<p>thumper:</p>
<p>I thought it was pretty inexpensive–I think about $249/month (including tax). (and that was with the almost top of the line Mazda 3). The insurance is the most expensive part because we got a new car (for the lease). My older son had my '92 Volvo and cost very little (comparatively) to insure, but it didn’t last for son #2. Of course, teenage drivers are ridiculously expensive to insure. I will say that I switched to Geico because if your kid goes to college away from home (without a car of course), you can take them off the policy and they will still be covered when driving at home for Christmas and summer breaks. I saved a fortune doing that. </p>
<p>I am a pretty good negotiator for cars. I always do my homework, find out the invoice prices (consumer reports) any rebates or incentives and only negotiate by telephone with the sales manager or fleet manager. You can get a list of dealers in your area and just call and negotiate from the comfort of your own home. Then you can go pick it up without the stress. Of course, being in LA, there are a lot of dealers. Also, you can check the internet sales departments.</p>
<p>Hope this helps. Bottom line, the lease cost was no more for having a teenager. It was the insurance that gets expensive.</p>