Leasing a Mercedes-Benz is generally the safer option if you're concerned about long-term reliability, expensive repairs, or resale value. Lease terms typically last two to four years, which means you'll likely return the car before major issues arise. Many of the common failures in Mercedes vehicles—such as transmission problems, electronic glitches, or air suspension breakdowns—tend to show up after 50,000 to 75,000 miles, often beyond a typical lease period.

Leased vehicles are usually covered under the factory warranty for the full term. That means if something breaks, it’s not your financial headache. You’re not stuck footing the bill for a $2,000 infotainment system or a $4,000 suspension repair. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about the resale value plummeting. Mercedes vehicles are known for heavy depreciation, and with a lease, you simply return the car and walk away without the burden of trying to sell it or absorb the loss.

Buying, on the other hand, comes with serious risk. Once you're out of warranty, Mercedes repairs are notoriously expensive. Even routine maintenance can be pricey. And because of that rapid depreciation, a car that cost $70,000 new might be worth $25,000 or less in five years—assuming nothing major has failed. If the brand’s reputation continues to decline, used values could drop even further, leaving you stuck with an expensive-to-maintain asset that nobody wants.

There are a few exceptions. If you’re buying a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) model with an extended warranty and plan to sell it before hitting 100,000 miles, you might come out okay. Or if you're someone who wants to own a vehicle long-term regardless of depreciation and you're prepared to maintain it, buying could work—but only if you set aside a significant repair fund.

Bottom line: lease the Mercedes. Buy the Toyota.