PCH - Does it matter to you who is the broker or finance?

[wilbo83]

I am aware of the saying 'chase the deal, not the car' but therefore when people find a deal, I just wondered if they are bothered who is the broker and finance company?

I've currently got a lease from VWFS which was arranged by Perrys Leasing. My experience with Perrys was excellent and very efficient, however I have no real interaction with VWFS other than paying them each month.

My wife is close to taking a lease out on a new Kuga and in line with 'chasing the deal' we have found Arnold Clark the cheapest deal by far, who use close brothers for the finance. A quick search on Trustpilot gives unfavorable reviews for both, however I then did the same for a few other finance companies (ALD automotive, VWFS etc) with similar reviews.

But then I thought, does it really matter on a lease car? The broker will likely not even touch or see the car as it will delivered from a depot / hub, and then we shouldn't really need to deal with the finance company other than just paying them each month.

[Tomo1971]

Suppose I'd be interested in this as pretty much taking the same route.... VWFS (direct via Audi Dealer) into a Kuga via Arnold Clark (was ordered around the 22nd November).

We have to remember that most reviews are done by people whom are disgruntled to show the company 'what for'.... If a service goes to plan, how many people go out their way to leave a positive review?

[R2x]

wilbo83 said:

I am aware of the saying 'chase the deal, not the car' but therefore when people find a deal, I just wondered if they are bothered who is the broker and finance company?

I've currently got a lease from VWFS which was arranged by Perrys Leasing. My experience with Perrys was excellent and very efficient, however I have no real interaction with VWFS other than paying them each month.

My wife is close to taking a lease out on a new Kuga and in line with 'chasing the deal' we have found Arnold Clark the cheapest deal by far, who use close brothers for the finance. A quick search on Trustpilot gives unfavorable reviews for both, however I then did the same for a few other finance companies (ALD automotive, VWFS etc) with similar reviews.

But then I thought, does it really matter on a lease car? The broker will likely not even touch or see the car as it will delivered from a depot / hub, and then we shouldn't really need to deal with the finance company other than just paying them each month.

I would say it does matter.

For example my girlfriend’s dealings with VWFS when they cocked up a credit file and car return were outrageous. It took 4 months and a complaint to Financial Ombudsman before they acknowledged and corrected their mistake. I know others on PH experienced the same.

I believe pink leasing are the company who try and shaft you with excess costs at the time you return the car at end of lease.

Others such as Lex, Alphabet and Arval generally seem to be ok.

With regards to Arnold Clark, you can safely assume you will get shafted somehow; this is based on personal experience and that of a number of family and friends, none of whom had a good experience with Arnold Clark. From promises they don’t deliver on, to faulty cars and poor after sales (even by dealer standards) there will be something.

I have no experience of Close Brothers to offer.

[edc]

Price aside the broker only really matters up to the point you get the car. My last 2 leases have been ALD and VWFS via Fleet Prices and direct with a dealer.

[jwilco]

As above, you don't have that much dealings with the lease company/broker/dealer. It's pretty simple for them to arrange finance and agree a delivery date. Then you enjoy the car for 2 or 3 years and at the end, organise a collection.

There are horror stories, but I've had no issues. Within reason, I'd go with whatever works out the cheapest.