Indy Ready2plugin posted this back in August. I had to dig to find it, but I remener it having been done so here:
"Okay, this is what I get for a 48M Lease on an SL. I know the 3 year is more popular, but I personally would be doing a 48M to maximize the carpool benefit in CA.
MSRP: $34,420
Drive-Off: $2,469 (assuming acquisition fee & 1st month pmt is included)
Lease Pmts: $395.10 ($360+9.75% tax)
Total # pmts: 47 (assuming first pmt is included in drive off)
Total $ pmts: $18,569.70
Total Cost for Leasing: $18,569.70+$2,469= $21,038.70
Lease Purchase option:
Residual: 39% of $34,420 = $13,423.80 with 9.75% tax = $14,732.62
Total Cost w/purchase: $21,038.70+$14,732.62 = $35,771.32
No Lease, but purchase car and finance for 48m at 3.50% (current CU rate)
$34,420 + 9.75% tax = $37,775.95
48M pmt = $844.52 (with no money down)
Total Cost = $40,536.96
Less $7,500 tax break (yes I do pay Uncle Sam more than that unfortunately)
Net Cost = $33,036.96
I know there are a few things missing, such as destination charge and acquisition fee vs. disposition fee, but this is for discussion purposes only. I see that buying would be approximately $2,735 cheaper than leasing. I have also left out the CA rebate since it would be the same for each if you qualify. My conclusion is if you can’t qualify for the Federal $7,500 tax credit, or you want to protect yourself from the resale value of the Leaf being less than $13,423.80 in 4 years, you should probably lease. If not, buying would be the best alternative and would save you over $2,700. Enough for your charger and few months of “Juice”, plus you would not have to worry about driving over 60k miles (15k/yr)."
