Buying vs. Leasing

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Considerations Loan Lease
Initial Costs A down payment, taxes, registration, and/or other fees and charges. Capital cost reduction (down payment), security deposit (refundable at the lease's end), one month's payment and/or other fees and charges.
Cost by Month High payments due to the interest on a loan for the entire value of the vehicle, plus associated fees. Usually lower, based on a monthly lease rate, depreciating value, and state/local taxes or fees.
Mileage Drive as much as you want. But remember that mileage reduces the resale or trade-in value. Base mileage permitted is defined by the lease, commonly in the 12,00-15,000 range. Higher limits, which will raise the payments, are permitted on negotiation.
"End" Value You as the owner, take the full brunt of depreciation due to wear and tear or sales trends. The leasing company bears responsibility for any depreciation beyond the assessed amount.
Maintenance You are responsible for all upkeep. A car in good condition has a higher re-sale or trade-in value. You are responsible for normal maintenance. Any damages considered excessive, may be penalized at the end of the lease.
Changing Your Mind If you decide to sell a car before the end of a loan term, there will be penalties. If you end a lease early, there will be penalties levied.
At Term Expiry When the loan is paid off, the car is yours. At the end of the lease, you will need to negotiate a new arrangement for another car.