Leased. I struggled with the choice. Leasing seems to suit me given that I often want to switch cars every 3 years or so. Obviously, leasing does limit a person regarding mods. However, I don't really think about it that way. Most of the mods I would (will) do, can be removed and the car made "stock" again IF I decide to turn it in at the end of the lease. Again, though, I don't really think about it that way. I leased it (15k miles per year, 36 months) so that the monthly cost is -- for me -- insignificant compared to financing it (down payment + at least another $100 per month for me). I'm not loaded, but I do have the means to pay cash for the car at the end of the lease, and frankly, that is what I intend to do unless it turns out to be a piece -- if it is a piece, I won't hesitate to turn it in. At that time, I'll know if I want to buy it outright and continue with more comprehensive upgrades. Until then, I'll content myself with a chip (APR stage I), a conservative intake upgrade, and some nice wheels/summer tires. Yep, you read that right -- I'm going to chip my leased car. Unsound logic as it might be, the plan would be IF I turn it in, to set it to "stock" and let it go. In the meantime, I want the extra power that a conservative tune will provide.
