Whew what a thread. As someone who has spent a career in the leasing industry (medical and IT) I'm fairly regulary AMAZED at the misinformation out there.
Wasn't it Morgan Stanely the person who coined the phrase "Purchase what appreciates, lease what depreciates".
For business' it makes better sense to lease because they can generally deduct lease payments from their taxable income.
An important point that the person who started this thread missed - its NEVER a good idea to lease when your objective is to OWN at the end. You'll take one in the can every time. If, on the other hand, you generally change rides fairly regularly, well that leasing MAY be for you. You need get out your calculator and do a little present value analysis.
Personally I have never leased an auto. I put on too many miles. When we purchase my boat I'd been dreaming about last year ( a Doral 360 SE) I did a LIBOR based equity loan. The interest rate is SUPER low and you have the option to repay principle at your leisure.
Good luck. To others considering this as an option - READ THE CONTRACT!!!!
