It is a strange way to compare leasing to purchasing OP. You need to subtract at least the trade in value in 2-3 years from today’s purchase price to have an apples to apples comparison.

OP here. My son lives at home and is contributing to his own college costs with a summer/seasonal job. We need reliable transportation. And the total lease costs for 2-3 years is less than purchasing what seems to be a safe, somewhat reliable used car. That's why we are looking at leasing. That would get him through college and then he could purchase his own.

I've done a lot more research on leasing since posting. I do appreciate your feedback. It has given me more to research.

Anonymous wrote:Five car brands I will never own or lease. They are all junk.

Mercedes
BMW
Audi
Jeep
Land Rover

+1