state like florida I believe you pay tax on each month's payment, NY you pay based on the lease term.
$20k in lease payments you pay the tax on $20k, either up front or over time. I assumed a lease from someone in Florida thats how I know.
Which is another option for you nunni- check swapalease for someone who wants out of a 10 or 11, assume their lease and then buy the vehicle at the end of the term.
Is it any different than putting a large down payment on a car and having something happen to it year 2? You still get paid "book" value. I would rather have the lower payment and give a few bucks in the beginning. Personal preference really.
Rgaret what is your lease payment and what did the car sticker for?