> No need to waste money on a lease. Just buy a used Toyota at effectively 30-50% the cost of that lease you're getting.
The poster made it clear that he knows there are cars out there in the 50% range of the cost of his lease, but still thinks it's worth leasing. He said he believed the reliability (and presumably warranty) and improved style were worth it.
OP said nothing about style. My point is that a slightly used Toyota defies all of OP's concerns:
"hope that it's cheaper over the 3 years, hope it doesn't depreciate too much, and after 25 months (plus however many months to pay for the extra maintenance and servicing included in the first car) but I'm taking the extra risk. Maybe I'll come out on top, maybe I won't."
It definitely will be cheaper over the 3 years. Won't depreciate too much. Really won't have maintenance and servicing needed anymore than the lease. They aren't taking any risk and will come out on top. I know this, because lease financiers already bake all this into the lease for more unreliable cars with a hefty margin for extra profitability.
"a certain level of comfort, reliability, cost, privacy, speed etc."
His point was he knows he is paying more because he has to think less. He's paying for convenience and risk-aversion (and a slightly newer ride). That's fine as long as he recognizes it as an optional luxury expense.
The poster made it clear that he knows there are cars out there in the 50% range of the cost of his lease, but still thinks it's worth leasing. He said he believed the reliability (and presumably warranty) and improved style were worth it.
Which is fine. He's making a reasonable choice.