I leased a 2013 Leaf S for two years.
Numbers that I used to make my decision:
$310/month all-in (15,00 miles/year, GA one-time "ad valorem" & sales tax, $0 down payment, $7,500 Federal tax credit included)
Gas = $3.50/gal
Miles driven/month = 1,250 (I actually drive that or slightly more given a 30 mile one-way commute)
Gas mileage = ((25*.75) + (15*.25)) / 2 = 22.5 mpg (assuming 75% of time replacing Accord miles and 25% replacing Suburban miles)
Gallons month = 56
Gas cost/month = $196
GA Tax credit = $5,000
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Total lease payments $7,440
- GA Tax credit ($5,000)
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$2,440 <=== Ultimate out of pocket cost of lease
Effective lease $/month $102
- Gas cost/month ($196)
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($94) <==== Money saved each month!
Total money saved over life of lease = $2,256
Purchasing wasn't seriously considered given pace of technology change and the fact that I effectively make $100/month by leasing this car. And, my numbers are conservative since it might reduce the Suburban mileage more than estimated. We'll see!