If you're a single guy with good money, leasing isn't a bad option. I'd love to live in a condo, lease a stress-free car, etc.
I love auctions for cars. My dad regularly buys them at auction, fixes them up for a few days, and re-sells to individuals in the paper or dealers at $1000 or more markup. You can get some STEALS there. He's driving a brand new mini-van (granted, it's a minivan lol)... a 2007 with maybe 10k miles... got it for 2500 at auction. You can't beat that. That thing will last him 20 years, if he chooses. Or he can sell it to elderly couple in newspaper for $4500 easily.