Overhaulin'

Is it better to buy a leased car during the lease or after the lease ends?

I am leasing an Audi and just got a new job which has required me to commute. I am going to be way over my allowed milleage so I figured I should just buy the car. Should I do this during my lease or wait until it ends October 2009? Thanks

Public Comments

1. from what others have told me who have been in this situation, it is not good to buy a leased car at any time. They end up charging you astronomical fees and in the end, you are paying about double of what you would have if you had just bought it out-right to begin with. My suggestion... see if you can't renegotiate the terms of your lease to include higher mileage allowance. Might cost you a bit more in your monthly payment, but it would be better than paying through the nose after your lease terms are up.
2. Wait until the end. If you buy early, the lease company will re-calculate the purchase price. If you initially got a good residual, you'll throw it away with an early buyout. Your mileage won't matter if you buy at the end.