If I need to trade my car, is it better to buy a new one outright, or lease one?

oh and I do NOT want another VW - maintenance is too expensive

a brand new automobile will depreciate on the spot, buy a 2 -12 months old one. all cars need maintenance but it is up to the owner to pay the money at the end of the day

The only logical reason to lease is if you are self employed, so the payments are deductible. If not, it's much more economical to buy a one-year-old car with 10,000 miles on it. That car will still be under warranty because it's practically new, and it will last you for years with virtually no upkeep.

i did financing with my vw jetta. The payments were alright for me but i got it in 2014 and it was a 2012 car and it still ended up at 272$ a month and the car only started at 11,000$. and after warrenty and snows i ended up at 19,000$ So when your looking for a car from a certified dealer like dodge or vw keep the warranty prices in mind cause this is where you will be hammered in the end. I personly never want a VW again especially after the crap i went threw with my 2012 jetta since i bought the dam thing. I have spent a good month studying cars and evaluating prices on cars new and used. The most reliable and best sized for its price would be a 2015 mazda 3. if you get it used you can normaly get a good price on one. They handle awsome and are quite a solid car its in fact the car ill be buying next once my car comes back from the repair shop ..again... I loved my 98 Audi but it was old ... it was falling apart ... and it was requiring to much love from my wallet so i figured a vw would be good and boy was I wrong.. VW has already shelled out 11,000$ in parts and labour on my 2012 jetta in just under 2 years and this has been going on every second week wince i bought it so always be sure to check a used car out 110% before buying it.