I’m an Auto Expert: 5 Cars I Would Never Lease and Why

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Leasing allows you to try out a new car every few years, and in some cases, the monthly payments can be cheaper than a purchase.

But leasing isn’t always the best move, especially when certain vehicles have high depreciation, expensive repairs or unfavorable lease terms.

According to auto experts, here are several cars you should never lease and why.

Lexus TX 500h

The 2026 Lexus TX 500h, which has a starting MSRP of  $70,610, according to Car and Driver, is a spacious luxury car with a hybrid powertrain. While the thought of trying out a luxury car for a few years may be enticing, it can be expensive.

“Luxury cars, in general, aren’t a great choice for a lease because the monthly costs are so high, and when your lease is up, you don’t have any equity. Lexus tends to be an even worse choice for a lease because its terms are less favorable to lessees than those of other comparable vehicles,” Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org, wrote in an email. “The TX 500h is a great car, but it’s probably better to buy one if you can afford it.”

Jeep Wrangler

Chris Pyle, an auto expert with JustAnswer, recommends avoiding larger trucks and the Jeep Wrangler.

While Jeep does offer low-mileage lease deals on the 2026 Jeep Wrangler, which has a starting MSRP of $49,895, according to Jeep, those leases can be limiting for drivers who plan to use the vehicle the way it’s designed to be used, especially for off-roading or customization.

“When you return a lease, it cannot be modified or damaged. Truck and Jeep owners often want to modify their vehicles, and you often find scratches and dents on these vehicles,” Pyle claimed. “You must repair those before returning the lease.”

Alan Gelfand, owner at German Car Depot in Hollywood, Florida, would also never lease a Jeep Wrangler.

“Wranglers hold their value extremely well, which actually makes leasing a poor financial move,” Gelfand explained. “You end up paying high monthly payments for a vehicle that you could resell later at a strong price if you owned it.”

And if you drive the vehicle under excessive conditions, Gelfand pointed out that it could lead to suspension deterioration, tire damage and underbody damage during lease-end inspections.

“Owning makes far more sense with this vehicle,” he added.

Ford Explorer

The 2026 Ford Explorer has a starting MSRP of $38,455, according to Ford, but as soon as you drive it off the lot, CarEdge reported that it can lose 25% of its value within the first two years.

“Ford Explorer leases are more expensive than other comparable vehicles. If I were looking for a lease on a vehicle in that class, I would choose a different, more cost-effective option,” Musson wrote. “By the time your lease is almost up, you’ll be paying a ridiculous amount per month for a vehicle that’s already depreciated.”

BMW M

Another vehicle Gelfand does not recommend leasing is any BMW M model, like the M2 or M3, which have a starting MSRP of $69,550 and $79,750, respectively, according to Car and Driver.

“These vehicles operate at high performance levels because they were made for intense driving, which contradicts the typical lease agreement. The quick deterioration of tires and brakes and suspension parts leads to expensive lease-end fees,” Gelfand explained. “A person needs to own a performance car to feel the complete intended experience while driving, which these vehicles were designed for.”

Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model X isn’t cheap, and according to Tesla, you can lease it for $1,699 per month. This is $1,040 more than the average lease payment in 2025, Experian reported.

“Tesla lease terms are not great,” Musson wrote. “The Model X depreciates quickly, but its MSRP is high, so you end up paying higher monthly payments even after your car has lost half its value.”

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