[TECENG]

They are two different issues. The car you own is yours. Sell it privately and get the most $ for it. Then apply as much or little as you want to the lease and pocket the rest. Went I started leasing a vehicle for my business I sold my car and put up the minimum $ for the new car, kept the rest. Yes it's great getting all that money but remember you are "locked in" to leasing until you are willing to pony up the cash for a good down payment if you decide to purchase a car in the future.

BTW, I bought a new 92 Honda prelude for 14.7K and sold it 5 years later for 8.8K before getting into a lease. Never paid one cent for repairs on that vehicle, just regular maintenance. Best deal I ever had.