So, you're thinking about your next car, and you're mulling over whether to buy outright or lease for a few years.
If you haven't leased a car, the idea may appeal to you if you are considering a model you normally wouldn't buy.
Perhaps you want the opportunity to drive a sedan with upgraded features like a sunroof or built-in navigation, but feel you can't afford the sticker price.
Leasing gives you one option to enjoy a car you like, but is it the right option for you? Before you make the commitment one way or the other, it's important to know the difference between leasing and buying.
For the quick and dirty version:

• Buying a car is pretty much self-explanatory.
  When you see a car you like, you arrange to make payments through the dealership or car owner.
  In some cases, you may trade in a current vehicle, or utilize financing options.
  However you do it, once you've made all the payments the car is yours.
  
• Leasing may sound a bit like renting, but it is quite different from a car rental.
  When you arrange a lease, you agree to take home a car for a set period of time - usually two or three years.
  When the lease is up, you have either the option of returning the car and paying the difference between the original value and the depreciated value, or you can buy the car at the depreciated price.
  You may also be responsible for various taxes and financing fees during the lease.
  

Let's say you've found a car to lease that costs about $18,000.
You lease it for two years, in which time the value of the car has depreciated to $14,000.
If you decide not to buy the car, you will pay $4,000 for the time you used it.
You may feel encourage to lease if you believe you can pay under $5,000 for a car, but bear in mind that you will have to return it and look for another ride.
Are you better off leasing as opposed to buying? While both have pros and cons, you should ask yourself this before you head into a car lot:

• Do I plan to live long-term in an area where I'll need a car to get to work and run errands?
• Do I travel extensively by car?
• Do I want to concern myself with repairs and replaced parts several years down the road with a car I own?

Ultimately you are the best judge and must make the decision.
Weigh the options of both and enjoy the ride.