Idk what type of car you drive. I know it's prob in this thread...
But my wife's car is 6 years old with 48k miles.
My car is 13 years old with 84k miles.
This past year, we spend a total of maybe $1000 in repairs. And that includes 6 new Michelin tires, and brand new breaks for one of the cars.
This is what's known as anecdotal evidence. This is not a questionable fact - as a general rule maintenance is higher for older cars than newer. Normally that is far outweighed by the difference in price, and always buying used will save you money overall. But when used car prices creep up, cutting into the initial cost savings, leasing/buying financing new becomes more attractive. Ask anyone involved in the car business in the NY metro area and they'll tell you used prices are inflated right now.
ETA: As far as my car, we had an '03 Corolla with 80k or so on it when it was in the accident. For now we're taking the first few months of the Elantra my father is leasing for my younger brother for college. The total lease + insurance we're paying him is $300 or so a month (base model with preferred package). When he needs it back (either June or September) we'll reevaluate the market for used/leasing.
