How many with Car leasing experience actually returned it without penalties?

[PlatinumGold]

I've never leased a car. it doesn't work for me because i've never had a car that i put fewer than 25k per year on it. for those of you that have leased how many have never had to pay any penalties? because if the majority have paid penalties than you should factor that into your cost of ownership.

i'm still not convinced that leasing is cheaper, for me it obviously isn't because of how many miles i put on my cars, but even for others i'm not sure it is.

 

[Doggiedog]

I leased a '98 Prelude SH for 2 years. I put on 20K miles, took care of the car and didn't pay any penalties. In fact, they were so happy to get the car back because they were still relatively uncommon back then and it was in good condition.

 

[bunker]

I've leased two Ford Rangers and now have an F-150. Never had to pay a penalty, but I also take very good care of my vehicles.

The last Ranger I turned in had a few minor dings and scratches, but nothing was said.

 

[hoihtah]

i generally stay away from leasing for this very reason.

i like the idea of freedom.
i remember many of my friends having to calculate their mileage every day.
i just don't want to be dealing with that.

i go as i please.

 

[TapTap]

Leasing works if your commute is not 60 miles a day. We leased wifey a SUV, and I have the sedan. This is our 2nd lease, and with proper, timely service we have never had a problem. We love it because it is perfect for our situation.
Lots of people can not lease because they drive things in to the ground, and change the oil only when the motor seizes up.
Also, you want a "Closed end" contract-ie the terms of the end of the lease are negotiated at the onset, and is written in to the contract-ie what you pay at the end when you are done (if it is more than 150.00--tell them to lower it or WALK). "Open ended" leases leave in too many variables that can affect the turn-in at the end of the lease(where people get dinged for more $)
Our particular lease has the option of a FREE upgrade to new lease after 30 months REGARDLESS if we are over the mileage or not. We can trade up, or opt to finish the remaining 12 months.
Again, in our situation that is perfect.

 

[PlatinumGold]

TapTap and others that have posted here, sounds like leases work for you guys. I know they wouldn't work for me.

 

[aphex]

Been through about 4-5 leases in my family. Never had a problem with any of them.

My mom even returned her last one after 30,000 miles because she never changed the oil (Yes, shes an idiot). Because she leased another one that day, she didnt get a charged anything

 

[prontospyder]

My parents leased a van from California and drove it to Colorado. When the lease is up, do they need to drive it back to Calif (Bank of America has no branches here) or can they return it to any dealership and get another car?

 

[FlashG]

I leased my current car 92 Accord and then bought it oughtright at the end of the lease for $5K under book at 3%.