = lower monthly.
• Total cost mindset= Payment + insurance + maintenance + taxes/fees − trade value for the vehicle.

Leasing a vehicle is a smart way to enjoy the latest models while keeping your monthly payments manageable. At Kunes Auto Group, we offer a variety of vehicle lease options designed to fit your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re interested in traditional new car leases or exploring the benefits of used vehicle leases, our team is here to help you find the perfect fit.

One of the biggest advantages of car leasing is the ability to pay lower monthly payments compared to buying. This means you can often afford a higher trim level or a newer car than you might with a traditional car loan. Our finance team is dedicated to making the leasing process straightforward and stress-free. With our online car loan calculator, you can quickly estimate your monthly payment and see how different lease terms or down payments affect your budget.

We know that every driver’s car finance needs are unique. That’s why we offer approved car financing and instant car loan rate options, so you can get behind the wheel of your new or used vehicle with confidence. Our used car leasing program opens the door to affordable monthly payments on a wide selection of high quality used cars, trucks, and SUVs. Used vehicle leases are a great way to enjoy the benefits of leasing—like flexibility and lower monthly payments—while choosing from some of the highest quality used cars available for lease.

When you lease with Kunes Auto Group, you’ll receive a clear lease agreement that spells out your lease term, mileage restrictions, and any applicable fees. Many of our vehicles available for lease also come with a lifetime powertrain warranty, giving you extra peace of mind throughout your term. Our finance team will walk you through every step, from selecting your vehicle to signing your contract, ensuring you understand all the details.

Ready to get started? You can search our inventory of new and used cars, trucks, and SUVs available for lease right on our website. Our online finance application makes it easy to apply for car financing and get approved quickly. Whether you’re looking for a new car or a high quality used vehicle, Kunes Auto Group is committed to helping you find the best vehicle lease option for your needs.

Experience the benefits of leasing—lower monthly payments, flexible lease terms, and the chance to drive a new car every few years.

• Predictable miles (e.g., 12k/yr around town + I-88/I-39 runs).
• Love new tech every ~3 years.
• Budget-focused buyers who want warranty coverage the whole time.
• Business use when tracking miles/expenses is easy, and you may benefit from tax advantages or the convenience of simply returning the leased vehicle at the end of the term.

You may have heard people comparing leasing to renting, but leasing typically involves longer-term commitments and offers different benefits, such as recurring agreements and potential cost savings for certain users.

Watchouts: mileage overages, wear charges, disposition fee at turn-in (varies), and you can’t go mod-crazy.

• High-mile drivers (lots of DeKalb–Chicago trips).
• Keep-it-forever people (6–10+ years).
• Customizers (wheels, hitch, tint, racks).
• Equity-builders who want freedom to sell or trade anytime.

Watchouts: higher payments at first and out-of-warranty repairs down the road (normal ownership life).

• Heated seats/steering + remote start are worth it—lease or buy.
• If you drive in storms, budget for true winter tires (AWD helps you go; winter tires help you stop/turn).
• Garage space tight? Compact SUVs and hybrids are easier to live with and often lease well.

Vehicle features like heated seats, AWD, and remote start can make a big difference in Sycamore winters, but always verify these features with the dealer to ensure accuracy.

• Pick the right mileage plan (10k/12k/15k). If you’ll exceed it, pre-buy miles—cheaper than turn-in overage.
• Keep the car clean, fix chips early, replace worn wipers/tires before turn-in to avoid dings.
• Save service receipts—helps at both lease return and future trade appraisal.

1. Return and start fresh.
2. Buy it at the residual (win if you love it or market prices > residual).
3. Extend short-term (case by case).
4. Trade into something else and apply equity if the market’s in your favor.

•  Safety suite (auto braking, blind-spot, rear cross-traffic)
•  AWD (or winter tires plan)
•  Heated seats/steering + remote start
•  Roof rails for winter boxes/skis
•  Two key fobs (missing fob can cost $$)
•  Tow package if you pull a small trailer or bikes