Leasing vs Buying

[xav]

Hi all

I am a french student leaving in Melbourne Florida and i already spent 6 months there WITHOUT a car and in such a place without a car you can't live properly...

I conviced my dad about buying a used car, he is ok but he also asked me to search information about leasing a car .

I went on the following website which explains approximatly what it is :
http://www.fordcredit.com/redcarpetl...g_buying.jhtml

But i still can't get properly what would be the best for me...

The whole think is that if i buy a used car I will not pay more than 5000 $ for it... ( and I know there are some risks that i will face problem with the car because of its mileage). + inssurance

So do you think that if I lease a new (mileage=0) Ford Focus or FOrd mustand or a civic ( or BMW M3 or whatever ) during one year and a half ( because i will leave Florida Institute of Technology in december 2004 if everything is OK ) it will be worther for me than buying a 5000 $ (+ inssurance + problems) used car ?

Another thing : In france when someone lease a car, the inssurance is included. Is it the same in the US ?


So in one word what in your mind would be the best for me (and less expensive at the end of the year and a half ? )
ps: I am 22.

I hope you will understand what i wrote
thank you

xavier

[calystar]

Insurance does not come with a lease here in the US and you'll have to buy full coverage for your leased vehicle as well. I don't *think* you can lease car for that short of a period, and if you can, it will be really expensive. For you though, I'd go with leasing a new car (if that's possible) because with 5k, you won't be able to get much with it (and will more than likely have problems --> $$$) and probably won't be able to sell it for much later... Just my 2 cents, but the best of luck with your car situation!