When you lease a car, you’re essentially renting it for a specific period of time, typically a few years. You make monthly lease payments and return the car at the end of the lease term. On the other hand, when you buy a car, you own it outright after making all of the payments. This means you can keep the car as long as you want or sell it whenever you choose. The decision between leasing and buying depends on factors like your budget, driving habits, and long-term plans for your vehicle.