Well, I'm in the market for a new car and am really torn between the whole lease or buy thing. I have a descent down payment right now, but would rather not blow it all towards a car I may/or may not keep. I'll be on my 6th car now so who am I kidding here. I get bored really fast with my rides.

I'm just concerned about the following:

- Will I get totally screwed at the lease maturity and regret this?
- How much more do u usually have to pay for a 15k mile limit?
- If you slightly mod the car (rims/tint/suspension) will the dealer care as long as the car is back to stock when returned??


TIA

 

we leased a Mitsu Galant in 1996 and a Toyota LandCruiser in 1999... both were great. We paid $199 (+$1500 down) a month for the Galant and $665 ($800.00 down) for the Land Cruiser.

Where else can you get a $20k car or a $55k car for those prices? Both had the normal 12k miles per year (i think) and that worked out great for us.

In the end, we handed both in with no problems other than they did make us replace the windshield in the galant due to a crack in it. that was $100 insurance deductible i think.

I think the way you get screwed in a lease is when you try to get out early....or if you just don't negotiate very well up front.

 

In general, you are better of leasing a car if you get a new one every three years or less. At four years it tend to swing a little more towards buy, and if you generall keep a car for more than 5 you are far better off buying.

For a car I know I will keep for a while (I will probably have the S2000 as a toy for 10 yrs) I purchase. The winter beater/grocery getter I usually buy new and get rid of every 3-4 years. Costs lots of cash but I never worry about maintenance beyond oil changes or any repairs because I sell at about 36,000 miles. I should listen to my own advice more but lifestyle changes have made some of the cars I purchased obsolete before the 4 year threshold. I have been taking a bath on resale, but I like new cars too much.

 

Lease an NSX for $799/mo.

http://www.acura.com/eacura/eacura_framese...AllSpecials.asp

 

what car are you trying to get?

i think you also get screwed if you go over in miles....

 

I am not sure if most NSX leaser/owner drive more than 5K miles / year in their car.