Tips on Buying Cars: Taking over a lease, leasetrader, swapalease

Question
Hey there, Steve.

I'm operating on 2 basic principles in my car-buying decision: # 1 - a car is not an investment, and loses its value pretty quickly after purchase, and # 2 - I can match my desire to be environmentally sensitive by picking up a slightly used car that someone else has moved on from, if I make my decision right.

Those have led me to looking at taking over someone's lease.

Do you agree that this is a smart way to go forward?  And when I see these listings on Swapalease and LeaseTrader that have -11,000 miles, am I in a position to negotiate with the dealer and/or buy the car at the end of the lease without a huge penalty?

Total newbie full of gratitude for your guidance,

Brennan

Answer
Hi,
I do not like leases, you are just renting a car for a period of time. I would rather own. Also, about how many miles per year do you drive? There is a cap on the yearly miles. Also, you will take over the responsibility when you turn the lease back for all wear and tear and damages.

STEVE