Why does Dave Ramsey say not to lease a car?
Asked by: Cathryn Ortiz | Last update: July 8, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (24 votes)
Dave Ramsey considers leasing a car a "bad idea" (often calling it "fleecing") because it is, in his view, the most expensive way to operate a vehicle and keeps people in a perpetual cycle of debt. Leasing ensures you never own an asset,, and you pay for the car’s depreciation while having nothing to show for it at the end.
Why is leasing a car a bad idea Dave Ramsey?
Leasing a car is a rip-off because you're going into debt for a car you'll never own. Monthly payments, up-front costs and extra fees make it the most expensive way to drive a car. Most leases include annual mileage restrictions (commonly 10,000–15,000 miles).
What is the $3000 rule for cars?
The $3,000 rule is a budgeting strategy that suggests: If you cannot afford to pay at least $3,000 upfront for a vehicle, you may not be financially ready to cover the full cost of car ownership. In most cases, the rule applies in one of two ways: As a minimum budget for buying a reliable used car with cash.
What is the monthly payment for a $30,000 car lease?
With that disclaimer in mind, if we use our calculator and make the following assumptions — a 36-month lease with 12,000 miles per year; $1,000 down payment; $440 in title and registration fees; $595 disposition fee; excellent credit; and a medium residual value — your monthly payment on a $30K car lease would be about ...
What does Suze Orman say about leasing a car?
Suze Orman considers owning a car "OK" only when treated as a long-term utility, emphasizing that buying and holding a vehicle for 10+ years (150,000+ miles) is a smart financial move, while leasing or frequently trading in cars is a massive waste of money.
Leasing Vs Buying A Car - Dave Ramsey
How much does a car salesman make off a $20,000 car?
Car sales commission is typically tied to dealership profit, not the full vehicle price. Most salespeople earn between 20 percent and 30 percent of the gross profit on each vehicle, with additional bonuses tied to performance and volume.
Why do rich people lease cars instead of buying them?
Lease Cars With Your Investment Capital
According to her, appreciating assets will offset the cost of a new car lease. “And with the passive income they use it to lease a brand new nice car,” she says. “Why are they leasing instead of buying? Because a car is a depreciating asset—it goes down in value.
Should I buy a $40,000 car if I make $60,000 a year?
Other experts say that a vehicle that costs less than half of your annual take-home pay may be affordable. Then some frugal personal finance gurus say you should spend no more than 10%-15% of your annual income on a vehicle purchase.
Is it financially worth it to lease a car?
Leasing helps protect you against unanticipated depreciation. If the market value of your car unexpectedly drops, your decision to lease will prove to be a wise financial move. If the leased car holds its value well, you can typically buy it at a good price at the end of the lease and keep it or decide to resell it.
What is the 1% rule when leasing a car?
The 1% rule in car leasing is an adage known as "the golden rule of leasing." This rule states that your monthly payment should be 1% or less of your vehicle's MSRP, including taxes. Using this rule, you can easily see if you're getting a "good" money factor on your lease.
What color car gets stolen the least?
The least stolen cars are ones with bright colours such as orange, green, yellow, and pink. This is because they're uncommon, easy to notice, and hard to sell. Car thieves tend to go for vehicles in common colours, such as white, grey, and black. This is because they have a higher demand, making them easy to sell.
What should you never reveal to the dealer when negotiating?
Let's look at some things to keep under your hat while you explore the lot.
- "I Don't Know Much About Cars"
- "My Current Car Is on Its Last Legs"
- "My Lease Is Almost Up"
- "I'm Going to Pay Cash!"
- "I Already Have a Car Loan Lined Up"
- "I Love This Car"
- "I've Never Bought a New Car Before"
Which car is called the poor man's Porsche?
The Porsche 924 was in production from 1976 to 1988 as an entry-level Porsche, often called "the poor man's sports car." It was jointly developed with Volkswagen (VW). Unlike most classic Porsches, this model featured a front-engine layout, and in fact, its engine was sourced from Volkswagen.
What are the allegations against Dave Ramsey?
Dave Ramsey faces $150 million lawsuit for promoting company accused of fraud. Dave Ramsey, a Christian radio host and personal finance guru, faces a $150 million lawsuit filed by some listeners of his show who allege they were defrauded by a timeshare exit company that advertised on his program.
What's the smartest way to pay for a car?
Pay with cash
Paying for your new or used vehicle in cash eliminates your interest costs and finance fees, which can save you thousands. It also means you will not make monthly car payments, which lowers the “transportation” line item in your monthly budget.
Is it dumb to put money down on a lease car?
It's not a bad thing to put money down on a car lease. I think the bad is just how much you put down on a car lease, right? Your best-case scenario is doing a sign and drive lease. That's just when you sign your lease paperwork and you drive off from the car, you put absolutely nothing down at signing.
Should an 80 year old buy or lease a car?
For retirees, buying a car offers long-term savings, no mileage limits, and eventual ownership, but it requires more upfront cost. Leasing can ease budgeting with lower monthly payments and access to newer models with better safety features.
Is insurance more expensive on a leased car?
Yes, insurance is generally higher on a leased car compared to an owned car because leasing companies require higher liability limits, low deductibles ($500–$1,000), and mandatory full coverage (collision and comprehensive). You must also carry gap insurance to cover the difference between the car's value and the lease balance.
Why is it not smart to lease a car?
5. You pay more interest on a lease than on a loan. It surprises some drivers that you pay more interest on a lease than on a purchase loan. Because you have no collateral with a lease (you don't actually own the vehicle as an asset), lenders usually reduce their risk by increasing the interest rates.
Which car color is hardest to maintain?
Black and other dark-colored cars are widely considered the hardest to keep clean, and there's a reason for that perception. Dust, pollen, water spots, soap residue, and light scratches are all , for the most part, light-colored contaminants.
What is the 30-60-90 rule for cars?
The 30-60-90 rule is a standard vehicle maintenance schedule that recommends specific services at 30,000-mile intervals—namely at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. Following this routine helps prevent major issues, keep your car running smoothly, and save money over time.
What do 90% of millionaires have in common?
90% of millionaires have one thing in common: They own real estate. But most people think building wealth through property is only for the rich or the lucky. They don't realize real estate creates multiple streams of value — not just appreciation. So how exactly does real estate turn everyday people into millionaires?
Do dealers prefer lease or buy?
In fact, most dealers LOVE leasing because it allows them to make more profit than a traditional car purchase. One of the main reasons for this is due to the confusing nature of car leasing. Consumers are not used to leasing terminology and there's a lot of confusion.