Originally Posted by Gilda

Financially, leasing a new car for a couple of years is the worst way to do it. Cars depreciate the most during that time period, and by leasing, you're paying for that depreciation.

It's at about the 2 to 3 year point that buying makes the most sense; the car still has a lot of life in it, but you don't take the big hit on depreciation. If you're going to go for a new car, the best way to do so financially is to buy only if you're going to keep it long term, for at least a couple of years after it's paid off.

Leasing new every 2 - 3 years, or buying new and trading in after 2-3 years is how you spend the most money on cars. Buying after someone else takes that depreciation hit is how you spend the least.