There is no "don't lease at all" rule. Its a case by case situation. In general if you keep your cars for 10 years you are better off financing b/c the cost of the car is spread out over that period of time. If you can get the tax deductions, prefer a new car every few years, and have a healthy amount of disposable income leasing is the way to go. There is no ownership or equity in leasing which is one way people put down leasing by saying "well you pay all that money and you don't own it." That's nice, but you are the one driving the car and its in your driveway. For all intents and purposes you are the constructive owner of the car even if you don't have title to it. Plus, do we ever truly own anything in this world? At best all ownership claims, even to our physical bodies, are extinguished upon death. Things can quickly turn into a philosophical question which is beyond the discussion here. Suffice it to say leasing should not be dismissed so quickly as it is a viable sometimes better option depending on your financial circumstance and personal preferences.
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