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Leasing an Audi can be a smarter choice for many reasons
When it comes to getting a new car, one of the biggest decisions that UK consumers face is whether to lease or buy. We estimate that between twenty and thirty percent of drivers are now leasing, but does it make sense to you?
Whilst buying an Audi outright might seem like a sensible option, leasing can be a smarter choice for many reasons, all of which we will outline further down the article. First though, consider the price when you decide if it’s better to lease or buy an Audi.
Audi A3 prices start from £27,225. If you were to lease an Audi for 12 months with ACL Automotive, prices start at £569.95 a month, meaning you could spend £6,839 over the year. Compare that annual cost to how long you might expect to own a car, factoring in depreciation when you sell it, and you will get a better idea on whether it’s better to lease or buy an Audi in the UK.
Before you read on, we would encourage you to check out some of our current Audi lease deals:
When you lease an Audi with ACL Automotive, you will pay a fixed monthly fee for a set period of time, typically over a short term period of 12 to 18 months. Come the end of the contract, you simply return the car. This is good for those who like to drive a new car every few years and don't want to worry about depreciation or selling the car when they're ready for something new.
However, it's important to consider the total cost of the lease, including any fees and charges, to ensure that it's the right choice for your budget.
Here’s more detail on the financial implications of leasing versus buying an Audi.
Cost comparison
When deciding whether to lease or buy an Audi, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost. Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with leasing and buying an Audi in the UK.
Leasing costs
Leasing an Audi typically involves paying a deposit, followed by monthly payments for the duration of the lease term. The monthly payments are generally lower than they would be if you were buying the car outright.
One of the advantages of leasing is that you can often get a higher-end car for a lower monthly payment than you would if you were buying it outright. However, it's important to note that you don't own the car at the end of the lease term, and you may be charged extra fees if you go over the mileage limit or return the car with excessive wear and tear.
Buying costs
Buying an Audi outright involves paying the full purchase price upfront or taking out a loan to finance the purchase. The advantage of buying is that you own the car outright and can sell it or trade it in at any time. You also don't have to worry about mileage limits or wear and tear charges.
However, buying a car outright can be more expensive in the short term, as the monthly loan payments are generally higher than they would be for a lease. You should also consider the depreciation of the car, which can reduce its resale value over time.
Leasing may be a good option if you want to drive a higher-end car for a lower monthly payment, while buying may be a better option if you want to own the car outright and don't mind paying higher monthly payments in the short term.
Other owning versus leasing benefits
Deciding whether it’s better to opt for a short term car lease or buy an Audi isn’t just down to cost. You should also consider other factors that relate to whether you own or lease the vehicle.
For example, leasing an Audi can be a great option for those who want to drive a new car every few years. You also don’t have to worry about the car's resale value. At the end of the lease term, you return the car and walk away.
However, if you buy an Audi, you have more control over the car's ownership. For example, you can modify the car and don't need to worry about mileage restrictions. You can also sell it whenever you like if you need cash.
You also don't need to worry about any excess wear and tear charges. With a lease, you're typically charged for any damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear. When you own the car, you're free to use it as you see fit.
When you own an Audi, you are responsible for all maintenance and repair costs, including those covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Audi offers a standard warranty of three years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, which covers most repairs. However, after the warranty expires, the owner is responsible for all repairs and maintenance costs.
Audi also offers a maintenance plan for owners called Audi Complete. This plan covers the cost of scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. After that, the owner is responsible for all maintenance costs.
It is worth noting that the cost of maintenance and repairs can vary depending on the model and age of the Audi. Generally, newer models require less maintenance and repairs than older models. Additionally, some models may have higher repair costs due to the complexity of their systems.
In conclusion, leasing an Audi may be a better option for those who want to avoid unexpected repair costs, while buying may be a better option for those who want more control over maintenance and repair costs.
