Consumer reports puts Kia at #3 as of Oct 2017
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-...they-stack-up/

 

Hm, 21% leasing so far, though it is a small sample. I wonder how that would compare when it comes to Benz's C-class, BMW's 3-series, and other IS alternatives?

 

Probably the exact opposite. I leased because I have car ADD and have never "owned" a car for longer than 3 year (even then it's a stretch)...typical is 2 years for me.

 

Leasing current car and glad I didnt purchase this thing since I realize the 350 would have been the ideal choice. When my lease is up, I will purchase the next car, most likely an RC350 F-sport or the 3IS. Might also consider a CPO RCF but the logical side of my brain is telling me that is too much power for commuting purposes.

 

For me, I like to get new cars every 2-3 years. Leasing makes sense for turnover and for purposes of minimizing out-of-pocket costs as well. I only have the car while under warranty, and I usually avoid most of the large service and wear items.

One downside (at least in Massachusetts) is that excise tax is charged based on the car's value, and is charged to the owner regardless of whether you lease or buy. I think the first year I owned my Lexus the tax was $1200. This year (my 3rd year) it was about $400. From a sales tax perspective, in Mass we are charged sales tax on the lease payments only. If you purchase the car, you pay the entire 6.25% sales charge on the full purchase price, regardless of financing or paying cash.

Leasing gives you an easy out to get rid of the car if it was a lemon or if you had a bad accident. Resale value doesn't matter because it's predetermined in the contract.

There is no right or wrong way to do it!

 

Some cars have lousy lease rates and its a better financial decision to purchase rather than lease. For example, I would lease an M3 without hesitation if i wanted a car for just 3 years however, the Audi RS3 has lousy lease rates so I'd probably purchase and drive it for 5 years. Just wanted to put it out there as the type of car can also help you decide.

 

JD Power charges companies to use their studies and other materials in their marketing. Personally speaking, I don't trust any data out of JD Power and other similar sites for this very reason (that survey / study data is made specifically for purchase).