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Hyundai Lease Buyouts: A Guide
Published 4/11/25
Leasing a car can be a smart and flexible way to enjoy a new vehicle without the long-term commitment of ownership. But when your Hyundai lease is coming to an end, you might be faced with an important decision: should you return the car or buy it out?
A lease buyout is an option that allows you to purchase the vehicle you’ve been leasing for a set price, known as the residual value. For many Hyundai drivers, this can be a smart move, especially if they love their car and want to keep it for the long haul.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of a Hyundai lease buyout, the benefits, when it makes sense to go for it (and when it doesn't), and specific Hyundai models that make great candidates for a lease buyout.
What Is a Lease Buyout?
A lease buyout is the option to purchase the car you’ve been leasing at the end of the lease term. When you first sign a lease agreement, a residual value—the estimated value of the car at the end of the lease—is determined. This residual value becomes the price at which you can buy out the vehicle when your lease ends.
In most cases, the lease buyout price is non-negotiable and set in stone at the beginning of your lease.
A Hyundai lease buyout, like those for other brands, offers two main options:
- End-of-Lease Buyout: This is the most common form of buyout, where you purchase the car at the end of your lease term. If you’ve kept the car in good condition, you can transition from leasing to owning with an auto loan or cash payment.
- Early Lease Buyout: In some cases, you may want to buy out your lease before the term ends. This option can be useful if your car’s market value is higher than the residual value or if you’ve already exceeded the mileage limits. However, there could be penalties for ending the lease early.
The Most Popular Hyundai Models for a Lease Buyout
At Lease End, we’ve helped more than 25,000 drivers buy out their leases, including hundreds of Hyundais. Our proprietary lease buyout data can provide insight to lessees considering this option.
| Model | Average Monthly Buyout Loan Payment | Average Retail Book Value | Average Equity Retained |
| Hyundai Kona | $347.75 | $22,318 | $6,376 |
| Hyundai Ioniq | $347.35 | $20,994 | $4,989 |
| Hyundai Venue | $326.68 | $18,605 | $4,622 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $418.55 | $24,383 | $5,202 |
| Hyundai Sonata | $402.92 | $23,142 | $4,956 |
| Hyundai Elantra | $307.79 | $19,548 | $6,316 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | $476.86 | $26,079 | $3,929 |
| Hyundai Palisade | $565.53 | $35,504 | $9,218 |
(For context, the average new monthly loan payment in Q1 2024 for borrowers with the best credit was $723 according to Experian.)
While the total buyout cost and monthly payments vary by driver according to credit score, vehicle, and other factors, at Lease End we are confident that we can help you secure your best financing option through our trusted partners like Ally and Capital One.
The Benefits of a Hyundai Lease Buyout
Buying out your Hyundai lease can offer several advantages, especially if you’re attached to the car or it holds value beyond the residual price. Here are some key benefits to consider:
1. You Know the Vehicle’s History
One of the biggest advantages of buying out a lease is that you already know the car inside and out. You’ve driven it, maintained it, and kept up with the required service appointments. You won’t be inheriting someone else’s potential issues as you would with a used car purchase.
2. Avoid Excess Wear and Tear Fees
If your leased Hyundai has suffered from scratches, dents, or interior wear, you may face fees when returning the car to the dealership. Buying out your lease allows you to avoid these charges since you’re keeping the car and won’t have to pay for excess wear and tear beyond normal use.
3. No More Mileage Restrictions
Leasing agreements typically come with mileage limits, and exceeding them can result in hefty penalties. When you buy out your lease, mileage restrictions disappear. You can drive as much as you want without worrying about overage fees.
4. Potential Cost Savings
If your car’s market value is higher than the residual value specified in your lease, buying it out could save you money. This is especially true in markets where used car prices are high. A car with a higher resale value can become a valuable asset if you choose to sell it later or keep it long-term.
5. Stability and Ownership
For drivers who prefer the idea of owning a vehicle outright, buying out your lease provides a sense of stability. Once you complete the purchase, the car is yours to keep for as long as you want, and you won’t have to worry about future lease payments or finding a new vehicle.
Hyundai offers a range of reliable, affordable, and popular models that are great candidates for lease buyouts.
Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a standout in the compact sedan market, known for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and modern design. It’s an ideal candidate for a lease buyout because of its high resale value, reliability, and low cost of ownership.
If you’ve been leasing an Elantra and have grown attached to its smooth ride and tech features, buying it out makes financial sense—especially since it has a reputation for longevity and holds its value well.
Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that offers a balance of comfort, technology, and style. With its spacious interior and advanced safety features, the Sonata is a popular choice for families and daily commuters alike.
If you’ve been leasing a Sonata and are satisfied with its performance and features, a lease buyout is a great option. The Sonata’s strong resale value and reputation for dependability make it a smart investment for long-term ownership.
Tucson
For those who prefer a compact SUV, the Hyundai Tucson is a top contender. It offers a versatile interior, advanced technology, and solid fuel efficiency for its class. The Tucson’s practicality makes it a popular choice for drivers who need a bit more space without sacrificing maneuverability.
If you’ve leased a Tucson and appreciate its versatility, a lease buyout could be a great way to continue enjoying this reliable and well-rounded SUV.
Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a larger SUV that offers more space and power than the Tucson, making it a great option for families or drivers who need extra cargo room. Known for its comfort, safety features, and towing capacity, the Santa Fe has become a favorite among SUV enthusiasts.
If you’ve leased a Santa Fe and have found it to be a reliable and practical vehicle, a lease buyout could allow you to avoid the hassle of finding another SUV that meets your needs.
Kona
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that stands out for its stylish design, affordable price, and fun driving experience. The Kona’s blend of personality and practicality has made it one of Hyundai’s most popular models. Plus, this model is also available in electric.
If you’ve enjoyed your Kona lease and appreciate its agility, comfort, and tech features, buying it out could be a smart move—especially if you’re looking for an affordable vehicle that offers a lot of bang for your buck.
When Does It Make Sense to Buy Out Your Hyundai Lease?
A Hyundai lease buyout isn’t for everyone. It makes sense in specific scenarios where you’re getting the most value for your money or have a particular attachment to the vehicle. Here’s when you should consider buying out your Hyundai lease:
1. Your Car’s Market Value Exceeds the Residual Value
In some cases, the car’s residual value—again, already set when you first signed the lease—might be lower than its current market value. If used car prices are high and your Hyundai is worth more than the buyout price, purchasing the car can be a smart financial move. You could even sell the car for a profit if you don’t plan to keep it long-term.
2. You Want to Avoid Leasing Another Vehicle
If you’re tired of the leasing merry-go-round and prefer stability, buying out your Hyundai lease is an attractive option. Once you buy the car, you’re no longer tied to mileage restrictions, and you won’t have to worry about starting a new lease or returning a vehicle.
3. You’ve Grown Attached to the Car
Sometimes, it’s as simple as really loving your Hyundai. If you’re happy with the car’s performance, features, and reliability, why go through the hassle of finding a new vehicle? Buying out your lease allows you to keep the car you know and love without the uncertainty of finding a suitable replacement.
4. You’ve Exceeded Mileage Limits
If you’ve exceeded the mileage limits on your lease, buying out the car might save you from expensive overage fees. Many leases charge between 15 and 25 cents per mile over the limit, which can add up quickly. Instead of paying those penalties, you can put that money toward the buyout price and keep the car.
When a Hyundai Lease Buyout Might Not Make Sense
While there are plenty of benefits to buying out your lease, it’s not always the best decision for everyone. Here’s when you might want to reconsider a Hyundai lease buyout:
1. The Residual Value Is Higher Than Market Value
If the car’s residual value is higher than its market value, you could end up overpaying for the vehicle. In this case, it might be better to return the car and find a new or used Hyundai at a better price.
2. You Want the Latest Features
If you’re someone who enjoys driving a brand-new car with the latest features and technology, a lease buyout might not be ideal. Leasing gives you the flexibility to upgrade every few years, while a buyout locks you into ownership of an older model that may not have the newest bells and whistles.
3. You’re Facing Major Repair Costs
As a car ages, it may require more maintenance and repairs. If your Hyundai is approaching a point where major repairs (like replacing the transmission or timing belt) are on the horizon, buying it out may not be cost-effective. Consider whether you want to deal with the long-term costs of ownership.
Your Next Step to Keep Your Hyundai
Deciding whether to buy out your Hyundai lease is a significant decision, but one that can offer long-term benefits. Whether you’re in love with your Elantra or need the space and versatility of the Santa Fe, a lease buyout enables you to end your lease and keep your Hyundai.
Fill out the form below to begin the online lease buyout process. To expedite the process, you can gather the following information ahead of time:
- License plate or VIN
- Social security number
- Lease account number
- Payoff amount on your lease
- To get your payoff amount through Hyundai Finance, call 800-523-4030.
- After listening to the recording, you will need to enter the last 4 digits of your SSN followed by either your account number or date of birth.
- Once the system accesses your account, press "2" for buyout information. Then, press "1." (Note: you do not want the remaining lease balance.)
- Finally, the system will give you your buyout amount and good-through date. Write these items down. Then, you can hang up and press the "Next" button on your Lease End application.
About the author
Rebecca Graham
With over a decade of professional writing experience, Rebecca transforms complex concepts and data into clear, engaging content. When she's not honing Lease End's organic growth strategy, she's fanning the flames of her Wicked obsession, crafting custom candles, or walking Utah’s mountain trails. Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn.
Lease End's mission is to empower auto lease owners with the technology to easily exit their lease. If you'd like to learn more about the lease-end options available to you, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our expert advisors are always prepared to answer your questions and are committed to finding the right plan for your individual needs.
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©2025 Lease End
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