U.S. Addicts: Will you be buying or leasing your 1-series coupe?

[vinazzurro]

I'm not looking for a discussion on the merits of buying vs. leasing or vice-versa; that has been beat to death on many other forums.

I'm just asking who's doing what because it seems as though there's a good amount of talk about leasing around here, and it seems to be a pretty popular choice (which surprises me a little).

I'm undecided, but I'll figure it out before the time comes. I need to save up some cash either way.

[SCA]

I voted buy, but if the lease rates are decent I very well may lease.

[Big Red One]

Buying. Probably paying cash since availability will coincide nicely with my annual Incentive Comp. bonus and I have a ton of equity in my paid-off Tacoma.

[BForbes]

She will be bought.

[123d]

I'm not in the U.S. so I guess I won't vote.

[vinazzurro]

Originally Posted by 123d

I'm not in the U.S. so I guess I won't vote.

I specified the US, because I figured we're weird, compared to you guys. :smile:

[Brookside]

I'll probably lease unless I came up with 25% cash-down...then buying would make sense in my situation.

[123d]

Originally Posted by vinazzurro

I specified the US, because I figured we're weird, compared to you guys. :smile:

:drinking:

[vinazzurro]

Originally Posted by 123d

:drinking:

/\ More specifically, I figured we have different spending habits than the rest of the world.

[sdhiphophead]

I will be buying so i can do a lot of modding upgrade twin turbos carbon fiber lips procede haha vrooom pshhhhhh duel BOV woot ....

[imported_MPower]

I plan on buying only because I have a lot equity in my current car that would make a lease schedule a waste of that equity.

[mexglx]

I got my VW in '97 and I'll have waited 11-12 years for the 135i. I originally thought I'd get a used M3 but the 135i seems like the deal of the century. You better believe I'm buying. I'm keeping the sucker for another 11-12 years, till its been thouroughly worn out and then I get a Porsche. I guessing by that time a gently (Yeah right) worn 997 turbo will go for about $60k and I'll be able to afford it by then. :headbang:

[Robert]

Paying cold hard cash carried in plastic ziplock bags.

[Chibana]

I'm looking for a toy car to take to open track days, so I don't think leasing is a very good idea!

[obsidiansti]

It depends on the MSRP for me. If it comes in under 35K i'll buy. If its over, I'll lease. It also depends on interest rates and moneyfactors available at the time. I paid 35K for my current car so I'd like to keep my payment around the same.

[kurichan]

Originally Posted by MPower

I plan on buying only because I have a lot equity in my current car that would make a lease schedule a waste of that equity.

You've got it backward! Putting or leaving equity in a car is a waste! Take the equity out of your current car, invest it, then lease your new BMW.

[IvtecEM]

I plan on leaseing for the fact that I have realtor lic I can claim everything back then i will buy the car at the end of the lease..........

[WolfsburgerMitFries]

Leases are just designed to beat you up.

[lib]

Originally Posted by WolfsburgerMitFries

Leases are just designed to beat you up.

So how much do you loose (discounted to present values) by leasing for three years instead of financing for three years? Pick any reasonable opportunity cost you'd like. (Hint: no one can answer that yet)

You loose money buying as well as leasing. The amounts depend on factors that we don't yet know as well as individual factors that will vary with every individual buyer (how long you'll keep it, what else you would do with the money, etc).

Bottom line: Don't just accept anecdotal recommendations on what to do with your money. Look at the cashflows as well as what else you could do with the money and figure it out for yourself.

[Vornado]

No one ever said cars were a good investment, but that wont stop me from owning one . Ah well money schmoney, its all gone when you're dead right?

[imported_Stef]

Buying. I want to be able to say that its mine, and all mine.

[kurichan]

Originally Posted by WolfsburgerMitFries

Leases are just designed to beat you up.

Who cares how they're "designed" unless you have a victim complex.

You only get beat up on a lease if you don't know how to negotiate and structure it.