If you're in the market for a new or used car, you might be wondering how you can finance it without stretching your budget. The two most common options are leasing and traditional auto loans. Leasing offers lower payments, but it doesn't allow you to own your car. With traditional auto loans, the car is yours, but you'll have higher payments.

Fibre Federal Credit Union and TLC's Drive4Less auto loan gives you another option. With Drive4Less, you can enjoy the benefits of ownership, lower monthly payments, and more flexibility when your term ends. Let's break it down to see how it compares to leasing and traditional financing.

WHAT IS DRIVE4LESS?

Drive4Less is a low monthly payment car loan option that combines the best features of leasing and traditional financing. With Drive4Less, you're only paying for the car's depreciation and interest during the term. This is different from traditional car financing, where you repay the full purchase price with interest over the loan term.

Unlike a lease, you own the car with Drive4Less. When the loan term ends, you have options. You can keep the car by paying the remaining balance, refinance the balance, sell it, trade it for something different, or simply walk away.

Drive4Less benefits include:

  • New and pre-owned vehicles up to five years old qualify
  • Flexible loan terms of up to 72 months
  • No down payment required
  • Annual mileage options of 7,500, 10,000, 12,000, 15,000, and 18,000
  • No early payoff penalty

Drive4Less is ideal for members who want to own newer, reliable vehicles. It’s also great for used vehicles that are up to five years old. Low-mileage used vehicles typically still have the majority of their lives remaining, and they are often much more affordable than buying new. Combining Drive4Less with a reliable used car can help you maximize your savings.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LEASING AND DRIVE4LESS?

Drive4Less and leasing both give you lower payment options, but Drive4Less offers more flexibility.

Consider this Drive4Less vs. leasing comparison to see which option stands out:

Ownership

With a car lease, the leasing company retains ownership, and you have to return it when the lease is over. With Drive4Less, you own the car. You can sell it or trade it at any time with no prepayment penalty. Because the car is yours, you can also customize it however you like or take it with you if you decide to move.

Mileage Limits

The mileage limits for a car lease typically range from 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year, and the penalty for going over the limit can be as much as $0.30 per mile. If you exceed your limit by just 1,000 miles in a year with a $0.30 penalty, you'll owe an extra $300 to the leasing company.

With Drive4Less, you can choose from annual mileage options of 7,500, 10,000,  12,000, 15,000, and 18,000. And if you go over your mileage limit, the excess mileage charge is a low $0.10 per mile.

Wear and Tear

When a lease ends, you're required to return the car in excellent condition. If there is any damage, you will be charged for the repair, even if it’s minor. You own the vehicle with Drive4Less, and there is no penalty for normal wear and tear.

End-of-Term Options

When your lease ends, you're required to return the car. When your Drive4Less term ends, you have several options. You can make a balloon payment for the remaining balance, refinance the balance, sell or trade your car, or walk away. The choice is yours.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL FINANCING AND DRIVE4LESS?

Drive4Less gives you an additional flexible walk away feature. You'll enjoy a low payment option and more options when the term ends.

Consider the differences between Drive4Less vs. traditional financing:

Monthly Payments

With a traditional loan, your monthly payment is based on your paying down the full purchase price of the vehicle over the term of the loan. With Drive4Less, your payments are based on the car’s depreciation during the term. 

End-of-Term Options

With traditional financing, you'll own your car in full after you make your last payment. Drive4Less gives you more options when your term ends. You can pay off the remaining balance, refinance the balance, sell or trade the vehicle, or walk away.

DRIVE4LESS IS MILES AHEAD

When you compare Drive4Less with traditional car financing and leasing, it's easy to see how Drive4Less stands out. Like leasing, it gives you lower monthly payments, but you don't have to deal with strict rules and steep mileage penalties. Like traditional financing, you’ll own your car, but you can walk away from the vehicle at the end of the term and only pay for what you use.

Drive4Less is an ideal car financing option for all members. It's perfect for members who prefer to drive newer vehicles, members who are looking for a great deal on slightly used vehicles, and members who like to change or upgrade their vehicles every few years. Drive4Less combines the best parts of leasing and traditional financing so you can drive the car you want with payments you can afford.

Ready to save on your monthly car payments? Contact us today to learn more or to get started. Our friendly team will answer your questions and guide you through the process every step of the way.