I'm in the car industry and proudly drive an 07 Toyota Matrix I'm going to drive into the ground before I buy another vehicle.

My co-workers are jockeying between who has the better cars and comparing between Audi's and BMWs and Mercedes. But they are just hemorrhaging money in car payments and insurance just so they can flex on their friends and family.

Pro-tip: literally no one gives a shit what you drive. If someone judges you for your ride, they are not an intelligent person whose opinion you should care about.

You're either an autist or have too much time on your hands.

Maybe both.

Lease if you want to project status beyond your means OR actually have the financial means and want to swap out every few years for a newer vehicle because "life is short and I want it to be fun."

If you're a regular joe, leasing is just fucking dumb.