Leasing vs. Financing a Subaru with Hicks Family Subaru

When you’re considering whether to lease or finance a Subaru in Corpus Christi, head to Hicks Family Subaru. We can help you make the best decision for your situation.

Deciding to drive a Subaru is a simple one—each Subaru is built with adventure in mind, offering exceptional safety, reliability, and the capability to explore rarely touched roads and trails. But when it comes to deciding whether to lease or buy, things can get a bit more complex. We help you weigh the pros and cons of leasing or financing a Subaru to help you choose what fits best for your Corpus Christi lifestyle and budget.

Leasing Your Subaru

If flexibility and convenience are important to you, leasing might be the right fit. With a Subaru lease, you can often enjoy lower monthly payments compared to financing, and fewer upfront costs. Plus, maintenance costs are generally lower since most major repairs could  be covered during the lease term. Although you’re limited by a mileage cap, the upside is that you’re not tied down to long-term ownership. When your Subaru lease is up, you can return the vehicle and upgrade to the latest Subaru model with the newest tech and features—perfect if you love staying current with the latest innovations.

Financing Your Subaru

If you plan on keeping your Subaru for the long haul and want freedom from mileage constraints, financing may be the better choice. While monthly payments could be higher than leasing, each payment brings you closer to owning the vehicle outright. Subaru vehicles are known for their longevity, so financing offers the long-term value of ownership. You’ll also have the freedom to personalize your Subaru with customizations that suit your adventures—whether it’s adding a roof rack for weekend trips or upgrading your off-road tires. And unlike leasing, there are no mileage limits to worry about, so you can explore as far as the road (or trail) takes you!

Leasing vs. Financing at a Glance

Upfront Costs

• Leasing: Lower upfront costs.
• Financing: Higher upfront costs, typically with a significant down payment.

Monthly Payments

• Leasing: Lower monthly payments than financing, but with some higher finance charges.
• Financing: Higher payments, but you’re building ownership.

Maintenance

• Leasing: Routine Subaru maintenance is your responsibility, but major repairs are often covered.
• Financing: You cover all maintenance costs, but some loans offer service agreements.

Wear and Tear

• Leasing: Excessive wear and tear can result in extra charges.
• Financing: While it doesn’t affect your auto loan, wear and tear could reduce your Subaru resale value.

Mileage Limits

• Leasing: Leases usually come with mileage caps, and exceeding them can cost extra.
• Financing: No mileage limits—drive as much as you want!

Customization

• Leasing: Customizations are limited or restricted to avoid breaking the lease agreement.
• Financing: You can customize your Subaru to match your style and needs. So you want to install a special dog ramp for your elderly pup? Go for it! Upgrade the tires, exhaust, bumper, exterior features—you name it, you can do it! 

Ownership

• Leasing: You don’t own the vehicle, but you can choose to return or buy it at the end of the lease term.
• Financing: Once the loan is paid off, your Subaru is yours to keep, sell, or trade in.

Visit Hicks Family Subaru in Corpus Christi to explore our current Subaru lease offers or speak with our financing experts about owning your next adventure-ready Subaru. Whether you’re leasing or buying, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle and payment plan for your needs. Stop by today for a test drive, or contact us to learn more!