eatsleafsandshoots
Well-known member
So I think I've decided on going with a 2013 Leaf SV (no further options besides floor mats). The one thing that I can't decide is whether to lease or buy, given the tax situation in Colorado that gives a much bigger credit to buyers rather than lessees.
A dealer up here has quoted me $223/mo with $1,999 due at signing via email. I'm assuming this isn't with the state tax credit rolled in - though as I type this, now I realize it may be rolled in after all. If it isn't, the state tax credit should be roughly $2,000, enough to pay for my signing amount, and I'll be on the road for nothing but $223/mo+tax.
Then there's the buying option. The vehicle I'm looking at costs roughly $32,000, plus tax. Minus the federal $7,500 credit, that comes to $24,500. My calculations give me a ~$5,800 tax credit in this scenario, bringing the purchase price down to $18,700. Assuming the Leaf maintains 35% of its value ($32,000 * .35 = $11,200) in 3 years, the payment should be an effective $208/mo. If I decide to keep the vehicle for longer, then buying becomes even cheaper, in a relative sense.
Have I worked this out correctly? I know everyone says to lease a Leaf, but it seems like Colorado is willing to pick up the tab for the money that would have been saved. Plus, with the 8 year warranty on the Leaf battery, even if it's at 70% in 8 years the car will still probably be worth a few thousand bucks.
A dealer up here has quoted me $223/mo with $1,999 due at signing via email. I'm assuming this isn't with the state tax credit rolled in - though as I type this, now I realize it may be rolled in after all. If it isn't, the state tax credit should be roughly $2,000, enough to pay for my signing amount, and I'll be on the road for nothing but $223/mo+tax.
Then there's the buying option. The vehicle I'm looking at costs roughly $32,000, plus tax. Minus the federal $7,500 credit, that comes to $24,500. My calculations give me a ~$5,800 tax credit in this scenario, bringing the purchase price down to $18,700. Assuming the Leaf maintains 35% of its value ($32,000 * .35 = $11,200) in 3 years, the payment should be an effective $208/mo. If I decide to keep the vehicle for longer, then buying becomes even cheaper, in a relative sense.
Have I worked this out correctly? I know everyone says to lease a Leaf, but it seems like Colorado is willing to pick up the tab for the money that would have been saved. Plus, with the 8 year warranty on the Leaf battery, even if it's at 70% in 8 years the car will still probably be worth a few thousand bucks.