[Flashpoint]

As far as the noted downsides to leasing goes:

Mileage: If you know how much you typically drive a week, it's not hard to calculate your annual mileage. I had 15k a year and never came close on my last car. My commute is longer now, so I added 3K a year for about $10 a month ($360 total). It is important to keep track of it. My penalty rate is $0.18 a mile over - so if you were 1000 miles over you'd be out $180. The point is - be aware of your limits. Never caused me any concern.

Return fees: I can only speak to my personal experience, but I wasn't hit with any. I had a few small dings and some scratches, so nothing major. But living in Texas, I don't drive in winter, so that's probably a significant difference.

Not owning anything at the end of the lease: Well, I don't want to have to pay for anything on the car if it breaks. My Mazda warantee was 36 months or 60K miles, whichever came first.

I wanted a dependable ride for not much money. I got that.


And if you like it after 3 years you can always buy it.