Step 1: Add Sales Tax to Your Buyout Price
In California, you’ll owe sales tax on the residual value. At 9.5%, that adds $1,710 in tax to the $18,000 buyout, bringing the total purchase amount to $19,710 before financing.
Thinking about keeping your leased car instead of returning it? Don’t let dealers or credit unions pressure you into a decision without fully understanding the real costs. Our car lease buyout calculator gives you a clear, honest look at what it will take to purchase your leased vehicle—so you can decide if it’s truly worth it or if walking away makes more financial sense.
Most drivers have no idea whether a lease buyout is a good deal, and dealerships often take advantage of that confusion to steer you into whichever option benefits them most. With this tool, you bypass the guesswork. Just enter your vehicle’s buyout amount, any applicable fees, tax rate, down payment, and loan details. You’ll instantly see your estimated monthly payment and total cost over time, based on your personal financial inputs—not sales tactics.
This calculator is designed to empower your decision-making by showing you the full picture, not just what the dealer wants you to see. However, keep in mind that all calculations are estimates and actual lease buyout amounts can vary depending on your lease contract, lender terms, DMV/title transfer fees, early termination penalties, excess mileage or wear-and-tear charges, administrative fees, and your individual credit profile. Tax rates and market values also fluctuate and may not match the residual value outlined in your lease.
Always verify your final lease buyout details directly with your leasing company and request written quotes before moving forward. When you’re ready, our team of expert lease buyout brokers in Los Angeles will help you compare options, secure financing, and ensure you make the smartest move—on your terms.
How Our Lease Buyout Calculator Figures Out Your Monthly Payment
Lease buyouts don’t have to feel like a mystery. Dealers and lenders often keep the details vague to maintain control, but our calculator reveals every cost involved. That way, you can decide if buying your leased car is truly worth it—or if you’re better off walking away.
Let’s run through a real-world example. You’re leasing a Mercedes with a $18,000 residual value, have 6 monthly payments left at $450, and you’re exploring the option of financing the buyout at 6.5% APR over 36 months, with no money down.