There are a number of obvious things to do when hunting for a car lease. You'll want to look at reviews of the vehicle leasing company, search for finance providers if you're going to pay using a finance company, and make sure the lease offers available are competitive. You'll also want to check that the leasing company is legally authorised and regulated by the financial conduct authority.
However, while there are plenty of big and obvious things to think about, there are perhaps some smaller details that plenty of individuals won't think about. This is particularly true of people who haven't leased a before.
So, what should you know before leasing a car?
Car Leasing Question #1: Is the Car Taxed?
All vehicles driven on the roads must be taxed. When you lease a car, you'll need to find out whose responsibility it is to tax your new car. More often than not, you'll find car lease companies will manage road tax on your behalf, but make sure you're aware of the situation. At Kardi Vehicles, all our cars come with road tax, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your new car.
Car Leasing Question #2: What Is the Lease Mileage?
When you lease a car, you receive what is known as a mileage cap. This means you are allowed to travel within a certain mileage range on an annual basis. The mileage limit covers things like wear and tear, so once you return the vehicle to the dealership, they have accumulated enough costs to offset depreciation. You can adjust mileage, and that will often impact price.
Car Leasing Question #3: What Additional Charges Can Be Applied?
There will be additional charges that can be applied to your contract if you break certain terms. These charges include things like vehicle damage or going over your mileage cap. When you lease a car, you must be aware of exactly what charges can be applied. You don't want to return the new car at the end of the lease to find excess mileage has cost you a hefty sum. Learn exactly what extra fees you are responsible for when leasing, and how much they will be.
Car Leasing Question #4: Is Servicing and Maintenance Included?
One of the major benefits of leasing a car over ownership is the fact that, because the vehicle isn't yours, you don't have to pay out for maintaining the car or servicing it. However, not all leases cover this, so it's important to check. Discuss what the car leasing company will pay for during your contract period, and what they expect you to cover.
Car Leasing Question #5: How Much Is the Upfront Payment?
When you agree to car leasing, you'll start monthly payments to cover the cost of using your new car. It’s an arrangement very similar to property rental. You will also likely have to pay an upfront fee and/or a deposit for the vehicle. Make sure to ask how much the upfront fees on a car lease will become, instead of just focusing on the monthly payments displayed.
Car Leasing Question #6: What Happens Once the Lease Is Over?
One of the most important questions to ask when committing to car leasing is what will happen once the lease agreement is complete. At the end of the lease, what situation will you be in? You may have options to upgrade, keep the vehicle as a lease, or sometimes even buy the car. There may also be fees to pay and deposits to reclaim. Ensure you are fully aware of what happens once your lease is over.
Car Leasing Question #7: What Happens if I Need to Terminate my Lease Early?
Car leasing contracts can run for a long time. You may sign up for a great contract that spans up to 60 months — 5 years. When you sign that contract, you commit to making monthly payments for the duration of that period. But what happens if circumstances change? Life is full of unexpected events, expenses and turns. You may find that one day, the leasing contract you have does not fit your situation anymore. So what does this mean? Keep yourself aware of your lease contracts and how they work. Understand both your rights and your responsibilities, and make sure you're happy with the terms. Some leasing payments are more flexible than others, which may make it easy to terminate your contract early — or a nightmare.
Car Leasing Question #8: What Kind of Car Should I Lease?
This is a big one. Of all the questions to ask your leasing company, this has got to be one of the most essential. You'll likely have a lifestyle to fit, a budget to match, and a series of things you want out of the vehicle you are about to lease. You may have an idea of the perfect car in mind, but it might not fit with what you really need. At Kardi Vehicles, we're experts in cars! We know what the best lease options are for your particular circumstances and can advise you on what you should have. Always make sure you ask this question of a trusted provider, however. Unscrupulous sellers won't miss a trick when they can see a chance to oversell you something you don't need. Be firm with your requirements and, above all, your budget.
Car Leasing Question #9: Do I Need Insurance?
Some car leasing companies will have insurance included as part of your rental. You should always ask if this is the case for your lease contract. It's one of the most common questions we at Kardi Vehicles are asked. At Kardi Vehicles, we don't include insurance. Why? Because it's impossible to offer our customers the best rates this way. Your unique circumstances and history give you a range of exclusive opportunities from insurance companies that we cannot beat. So, we give you the chance to manage your own insurance and make sure you aren't paying any more than you have to.
Car Leasing Question #10: What Deals Do You Have at the Moment?
This is one of those questions you'd think would end up forcing you towards a hard sell, but it's actually something important to think about when you are looking to lease a car. Car leasing companies do often have special deals that change throughout the year. You may find you can get a fantastic offer if you simply ask what is currently available. From cutting costs of excess mileage to cheaper car finance, there are often loads of car deals out there that can get you a great deal and provide real value. At Kardi Vehicles, we offer some of the best car lease deals anywhere. Save money and drive away in something special.
Kardi Vehicles are industry-leading providers of the best car leasing deals across the UK. Part of the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, our 5-star rated leasing company is ready to help you find the car you need. Browse our extensive range of competitively priced cars today.