re: If an employer pays full mileage rate, does leasing make sense?

All very good points here. However, whether you are reimbursed, or not, for mileage, does not determine your deductions. If you use a car in business, you either claim mileage or actual expenses. It has nothing to do with whether or not you are reimbursed, or a 1099 employee, or a partner, or owner.

The depreciation route, Section 529 deduction, etc... are taken if you itemize your deductions on the vehicle.

Once you choose one way or the other you can't switch back (I believe there are exceptions).

If you choose mileage, and a company reimburses you at full IRS rates, less than IRS rates, or more than IRS rates, you still have to report that reimbursement against your mileage claim.

I personally don't care what kind of car she gets. She earns more than twice what I earn and I earn in six figures, so she is well taken care of by her employer because she brings them the business. Her latest major deal was a $29 Million services contract.