I disagree. We have leased at least one new car every three years starting about 1996. My leases are covered under full warranty for the duration of the lease, I pay less per month than a purchase auto loan, even at my low-cost credit union rates. Not to mention that I get a new car every three years. Leasing is not for everybody, true, but if you purchase a new car (even for cash), the moment you drive it off the lot you’ve already lost money on the deal.
The only way to get a good deal on a car is to buy one that is just off-lease, if it’s a certified pre-owned used car (CPO). An off-lease car is usually relatively low mileage, often well taken care of, and the new car depreciation has been absorbed. Many CPOs, like BMW, MB, Audi, etc., and others offer a good CPO warranty for anywhere from 3-4 years after purchase.
Just my $.02.
“The only way to get a good deal on a car is to buy one that is just off-lease, if it’s a certified pre-owned used car (CPO). An off-lease car is usually relatively low mileage, often well taken care of, and the new car depreciation has been absorbed. Many CPOs, like BMW, MB, Audi, etc., and others offer a good CPO warranty for anywhere from 3-4 years after purchase.”
that’s EXACTLY how i bought my last Honda Accord. basically paid 1/2 the price of a brand new one ...
We have bought our last 3 cars like that. One year old cars that were super low mileage and leased. A jaguar and 2 Mercedes. Got great deals on them.
We figured it out long ago.