The short answer is "no". The longer answer is that it depends on the amount you put down.
The problems is the same when leasing or financing -- the vehicle is totaled and you owe more than the depreciated value. (Repairs aren't an issue). You buy it for $50K, finance or lease with $0 down, drive it off the lot so it's worth $48K, and someone rears ends you at the first red light. You owe more in finance payments or lease payments than the depreciated vehicle is worth. This difference is the "Gap".
To address this situation there is GAP insurance which covers the difference between what is owed and the depreciated value of the vehicle. Most leases come with GAP insurance because most lessors want to be protected. Financing usually doesn't include GAP insurance because there is a larger down and the down payment will cover the difference. In this case getting GAP insurance is just paying for insurance you don't need. You can, however, get GAP coverage for loans, which might make sense if you finance with $0 down.
So the causation works the other way: the amount down determines whether you want GAP insurance. It's just that when leasing you usually don't have the choice of not getting it.
Never be put off by leasing. People suggest it's different than buying but this isn't really true. The only financing difference between buying on the one hand and leasing (with an open ended lease) and then buying on the other is the acquisition fee,. This isn't charged with Ford Options (not a big deal), and since with Ford Options you hold the title you eliminate the pesky issue of being on the hook for the lease term without the ability to sell. Might come up if you get a job with company vehicle or something.
The big difference between leasing and balloon financing is the residual. On leasing it tends to be higher while under balloon financing it tends to be lower. If you end up buying it makes no difference -- paying $10K and then $20K is the same as paying $15k and $15K. As with regular financing you pay all the sales tax up front but again if you buy this doesn't make a difference.
The big knock on balloon payment financing is that when the balloon comes due some people can't qualify for financing or can't come up with the balloon payment. My impression is this isn't the case.
