The issue is the 'need' for a new car on a lease.

I've not once in my life owned a new car. It's not that complicated.

Granted, car prices are insane in general right now - even more reason to look into the 2004 accord versus the 2022 Acura RX

Edit: there is a fine balancing point between buying "money pit" and stretching to buy a reliable (but less sexy) automobile