Frequently Asked Questions (Vehicle lease)

Here are the most popular questions...

We have listened to all our customers and answered each question regarding vehicle leasing below. 

However, should you have a question that is not listed, please do get in touch!

Essentially, what is vehicle leasing?

Vehicle leasing can be seen as being very similar to renting a car out where you will use that car for a certain period of time for a fixed monthly rental. Vehicle leasing allows for a choice to made from a variety of vehicles that we offer including the specific make, model, and specifications. Your leasing contract will be tailored for your needs and requirements depending on how long you wish to take the vehicle out on contract for, how much mileage you do per annum and whether you wish to put down a deposit or not. When it comes to returning your vehicle at the end of the leasing period, the vehicle will be collected by the finance company, inspected and payments will stop. Allowing you to then find another great lease deal to replace that vehicle!

Are all vehicles offered brand new?

That is correct, all the vehicles we supply are brand new. Often, we may be able to supply ‘Pre-registered’ vehicles where in order to meet the terms of that specific cheap pricing, they would’ve been registered at an earlier date. These vehicles are still brand new though, simply registered before the day of delivery.

What are the benefits of leasing a vehicle?

Vehicle leasing is an ever-growing sector of the car industry and there is no better time to start than right now! Benefits of leasing include: 

•   Being able to keep driving a brand new vehicle every few years (once your contract has finished) allowing you to always be up to date with the latest makes, models and technology that manufacturers have to offer. 

•   Leasing new vehicles allow for you to not associate with expenses that are linked with older vehicles (High maintenance!). 

•   Leasing is often the best and cheapest way to go if you are after obtaining a brand new vehicle. 

•   Vehicle leasing allows for a broader choice of vehicles to be taken into consideration and often, customers find that they can lease a much better vehicle than what they first anticipated! 

•   Fixed costs on your monthly rentals include manufacturer warranty, road tax and RFL (Road Fund License) as standard! There is also an option to add a maintenance package to all of our vehicles should you wish. Having these fixed monthly instalments help for you to always understand exactly how much you will be spending. 

•   When leasing your brand new vehicle, you don’t have to worry about depreciation! New vehicles lose a massive amount of money on them over the first few years of ownership however, with Leasing, you don’t need to worry about this as the vehicle is never actually owned by you! 

•   When your contract is due to end, you don’t need to worry about selling as you simply just return the vehicle back to the finance company.

At what age can I apply for a lease vehicle?

A lease agreement can be applied for by anyone 18 or over and you must hold a full UK driving license.

What forms of ID are required to be supplied?

The proofs which are required to be supplied will depend upon your credit score, history and also what finance company is being used. Most will require a proof of address, proof of income and a proof of identity in the form of your passport or driving license.

Is vehicle leasing the same thing as PCH (Personal Contract Hire)?

That is correct, these two are the same where a long-term lease agreement (usually 2-4 years) is arranged with the customer for a vehicle of your choice.

This is then followed by the initial rental (1st months payment) and then your subsequent monthly rentals. At the end of the contract, your vehicle is then returned to the finance company.

I can’t seem to find the specific model of vehicle I want to lease?

We have access to all major manufacturers and models of vehicles. If you are unable to find the vehicle you are after on our website, please contact us on our phone number 03333 70 2121 or alternatively, you can request a manual tailored quotation by clicking here.

How quickly can I expect to take delivery?

Usually, stock vehicles are deliverable within 2-3 weeks depending on how quickly actions are taken from all parties involved. However, stock vehicles are sometimes "pipeline" meaning they may be longer. So it is best to allow us to check individually on your chosen option. 

If a vehicle is required to be ordered to specifically fit your needs and there aren’t any vehicles readily available, we would need to look into placing a factory order. These lead times can differ from 8-16 weeks depending on the manufacturer and vehicle etc.

Can a private number plate be placed onto my lease vehicle?

Of course, it is possible for a cherished number plate to be placed onto your lease vehicle however, you would need permission from the finance company as they essentially own your vehicle. Upon receiving their permission, they will then be able to guide you through their process of how to go about this. 

This would often need to be done after taking delivery as you will be required to liaise directly with the finance company.

What am I responsible for during my lease contract?

During the contract, you are responsible for keeping the car in good condition, all routine servicing, maintenance and MOT’s (if necessary). You will need to ensure that you stick to your annual mileage allowances and ensure that any damage is rectified that doesn’t fall under the fair wear and tear guidelines.

Is there an option to purchase the vehicle at the end of the contract?

With a lease contract, there is no option to purchase the vehicle at the end. The vehicle must be returned to the finance company. You can request to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease but this will be at the finance companies discretion, at the time. At the start of the contract, the agreement is that you do not own the vehicle. 

What is meant by a contract profile, which shows 3+47, 6+23 etc?

This is simply the way in which the payment plan would be structured if you went for that contract profile. These profiles are always catered to your needs whether you wish to put down a deposit or no deposit at all and are broken down into initial payments of 1, 3, 6, 9 or 12 months up front. 

For example, if we look at the profile of 3+47, this would be a one off initial rental payment equivalent to 3 monthly rentals at the beginning of your contract followed by 47 monthly rentals. 

The higher the up-front payment (initial rental), the lower your subsequent monthly rentals will be. The total cost of the contract will always be the same whether you put no deposit down or a deposit to lower your monthly rentals.

What does a "maintenance plan" include?

For an additional monthly cost on top of the monthly rental, a maintenance package can be applied to any of our vehicles which we offer. The maintenance package allows for all servicing costs to be covered along with MOT’s too (if necessary). Other things covered under the maintenance package includes replacement or repair on tyres, bulbs, wipers etc. 

Benefits of having a maintenance package 
Maintenance packages allow for the peace of mind on your new lease vehicle knowing that all servicing and required maintenance is covered and tied up within your monthly rentals. 

Advantages to this include:
• Manufacturer servicing with authorised garages 
• Electrical & mechanical repairs or replacements which also includes labour 
• Lower vehicle running costs 
• All parts required to repair/replace under fair wear & tear are included. This means things such as brake pads, batteries, wipers etc. 
• Easy booking process 

To undergo any maintenance on your lease vehicle, this is to be done at any of the approved garages for that manufacturer within the UK, which are also to be approved by the finance company who own the leased vehicle.

You can, however, maintain the vehicle yourself which means all costs will be your responsibility. 

What credit rating do I need to lease a vehicle?

In order to lease a vehicle, a credit check is required to be put in place so that the finance company can ensure that you are eligible to afford the monthly payments across the course of the contract. 

Our finance application process is quick and easy and shouldn’t take too long to complete. We then will put your finance application through to the finance company who is offering the best pricing on the specific deal we have quoted you on. 

Most finance companies which we use are after a good to excellent credit rating however, some are more lenient than others.

Many finance companies aim to have a decision back within 1-2 days depending on certain factors and if they require further information from you. As soon as we receive communication from them, we pass this straight across to you.

What income do I need to lease a vehicle?

You aren’t required to be employed in order to take out a lease agreement but you must have some sort of steady income such as a pension or benefit allowance in order to show the finance company that you can afford the monthly rentals.

Who provides finance for my lease agreement?

All of our deals are by various finance companies, whoever is offering the cheapest pricing for that certain deal.

When will my payments be taken?

Within some finance documents, it will specify exactly when payments will be taken. However, some finance companies take the initial payments on or before delivery, some around 7-10 days after delivery. And then your remaining monthly rentals will begin around 1 month after you have taken delivery. 

This will differ depending on which finance company your vehicle is funded by and sometimes initial rentals may be required before taking delivery. 

What is included in a Contract Hire agreement?

Your leasing contract will include the following as standard: 

• Road tax for the full duration 
• Full Manufacturers warranty 
• Breakdown cover 

Your leasing contract will not include:
• Insurance 
• Servicing & maintenance (Unless you have opted for the additional maintenance package to be added)
• Fuel