I want to buy an Acura TL: '04 with 39k miles for $22.5k precertified with warranty still from an Acura dealer

However, I heard that for that same price i could pretty much lease an '08 TL Type S.

Should I buy or lease? What is the main difference? Is there warranty with a lease if something needs to be repaired?

If you are the type of person who likes to have a new car every two or three years, hates getting rid of used cars, takes good care of your cars, does not want to modify your cars, drives no more than about 15,000 miles per year, and has a stable job/lifestyle, then leasing can be a good thing and would reduce you monthly payments by about half, depending on the term of your lease.

However, you should understand how leasing works and be able to do you own payment calculations.

Leasing not a scam and is not just for businesses. I've been leasing all my family and personal cars for years, and have saved a lot of money. But I like trading cars every few years and it's clear that I spend more money in the long run than if I bought one car and drove it until the wheels fall off. But that's my choice and I'm willing to pay the extra cost. Leasing works great for me.

Here's a web site that may help you understand how leasing works and how to do your own payment calculations:

www.LeaseGuide.com

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if you lease you will end up paying more in the long run but you get a newer car more often. if you buy the car in 5 years you will own it and will not have any payments if you lease in tree years you will have to return the car and buy or lease anouther one. if you lease on top of your payments you need to save money for your next down payment because you will not have a car to trade in. if you purchase drive the 04 for 5 years then trade it in right after you pay it off you will still have payments your entire life but you will probably still get $6K for your trade in which will reduce the payments of your next car by about $120 (about $20 per thousand financed)

I vote lease though that way there will be off lease cars for me to buy (if i keep telling people to buy off lease cars there wont be any for me to buy)

i would buy the 04

a lease has the same warranty as any other purchase. Its just a different way to finance. If you are going to lease, though, you need to take a term no longer than 36 months. Most folks lease because they can't afford the payments on the car they want.
The longer lease will really mess you up if you have any changes in your situation and want to get out or trade. You can't.
also, many leases have start up and turn in fees and strict mileage restrictions with penalties. You could end up owing a ton at the end .
A two to three yr old used car is always a better deal if you can find a good one. Then drive it as long as you can, and in the long run you will be way ahead.
The only leases that are truly good deals are the Factory sponsored specials that run evry once in awhile, being sure that you read ALL the details.