I moved to New York from Singapore, where the LR3 (called Discovery 3 there) was over $198KUS, so when I was given the opportunity to take over a lease on a 2006 LR3 7 seater for $499/month (was a service loaner), paying only the $75 lease transfer fee and cover the $500 refundable deposit, I thought what a deal to try out a truck I've always been interested in. The LR had 22k miles on it with a cap at 34k - I'll probably have about 32k miles at the end of the lease. The vehicle is in great shape so I don't expect any problems if I return it.

Except... I replaced the brake pads and rotors at 24k miles. 3. stack tires are fairly worn so will likely have to cover those at lease return.

So I can return at end of lease - get $500 dposit back and likely an approx $1200 bill for new tires.

Or buy the car for $25,500 plus sales/transfer tax ($2k) and a $500 "transfer fee" to the dealer (what the hell is that?). On the upside, the car is in great shape and it runs really well. On the downside, if I want to re-sell it, it does not have many options (no nav, no sunroof, no cd changer, etc) - of course this means less to break...

What would you do? Return and lease again - likely paying $3k at signing and $700 per month on a 2008 with options, or keep the vehicle that has been realiable and met your needs?

I keep wavering... appreciate your candid input.