<prompt> Human: It seems to be a hot topic today, and Im in the process of car shopping, so let me add a log to the fire.First of all, I want to insert a little disclaimer: Leasing for the same of small monthly payments or as a way to get into a car that you couldnt otherwise afford is a TERRIBLE idea. You should calculate the ENTIRE cost of owning a car over time before you make any purchase. Add up the total interest cost and the total overall cost of any transaction!However, if you are looking at a car that is within your realm of affordability, here is a good reason to lease:Lets imagine you buy a car for 25,000. On your way home from the dealership with your shiny new ride, some drunken idiot crashes into the back of your car, doing 10,000 of damage. Because your car is so new, it gets fixed rather than replaced.Your car lost about 10 of its value when you drove it off the lot like all cars do and another 25-50 of its value when you were hit. As long as you had the car properly repaired, the lease company has to take it back at the end of the lease and its their loss. If you owned it, you would be out a lot of money.This has happened to me twice in my life, easily costing me 5k each time. Both cars were less than 3 years old, and both accidents were deemed 100 the other drivers fault.So there you go - a good reason to lease a car that you can afford.  <response>: If you love driving new cars, have the extra cash budgeted, and understand that leasing costs more in the long run, they are not a bad deal. Thats pretty much it. 