If you desire to lease a vehicle then you will always have a car payment. If it were me, I would purchase something within my budget that is both reliable and something I would plan on keeping for a long time, possibly up to 10 years or more.

Just my humble opinion, but if someone does not plan on driving much I wouldn't purchase/lease something new and expensive for minimal amounts of driving. I would rather spend the least amount of cash (not credit) on something dependable and invest the rest of the money into something such as a home.

I agree 100%. Our cars are nothing more than basic transportation - a means to get from point A to point B. Car companies hate guys like me. My truck is 7 years old with 90K miles on it. I plan on keeping it for at least another 200K and then pay cash for something used and dependable.

BTW, I'm willing to bet that in 2018 you will be driving a 20 year old Corolla - they tend to last a long time. Good on ya if you do! :)

I've never leased before, but if you pay $300/mo for 36 months plus an initial payment of about $2,000, you're looking at spending $12,800 in 3 years. And what will you have at the end of that time? Whereas if you buy, you'll be well on your way to owning a reliable, moderately-priced slightly used car. Which you can sell at some point for another car if you wish. And if you're not going to drive it much, does it really matter what it is?

Obviously you'll need to do what you feel works best for you. But I haven't missed not having to make a car payment since 2002, when I paid off my Accord.