Leasing is always a good deal.... for the lessor. I trade frequently and have never found depreciation to exceed lease expenses. Its the lease that ties you down, not the purchase. Try leaving the lease before the term is up, or exceeding mileage limits. Penalties can be onerous.
Want to put a pin-stripe or custom set on wheels on your leased vehicle? Its not really yours so forget about it.
Even though I trade in to the dealer and take book value trade-in, it still comes out better. Just take good care of your ride, and the dealer can sell it off his lot rather than wholesaling it off somewhere. They love that. They make a lot more money off your clean trade in than than they do on a new car sale, and this can be reflected back to you on your purchase price. Gives you increased bargaining power.