Lease Versus Buy Analysis — Car

gives you total freedom. You can drive 30,000 miles a year, spill coffee on the seats, and install a custom roof rack without asking anyone for permission. The "New Car" Itch:

Deciding whether to lease or buy a car is less about which is "better" and more about which financial trade-offs you’re willing to live with. It’s a choice between lower monthly costs today (leasing) or long-term equity tomorrow (buying). 1. The Financial Mechanics car lease versus buy analysis

If you plan to drive your car "into the ground" (8–10+ years), is the only logical choice. The most cost-effective years of car ownership are years 5 through 10, when the loan is gone but the car is still reliable. 4. Maintenance and Repairs gives you total freedom