Answers2025-2026 GSP Mathematical Reasoning for Decision MakingLeasing vs. Buying a CarQuestion 10
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Leasing vs. Buying a Car

Question 10 • 2025-2026 GSP Mathematical Reasoning for Decision Making

Tim needs a new car while he attends college in the United States for the next three years. The car he would like has an MSRP of $15,000. A local dealer can get him a three-year loan with a 7% interest rate if Tim can make a $1,500 down payment. The same dealer offers the same car for lease with a money factor of 0.00271 and a residual value of 75%. The lease requires an additional fee of $1,250 to cover Tim's security deposit and the acquisition and documentation fees for the car. Tim is looking to drive the car home with the smallest monthly payment. Which of the following statements is true?

Answer
A
The monthly payment for the loan is lower.
B
The monthly payment for the lease is lower.
C
The monthly payments for the lease and loan are the same.
D
You cannot compare the monthly payments for leases and loans.

Explanation

The loan finances $15,000 − $1,500 = $13,500. At 7% annual interest over 36 months, its payment is about $416 per month. For the lease, the monthly depreciation charge is ($15,000 − $11,250) ÷ 36 ≈ $104, and the finance charge is ($15,000 + $11,250) × 0.00271 ≈ $72, for a total of about $176 per month. So the lease has the lower monthly payment; the $1,250 fee affects the upfront cost, not this monthly-payment comparison.

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