The average cost of a new car now exceeds $28,000. That's a lot of money riding on trying to find the best deal. Could leasing be an even better option?

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 better to get a loan or take out a lease.

The Web has countless online calculators offering to help consumers make a decision. "Online calculators can be great, but they may not tell you the whole picture,” says Consumer Reports 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 taking 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," says Stanger.

Lexus ES 350 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 percent, so they can seem really attractive, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're getting a better deal," says Stanger.

Another consideration when trying to decide whether to lease or buy a car is insurance. Rates may be higher if you decide to lease your vehicle.