Kerlin Motor Company, Inc.

Saved
Call 260-802-3090 Directions

Lease, Finance, or Pay Cash? What’s Best for You Starts Here.

Lease, Finance, or Pay Cash? Here’s What’s Best for You (And Why It Matters)

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Kerlin Motor Company

No upsell. No one-size-fits-all answer. Just straight talk to help you make the right move.

When it’s time to buy your next vehicle, one of the biggest questions is how to pay for it. Should you lease? Finance it? Write a check and be done?

The truth is, each option has real benefits — it all depends on your lifestyle, driving habits, and future plans. Here’s what you need to know:

Leasing: Great for Low-Mileage Drivers & Always-Want-New Customers

Benefits:

  • Lower monthly payments than financing
  • Shorter commitment — often 24 to 36 months
  • Always under warranty — fewer repair costs
  • Ideal if you like upgrading every few years

Low-Mileage Lease (10,500–12,000 mi/yr):
Perfect if you don’t drive much — city drivers, second vehicles, or work-from-home lifestyles.

High-Mileage Lease (15,000–19,500 mi/yr):
Better for commuters or delivery professionals who still want to lease. It costs a bit more up front, but beats overage penalties later.

Financing: Build Equity While Driving What You Want

Benefits:

  • Own the vehicle outright after the term ends
  • No mileage restrictions
  • You can customize or resell it anytime
  • More freedom if you plan to keep it long-term

Short-Term Loan (36–60 months):
Higher payments, but faster payoff and lower overall interest.

Long-Term Loan (72–84 months):
Lower monthly payment — helpful in today’s rate and price climate — but you’ll pay more in interest over time. Great if you’re payment-conscious and plan to keep the vehicle 6+ years.

Paying Cash: Total Control, No Payments

Benefits:

  • No interest, no lender, no monthly payment
  • Easier resale or trade later with clean title
  • More negotiating power when you walk in with funds ready

Caution:
Even if you can pay cash, check for incentives tied to financing or leasing. Sometimes, financing at a low rate can keep your money earning elsewhere — especially if Ford is offering 0–2.9% APR deals.

So, What’s the Best Choice?

It depends on:

  • How long you plan to keep the vehicle
  • How many miles you drive each year
  • Whether you prefer lower payments or full ownership
  • Whether you want the latest vehicle every 2–3 years

At Kerlin Motor Company, we don’t push one option over another — we show you the numbers and help you decide what’s right for your lifestyle and budget.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.

While we make every effort to ensure the data listed here is correct, there may be instances where some of the factory rebates, incentives, options or vehicle features may be listed incorrectly as we get data from multiple data sources. PLEASE MAKE SURE to confirm the details of this vehicle (such as what factory rebates you may or may not qualify for) with the dealer to ensure its accuracy. Dealer cannot be held liable for data that is listed incorrectly.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, license, and $199 documentation fees. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.