Disadvantages of Car Leasing
Car Leasing allows one to drive a brand new car for a certain period of time while paying a monthly fee. There may also be an up-front payment to be made.
Many people lease a car so they can frequently change their vehicle according to their changing family or business needs. It also avoids the large capital expenditure needed to buy a vehicle. But while many find car leasing an advantage, some are hesitant to lease a car because it involves a contract, which can be very complicated if the leaseholder wishes to break the agreement before the end of the term. Although most car leasing companies can tailor a package that lets customers choose the duration they want to keep the vehicle, some unexpected circumstances, like a sudden move, may compel the leaseholder to break the contract.
Just as in leasing a building or an apartment, the leaseholder can only use the car for an agreed period; usually 12 months. Moreover, the car’s annual mileage is usually limited to 12,000 to 15,000 miles. The leaseholder may have to pay extra costs if he or she exceeded the annual mileage set in the contract. The leaseholder will also have to pay penalties for any scratches or dents.
The rates to lease cars are typically higher than repayment rates might be if you took out a bank’s car loan. In addition, car-leasing companies require the leaseholder to get comprehensive insurance cover that is agreeable to them.
Credit requirements for car leasing are also typically more stringent than for purchasing. Usually, a car loan only requires a credit score of 650 to qualify, but a leasing company would often require a score of 725.
Having said all that many people, particularly business users, find car leasing very convenient. It avoids expensive repair and servicing costs and vehicle excise duty which is paid by the leasing company.
admin | Disadvantages | 08 28th, 2009 | No Comments »