I guess nothing wrong with buying German. My Escort was built in Germany.

Glad you are happy with leasing. Friends we know who have gone down this route & now regret it (audi A3). I'm still on a company car so EVERYTHING is paid for except personal fuel. I presume with leasing you pay all running costs, insurance etc. and have capped mileage? Do they screw you when you return the car for any little chip and smudge? What's the total out-of-pocket costs likely to be over the term of the lease (3 years?) compared to buying?

I presume the greatest depreciation is those first three years so I can't see how the lease company take that hit rather than you?