Enter your residual price, fees, remaining payments, tax estimate, and the vehicle market value, then compare to see the buyout surplus or gap.
About the lease buyout calculator
The lease buyout calculator compares what it costs to buy your leased vehicle with what the vehicle is worth on the open market. Enter the residual or purchase-option price, the purchase fees, any remaining lease payments, and a sales-tax estimate, then enter the vehicle market value, and the tool shows whether the buyout leaves a surplus or a gap.
A buyout surplus means the market value is higher than the total buyout cost, so buying the car can leave estimated equity. A gap means the buyout costs more than the car is worth right now. This is a planning estimate, not financial advice or an offer. It only compares the numbers you enter, and your actual residual value, fees, taxes, and market value depend on your lease and lender, so confirm them before you decide.
How to use
- Enter the residual or purchase-option price from your lease in dollars.
- Enter the purchase-option and documentation fees in dollars.
- Enter any remaining lease payments you still owe, or 0 if none.
- Enter a sales-tax estimate in dollars for the buyout.
- Enter the vehicle market value, then select Compare buyout to see the surplus or gap and a copyable negotiation note.
Worked examples
A $19,550 buyout against a $21,000 market value shows a surplus
An $18,000 residual plus $350 in fees and $1,200 in tax totals $19,550. If the car is worth $21,000, the buyout shows about a $1,450 surplus.
A higher buyout cost than market value shows a gap
If fees, remaining payments, and tax push the total buyout cost above the vehicle market value, the tool shows a gap so you can plan to negotiate or walk away.
Remaining payments raise the total buyout cost
If you still owe lease payments, add them so the buyout cost reflects what you would actually pay to own the car.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a lease buyout surplus or gap?
- The surplus or gap is the difference between the vehicle market value and the total buyout cost. A surplus means the market value is higher than the buyout cost. A gap means the buyout costs more than the car is worth right now.
- How is the total buyout cost calculated?
- The tool adds the residual or purchase-option price, the purchase fees, any remaining lease payments you still owe, and your sales-tax estimate. It then subtracts that total from the market value you enter to show the surplus or gap.
- Is this financial advice?
- No. This is a free planning estimate. It does not quote a loan, create an offer, or replace guidance from your lender or dealer. Your actual lease terms, fees, taxes, and the vehicle market value may differ.
- How do I estimate the sales tax?
- Enter your best estimate of the sales tax on the buyout in dollars. Tax rules and rates vary by state and locality, so confirm the figure with your lender or dealer. The tool uses the amount you enter.
- Where do I find the residual value and market value?
- The residual or purchase-option price is listed in your lease agreement or buyout quote. For market value, check independent vehicle pricing guides for your make, model, year, mileage, and condition.
- Do you store the numbers I enter?
- No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser, and the numbers you enter are not saved or sent to a server.
- Is the lease buyout calculator free?
- Yes. It is free to use and does not require an account.
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