Affordable Autos and Cars

A key aspect of what car to lease is the monthly cost we see advertised on most leasing websites. But there are other considerations to look at, mainly that not all derivatives of a certain model are the same to lease and in fact can be a huge difference, with manufacturers who have established ranges. As an example, the Mercedes c series, has a range of engines both petrol and internal and external trim. Each derivative depreciates at its own unique speed, based on the demand for each and the quantity available to buy. In recent years, diesel cars have become more popular than the petrol versions (high performance models excluded), so it is possible to lease a certain higher spec derivative cheaper than a a lower spec vehicle, as so much of your leasing premium is based on the deprecation of the vehicle.

The next step is based on whether the vehicle will become a company car or not, are you leasing it or is your employer doing it for you, (even if you own the business), so Benefit in Kind will be an issue. Researching the BIK values for each derivative can again show a huge difference even with the same models. Again using Mercedes as an example, there normal C series range have a big difference on Co2 emissions even within the same model range, so choosing a derivative with lower CO2 emissions will keep that BIK down and so the tax you have to pay.

So next time, don’t just look for the model or body type, try to understand all the differences between the derivatives so you can keep that car lease down.

Nissan have showcased their new model Juke at the famous and controversial Gateshead Car park.  Possibly making it the last car on the structure.  

The new Nissan Juke was photographed on the structure as part of its launch.   

Gateshead’s Car park is famous for being in the movie ‘Get Carter’ as well as other movies such a ‘Goal’ and ‘Purely Belter’.  Located in right in the centre of Gateshead is due to be demolished as part of the towns regeneration.    It is 40 years old and is either loved or loathed by many in the town.

The car has been described by Auto Express as “a compact crossover with a big personality”.  It a cross between a hot hatch and an SUV.  Engines range start with a 115hp 1.6litre petrol and at the other end is a 187hp 1.6 litre option.  

Nissan is one of the biggest employers in the region of Tyne and wear.  It has a large factory based in Washington, Sunderland.   The Juke is build at the Washington site, making this a truly British car. 

To put it bluntly car lease is a financial transaction and getting wrong can hit you in the pocket. Unlike the window price of buying new, the monthly car lease premium is based on different factors, from the interest rate charged to the undisclosed broker fee and most importantly the depreciation value or the redemption value of the vehicle, that can take a cheap brochure price and make it into a money pit, or an expensive executive car and make it affordable.

The ability to choose the right car lease deals, is bringing this information all together, by researching the prices of all makes and models, rather than restricting your information to your favourite car you think you can afford. there are many websites out there that will give prices, but beware before you think these prices are correct, make sure you have read all the small print for conditions (We have seen car lease deals only delivered on condition they sell X amount of cars in a month) Some prices are with VAT, some are not and even the models can be conflicting when photos are only used as example pictures and are not the exact model you may want to buy. Then finally we just have the lazy webmaster who does not keep prices up to date, whatever the reason can be, we often here of inaccurate prices published on the web, so pick up the phone and confirm what is really available, or use a real price system like Leasebam.

There are always car lease deals somewhere, but not necessarily the car you are looking for at teh time you are looking for it. So do your self a favour and find out what is available, you may be suitably surprised.

There are many different ways you can buy your next car and making it more affordable. Of course buying a car outright with cash tends to be the cheapest or cost affective way of owning a depreciating asset, not only from the saving in interest payments, but most car dealerships will consider a discount if you pay cash without a trade in. But for some, the word affordable relates more to “how much a month”, rather than “what is the total cost”, especially when  there are no savings or for businesses who control the ins and outs of money control.

A typical option for this is car lease or contract hire, where you pay a set monthly premium in return for the use of the car. Now because there tends to be another third party involved in car lease, such as a broker, car dealership and a finance company, the total cost of leasing is normally more expensive than outright purchase. But this scenario is slightly different when it comes to businesses, because if the business takes on the car lease premiums as a company car, a proportion of the cost can be claimed back as a business expense. Then when the business considers the money being left in the business rather than being spent on a depreciating asset, the figures can now start to add up.

The final conclusion with contract hire, is to consider a low emission vehicle, to keep tax liabilities even lower.