Tips on Buying Cars: buy vs. lease, new vw rabbit, mileage charges

Question
My husband and I are 3 years into a 4 yr. lease on a Subaru Impreza. We leased because we were both in grad school at the time and needed the low payments, but now are working full time, and financially stable. Last year we purchased a new VW Rabbit. I commute 45 miles twice per day, 5 days per week. My husband's commute is minimal. I alternate between the two cars to spread out the miles. The Subaru lease is up next year, and we are trying to decide whether it's smarter to buy a new car or to lease one (and therefore continue leasing a new car every 4 years or so).  Any advice would be much appreciated. We are considering a new Subaru Impreza or something similar (compact, reliable, under $20,000). Thanks!

Answer
First, my apologies for taking so long to respond. Between getting called out of town, jury duty, and my mother going to the hospital, I haven't touched a computer in a week.

I've been leasing a personal vehicle since 1983, and have always been a proponent of leasing.  When I want a new car, I lease it; when I want to own a car, I look for a good used car.  To me, it makes no sense to buy a new vehicle and absorb all that depreciation.  Nearly every one today is "polarized" when it comes to leasing- they either love it or hate it, and nothing I can say will change anyone's mind.  Which means it's more of an emotional decision than anything else.  Most people that put a lot of miles on a car are afraid to lease because of potential lease-end mileage charges, but as long as you have that other car to "share" your commute with, then that shouldn't be a problem.  If you've been comfortable with the lease so far, then you should seriously consider sticking with it.  You probably know most of the pros and cons already, but I think the biggest advantage to leasing is the fact that you don't owe more then the vehicle is worth.  After 2-3 years (the longest you should lease a vehicle for, and I can get into that in more detail if you want to ask a follow-up question) it's done and you walk away, but 2-3 years into the typical 5-6 year auto loan and you'll still owe several thousand dollars more than the car is worth.  If you want to have a new car in the driveway every few years, leasing is the only thing that makes sense to me.  There are pitfalls to watch out for in leasing- if you're not already aware of them, please feel free to ask a follow-up question.