Should I buy, lease, or flex?
Buying a car is expensive, and leasing locks you in. Flexing gives you your own car with insurance, maintenance, roadside, and registration included, plus the freedom to swap, keep, or return it as life changes.
How the three compare
| Buying | Leasing | Flexing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront | A down payment, sales tax, and dealer fees | Money due at signing | No down payment: the $249 annual membership, plus a refundable deposit if your approval includes one |
| Insurance and maintenance | Paid separately | Paid separately | Insurance in your monthly payment; maintenance, covered repairs, and roadside with the $249 annual membership |
| Changing cars | Sell or trade in the car | Locked in until the term ends | Swap into another available Flexcar |
| How long | Years of loan payments | A multi-year contract | Keep it as long as you like |
An example
Flexcar's savings calculator compares flexing with buying the same car with a loan, and it counts what you'd get back selling the car you bought.
| Buying | Flexing | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront | $5,503 | $264 |
| Every month | $932 | $748 |
| After 3 years, once the bought car is sold, with buying's cost of capital | $34,873 | $27,176 |
That is about $5,200 less upfront and $180 less a month to flex. Buying's monthly cost counts the loan, insurance, maintenance less what an extended warranty pays, registration, and roadside; flexing's counts the car, insurance, protection, the membership, and Flexcar's taxes and fees.
Across every model
| Kept for | Flexing costs less on | Median difference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 163 of 163 models | $8,675 |
| 3 years | 160 of 163 models | $6,332 |
| 5 years | 130 of 163 models | $3,563 |
For a typical Flexcar over 3 years, that is $29,370 to flex against $36,493 to buy once the car is sold, with buying's cost of capital.
Buying versus leasing
A loan payment may run higher than a lease payment on the same car, but it pays down a car you keep. A lease payment covers the car's loss in value plus a rent charge, you return the car at the end unless you buy it, and most leases allow 10,000 to 15,000 miles a year.
In the second quarter of 2026 the average loan payment was $765 a month for a new car and $542 for a used one.
Sources: CFPB, Leasing versus buying a car (reviewed September 2023); Experian, Average Car Payment (September 2026)
When buying makes more sense
Paying cash or getting a much better price than average can make buying the cheaper choice. Buying usually needs longer than five years to break even, and by then most factory warranties have run out, so surprise repairs on an aging car with aging tech are on you.
Over 5 years, buying costs less on 33 of 163 models for a 25–34 driver with good (670–739) credit driving about 15,000 miles a year, with the dealer's extended warranty and GAP coverage, averaged across Flexcar's 8 markets, with the biggest gaps on the Mercedes-Benz EQB, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Of all 163, 53 are within 5% either way, so small changes in the price paid or the resale value could flip them.
Questions
What does my payment include?
Your monthly payment covers your car, selected mileage plan, and insurance/protection plan. A separate $249 annual membership provides maintenance, covered repairs, 24/7 roadside assistance, and member benefits.
Is there a down payment?
No. At checkout you pay your first month and tax, plus a refundable deposit if your approval includes one. The $249 annual membership is billed separately, 14 days after pickup.
Is a Flexcar really my own car?
It’s yours to drive and keep for as long as you want. Keep it at home, use it for your commute, and make it part of your everyday life. Flexcar owns the vehicle, so you don’t have to sell it when your plans change.
Can I change cars when my needs change?
Yes. Choose another available Flexcar and schedule a swap for $199 (discounted with loyalty and rewards). Your monthly payment can change with the vehicle, mileage, and protection plan you select. Availability varies by location.
What if I don’t need a car anymore?
On a month-to-month plan, you can schedule a return without an early-termination penalty. You’re still responsible for applicable usage, damage, and other charges under your agreement. Plan-specific and state-specific terms can differ, so review your agreement before ordering or returning.
More guides
Savings are estimates for a 25–34 driver with good (670–739) credit driving about 15,000 miles a year, averaged across Flexcar’s 8 markets, using model-average prices as of October 2026. Flexing includes Essential protection, the annual membership, and Flexcar’s taxes and fees, with modeled price step-downs; buying includes financing, ownership costs, a dealer warranty and GAP, and the car’s resale value. Actual savings vary and aren’t guaranteed. Maintenance, covered repairs, and roadside come with the $249 annual membership. Estimates include each side’s taxes but not mileage beyond the driving assumed, swaps, damage, fuel, or tolls, and buying includes its cost of capital. Insurance limits, deductibles, and exclusions apply. Availability varies. Month-to-month returns have no early-termination penalty; usage and damage charges still apply. Terms vary by plan and state; see the Membership Agreement.