u/outsourcedEnginner

My 2025 Chevy Trax LT ends its lease this month, and I have driven roughly 20,000 km. I have already paid about $10,000 toward the lease over two years. The buyout cost is approximately $24,500 after tax, but the car is only front-wheel drive. I would prefer an all-wheel-drive vehicle—ideally a Toyota, Honda, or Mazda—that I can keep longer. When I leased the current car, it was my best option given my circumstances. Now I can commit to long-term financial obligations and have some savings for a used vehicle.

Could anyone help me decide whether to purchase my current leased vehicle, buy a used AWD model from a reliable Japanese manufacturer, or finance a new one from those same brands? What is the smarter choice for me?