Fly Boy Knight

This, in my opinion, is the only REAL "benefit" of leasing a vehicle. FINANCIALLY, it does NOT make sense whatsoever (unless you can deduct the expenses... see below) but the hassle factor associated with straight vehicle ownership freedom is worth something. So, in that respect, I can see why someone WITH THE AVAILABLE $$$ would lease a vehicle.

The only way you can deduct leasing expenses is if the vehicle is used SOLELY for business purposes. If you try to use a leased vehicle for private purposes but claim it as a business expense, it will NEVER survive an IRS audit. If you want to roll the dice and see, go ahead but know that you are cheating the system if you do and that has a risk of being caught.

As a business, if you need new cars often, then leasing could be financially advantageous because of the tax savings however, it would depend on how many cars, how much taxes you'd pay, etc.

Since I do my own maintenance (and actually enjoy it lol), the cost of ownership isn't TOO bad, however, I actually KEEP UP with the manufacturer's recommended MX intervals so it does cost me a bit more than someone who just ran it into the ground without regard for MX stuff. The cost of buying tools and equipment is rather high however, since I plan on maintaining many cars over the course of my car-owning lifetime, the tools will MORE than pay for themselves over and over again.

Jetjok

I too do my own maintenance, but only on my 45 year old Porsche. On the MB, well, no way. In fact I can actually say that since I've had it, which is 2 years next month, I've only opened the hood twice, both times to wash any dust or grime off of the engine. Another benefit of leasing.