Originally Posted by mpp9

If you wait and find a manufacturer looking to move product and offer insane incentives. Their money factors, net capitalized costs, and projected residual values can allow for a great deal. If you have the cash to buy it outright at the end of the lease, it often can be the same as financing from the beginning.

Nissan's 299/month lease with 3k down on the Z is a pretty good example. I believe on a base coupe, you're talking about around 33k total spent if you buy it out at the lease end (not finance, cash).

It allows you a lower monthly payment for the time being and you can see if this is a car you'd like to have longterm. If it is, buy it out. If not, turn it in and get the new car on the block.

If you know this is the car for you, their 0% financing for 5 years is too good to pass up. I'd negotiate as far I can under invoice and take that.