Car Leasing Buying Guide

What is Car Leasing?

Many people are choosing to buy their new car on lease agreements nowadays. This gives you the chance to own a brand new car without the upfront costs of buying a vehicle outright, as you would typically do at a car dealer.

Why buy a new car on a leasing scheme?

The main reason is that you can spread your payments over a fixed term but start driving your new car straight away. Maintenance charges can also be kept to a minimum depending on the service schedule.

Buying your new lease car on the Internet

Buying over the Internet protects the buyer under the Distance Selling Act. When buying from a car leasing website make sure that the company displays their full contact details such as phone number, fax number and full address (not a P.O. box). The Internet is a very useful tool for comparing prices from different companies, all in the comfort of your own home.

When looking at new lease car prices on the Internet make sure there are no hidden extras and whether VAT is inclusive or exclusive. If necessary call and speak to a representative and ask as many questions as you like – if you are not happy with the answers move on to the next one.

New Lease Car - Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Full manufacturers warranty
• Better safety features
• Owning a brand new vehicle
• Your choice of colour and specification
• Accident free and mechanically sound
• Latest features
• Low initial payment
• Easy options at the end of the deal (you don’t have to sell the vehicle, either hand back or trade in against a new car leasing deal)

Disadvantages

• Cost is higher than a used model
• Depreciation of vehicle is high initially
• Insurance could be higher for a new car
• Early termination can be costly
• Can be costly if you go over the annual mileage agreement.
• Must return the car in good condition or penalties will apply

Reasons to lease a car.

• If you are sure how long you will need a car for and you are not getting a company car in the near future
• You are sure you can meet the monthly payments or have a regular income
• You have an average annual mileage
• You look after your cars
• You like to keep your vehicle up to date and change your car every two or three years
• You do not want to put down a large deposit but want to own a new model car