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leasing makes sense if you use the car for biz and will give greater tax advantages than owning, this lowers the true out-of-pocket.
leasing is really just another form of financing, but credit requirements are usually stricter.
if you drive more than 12-15K/year you will probably get hit with an excessive mileage charge upon lease return, this can negate any low payment advantage.
and if you get tired of your car and want to dump it before the lease term expires expect to get hurt in the pocketbook because usually you will have negative equity (you will be "upside down" in car lingo).
if you are the type of person who really takes care of a car and keeps it long term usually buying makes more economic sense.
and if you really want the truth, from a financial standpoint you are BEST off buying a late model luxury car with a current model sheet metal body. (certain beemers, mb, jag xk8, etc) you will get 98% of the utility, almost 100% of the prestige, and if you buy it right you and know resale values you can almost drive for free, recouping your investment every 24 months or so.
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