Reading the verdict
"Buy is cheaper" assumes you actually keep the car after the term and the resale value holds. "Lease is cheaper" assumes you walk away with nothing — if you plan to swap cars every 3 years anyway, leasing usually wins on hassle and predictability.
- Mileage limits: leases penalize 20¢–30¢ per excess km/mile. Add this if you drive a lot.
- Maintenance: leases often include scheduled maintenance; ownership doesn’t.
- Insurance: typically similar; not factored here.