What Makes a Good Car Lease Deal? 7 Things to Check Before You Order

What Makes a Good Car Lease Deal? 7 Things to Check Before You Order

Finding a car lease deal that looks cheap is easy. Finding one that is actually good value takes a little more attention.

A deal advertised at a low monthly payment might have a large initial payment, a higher mileage allowance cost, or important extras that are not included. On the other hand, a slightly more expensive lease could offer a better overall package, quicker delivery or a specification that makes much more sense for your needs.

So, what makes a good car lease deal?

Whether you are looking for a personal car lease or business vehicle leasing, these are seven things worth checking before you order.

1. Don't Look at the Monthly Payment Alone

The monthly price is usually the first thing people notice when comparing car leasing deals, but it should not be the only number you consider.

For example, two leases could be advertised at similar monthly payments but have very different initial payments.

A lease advertised at £199 per month with a large upfront payment could work out more expensive overall than a £219 per month deal with a smaller initial payment.

When comparing deals, look at:

• Monthly payment.
• Initial payment.
• Contract length.
• Annual mileage.
• Maintenance costs.
• Any additional fees.
• Total amount payable.

Looking at the complete agreement gives you a much clearer idea of whether you are getting good value.

2. Check the Initial Payment

Car lease deals are commonly advertised using an initial payment followed by monthly payments.

You might see a deal described as:

£249 per month, 9 months initial payment.

That does not mean you simply pay £249 to get the car. The initial payment would be £2,241, followed by the remaining monthly payments throughout the agreement.

If keeping your upfront costs low is important, look specifically for low initial payment car leasing options rather than simply searching for the lowest monthly price.

3. Make Sure the Mileage Is Right for You

Your annual mileage can have a significant impact on the price of a lease.

A deal advertised at a very low monthly payment may be based on a relatively low annual mileage allowance. If you regularly travel for work, commute long distances or simply drive a lot, that may not be suitable.

Before ordering, consider how many miles you realistically drive each year.

Think about:

• Your daily commute.
• Regular work journeys.
• Family trips.
• Holidays and longer journeys.
• Weekend driving.
• Any change in your driving habits.

It is generally better to choose a realistic mileage allowance at the start rather than underestimate how much you will drive.

Excess mileage charges can apply if you return the vehicle having exceeded the agreed allowance, so this is an important part of comparing car lease deals.

4. Compare the Contract Length

Most car leasing agreements run for several years, with 24, 36 and 48-month contracts among the options commonly available.

The cheapest monthly payment is not automatically the best choice.

A shorter contract could give you more flexibility to change vehicles sooner, while a longer agreement can spread the cost over a greater period.

Consider how long you actually want to keep the car.

If you like changing cars regularly, a shorter lease could make more sense. If you want predictable motoring costs and do not want to change your vehicle every couple of years, a longer agreement may be more suitable.

There is no single best car lease term for everyone.

5. Check Whether Maintenance Is Included

Some lease deals are available with maintenance included, while others are supplied without a maintenance package.

This can make a significant difference to the overall cost of running the vehicle.

A fully maintained lease can potentially include scheduled servicing and certain maintenance costs, depending on the agreement. This can make your monthly motoring costs easier to budget for.

However, you should always check exactly what is included rather than assuming every lease deal covers the same things.

Look at the maintenance terms alongside:

• Servicing.
• Replacement tyres.
• Breakdown assistance.
• MOT requirements where applicable.
• Manufacturer warranty.
• Wear and tear conditions.

A slightly higher monthly payment could be worthwhile if it gives you a package that better suits your requirements.

6. Look at In-Stock and Special Offer Vehicles

If you are flexible about the exact specification or colour of your next car, it can be worth looking at in-stock car lease deals.

In-stock vehicles have already been built and are often available for quicker delivery than a factory-order vehicle, although delivery times depend on the individual vehicle and supplier.

You may also find particularly competitive pricing on vehicles that are already in stock or part of a manufacturer's promotional campaign.

Special offers can appear across all sorts of vehicles, from small hatchbacks and family SUVs to electric cars, premium models and vans.

The key is to check what is actually available rather than assuming an advertised offer will remain available indefinitely.

View the latest car lease deals from Premier Vehicle Leasing.

7. Make Sure the Car Actually Suits You

A great lease price is not much use if the vehicle itself does not work for your lifestyle.

Before choosing a deal, think about what you actually need from the car.

For example:

City driving: A smaller hatchback could be easier to park and cheaper to run.

Family use: An SUV, estate or larger hatchback may give you the extra space you need.

Long-distance driving: A comfortable car with the right engine, hybrid system or electric range could be more important than simply finding the lowest monthly payment.

Business use: A business car lease may offer different considerations around tax, VAT and vehicle suitability.

Electric driving: An EV lease could make sense if you have suitable charging access and your typical journeys work well with an electric vehicle.

The best car lease deal is ultimately one that offers the right combination of price, vehicle, specification and contract for you.

What Is Considered a Good Car Lease Deal?

A good car lease deal is not necessarily the cheapest one available.

It should offer a competitive overall cost while matching your required mileage, contract length, vehicle specification and running requirements.

For example, a deal could be particularly attractive if it combines:

• A competitive monthly payment.
• A manageable initial payment.
• The mileage you actually need.
• A suitable contract length.
• Strong vehicle specification.
• Maintenance included where required.
• A vehicle that is available when you need it.

This is why comparing the full lease package is more useful than simply searching for the lowest monthly figure.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Lease a Car?

There is no single cheapest way to lease a car because the overall cost depends on the vehicle, contract, mileage, initial payment and whether maintenance is included.

However, there are several ways to find better-value leasing options.

Being flexible about the exact model or specification can open up more deals. Looking at in-stock vehicles can also be worthwhile, particularly if you are not tied to a factory order.

It can also pay to compare both personal and business leasing if you are eligible for business use, as the most suitable option depends on your circumstances.

Most importantly, compare the total cost of the agreement, rather than choosing purely on the lowest monthly payment.

Are Cheaper Car Lease Deals Always Better?

No.

A cheaper monthly payment can be attractive, but it does not automatically mean better value.

A low-priced lease might have a higher initial payment, lower mileage allowance or fewer features. Another vehicle could cost slightly more each month but offer a better specification, more suitable mileage or maintenance included.

That is why it is worth asking: “What am I actually getting for the price?”

Once you start comparing the whole agreement, it becomes much easier to identify genuinely competitive car leasing deals.

Finding the Right Car Lease Deal

The UK leasing market changes regularly, with new vehicles, manufacturer campaigns and special offers appearing throughout the year.

At Premier Vehicle Leasing, we offer car and van leasing for both personal and business customers, with a range of vehicles available across different budgets and requirements.

From affordable everyday cars and family SUVs to electric vehicles, premium models and business vehicles, the right lease will depend on what you need from your next car.

Rather than simply searching for the cheapest car lease, compare the full deal and make sure it works for you.

Explore car leasing deals from Premier Vehicle Leasing.