Im not sure why you have replied to me and in such a tone - There are three kinds of buyer in SA. A person who pays cash, a person who finances and a person who leases.
All three forms of finance have benefits and cons - Frankly, I don't want to own a car, Im 27 years old and have had 6 cars in the last 2 years.
I especially dont want to own one when they release a new one, with new tech and engines every five minutes. I would sooner spend the savings of a lease deal only paying R180k for the rental of the car vs financing it outright on a nice holiday.
Nobody is forcing you to buy the car outright, or locking you into a deal you cannot get out of. If after 3 years you want to buy a car cash or finance it normally its your prerogative, its not a debt cycle, its a finance deal, and you have 100% right to take them up on the offer again if it works for you.
If liking new things and finding the cheapest way to pay for them is your definition of keeping up with the Jone's then your mindset is very narrow.
BMW is obviously in business to make money - And if they make a new car accessible to me every 3 years and I can pay only the monthly instalment, with a calculated risk up front, who am I to say no? You will also note, BMW has moved a lot of optional items to standard items - On the 1 series, Navigation is standard, auto lights, auto wipers and bluetooth and USB are all standard now, its not like you are getting an entry level car either.
Irrespective of anything, for my purpose and for the (and I did write this) the specific target market of leasing, its a winning formula.