Put simply, leasing is a fast and simple way to enjoy a new car for a fixed monthly rental, without the big upfront cost of buying outright. For many drivers, it's seen as a clever shortcut to driving the latest models without the hassle or financial hit of ownership.
In recent years, car leasing has surged in popularity… yet many drivers are still unsure what all the fuss is about. Is it just glorified renting? A finance trick in disguise? Or could it be the smarter way to get behind the wheel of a brand new car?
Please note: all leases are subject to a credit check and good credit is required.
Key Takeaways
- Car leasing (Personal Contract Hire) lets you drive a new car for a fixed monthly rental without the commitment of ownership.
- You only pay for the car's depreciation and finance costs, not its full value — making monthly payments typically lower than buying on finance.
- At the end of your lease, you simply hand the car back and can upgrade to a new model.
- Your monthly cost depends on initial rental, depreciation, mileage allowance, and a processing fee.
- Leasing suits drivers who want predictable costs, flexibility, and access to the latest car models every few years.
What Is Personal Contract Hire (PCH)?
At its core, car leasing (often called Personal Contract Hire) is a long‑term rental made simple. You pick the car you want, agree to contract term in years, pay an initial rental, then continue with a fixed monthly rental.
At the end of your lease, you just hand the car back. No stressful negotiations, no worrying about depreciation, and no hassle of selling.
Even better, you're only paying for the car's depreciation and finance costs, not its full value. That's why leasing deals are usually cheaper per month than buying on finance.
The Leasing Process Step by Step
Getting started with car leasing is straightforward. You choose your ideal car, set your contract terms including lease length and mileage, then drive away with predictable monthly costs. When the agreement ends, you simply hand the car back and choose your next one.
How It Usually Works
Choose Your Car
Find the make and model that suits your lifestyle.
Set Your Terms
Pick your lease length, annual mileage, and initial rental.
Drive Away
Enjoy your brand new car with predictable monthly costs.
Return or Upgrade
When the agreement ends, hand the car back and choose your next one.
How Monthly Lease Costs Are Calculated
Your monthly lease rental depends on several key factors including the size of your initial rental, the car's depreciation and residual value, your agreed annual mileage allowance, and a processing fee. Understanding these factors helps you find the best deal for your budget.
Initial Rental
Most leases start with an upfront rental (often 3–9 months). The bigger the initial rental, the lower the following monthly rental.
Depreciation & Residual Value
You're covering the difference between the car's initial value and what it's worth when returned. Cars that hold their value better usually come with lower monthly costs.
Mileage Allowance
You'll agree a set mileage limit per year. Go over it, and you'll pay an additional charge per mile. It's worth being realistic about how much you drive.
Processing Fee
The only fee is First Vehicle Leasing's processing fee, paid to First Vehicle Leasing, not the finance provider.
What Happens When Your Agreement Ends?
When your lease finishes, you have a few straightforward choices. You can hand the car back, upgrade to a brand new lease, or in some cases extend your current agreement. This flexibility is one of the biggest reasons drivers choose leasing — it puts you in control without the stress of long‑term ownership.
Hand It Back
Return the car once it's inspected for fair wear and tear.
Upgrade to a New Lease
Enjoy the latest model every few years.
Extend Your Lease
Some providers let you keep the car for a bit longer.
Leasing vs Buying a Car: Which Suits You Best?
When weighing up leasing vs buying, it really comes down to your priorities. Leasing offers lower monthly payments and predictable costs with the freedom to change cars regularly, while buying suits drivers who want long-term ownership and no mileage restrictions.
| Factor | Leasing | Buying |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Payments | Lower monthly payments | Higher monthly payments |
| Costs | Predictable, fixed costs | Variable running costs over time |
| Depreciation | No depreciation worries | You bear the depreciation risk |
| Flexibility | Change cars every few years | Keep the car as long as you want |
| Mileage | Agreed mileage limits apply | No mileage caps |
| Customisation | Limited modifications | Full freedom to customise |
| Ownership | No ownership — return at end | Full ownership and equity |
If you're planning high mileage or want to keep your car for years, buying may be better value. But if you prefer new cars, simplicity, and regular upgrades then leasing is often the smarter move.
The Pros of Leasing
Leasing offers a range of benefits that make it the preferred choice for many UK drivers. From lower costs to access to the latest technology, here's what makes leasing attractive.
- Lower costs compared to buying on finance
- Fixed costs that make budgeting easier
- Road tax often included
- Access to new models with the latest tech and safety features. A priority for many families with young children.
- No worries about depreciation or selling later
- Flexibility to change or upgrade cars every few years
- You get to choose your favourite colour and options
- Access to electric car lease deals, making it simple to drive the newest low-emission models.
The Drawbacks to Consider
While leasing suits many drivers, it's important to understand the limitations before committing. Being aware of these drawbacks upfront helps you make an informed decision about whether leasing is right for you.
No Ownership
You return the car at the end of the lease.
Mileage Limits
Extra miles mean extra costs.
Early Termination
Early termination can be expensive.
Limited Modifications
Limited ability to modify your vehicle.
Fair Wear and Tear
Responsibility to keep the car in good condition within "fair wear and tear" rules. You can learn more about the fair wear and tear which is set by the BVRLA.
Common Questions About Car Leasing
Car leasing raises many common questions, from what happens at the end of your agreement to whether insurance is included. Below you'll find clear answers to the most frequently asked questions about leasing a car in the UK.
No, you cannot buy the car at the end. You just hand it back and pick a new one if you wish.
You'll be charged for excess mileage at a rate specified in your lease agreement, typically between 5p and 15p per mile depending on the car.
No, car insurance is not included in your monthly lease rental. You'll need to arrange your own comprehensive insurance policy for the duration of the lease.
Early termination is possible but can be expensive. You'll typically need to pay off the remaining lease payments plus any early termination fees. It's best to choose a lease length you're confident you can commit to.
Yes, you're responsible for maintaining the car according to the manufacturer's service schedule. Many lease deals include maintenance packages, but if not, you'll need to arrange and pay for regular servicing yourself.
The biggest downside is that you never own the car. You won't build any equity and at the end of the agreement, you have nothing to show for your payments except the driving experience. If ownership and long-term value are important to you, buying may be a better option.
The two main types are Personal Contract Hire (PCH) and Business Contract Hire (BCH). PCH is for private individuals, while BCH is designed for businesses and offers potential tax benefits for company car users.
Leasing benefits drivers who want lower monthly payments, prefer driving new cars every few years, have predictable annual mileage, and don't want the hassle of selling a car. It's particularly popular with families who value the latest safety features and technology.
At the end of your lease, the car is inspected for fair wear and tear, and you simply hand it back to the leasing company. You can then choose to start a new lease on a different car, extend your current agreement, or walk away with no further obligations (assuming the car is in acceptable condition and within mileage limits).
For long-term use, a 4-year Personal Contract Hire (PCH) often offers the best value as the monthly costs are spread over a longer period. However, if you're thinking very long-term (5+ years), buying the car outright or on finance may be more cost-effective than continuous leasing.
With a Personal Contract Hire (PCH) agreement, you cannot buy the car at the end of the lease. This option is only available with other finance types like Personal Contract Purchase (PCP). If you know you'll want to own the car eventually, consider PCP instead of PCH.
If the car is returned in acceptable condition and within the agreed mileage, there are no additional payments. However, you may be charged for excess mileage, damage beyond fair wear and tear, or missing service history documentation.
No, the initial rental is not refundable. It's a payment that goes towards the total cost of the lease, not a deposit. This is one reason why the initial rental is sometimes referred to as an "upfront payment" rather than a deposit.
Yes, regular servicing according to the manufacturer's schedule is mandatory. You must keep service records as proof of maintenance. Some lease packages include servicing and maintenance, while others require you to arrange and pay for it yourself.
Yes, but early termination typically involves paying the remaining lease payments plus early termination fees. The cost can be substantial, so it's important to choose a lease term that fits your long-term plans. Some lease agreements may allow you to transfer the lease to someone else as an alternative.
Is Car Leasing Worth It?
Leasing is a smart choice if you want predictable costs, flexibility, and access to the latest car models without the hassle of ownership. For high‑mileage drivers or those who want to build equity, buying might be the better route. But for most everyday drivers, car leasing is a cost‑effective and hassle‑free way to get on the road.
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