<prompt> Human: So, good times: I was in a car accident Thursday. Insurance has told me that most likely the extent of the damage of my financed vehicle will result in the car being a total loss. No problem, I have GAP and honestly, I was planning to use it as a trade in towards a new car. The idea of a lease appeals to me most because: 1 maintenance is covered in duration of lease 2 lower payment than a car note 3 I dont care about owning a car especially when Im planning to move to a place with actual public transportation making a car unnecessary. 4 flexibility in terms of not being stuck with a car note 5 the place I purchased is minutes from downtown where I work so my commute is short and the miles ill travel per year 10,000 miles.I get that financing is usually touted as the better option, but I wanted to get others thoughtsexperiences. Ive read that putting money down on a lease is not smart as in the event the car is totaled or in an accident, those funds are not recouped. I appreciate the feedback, please and thank you! EDIT: I was not originally planning to buy new, if I were to finance again, it would be a car less than 5 years old or so. Just based off past experience with older used cars, thats what Im comfortable with. Assistant: Im not sure where you see flexibility in a leased car; generally its the opposite. If you decide you dont wantneed a car, its a lot harder to move a leased car, and usually worse financially.Also, if you barely drive the car, youre paying for mileage youre not using.Your best play is getting a used car, paying as much cash as you can and financing the rest.Human: flexibility in that im not stuck with a vehicle when i move out of state in the next 3 years. Assistant: Unless youre moving out of the country, youll still need a vehicle. Maybe you should buy a used Toyota Prius. Low maintenance and fuel costs. Human: lol the cities im looking at have great public transportation so car would be more of an expensive thing to keep aroundcollecting dust.Assistant: Uh huh. And its great transportation until you need to bring home a lot of groceries. Then the bus sucks, and so does waiting around for a taxi. Ive done both. Where you planning to live? Human: It does suck, but I did it for 3 years living in Israel without a car. Im aware...Assistant: And its--absolutely--going to suck in the buses are a Commie plot car-culture country of the United States. Israel will seem like Japan in comparison. Look. Go to Craigslist and see if theres a car you like for cheap. If so, get it. If not, take the bus. Just consider your options. Human: Lol fine. Ill look at used cars, but im not excited for potential repairs and expenses even if the car was cheap af. Im trying to get someone else to absorb the cost of fixing shit lol  <response>: Do not fool yourself that you are smarter than dealership and are saving by leasing. 