Compare what leasing really costs against buying the same car over the same period, counting the equity you keep when you buy.
Over the lease term, leasing often looks cheaper month to month, but buying usually wins long term because you keep the car's value and eventually stop making payments.
Leasing can make sense if you want a new car every 2-3 years, drive under the mileage limit (often 10,000-12,000 miles a year) and can write off part of it for business.
Equity is what the car is worth minus what you still owe on the loan. If it's positive at the end of the period, that money is yours when you sell or trade in.
Yes: mileage overage fees (often 15-25 cents a mile), wear-and-tear charges and a disposition fee when you return the car.
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