Residual value of the car - This is an estimate of the value of the car at the end of the lease term, is necessary for calculating depreciation and amortization. The amortization of a leased car refers to the total amount you pay to finance it, minus its residual value.
The residual value of vehicles is determined by the financial institutions that negotiate the leases, not the dealers. Residual value is determined by multiplying MSRP by estimated depreciation value. For example, if your car has an original cost of $20,000 and depreciation is 50%, the residual value will be $10,000. At the end of the lease, the residual value of the car will be $10,000. Car leases tend to be more affordable for slow-depreciating vehicles because they hold their residual value well.