Leasing your first car

Kardi Leasing explains leasing for new drivers

If you have recently passed your driving test, Congratulations! Like many newly qualified drivers you may be extremely excited to get your first set of wheels and start driving. While this is an exciting time it can also be a daunting process as you have so many options, but which is best?

 

Kardi leasing has compiled this guide to help new drivers who are exploring the possibility of leasing their first car.

What is car leasing?

Car leasing is a term that you most probably have heard of but you may not fully understand.
To simplify, think of car leasing as a Long term vehicle hire.

You lease a brand new car, have it delivered to your home or work address and enjoy, it will be collected at the end of the agreement which is usually 3 years but can range from 2-5 years.


Is car leasing good for a first-time driver?

Did you know that at least 20% of drivers aged between 18 & 24 are now leasing their vehicle?

This is because leasing is a great option for all ages. Kardi leasing has summarised some of the befits below:

  •          Lower insurance costs – As you car will be brand new it is up to date with all of the new safety devices and software systems. This is favourable to insurers as the risk of accident is much less than a car that is 10 years old.  

  •          Drive the latest models – Stay up to date with new vehicle entertainment, comfort and convenience upgrades.

  •          Peace of mind – Your new car will be covered by manufacturers warranty so you will have no unexpected bills in the event of a breakdown during this period.

  •          Safety – As mentioned in the lower insurance costs point, your new car will be up to date with all the new active and passive safety systems.

  •          Build a credit score – Credit approval on a lease agreement can really help to build a credit score. Keeping up with payments will help to build this score which is very important if you decide to purchase a home and need to apply for a mortgage.

  •          Customisable – We can tailor a lease to suit you. We can change spec, mileage, contract duration and initial payment amounts.  

 

How do I pick the right car for me?

Choosing your new car can be very exciting and there is so much choice out there. We recommend that you start by calculating your monthly budget, what you can afford to pay each month for your car.

Once you know how much you are comfortable spending you need to think of the following to narrow down the choice of cars for you:

  •          What size car do you need?
  •          How many doors do you need?
  •          Have you got children; do you need extra space / Isofix?
  •          What fuel type and engine size?
  •          What style car do you want?
  •          What optional extras are important to you?
  •          What is your annual mileage?

Once you have established what sort of car will best serve your needs, you can search Kardi Leasing to find your perfect deal. If you are still unsure, please feel free to call or email as we are always happy to help.

It is important to research your car before committing to a lease. Please do not take it for granted that a car will have a certain feature. i.e assuming that the car will have electric folding mirrors.  If in doubt, Ask!

What credit score do I need to lease a car?

This is a question that we get asked a lot and there is no real answer to it. Our credit providers underwrite each applicant on an individual basis. They will check your credit file on Experian and other sources, and they will also look at your total income compared to your current financial obligations to determine your overall credit fitness and affordability.

Realistically, the higher your credit score is, the better your chances are of obtaining credit.
Usually you should aim for a credit rating of good to excellent, but as mentioned above, this rating does not guarantee credit approval.

To lease a car with Kardi Leasing you must:

  •          Be over the age of 18
  •          Have a full UK driving licence
  •          Be a UK resident (minimum 3 years UK address history)
  •          Have a source of income
  •          Have a bank account in the UK
  •          Be able to afford the lease

 

 

What are the additional costs?

When determining your budget, you must leave extra room for any unexpected costs. If you do not opt for a maintained agreement, you will be responsible for the regular servicing and upkeep of the vehicle.

As a new driver you may experience some damage, dents, dings, and scuffed wheels. This damage will be charged to you at the end of the lease in compliance with the BVRLA fair wear and Tear guide.

 

Insurance is not included in your lease. It is your responsibility to insure the vehicle.

 

Early termination. If you decide to terminate your agreement before the pre agreed end date, you will be liable for fees in most cases. This is usually 50% of the remaining payments but each agreement is different, so it is best to confirm this before signing for the lease.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email us on Sales@kardileasing.co.uk