Agree, each situation is different. Lease is a good option, might actually be the best bet if you like to switch out cars every couple years. You're fixed on residual value, probably will work out in your favor in 2-3 years even though you're not getting the best deal right now.
No one knows whats going to happen in the future but i foresee a car market crash after all this non-sense we're having, tons of people locking into negative equity AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE paying at or even worse above MSRP. It's going to be a nightmare!
either route you go, wishing you a great outcome!
On a personal note, I did not know when I sold my car back in October it was this bad and was getting worse by the day. I thought I was going to get into a vehicle rather quickly. So I went and shopped around to only find no stock of an affordable truck. I was in the market for a truck, just did not know which one. I looked at Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Ram, Chevy and found nothing than overpriced vehicles.
After a lot of running around I settled for Ram, one for being a previous Dodge owner.
I do not think this (car) market is going to crash anytime soon, if not ever, not even the economy. I think the entire market (Housing, consumer goods, vehicles, income, debt, finances) all will shift to a new norm. Even with all the craziness going around, people are still buying everything at a premium cost. It is like alcohol, when you are out partying you will see $20+ an 8oz cup of Jack and Coke per say and people buy, I see it happen every day.
As long as people have the buying power, the economy will continue to respond as is and with Covid going around resulting in shortages, only the ones with deep enough pockets will be able to survive.
