[AlBoston]

I changed to a lease at the last second mainly because of all the technology advancements I think will be coming down the line, also I don't drive more than 12k per year so it shouldn't be an issue.

[lindros2]

Bought last August.

Lease was $860-900 + tax. BMW "base money factor" horseshit nearly caused me to have a temper tantrum on the dealer.

Purchase was $2200 under MSRP, *plus* I got tax credit (zero tax on 535i) from trading in "equal value" car (trade was more than new 535i).

[dpwr]

with leasing you obviously pay a little more, but you pay to always be in a full warranty, accident value protection, have a new car every 2-3 years, get latest and greatest and no hassle selling the car... Buying also makes sense since 1st owner took the biggest hit, I'm thinking to buy out my lease this time around if the car behaves... there's no right or wrong answer, you need to do what suites your lifestyle and your financial situation

[550 GHOST]

Bought it today, traded my 2002 330i sport, did not want the sport pack with the five, I cracked the sport wheels with the 3 so many times I did not want any low profile tires on the 5, roads in the big apple are horrible, yeah it's only one day, but I love this car. PS as you can see I was long overdue. (did not like the look of the e60)

[Bamsha]

Originally Posted by dpwr

with leasing you obviously pay a little more, but you pay to always be in a full warranty, accident value protection, have a new car every 2-3 years, get latest and greatest and no hassle selling the car... Buying also makes sense since 1st owner took the biggest hit, I'm thinking to buy out my lease this time around if the car behaves... there's no right or wrong answer, you need to do what suites your lifestyle and your financial situation

Perfectly said!

[paulbazo]

I ran the numbers and options for both leasing and buying, and looked at my last lease, this is what I considered:

1-My last lease for a 2008 550i Msport, when the lease was up, i still enjoyed the car so much I wish I could have kept it for another year, but I had to give it up.
2-I take extremelly good care of my cars, they never go trough a car wash, no dings, but all of this only to return it at lease end.

I looked into leasing compared to BMW Select, and went for the select, the payment is lower than with leasing, I am flexible to keep the car until I want to, etc. The only con is that I take the risk of depreciation, the ballon is the same as the residual, but there are no bank fees, no dealer markup on the rate, etc. I will be paying about $150 less a month (Interest is much lower), I can put Non Run Flat tires, put as low or high mileage as I want, etc.

And when I get tired I just trade it in, whenever that is, in 2 years or in 5.

It was a no brainer for me.