
Buying vs Leasing a Toyota Vehicle in Portsmouth
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. The staff at Toyota of Portsmouth believes in building lifelong customer relationships, which means helping you find a car that you need.
Owning a Toyota Vehicle: Who Owns it?
BUYING
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.
LEASING
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.

Future Payments and Worth of Vehicle
BUYING
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!)
LEASING
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 Lease Options
BUYING
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.
LEASING
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.