Originally Posted by Rose_P

If you customarily buy a new car every couple of years, then leasing might be worthwhile, especially if you keep your car in a garage and are very tidy and don't have kids with muddy feet eating fries and ketchup in the backseat. Otherwise, probably not. It might take some time with a calculator and a list of all the costs. We have never leased, because we don't drive much and tend to keep cars for 10 years. One of our sons, who has a well-paying job and a wife who is similarly successful, has leased one or two. They both have to commute into the city and they don't have time to deal with car problems. He went back to buying his current one, however. I haven't asked him why, but they do have a kid who once threw up in the car. I can guarantee that they do the math. Also, he is a lawyer who would definitely read the contract and understand the trade-offs. The car companies count on most people to not do that.

Originally Posted by cathyvv

JENNR8R, I explain the "continue to make your car payment, but make it to yourself" as savings for your next car, but it flies over most people's head. Instead, most treat it like a "raise" and spend it. But there are those few who do get it - I can see it in their facial expression.

Originally Posted by cathyvv

JENNR8R, I explain the "continue to make your car payment, but make it to yourself" as savings for your next car, but it flies over most people's head. Instead, most treat it like a "raise" and spend it. But there are those few who do get it - I can see it in their facial expression.