Tips on Buying Cars: lease vs. buy, purchasing a car, lease deal

Question
Hey Ray,
I have always bought cars (all pre-owned), but recently saw what I thought to be a good lease deal.  Upon enquiring, the person I spoke to at the dealership (don't know if he was financing or sales or what) told me that it was in my best interest to buy instead of leasing.  Is this at all accurate in general?  does the state of the economy make leases less valuable? or is it still cheaper monthly payments for a lease vs. the long-term cheaper value of purchasing a car?  One thing he mentioned was "buy rate."
So in terms of numbers i'm looking at $3000 down and $210 per month to lease vs. $1,000 down and $300 per month to buy.
Thanks.

Answer
Hi Steven

You can google the question " buy car VS lease " and you will most likely get many links with answers, without going into long detail as to why, for me it will be finance all the way as there are to many rules, regulations,and hassle returning a leased vehicle.

Just looking at your numbers for lease I assume that's plus taxes every month on the $210 and taxes up front being added to the down payment ?

What the salesperson is telling you, the interest rates makes it a better deal to finance when you compare all the numbers.

Good luck

Ray  http://www.usedcartips.org/