**** CARS: LEASE versus BUY ****

[bigbrother36]

I've been in the car business for almost 5 years now, so I can offer a professional viewpoint. While this question is somewhat dependant on your needs and future plans, in general, leasing is the better option. Here's why.

1. A car is a depreciating asset. In general, you want to own things that are going to appreciate and rent (lease) things that are going to depreciate. This is why you buy your home.

2. The "garbage" that nincomepoop mentions is irrelevant. If you plan to finance the vehicle, it belongs to the bank anyway. The good thing about leasing is that the bank is taking all the risk for the future market value, yet you are still able to capitalize on a profitable future situation. If you buy, the risk (1:1) of depreciation is all yours.

3. Most manufacturers offer leasing programs that charge a lower rate of interest than is commonly available for traditional financing (buy) options.

What vehicles are you considering? Why? PM me if you want any further help. I'll answer any questions you may have.