re: Trading in a vehicle every couple years vs leasing

The main issue not mentioned, is sales tax. In most states you only pay sales tax on a lease on your payments. So on say a $50k car that really adds up! 10% sales tax would be $5,000. If you are paying that every 2 years as opposed to say $1,000-1500 on a $10,000-15,000 lease cost?

If all else is the same as in your mileage and usage would work with a lease, you would be better off leasing due to no sales tax upon purchase many times not to mention the huge hit in depreciation.

Now, if you want a "newish" car regularly and drive higher miles then you can do very well by getting 2-3 old vehicles with $20-40k miles and trading them back in when they hit 75-80kish miles.