absent huge amounts of repairs it will always save you money in the end. However, buying a two or three year old used car often will not save you money and could cost you much more in the long run...especially if you cannot commit to keeping the car for 7 or 8 years.

Leasing is not as scary as people make it out to be, especially if you have done your research and the lease makes sense (not all leases are good ones). Plus, you get a brand spanking new car every few years.