Should you buy or lease your car? Lease vs. finance is a common question, and an important financial decision many must make. There's not an easy, one-size-fits all answer, and it that deserves careful consideration. On one hand, leasing usually leads to lower car payments. On the other hand, buying means you own the vehicle once you finish making car payments. There are lots of other variables to consider, among them the amount you drive and how likely you are to keep your car in good condition. Here are some tips to figure out whether buying or leasing is right for you.