
Should you Lease or Buy your New Subaru?
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Benefits of Financing
- You can use the car as a trade-in on the next car you buy.
- You'll save money over the long term if you buy a car, and you can eventually pay off your loan and have zero monthly payments to worry about.
- You can modify your car as you please.
- You can drive as much as you like. There's no excess mileage penalty.
Drawbacks of Financing
- Your monthly car payments are higher than lease payments.
- You must pay a higher down payment to avoid being upside down in the loan (owing more than the car is worth).
- You face possible trade-in or selling hassles when you decide to get your next car.
- You'll have more of your cash tied up in a car, which depreciates in value.
- You're responsible for repair costs once the warranty expires.
Subaru Motors Finance Lease Benefits
- There is NO security deposit required.
- A $300 disposition fee is waived if you purchase or lease another Subaru.
- Subaru offers lessors a loyalty bonus equal to the first month of your next lease free (up to $500).
- Subaru offers a $1,000 "wear and tear" allowance when you turn your car in. This covers typical scratches, dings, and minor deferred maintenance items.
General Lease Benefits
- You have lower repair costs because you are under the vehicle's included factory warranty.
- You can more easily transition to a new car every two or three years.
- You can drive a better car for less money.
- You pay less sales tax.
- You don't have trade-in hassles at the end of the lease.
- You have lower monthly payments with a low or no - down payment.
Drawbacks of Leasing
- Your mileage is limited based on the lease terms and contract - if you go over the mileage you will most likely have to pay for it.
- You don't own the car at the end of the lease (although there is always the option to buy).
- You may find it costly to terminate a lease early if your driving needs to change.
- You may find lease contracts confusing and filled with unfamiliar terminology.
Discover Affordable Finance with Us
If you want to start exploring your options and find affordable rates, contact our finance center. We serve Great Falls and Black Eagle, Malmstrom AFB, Ulm, Vaughn, Belt, Cascade, and beyond by offering a streamlined shopping experience.
Should You Lease or Finance a Subaru?
Choosing whether to lease or finance a Subaru depends on your driving habits, budget, ownership goals, mileage needs, trade-in plans, and how often you like to change vehicles. At Great Falls Subaru, shoppers can compare Subaru lease and finance options before deciding which path fits their lifestyle.
If you are ready to take the next step, visit our finance center, complete our secure online finance application, or review current Subaru finance and lease offers.
Subaru Leasing vs. Financing: What Is the Difference?
Leasing and financing are two different ways to drive a Subaru. Financing usually means borrowing money to purchase the vehicle and repay the loan over time. Leasing usually means driving a vehicle for a set term under lease agreement requirements, then returning it, buying it, or choosing another vehicle depending on available options and contract terms.
Neither option is automatically better for every shopper. The right choice depends on how long you plan to keep the vehicle, how much you drive, whether you want ownership equity, and what monthly payment structure fits your budget.
When Subaru Financing May Make Sense
Financing may appeal to shoppers who want long-term ownership. If you plan to keep your Subaru for several years, drive more miles, customize your vehicle, or eventually own it outright, financing may be a strong fit.
Monthly payment, loan term, APR, down payment, trade-in value, vehicle price, taxes, fees, and lender review can all affect the final financing structure. If you want to understand these details more clearly, review our Car Loan Terms Explained guide.
When Subaru Leasing May Make Sense
Leasing may appeal to shoppers who like driving a newer Subaru more often or who prefer a shorter-term vehicle plan. Lease terms can vary, and shoppers should review mileage limits, wear guidelines, lease-end options, monthly payment structure, and any required fees before deciding.
Leasing can be worth considering if your driving habits fit the terms of the lease and you like the idea of upgrading to a newer Subaru at the end of the lease period. Great Falls Subaru can help explain available lease options based on current offers and inventory.
Compare Mileage, Ownership, and Flexibility
Mileage is one of the biggest differences between leasing and financing. Financing may provide more flexibility for shoppers who drive longer distances or do not want lease mileage limits. Leasing may work better for shoppers who drive predictable mileage and prefer shorter-term vehicle cycles.
Ownership goals also matter. Financing can lead to ownership once the loan is paid off. Leasing may provide flexibility to change vehicles more often, but the vehicle is not owned unless the shopper chooses an available lease-end purchase option.
How Down Payments and Trade-Ins Fit In
A down payment may affect either path, depending on the final lease or finance structure. A trade-in may also help if its value can be applied toward the next Subaru. These factors can influence monthly payment estimates and the amount due at signing or financed.
You can begin with our value your trade tool. For more context, read our car down payment guide.
Should You Lease or Finance a New Subaru?
If you want long-term ownership, fewer mileage restrictions, and the ability to keep the vehicle after the loan is paid off, financing may be the better fit. If you prefer changing vehicles more often and your mileage needs fit the lease agreement, leasing may be worth considering.
Shoppers can compare current new Subaru inventory, Subaru finance and lease offers, and available Subaru models before deciding. Great Falls Subaru serves drivers from Great Falls, Black Eagle, Belt, Ulm, Vaughn, Cascade, Havre, Choteau, Lewistown, Browning, Fort Benton, Lincoln, Shelby, and nearby Montana communities.
Start Your Lease or Finance Process at Great Falls Subaru
Great Falls Subaru is here to help you compare Subaru leasing and financing in Great Falls, MT. Visit our finance center, complete the online finance application, or contact our team when you are ready to review your options.
Subaru Lease vs. Finance FAQs
Is it better to lease or finance a Subaru?
The better option depends on your budget, driving habits, mileage needs, ownership goals, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. Leasing and financing can each make sense for different shoppers.
Does leasing a Subaru have mileage limits?
Lease agreements often include mileage limits. Shoppers should review the lease terms carefully and discuss driving habits with the finance team before choosing a lease.
Can I finance a Subaru if I want to own it long term?
Yes. Financing may appeal to shoppers who want long-term ownership and the ability to keep the vehicle after the loan is paid off.
Can I trade in my current vehicle when leasing or financing?
A trade-in may be applied toward a lease or finance structure depending on the vehicle value, purchase details, and lender or lease requirements.
Can I apply online before deciding whether to lease or finance?
Yes. Shoppers can submit an online finance application to begin the process. Great Falls Subaru can help explain available lease and finance options based on application details and vehicle selection.
How Can We Help?
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Great Falls Subaru
800 Central Ave
Great Falls, MT 59401
- Sales: 406-727-2100




