So:
After a hand-me-down in after high school...
After a horrible used car experience...
After buying car after car, just to keep up with technology...
After racking up negative equity from buying ^^^^ cars to keep up with technology...
I finally decided to lease back in 2011.
After doing that, I have to say that WAS THE BEST THING TO DO in my situation.
So back in 2011, the Mrs. and I were expecting and at the time, I was driving a 2011 Prius. Well when the stick turned blue, I jumped into dad mode and said we need a truck. Wanted an Equinox but the price wasn't right, so I went to Honda and after the back and forth games with the salesmen and the management, the salesperson I was working with suggested that if I really wanted the truck (CR-V) and to get rid of the negative equity, I should LEASE! I was really apprehensive towards leasing MAINLY because of the miles restrictions, BUT fast forward three years later I go back to that dealership and hug that young lady for that valuable advice on that evening. Granted my lease was much higher because of the negative equity, BUT when I turned that truck back in last month (in my LeBron voice) "I HAVE NO WORRIES!!" During the middle of that lease, I did get a "beater" whip for long trips, errands, and for the Mrs. to drive and it's working and I DO plan to keep the beater.
Leasing for me is the best thing because from buying many cars I learned this:
- Technology is way more important to me than what's under the hood. Technology is more likely to change than an engine. I like having the Bluetooth, nav, iPod connectivity, and what ever else the car industry has down the road. LEASING!!!
- My first two cars was a hand-me-down and a used car. I spent so much blood, sweat, tears, and MONEY into those THOT's that I will NEVER BUY A CAR USED again (except for the beater I got the Mrs.). Used cars to me are like liver; no matter how much BBQ sauce or ketchup (the extended warranty) they still can't mask the bad taste. LEASING!!!
- I'd rather be in the routine of paying for a new car with little to no maintenance VS getting those 36,000+ miles woes. I've got friends that clowned me on leasing, saying "You'll never own anything!" That maybe true, but when they pay off their ride and let's say they get around that 80k+ plus maintenance and repairs; they're going to either have to shell out $$$$ for repairs on a consistent basis or pony up and put a down payment on another ride, when they were already "comfortable" not having a note because they wanted to "own" something only to have to adjust their income to do the one thing they vowed not to do. I know that the $390 - $450 a month is something I can handle and is not beyond my means for the next 20+ years. LEASING!!!
- Leasing also makes me sort of money wise. Sometimes I'll ask myself, "Do I really need to drive this far to go to Target or can I go to one that is closer (saving me gas, miles, and $$)." LEASING!!!
- My commute to work is on the subway which I live about 2 miles from; so, I park and ride!! Saves me on gas, miles, and city parking/driving.
LEASING IS NOT IF YOU DIRVE EVERYWHERE EVERYDAY!!!!
BTW I just picked this up two weeks ago for another three years!!!! VW Passat TDI SE w/ Sunroof and Nav!!!!
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