A simple Answer TO yOUr Question
What if my lease is underwater instead of having equity?
If your car's market value is less than the payoff amount, your lease is "underwater" or has negative equity. This means you would owe money if you tried to buy it out or trade it in. In this situation, it usually makes more sense to return the car at lease end rather than buying it out, unless you really love the vehicle and plan to keep it long-term.
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The Smart Buyer's Guide to Leasing vs. Buying in 2026
Discover:
✓ When to lease vs. buy
✓ Hidden fees to watch for
✓ Tax benefits for business owners
✓ Current manufacturer incentives
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600+ Testimonials
What Our Customers Say
People come for the number. They stay for how easy we make it.
Had the absolute smoothest and informative process working with David. He got me an excellent price well within was I was hoping spend after a dealer quoted me WAY more. Appreciate him and his team so much for making this process not stressful at all. Anyone looking to buy a car, use Vantage!!
Had the absolute smoothest and informative process working with David. He got me an excellent price well within was I was hoping spend after a dealer quoted me WAY more. Appreciate him and his team so much for making this process not stressful at all. Anyone looking to buy a car, use Vantage!!
Corinne Antonelli
Josh Baker
alexandra monard
David Goldstein and his team are great. He was always available and responsive whenever I voiced a concern. He was quick to answer questions, which was extremely helpful it making decisions as I did not need to wait long to connect with him. I highly recommend connecting with David the next time you are looking for a vehicle!
David Goldstein and his team are great. He was always available and responsive whenever I voiced a concern. He was quick to answer questions, which was extremely helpful it making decisions as I did not need to wait long to connect with him. I highly recommend connecting with David the next time you are looking for a vehicle!
Joseph Bestreich
Danny O'Keefe
I am a 79 year old man. So by this time I have had plenty of cars and dealings with car salesmen/brokers. Vantage Auto Group is far above the rest. Their responsiveness and aim to please the customer is incredibly rare. I would recommend them to anyone interested in buying or leasing a vehicle,
I am a 79 year old man. So by this time I have had plenty of cars and dealings with car salesmen/brokers. Vantage Auto Group is far above the rest. Their responsiveness and aim to please the customer is incredibly rare. I would recommend them to anyone interested in buying or leasing a vehicle,
Martin Blaustein
Charlie is the man! We’re so happy with our experience. Charlie went above and beyond to make sure we got exactly what we wanted... a 2025 black on black stick Jeep that’s absolutely perfect. He put in the extra effort to get the deal done and made the whole process smooth from start to finish. You can tell he genuinely cares about his customers. Highly recommend Charlie and the team if you want someone who’ll really go to bat for you.
Charlie is the man! We’re so happy with our experience. Charlie went above and beyond to make sure we got exactly what we wanted... a 2025 black on black stick Jeep that’s absolutely perfect. He put in the extra effort to get the deal done and made the whole process smooth from start to finish. You can tell he genuinely cares about his customers. Highly recommend Charlie and the team if you want someone who’ll really go to bat for you.
Anthony Sicoli
We just bought our 3rd car from Dave and his group. They make it so easy not having to go to a dealer, I wouldn't do it any other way. You tell them exactly what you want, they find it, get you a great deal and deliver it.....need I say more!!! Dave is a true professional.
We just bought our 3rd car from Dave and his group. They make it so easy not having to go to a dealer, I wouldn't do it any other way. You tell them exactly what you want, they find it, get you a great deal and deliver it.....need I say more!!! Dave is a true professional.
John Pepe
Sean and the Vantage Auto Group made the entire process seamless from start to finish — I can’t recommend them highly enough!!
Sean and the Vantage Auto Group made the entire process seamless from start to finish — I can’t recommend them highly enough!!
nicole berman