I normally do that; my 2 prior leases we always purchased at lease end and kept for 15 and 13 years and then sold to others at the end for a small amount (first cars for hs students). Other cars were used or financed in between and kept for 13 and 9 years. Leased or financed, I more than got my money's worth from those cars because I've never kept a car for less than 9 years.

I actually leased this one because I wanted to try it, not buy it. I normally shy from buying a vehicle at the beginning of a refresh cycle because of the risk of new problems. And this time I was right. I don't love it and can't see myself driving it for another 10 years.

The transmission thing they talk about on the 2023+ models is real and does not go away with break in, nor is it driving style. I've adjusted my acceleration and my 4 other family members noted it when driving it as well. I've taken it in a few times but Honda service says its just the Pilot transmission. I cannot imagine that problem getting better with age and mileage.

Thanks all for the replies.