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
Smart move!
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660+ Testimonials
What Our Customers Say
People come for the number. They stay for how easy we make it.
john vitale
Great customer service! Dave was very responsive and worked hard to find the car we were looking for. His pricing was unbeatable and the vehicle was delivered right to our driveway. There was a small issue with the vehicle from the manufacturer, but Dave and his team have been working hard to rectify it. Goes to show their service doesn’t disappear after delivery, and are committed to developing relationships and making longterm customers.
Great customer service! Dave was very responsive and worked hard to find the car we were looking for. His pricing was unbeatable and the vehicle was delivered right to our driveway. There was a small issue with the vehicle from the manufacturer, but Dave and his team have been working hard to rectify it. Goes to show their service doesn’t disappear after delivery, and are committed to developing relationships and making longterm customers.
Eric A
Recently bought a car through Vantage Auto Group and can’t say enough how great they were. Their process was seamless and they made buying a car a great experience. highly recommend Vantage Auto Group!
Recently bought a car through Vantage Auto Group and can’t say enough how great they were. Their process was seamless and they made buying a car a great experience. highly recommend Vantage Auto Group!
Cory Rothbort
Had a wonderful experience working with Vantage and Dave A. in particular. Dave came as a referral from a neighbor and he was very straightforward and helpful throughout the entire process. Once I decided to move forward with a lease, Dave was super efficient and we got everything done within a few days!
Had a wonderful experience working with Vantage and Dave A. in particular. Dave came as a referral from a neighbor and he was very straightforward and helpful throughout the entire process. Once I decided to move forward with a lease, Dave was super efficient and we got everything done within a few days!
Kevin Huang
Chris Decker
Purchase went smoothly and stress-free
Purchase went smoothly and stress-free
Carol Roseto
Josh Miller
Mark Viegas is an absolute lifesaver. I truly don’t have the words to express how grateful my husband and I are for such an incredible experience - and such a quick turnaround. After my daughters and I were in a very serious car accident early last week, I knew getting a new vehicle would be overwhelming and stressful.Enter Mark Viegas at Vantage Auto Group. From start to finish, he made the entire process unbelievably simple. We shared exactly what we were looking for, and within 48 hours a brand-new car was delivered straight to our driveway.The days of walking into dealerships and negotiating prices are long gone. I will never go back - and neither should you! If you’re in the market for a new car, I can’t recommend Mark enough - reach out to him. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Mark Viegas is an absolute lifesaver. I truly don’t have the words to express how grateful my husband and I are for such an incredible experience - and such a quick turnaround. After my daughters and I were in a very serious car accident early last week, I knew getting a new vehicle would be overwhelming and stressful.Enter Mark Viegas at Vantage Auto Group. From start to finish, he made the entire process unbelievably simple. We shared exactly what we were looking for, and within 48 hours a brand-new car was delivered straight to our driveway.The days of walking into dealerships and negotiating prices are long gone. I will never go back - and neither should you! If you’re in the market for a new car, I can’t recommend Mark enough - reach out to him. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Laura Collins
MICHAEL DIGERONIMO