Appreciate the feedback...it might have gotten a little side-tracked, but it is all useful info. I think I'm just hesitant because I've always purchased vehicles (i.e. used a loan)...this would be my first time to lease. I'm thinking of a lease now because I've got other large expenses that I would like to take on, so I don't want to sink so much of my money in a car for the next few years.

"Stupid tax"? I assume this refers to the random charges the dealership tries to tack on at the end of negotiation to get more out of you...things they claim are out of their control.