Finance versus lease...

Hi everyone. I apologize b/c I am sure this has been discussed before. BUT, I will be purchasing a 335i sedan soon. I keep debating between financing and leasing. It just seems that after a 3-year lease, I would end up paying more (losing more) than if a financed the car, and sold it after three years. What do you guys think? Please advise.

335i manual with sport and premium and navigation. Approx. $44,000-46,000.

I am planning to put approx. 22-25K down if financing. If leasing, probably wouldn't put down much at all (couple of thousands maybe?). If leasing, 3 year term wtih 15,000/year. I can tell you that I have excellent credit. Write off benefits?

Thanks

you really need to read this:
Leasing Vs. Financing Guide

That's probably the BEST write-up I've ever read about purchasing a car. WOW!

Originally Posted by photoz

you really need to read this:
Leasing Vs. Financing Guide

Thanks. I just noticed that thread right after I posted

as always take it with a grain of salt, that was written by a sales person.
The argument is compelling though. If you are comfortable with maintaining a car payment for extended periods of time, leasing makes the most sense.
Clark Howard would disagree with that logic, but what are ya gonna do?

Well, the numbers that are offered DO add up. Most BMW owners will actually be making payments for extended periods of time (3+ years), so why not pay less? If you're going to pay off quickly, then by all means-yeah, finance. The nice thing about the write-up that I think people need to recognize is that GENERALLY and in reference to MOST PEOPLE, what was said is true and good advice. It's a good heads-up about cost and payments.
Obviously the 5 series is a better deal than the 3ers, but it's nice that he listed the differences.
My experiences (used to work for Maserati) have taught me that most people villainize salespeople and those affiliated with car dealerships or hold them in too much contempt. I'm not saying you are, but these days with restrictions and customer demands what they are and the availability of information for consumers online, salesmen are now very reliable sources of information. Most people are doing the math on their own, and you can't disseminate inaccurate finance figures if you're in sales. Most states have laws against it in one fashion or another that pertain to Theft by Swindle or Fraud.

Originally Posted by Reedo302

Well, the numbers that are offered DO add up. Most BMW owners will actually be making payments for extended periods of time (3+ years), so why not pay less? If you're going to pay off quickly, then by all means-yeah, finance. The nice thing about the write-up that I think people need to recognize is that GENERALLY and in reference to MOST PEOPLE, what was said is true and good advice. It's a good heads-up about cost and payments.
Obviously the 5 series is a better deal than the 3ers, but it's nice that he listed the differences.
My experiences (used to work for Maserati) have taught me that most people villainize salespeople and those affiliated with car dealerships or hold them in too much contempt. I'm not saying you are, but these days with restrictions and customer demands what they are and the availability of information for consumers online, salesmen are now very reliable sources of information. Most people are doing the math on their own, and you can't disseminate inaccurate finance figures if you're in sales. Most states have laws against it in one fashion or another that pertain to Theft by Swindle or Fraud.

thanks.