Trying to finance a new car can be like maneuvering through an obstacle course. You can get stuck trying to figure out if it's a better to get a loan or take out a lease. The Web has countless on-line calculators, all offering to help consumers make their "car loan or lease?" decision.

"On-line calculators can be great, but they may not tell you the whole picture" said CR Money Adviser Tobie Stanger. "For example, they may not capture the financial data like sales tax, insurance costs, or acquisition fees."

Consumer Reports Money Adviser, using the most common financing options, calculated the difference between talking out a five-year loan versus leasing a vehicle for five years. Factored in was getting a new lease after three years.

The first comparison was on the 2008 Honda Accord EX. It sells for $24,495 and can be leased for $239 a month. Money Adviser calculates leasing it costs almost $4,600 more than if you'd purchased it.

"And that calculation doesn't even include the end-of-lease costs, which can include excess mileage and wear-and-tear charges." said Stanger

Vehicle number two: the 2008 Lexus EX 350. It sells for $38,405 and can be leased for $429 a month. Money Adviser calculations show leasing costs $9,245 more over a five-year period.

"Monthly lease payments have dropped dramatically in the last five years, some 44%, so they can seem really attractive. But that doesn't necessarily mean you're getting a better deal." said Stanger

So for a smoother financial ride, buying instead of leasing will put you on track for savings.