regardless of leasing or financing, you are always going to be way into the red in terms of the money coming out of your pocket, unless you negotiate a deal and pay cash for the car. the reasons why are: markup (profit) and interest (the ultimate profit booster). its amazing how much money you can save over years to come if you saved and paid with cash as a way of life. I'm sorry, but I can't help at gasp when I look at the cost of a car paying cash vs. the cost of the same car when paid with finance or lease. who in their right mind would raise their hands to volunteer for paying more as opposed to less ?

sorry, but I still see a lease (over a finance) as a total loss. because at the end of the term, unless you buy the car, there will never be anything in your driveway that you truely own. if you continue to lease, you are in effect, paying rent to drive a car-a better alternative to this is using zipcar "wheels when you need them" or something. do not forget that the cost of ownership includes gas, maintenance and insurance.

lastly, anyone who finances on a good price and pays double to triple the payment amounts and is done with the loan in 2-3 years is doing the next best thing to buying outright, because of the thousands in interest saved by paying down the principal really fast.