Wow, now my name is getting dragged into a leasing thread... but my point is more than just an anti-leasing kick. It's also a "don't buy before you can afford it" kick. The entire car industry wants you to get new cars ALL the time because that's how they keep churning out vehicles. But if any event happens to cause you financial hardship, you can get yourself into a world of hurt (just ask anyone who lost their job during the financial crisis while up to their ears in debt). So for my example, i encourage people to pay cash for their cars. If you don't have the cash, that's a sign you can't afford it. Buy a cheaper car with cash you have on hand (this is temporary). With no car payments, you can always save more and upgrade cars along the way. If you lose your license, the paid-for car can sit, no skin off your back since it is paid for, your liability is $0 per month. If you decide to sell the car, you now have money in your pocket. No repo man is knocking at your door.
It's all a matter of risk. Leasing or borrowing adds risk. Paying 100% down minimizes risk.
Yup, you're anti-borrowing and often show up in leasing trends and tell people not to lease; sometimes people wrongfully ASSUME you favor financing...
