Leasing a Car: Two Types of Leases - Closed & Open

The most common consumer lease today is a closed-end lease. Also called “walk-away” leases, this lease allows you to return the vehicle at the end of the lease with no additional responsibilities, besides possible payment for damage or mileage.

Closed-end leases are based on the idea that you will drive less than an average of 12,000 miles a year, and that you won’t drive in overly rough conditions. This means that the value of the car at the end of the lease, called the residual, can be predictable to car manufacturers and dealers. The company estimates this residual value before you lease.

If the car is worth less than the residual when you turn it in, the company takes a hit. You are not responsible, since you drove under the expectations the company set forth. You can turn in your car without any financial obligation.

Now, if you car is worth more than the residual at the time you’re ready to turn in? You may want to reconsider. You’ll have the option to purchase the car. You can often get a good deal, or you can sell it and make a profit.

Open-End Lease

Open-end leases also exist and are most often used in the case of commercial business lending. A company/employer will assume management and leasing of the car to its employees, not the leasing company. The employer takes all the financial risk. This works well for employers since the cost of the vehicles can be written-off or expensed.

Typical use of a car in these situations is much less predictable. Annual mileage restrictions are usually much larger than the 12,000 mile a year average because employees may need to use the car for business trips and more.

The problem with this lease? You are responsible for paying any difference between the residual and the actual market value at the end of the lease. This can result in a significant payment if the market value of your car has dropped, or you’ve needed to drive much more than expected.

Often the residual for an open-end lease is set much lower than for a closed-end lease. This means you have reduced risk for a payout at the end of the term, but it also means you probably will pay significantly higher monthly payments.