Of course all of the things in your first paragraph are nice, but what makes you think I am not doing all of that? In fact, thats why I cant afford to buy it outright - because thats where my money is going.
You can call it "consumption," but the fact is that if someone like me buys a car and then sells it after 3 years, they will take a huge loss. I dont keep cars more than 2-3 years because I am a true enthusiast and like to enjoy as many cars as possible in my short time here on earth.
So, if I assume that I will be paying X amount per year on a car, what does it matter if I am leasing it or buying it when the actually loss is virtually the same. Someone like me who chews through cars never has equity.
I guess what I'm saying is that you can either pay down your depreciation (ahem, consumption) or the financial lender. Isn't that, in the end, the same thing? You're throwing money out the window, just like me. Of course, if you're going to keep the car more than 3-4 years, leasing obviously turns into a worse proposition, but again, thats not my goal.
So if I can accept that I will pay $400 each month for a car that I really enjoy, (and I do) whats wrong with leasing over and over? Oh, and your comment about not doing it unless I can afford it.. well, I CAN afford it, if I lease.
So, ANYWAY, back to the original question.. anyone know?