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Auto Finance & Ownership Costs, Explained

Every article here pairs with a calculator on this site. Concept first, math second — both cited to primary sources (Reg Z, NADA guides, AAA Your Driving Costs, IRS Rev. Proc.) and both reviewed when the underlying data changes.

Lease vs. Buy

Lease vs. buy: the real math most dealers don't show youThe money factor conversion (MF × 2400 = APR equivalent), residual value sensitivity, and 5-year total cost comparison that dealers prefer you don't see. Cited to Reg Z, NADA, and KBB depreciation data.

Ownership Cost

The true cost of car ownership: what the sticker price leaves outAAA estimates the average new car costs $12,000+ per year all-in. This breakdown shows where the money goes — and which costs you can actually control.