Generally, leasing a car instead of buying only makes financial sense if you prefer a new car every 3 or 4 years and drive an average amount of miles each year. If you drive more than 15,000 or 20,000 miles per year you will be penalized for the high mileage with a larger monthly payment or a penalty at end of the lease. If you only drive 5,000 or 10,000 miles per year you (6 comments)