If you plan to drive your car "into the ground" (8–10+ years), is the only logical choice. The most cost-effective years of car ownership are years 5 through 10, when the loan is gone but the car is still reliable. 4. Maintenance and Repairs
comes with strict "rules." Most contracts limit you to 10,000 or 12,000 miles per year. If you have a long commute or love road trips, the overage fees (often $0.20–$0.30 per mile) can be a nasty surprise. You also have to return the car in "excellent" condition or pay for dings and scratches. car lease versus buy analysis
gives you total freedom. You can drive 30,000 miles a year, spill coffee on the seats, and install a custom roof rack without asking anyone for permission. The "New Car" Itch: If you plan to drive your car "into