Right on, Gargoyle. That's the creed I follow, with a couple of small exceptions...I did two or three short-term things where I paid on time for precisely this purpose: to establish a good credit rating. All ya gotta do is borrow, then pay 'em back promptly (ahead of time). Bingo! You have a wonderful credit rating. It never hurts and it can come in handy for certain situations.

But my main rule in life about this dovetails with yours right down the line.

Annie - Thanks for the good info. I was already beginning to suspect some of the very drawbacks to leasing which you have mentioned.

It appears that my old solution is still the best: Buy a used vehicle in good condition. If it's got a little scratch here and there, you won't worry so much about getting another one.

By the way, did you guys know that most of (maybe all of) the Canadian car dealers are now offering 48 months financing on a new car at ZERO percent interest? Why are they doing this? I believe they are attempting to deliver a body blow to the used car business. Ha! I wish them no luck in that endeavour.

- LH