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Buy or Lease? The Best Options For Car Buyers in Palm Springs

Are you in the market for a new Nissan or a pre-owned vehicle? If so, you might be wondering, "Should I buy or lease a car?" At Palm Springs Nissan, we help customers compare buying vs. leasing a vehicle every day, meaning we're uniquely qualified to help guide you through the decision-making process. Our finance team is here to break it down in plain English so you can make the best decision for your budget, lifestyle, and driving habits.

What Does It Mean to Buy or Lease a Car?

Buying means you’re paying outright to own that shiny new Nissan Versa or Nissan Rogue. Often, that involves financing through our finance department, which offers convenient online credit approval and financing pre-qualification. Once the loan is paid off, the vehicle is yours to keep.

You can think of leasing as a type of long-term rental. You pay to essentially "rent" the car for a few years, then return it or buy it at the end of the lease term.

Should I Buy or Lease a Car in Palm Springs?

When comparing buying versus leasing, each option comes with its own set of perks and tradeoffs.

Buying a Car: What to Consider

Pros of Buying a Car
  • The most significant benefit is ownership, but unlike a lease, you also get:
  • Customization: You can upgrade, change, or modify your new Nissan however you want
  • No mileage limits: Whether you live for long weekend road trips to San Jacinto Peak or have a long commute between Palm Springs and Indio, there are no mileage caps
  • Resale value: Since the car is yours, you can trade in or sell it at any time (even if you financed the purchase)
Cons of Buying a Car

One of the main downsides of buying a car, especially if you're financing it, is the typically higher monthly payments. You also have to deal with long-term maintenance costs. (Don't let that put you off, though, because our Palm Springs Nissan service center has monthly maintenance specials to lessen that financial burden.)

Leasing a Car: What to Consider

Pros of Leasing a Car

The benefits of leasing a car include (but aren't limited to):

  • Driving a newer vehicle more often: Leasing typically lets you upgrade to a newer model every few years
  • Lower repair costs: Apart from having to pay for routine maintenance and wear and tear, leased cars are typically covered under the manufacturer's warranty
  • No need to sell or trade in: When your lease ends, you hand the car back to the dealership instead of having to go through the hassle of selling or trading the vehicle in
Cons of Leasing a Car

Most leases have mileage limits (typically under 15,000 miles per year), and exceeding this limit may result in additional charges. You also:

  • Can't customize your vehicle
  • Don't own your vehicle
  • May need to pay for minor wear-and-tear at the end of your lease, such as torn seat covers or a scratched bumper

Buy Or Lease Your Next Car in Palm Springs Today

Still unsure whether buying or leasing makes more sense for your situation? Our friendly sales and finance team at Palm Springs Nissan will guide you through your options, address every question, and help you make the decision that best suits your needs. Whether you're shopping for new or used, financing or leasing, contact us or visit our dealership so we can help you get behind the wheel of your ideal Nissan.