Both leases and regular loans have their advantages and disadvantages. It depends on the situation.
Much like a loan, a lease is front-loaded. You build very little equity during the first year or so (depending on the length). Try to pay off a 7 year loan early and you will find most of your payment went toward interest. The principal was reduced very little. It will happen the same way with a lease.
There is also a difference in the way sales tax is figured. On a loan, the sales tax will be part of the amount financed. With a lease, many states tax not the original sale but each payment. So if you pay off early, all the unpaid sales taxes must be added in to the payoff figure.
If you plan on paying off during the first 20 - 25% of the life of a lease, you will be better off with a loan. If you go longer before pay off the lease may have some benefits.
There can be benefits related to how you deduct something on your income tax. A lease is very straight-forward. The entire payment is deductible. With a loan you need to separate interest from principal on each payment. However if you will be using section 179 there may be advantages in the first year with a loan. Whichever way you go, eventually you deduct what you paid. It is a matter of how and in what year the deductions and depreciation are taken.
Leases are not counted as loans on your balance sheet. This may matter to your credit score and ability to borrow money for other reasons. For those who are sole proprietorship, this can effect the interest rate you pay on personal loans such as a mortgage. Lease simply does not show as money you have borrowed. Doesn't show up on your credit report at all.
Leases may also be easier to get. It can be hard, especially for a new company, to get a lease and even harder to get a loan.
Interlink Financial offers something no bank does. Free regular maintenance on your van and truckmount for the first two years of your lease.
Consult with someone who knows before deciding what fits your financial situation.