My 1998 Mazda passed 200,000 miles last Friday.

My 1998 Mazda passed 200,000 miles last Friday.

I’m now debating my options. While the car continues to work, issues with the suspension are making me nervous. Even my spouse, who originally owned the car, can feel the difference, and we both agree that the costs to fix it would be like throwing a bandaid over an artery puncture.

So I’m considering, for the first time in my life, about leasing my next car. I’ve always known about them; who hasn’t been bombarded by those oh-so-tempting $199 a month deals to drive a high-end luxury car for 24 or 36 months? But reality, in the form of driving between 20,000 to 25,000 miles yearly, has dismissed any serious notion.

But the location of my new job puts most lease deals within reach. 12,000 miles a year? Honey, I’ll be (un)lucky to get that high with my current route.

I’ve been querying around, asking friends and family their opinions on leasing. The answer’s interesting: with the exception of two folks (more on them later), everyone’s been down on it. The replies are the usual and very valid: you won’t own the car, you’ll have to be real cautious on your miles, etc.

I could probably score cheap monthly payments by buying a used car. But one of the reasons we’re looking into lease is that there are plenty available with low to even zero money down. Upfront costs are important.

I’ll have to give this issue more thought over the weekend. If you have any opinion, please comment.