Our car is almost seven years old. I went for practicality, opting for a family car. The Skoda Octavia has proven to be very reliable and safe. But part of me craves excitement! I feel like I would love an Audi next. I know with all the renovation work we are planning a new car would be out of the question. But perhaps we could consider Audi leasing instead. Although I might have to stop my husband from driving the Audi! Apparently male drivers of this high-status car are considered “stubborn and disagreeable”. Is that something you would agree with? I better not tell him anyway, he will only sulk!

Read on to find reasons leasing a car might be better than buying one. I have also mentioned things to consider before going ahead. Some people don’t like the thought of leasing a car because they don’t own it at the end. But I don’t actually mind. Cars start to have more maintenance issues as they age, our Skoda has started to get more expensive and is having more trips to the garage. After five years a car isn’t considered as reliable anymore, so swapping to a new car lease every three to five years makes a lot of sense.

Access To A Brand-New Car

Leasing gives you access to a brand-new car without having a big initial outlay. We made the mistake of buying our Skoda brand-new. Yes, we got the technological advancements of a new car which was a bonus, but we also felt the sting of depreciation! I wish we had leased instead and just handed back the keys after three years and then signed up for a new car leasing plan. Then we could go from one lovely new car onto the next. I really want us to have autonomous emergency braking as we lost our no claims bonus a few years ago when my husband bumped into his colleague’s car. That technology might have acted independently and stopped him before he bumped!

Let The Dealer Worry About Depreciation

Our car isn’t looking as good now. However, because we bought it brand new, we feel compiled to stick with it because of depreciation. Once it left the forecourt it already lost a huge chunk of its value (around 11%), it’s a bit disheartening really. It’s no wonder this article says buying a new car can be one of the worst financial mistakes you make. When you lease you still get that fancy new car, but you can hand it back a few years later without worrying how much value its lost.

Check The Mileage Allowance

Make sure you check the mileage allowance before leasing a car. Get figures for excess mileage charges straight away so you can factor that into any decision you make. Obviously, if you cover a big distance in your car you need to find a lease deal that will accommodate that.

Modifying The Lease Car

You cannot make any changes without checking in with the lease company. If you want to add a tow bar for example see what their thoughts are before proceeding, they will be worried it might damage the car. Some lease companies might be willing to make the modifications for you before you leave with their car. Business leases usually want their branding on the car, and it isn’t usually an issue if it is done correctly and won’t impact the bodywork of the car. Just don’t do anything without permission first!

Good luck with your decision, don’t rush into anything. Take your time and do your research.