Same car, same term โ which one actually costs you less? Buying keeps equity; leasing doesn't.
"Net cost" = everything you pay over the term, minus the resale value you keep if you buy. Buying usually wins if you hold the car past the loan; leasing can win on monthly cash flow and if you trade often. Residual and resale are estimates โ the gap between them is the heart of the decision. Estimates only.