Tips on Buying Cars: Buying or Leasing, ford windstar, trade money

Question
I have a Ford Windstar 1998 with about 50,000 miles and I owe about $10,000 on it.  I want to change it for a newer minivan.  I do not know if it is better to buy another one or lease it.  I went to couple of dealers in Florida.  They offer to get my minivan, pay its balance, and with about $2,000 extras in cash get me a new one for about $500 in a lease (it sounds like a bad business to me).  What do you think?  What is better lease or buying?  How could I make a good business (I do want a new minivan)

Thank you

Answer
Hi hector
There are a few factors that come into play which way to go, which only you can answer...go to link below...
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/dailymath/car/

Look in your local newspaper for some specials that you may consider...get your best price...and shop another dealer for same car...
To compare your total expence add all factors...
If buying...with your trade and money down plus payments your total end cost will be ?...
If leasing...again with trade money down...total monthly payments incl taxes...buy back option end value how much ?...and dont forget to add taxes to end value as this will be added should you decide to keep van...
should you be looking at a used van then go to my website for a few pointers   www.usedvehiclefacts.ca
Good Luck
  Ray