In the automotive industry, there are many conflicting opinions on the best way to finance a car. Some argue that buying a car outright is too expensive, that long-term rentals aren't worth the money, and that using credit is outdated. However, these claims are rarely examined in detail, partly because the costs and financing options for cars are often unclear. To better understand these issues, a study compared five popular car models — Dacia, Peugeot, Renault, Toyota, and Audi — based on 2026 sales figures. The research focused on two main financing methods: LOA/LLD (leasing) and auto credit. The process involved using online car configurators and contacting dealers directly to get standard financing offers. Getting accurate financing information proved difficult. Many dealers required direct contact and sometimes refused to provide estimates remotely. Eventually, offers were received, but they often contained unclear terms, high fees, and inconsistent base prices between different dealers. This lack of transparency in the car market is concerning, especially since purchasing a car involves large financial commitments. The Dacia Sandero, a popular model in France, stood out for its straightforward and professional approach compared to other brands. Despite being an entry-level car, its financing options revealed some surprising results. For example, over a 3-year period, leasing (LOA) was less favorable than a 48-month credit. However, over a 4-year period, the credit option showed a clear advantage, especially the 48-month loan, which was cheaper than the LLD (leasing with a purchase option) due to lower maintenance costs. The LLD, however, included a mandatory maintenance allowance of 30 euros, which was more than 10% of the base monthly payment. Over a 5-year period, the LOA (leasing with a purchase option) became more competitive compared to the 48-month credit, mainly because of lower maintenance costs. When looking at a 6-year period, the 3-year LOA slightly outperformed the 48-month credit, but the 49-month LOA was less favorable due to a similar budget to the 5-year credit. The study highlights an interesting contradiction: while the Dacia Sandero is often promoted as a good option for short-term use through leasing, the findings suggest that a 4-year credit might be more flexible and cost-effective. However, the dealer's interest rate (8.3%) was higher than the market average, indicating that a better offer from a bank could significantly improve the deal. Additionally, the LLD (leasing with a purchase option) was found to be unprofitable in most cases, mainly because of high mandatory maintenance costs.