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Wife has leased many vehicles throughout her work life, so I'd share my thoughts.
Finance/buy outright if:
You plan to drive the same car down to dust or any period more than 5yrs (period where most depreciation takes place)
Can't write off as expenses (technically you can still claim it as expense when financing/owning, but it's less flexible and not worth the trouble if writing off is the goal)
Incentives (cash purchase) makes more sense rate-wise.
Lease if:
Can write off
Don't plan on driving the same car for more than 5yrs (it could even work out in your favor if the residual value is higher than the market going price. It saves you some money, and the hassle to sell the car afterward)
Incentive on lease rate
In the example of OP, if you are planning to change car after 4yrs, you might as well just lease it. You'd be paying the full depreciation in either case and assuming you have no other incentives to pick side, leasing is a much more convenient way to go.
Leasing is not throwing money away, you just set a clear cut line where the payment ends. You always have the choice to buy the car outright at the end of lease if you choose to keep it. The first few years, you'd be paying the full depreciation in every possible way of financing.
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Nothing for now
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