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Lease-end equity

Compare a written payoff with a market offer, then account for buyout tax and selling costs.

Use dollars, not cents, for money fields. Numeric fields need an entry; use 0 if none.

Written numbers, in dollars

Use a current written quote, not just the residual. Include all remaining obligations.

Use an actual offer for this vehicle, mileage and condition. We do not supply a valuation.

Enter the total you expect to owe if you return at the scheduled end.

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Fictional example estimate

Estimated net equity if you buy and sell

$60.00

Offer minus payoff, before costs
$2,000.00
Buyout taxes and fees not in payoff
$1,740.00
Other selling / transfer costs
$200.00
Cash to buy and keep, excluding finance costs
$25,740.00
Expected scheduled-return charges
$350.00

Return: at the scheduled end, confirm your entered return fees and remaining obligations. Returning usually gives up any positive equity; early termination is not modeled.

Buy and keep: use the written payoff plus your taxes and fees. You own the car afterward; financing and future running costs are not included.

Sell or trade: only where the lessor allows it, using that buyer’s payoff quote. Net equity is an estimate, not guaranteed cash. A third-party direct purchase may have different taxes and payoff terms from buying it yourself.

One useful question

Does negative equity mean I owe that amount if I return the car?
Not by itself on a typical closed-end lease at its scheduled end. Return charges and remaining obligations still apply. Early termination is a different calculation. Read the related guide · More leasing questions

Background: Federal Reserve vehicle leasing questions and CFPB leasing overview. Confirm current terms with your lessor.