Final answer:
The correct answer is A) he is not paying for the residual value of the car at the end of four years. When leasing a car, the monthly payment is lower because you are not responsible for the residual value of the car at the end of the lease term.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is A) he is not paying for the residual value of the car at the end of four years.
When leasing a car, the monthly payment is lower because you are not responsible for the residual value of the car at the end of the lease term. The residual value is the estimated value of the car after the lease term is over. With a closed-end lease, you can simply return the car to the dealer at the end of the lease without any further financial obligation.
On the other hand, if Michael were to buy the car with the same down payment, he would have to make larger monthly payments because he would be paying for the full value of the car, including the residual value, which is built into the finance charges.