Tips on Buying Cars: Is this a good deal? Trading in a Nissan Altima for a Sentra lease, nissan sentra, nissan altima

Question
Hi Don,
I bought a 2002 Nissan Altima 8 months ago for $8750. Since then, the check engine light has come on 4 times. This last time it came up as the catalytic converter needing replacement, which was quoted to me at $2000. The dealership gave me the option of trading it in to do a college graduate lease-to-own of a 2011 Nissan Sentra SR. The deal would be $150/month for 39 months, 15,000 miles per year, with a $2500 check back to me. This deal also includes all taxes, registration, fees, etc.-no extra charges.

I work at a job where I need to drive about 1000 miles/month, which means putting a lot of miles on a car in a short period of time. However, by the time the lease is up I'll be out of that job and at a new one which is much closer to where I live. I want to lease for the next 3 years so that I don't own a car that has a ton of wear and tear on it from this job, and I was thinking at the end of the 3 years I would purchase a newer used car to have for a long time.

Is this deal with the Sentra a good deal or should I shop around elsewhere? Thanks!

Answer
Kate:Thanks for the question.In my past advice,has always been consider a car with a warranty.As with lease options maintance costs are covered under the lease term.And if you do drive an average of 1,000 a year except for general maintance,oil changes,ect.,sounds like a good deal, I think it would work for YOU.Also Nissan is a good make of cars.At the end of the term,you can trade your car,turn the car back to the dealership,or keep it.I strongly suggest not to keep it as your warranty may be close or may have ended.Good luck!Don