Can I Buy My Leased Car Early?

Read time: 4 minutes

Leasing a car offers the allure of driving a new vehicle without the long-term commitment of ownership: it’s no wonder it’s the perfect setup for many drivers.  

However, there are plenty of situations in which car ownership makes more sense.

Whether it's due to a change in financial situation, a move to a new city, or simply a desire for ownership of your current vehicle, we'll explore the various aspects to consider if you want to exit your lease ahead of schedule (and by the way — if you're ready for a lease buyout loan today, you've come to the right place here at Lease End — the car lease buyout experts).

So, you want to know — can you buy your leased car early?  The short answer is that yes, you can buy your leased car early in most cases.  

But we'll discuss the options available to you at the end of a lease, too, because in most cases, it’s generally smarter, financially, to wait until close to the end of your lease term to buy your vehicle.  

Why buy out your lease?  

In the world of leasing, deciding whether to buy out your lease at all — regardless if it's early —  is not always straightforward.  

But here are a few instances where it might make sense: 

You’ve grown attached to your ride. That connection you feel with your leased car? It matters. If your wheels have become an extension of yourself, filled with memories of road trips and family moments, buying it out might just be the natural next step. 


Equity is calling your name. You've been dutifully paying off your lease, and now there may be equity in the equation. If the market value of your leased car exceeds its residual value, you're in the equity zone. That's a potential opportunity worth exploring. 

You've gone over mileage limits or have excess wear and tear. Exceeding mileage limits or accumulating wear-and-tear can turn lease end into a financial nightmare. With fees lurking around every corner, buying out might be the escape route you need to avoid a hefty bill. 

You want to try to turn a profit. Ever wondered about depreciation in leasing? Here's the lowdown: Your leased car depreciates, and that affects its value at lease end. But if market conditions swing in your favor, you might have an opportunity to turn a profit by buying out and selling the car at a premium. 

You prefer your pajamas over the dealership. Let's be real—dealer visits aren't always a joyride. If you'd rather stay in your comfort zone (literally), buying out your lease online can save you the hassle of dealership trips and paperwork marathons. 

Basically, whether it's an emotional attachment, financial opportunity, or convenience calling your name, there are options available to make the buyout process smooth sailing.  

Identify Early Buyout Penalties  

That being said — buying your lease out early as opposed to the end of the lease can introduce additional costs.  

The first step is to review your lease agreement thoroughly. This document contains important information regarding the terms and conditions of your lease, including any provisions related to early termination.  

 Look for clauses that outline penalties or fees associated with ending the lease early. (End-of-lease fees are common when you’re doing it through the dealership.) 

Determine the Buyout Price 

The buyout price is the amount you'll need to pay to purchase the car before the end of the lease term. Basically, buyout price refers to the total cost of a lease buyout.  

This number typically includes the residual value of the car (the estimated value of the vehicle at the end of the lease term), any remaining payments, taxes, fees, registration, and any fees specified in the lease agreement.  

We've explained the nitty gritty details for your information, but you won’t need to do the math yourself; you can typically find the buyout price in your lease agreement or by contacting your leasing company.  

Compare with Market Value 

Before deciding to buy your leased car early, it's a good idea to compare the buyout price with the current market value of the vehicle. You can use online resources such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to estimate the market value.  

 If the buyout price is lower than the market value, buying the car early could be a good financial decision, as you may be getting the vehicle for less than it's worth.  

However, if the buyout price is higher than the market value, you may want to consider other options, like returning your leased car for a new one or car shopping for a different car to purchase. 

Note that market value may be a non-issue if you’re buying your leased car because you love it and not for purely financial reasons.

We just want to make sure you understand all the implications of lease buyouts (even if it’s stuff your dealer won’t tell you!).  

Our Take: Buy Your Car at the End of Your Lease 

If buying your leased car early isn't worth the additional costs to you, wait until closer to the end of your lease.  

For most drivers, it makes most financial sense to buy out their lease when there are 1-3 months left in the lease term.  

And when that time comes? Lease End equips you to complete this transition smoothly and efficiently. No dealership trip necessary.  

Ready to buy out your lease? Enter your license plate number or VIN below to start the process online.