How to lease a car: get to know these facts

A lease lets you drive a car you might not afford to buy outright. Before you sign, understand exactly what you are paying for.

Is leasing right for you?

Leasing suits people who want a new car every few years, drive a predictable distance, and are happy not to own the car. It does not suit high-kilometre drivers or anyone who keeps a vehicle for a long time.

Check these before signing

• Total cost – monthly rent × months, plus any deposit and fees. Compare it with a loan to buy the same car.
• Kilometre limit – and the charge per extra kilometre.
• What is included – insurance, servicing, tyres, road tax, roadside help.
• Early exit – the penalty if you need to end the lease early.
• End of lease – the return condition rules and whether you can buy the car.

Test the car properly

You will live with it for years: check headroom and legroom, seating comfort, visibility (especially blind spots), engine response, handling and how easy the controls are to use.

Weighing a lease against buying used? Read buying or leasing: what is the best option.