Lease ending - how do I navigate this decision
I have a 2024 Mach-E Premium AWD Extended Range that I absolutely LOVE. My lease is up in December, and my buyout is around $33,500.
The problem is that the buyout doesn’t feel like an especially great deal, and I’m trying to figure out what makes the most sense financially.
My options seem to be:
Finance the ~$33.5k buyout (probably means a higher payment unless I put a decent amount of cash down)
Lease another EV
Buy something else
Go back to gas, which honestly makes me sad unless it’s for a car that I’d love…
I really like having a ~$400/month car payment and would ideally like to stay under $500/month. The only other EVs I’ve really been interested in are MINI Coopers and BMWs, but those don’t seem likely to be cheaper. I’m also hesitant to buy a used EV because of how quickly the technology/value seems to be changing.
For those who have been in a similar situation, what would you do?
What EVs are realistically worth looking at right now if I want to lease or finance something for <$500/month? Or should I just buy out the Mach-E and accept the higher payment?
I really don’t want to go back to gas, but I also don’t want to make a dumb financial decision just because I love my car.
Edit: I live in Nebraska