This is a very good thread.
Not knowing anything about this sort of thing, I have always scoffed at people who leased rather than buying outright (due to my pathological aversion to debt of any kind), but I think I see the logic now.
I really want a new car (dont need a new car - just at a point where I fancy something new and perhaps a bit fancy as I have always had very simple and basic economy cars - paid for in cash), but the thought of spending £30k in cash in one go has stopped me buying the nice new car I'd really like, even though I have that cash on hand. I just get "the fear" whenever I spend big money (so I basically never do!).
I think leasing now actually seems the sensible way to go.
The leasing websites often have this; "24+9+3 deal" (or similar) but with no explanation of what this means, even when searching the FAQ sections of the lease websites - can someone explain this please?
I have been looking at the new Kia Sportage - the top spec version with the panoramic sunroof, but price wise they arent a million miles off an Audi Q3 or Q5, and on lease the latter becomes much more of a realistic option.
Also, when you buy, can you spec the car with exactly what options you want, or do you have to take whatever the lease company has? And do you collect the car from the lease company, or from the car dealership as if you'd bought it yourself? How does it work on a practical level?
Cheers!