I'm usually the same way, that's why I took advantage of the 1.9% finance deal. The payments will be over in 36 months ($1237).

 

Well,

if you do not already know my stance (see lease vs. buy) I too think leasing is bad and not just financially.

I put down 15K and bought mine. I will own it in 3.5 - 4 years with the extra I'll throw at it each month (still less that what most pay for their lease).

 

Leasing is the $h*t hands down! Yes I can AFFORD to buy it if I wan't but for what?I remember when I had the G35 and I swore I'd keep it and guess what?? I saw the G37 at the N.Y.C. car show and went crazy!If you wan't to keep the car,keep it..Infiniti's are nice pieces of machinery.Don't go kicking yourself when you see that 2010 hardtop convertible go flying by.I need the newest toy,It's like drugs..LOL I have a passion for cars.

 

Better hope your lease doesn't end 1 month before the 2010's come out. Or for that matter, when they're still getting sticker price for them. I can trade my car in anytime I want.

 

IFS extends leases up to 6 months..No problem.I'll NEVER pay sticker,NEVER!I negotiate invoice ONLY.Who's to say I'd even get another Infiniti?There are so many new cars coming out it's endless.If you trade yur car in,yur gonna take a hit! You will not get what it's truly worth.This lease Vs. buying is getting tired..it's up to the individual at the end of the day.It seems like the buyers in this thread are going out they're way to prove that leasing is NOT the way to go. When I find a car/truck that I really like,maybe I'd keep it.

 

Yeah, for all those that claim they lease so they can get a new car every 2-3 years, have fun waiting for the lease end. Buying the car means no strings attached and guess what? the residual value is the same whether you lease or buy so it doesn't matter. Think you get away with not as much upkeep when leasing? Wrong; if they consider it above normal wear and tear they will charge you more or take your security deposit. Also, when buying you have the freedom to customize your car without penalty.

I too considered leasing until I looked at all the contractual constraints. Why not buy it? I can too sell/trade in at 3 years with the same residual value if I want something else, and I'll also have some equity in the car as well.

Bottom line, cars ALWAYS depreciate no matter whether you lease or buy. You have more freedom when you buy and generally better financing specials. But hey, if you are the type of person that likes overpaying taxes each year so you can get a huge check from Uncle Sam each year (you must not want the interest you could have earned on that money all year) the go ahead and lease!

I'm not hating on leasing, it has it's place. Just don't try and say its a better financial deal that buying, because it isn't. Check edmunds.com, carandriver.com, or any other auto site and they'll confirm that.

 

There are many reasons why people lease but one a couple that make sound financial sense. Do what you feel is right for you. To me leasing over buying makes as much financial sense as the people who prefer to rent an apartment because they don't have to cut the grass or pay property taxes - they don't realize that they are paying for it in their rent anyway and at least the homeowner has something to show for it in the end. Over a 10 year period if you add up the total of lease payments and the total of finance payments and factor in the car's value for the guy who owns it, there is a clear winner with no arguments whatsoever for the purchaser. This is strictly from the financial point of view. No accounting for personal preferences.

 

If the manufacture offers good terms, a lease can be a great way to go; especially with luxury cars. Cars less than 20k usually make more sense to purchase the monthly payments and downpayment won't be too steep. Dell used to have lease programs on computers, with due to being obsolete fast, can make a lot of sense.

 

Bought mine too! I don't like leasing

 

Leasing is the way to go since your payments are pretty much the same whether you lease or buy for the 3 years. If you plan on keeping the car longer, buying makes more sense. Additionally, leasing is good for people that have very predictable usage on the car (<15,000 miles per year). Furthermore, for anyone that says buying is soooo great, it is, just don't get into an accident. Moment you do that, you take a hit on resale value. If you lease, you get it repaired, and walk away at the end of the 3 years.
Like someone else said, leasing is better for luxury vehicles, where the residual value is rather high. Yes, if you buy a used car that has already taken the initial depreciation hit, buying is the way to go.

Leaseguide has a nice lease v. buy calculator, to see how long you will have to keep your car to break even.

Personally, it was easier to lease, I know I get a new car in 3 years, I know how many miles I use per year, and I'm glad I did, as I got rear-ended already... if I would have bought, when it's time to go sell, they would have certainly seen the body work (repaint) and would have subtracted a substantial amount, even though the damage was insignificant...

 

That only works if residuals of the vehicles remain high. If they don't, they leasing won't be as cheap as it has been as of late.

Financially, my family uses cars until the wheels fall off so buying makes sense for us.

However, if I have enough disposable income I might lease 2 cars to be sure that I'll have enough mileage to use.