When you
lease a car, you pay for the right to use it for a specific period, typically 12, 24 or 36 months, although longer leases may also be available. At the end of the lease term, you purchase the car at the residual value, becoming its full owner.
Buying a car provides you with immediate ownership rights. You become the full owner if you pay in cash or after repaying a loan if you finance the purchase. You have complete control over all aspects of the car and the right to keep it, trade it, sell it, or gift it to someone else.