through college, sorry I couldn't tell you I was a stripper.
BUT, UP OR DOWN economy what's best with cars isn't lease - ever.
It's
own. If you go new, keep it until it's PAID IN FULL and until you've owned it at least six years.
OR
Go used ~two years old and keep until it's PAID IN FULL and go two years after that.
Beyond those two points is money in your pocket.
This isn't opinion, it's simple arithmetic that many never see unless you sell cars. If that steps on any toes, sorry. In descending order; Own, make payments, buy a bus pass, lease.
IF your job is not in any danger, "Fire sale" just might be around the corner.