Sorry but I beg to differ. The investment isn't in the car. The investment is wise spending on things that go down in value. From a financial perspective leasing is the most expensive way to purchase a car. Ask any smart accountant.
Actually, it all depends on how many miles you drive, the car you choose, and how often you replace cars.
If you typically only hold onto a car for 3 to 4 years, don't drive more than 10k miles a year, and lease a car with good residual value, leasing is cheaper. Many leases are also heavily subsidized by the manufacture to move vehicles.
In my case, leasing makes no sense. I chose a GTI (terrible resale), drive 20k miles a year, and I plan to keep this car for 10 years.
In my wife's case, leasing makes sense. She drives less than 10k miles a year, the GLC300 4motion has good residual, and she wants a new car every three years.
Years ago Subaru was selling STI's with 0% interest. I negotiated under msrp, 0% interest, and they hold their value very well. In that case, you'd be stupid to lease.
Oh, and most millionaires lease. You have no idea what you're talking about. I think you're confusing people that live frugally and buy used crap so they can die with money despite not actually being wealthy. Steve Jobs leased a car every month. That's wealthy. Living like you're poor so you can hoard cash isn't wealthy.
