A few questions about leasing.......

[Ecosseven]

Afternoon all,

For various reasons I'm considering leasing rather than buying a new car. I am forever trawling the classifieds looking for my next car and a 2 year lease means I can try something different every couple of years with fixed monthly costs and never have to pay for an MOT or repairs.

I'm restricting myself to a monthly payment of approx. £150 / month on a private lease at 10k per year. Happy to consider both petrol and diesel. Ideal car would be a fun to drive hatchback preferably with 5 doors although this isn't critical. Anyway I have a few questions

1. In your experience how do the various leasing companies advertising on line compare with the offers from the franchised dealers?

2. I look after my cars but there isn't much I can do about stone chips and other people inflicting parking dings on the car. What passes for fair wear and tear and am I likely to get hammered for bodywork repairs for every tiny blemish at the end of the 2 year lease?

3. Do most leases exclude maintenance?

4. Which are the best websites for personal leases?

Thanks in advance.

Edited by Ecosseven on Monday 15th December 15:55

[Thankyou4calling]

Ecosseven said:

Afternoon all,

For various reasons I'm considering leasing rather than buying a new car. I am forever trawling the classifieds looking for my next car and a 2 year lease means I can try something different every couple of years with fixed monthly costs and never have to pay for an MOT or repairs.

I'm restricting myself to a monthly payment of approx. £150 / month on a private lease at 10k per year. Happy to consider both petrol or diesel. Ideal car would be a fund to drive hatchback preferably with 5 doors although this isn't critical. Anyway I have a few questions

1. In your experience how do the various leasing companies advertising on line compare with the offers from the franchised dealers?

2. I look after my cars but there isn't much I can do about stone chips and other people inflicting parking dings on the car. What passes for fair wear and tear and am I likely to get hammered for bodywork repairs for every tiny blemish at the end of the 2 year lease?

3. Do most leases exclude maintenance?

4. Which are the best websites for private leases.

Thanks in advance.

Martin.

1. I've found main dealers can't get near what a broker will offer but worth a try.

2. All leased cars will be subject to the returns policy detailed by your leasing company. You get a pretty detailed document of what is and isn't acceptable.

3. Yes, most exclude maintenance but if you wan't it included they will quote.

4. I've used Applied leasing and Freedom contract hire.

My advice would be not to set your heart on one car, be prepared to compromise and better deals are available and be absolutely clear on what you are signing up to.

It's easy to get carried away.

Good luck and let us know what you go for.