[header] How to decide whether to lease or buy a car [title] Consider your trade cycle history. [step] Chances are you'll keep the next car about the same length of time as before. If it's long term , 5 or more years, consider buying. 
You'll generally pay less per year that way. If, on the other hand, you like to drive the latest models, leasing may be cheaper and simpler than buying and trading every 2-3 years.