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Author: Beth Twigg | Reading Time: 15 minutes | Published 21/10/2025
Author: Beth Twigg
Reading Time: 15 minutes
Published 21/10/2025
Long term car leasing lets you settle into your dream car for four years (or more, in some cases), with typically lower monthly payments and the peace of mind that comes from not having to think about your next vehicle for a good while.
Whether you’re after predictable budgeting, fewer lease renewals, or just want to sink into the driving seat knowing your car’s sorted for the long haul, we’ve got you covered.
Long term car leasing is exactly what it sounds like – leasing a car for longer than the typical two or three years.
Most long term car lease deals run for four years, though you might be able to find one or two deals that stretch even further.
How does it work?
Well, with car leasing, instead of paying for the full value of the car, you’re only paying for the bit of its lifetime you use – the depreciation during your lease term. The longer you keep the car, the more that cost gets spread out, which can mean cheaper monthly payments.
It’s perfect for anyone wanting lower monthly costs, people with stable lifestyles who don’t fancy changing cars every couple of years, and businesses looking for predictable vehicle budgeting.
Mercedes-Benz EQA
Most car leasing deals run between 24 and 48 months, with long term leasing typically referring to the 48-month contracts.
This is the sweet spot for long term leasing,
You can get those lovely lower monthly payments while still keeping up with modern tech and safety features. It’s long enough to properly settle into your car and enjoy the financial benefits, but not so long that you’re missing out on the latest innovations.
Quick comparison
This is the big one. Let’s say a car lease costs £10,000 over its term. This would mean that per month, you’d be paying:
The maths is lovely and straightforward (for the most part – more on that later). Generally speaking (especially for factory orders), the longer the lease, the smaller the monthly chunk taken out of your bank account.
Once you sign that dotted line, you know exactly what you’re paying each month for the next four years.
No surprise repair bills for unexpected mechanical issues (that’s what warranties are for), no depreciation worries, no ‘oh crikey, what’s my car worth now?’ moments when you have a panic about selling.
No faff, no hassle. You simply drive the car for the length of your lease term, and return it to your funder when your contract ends.
This is how happy you could be with a long term lease
If you’ve found a lease car you love, the thought of tearing yourself away after just two years might fill you with dread.
With long term leasing, you can settle in for four lovely years (or more), learning every button and getting your fill of your motor.
Most manufacturer warranties run for three years, though some (like Kia’s seven-year offering) go much longer.
These include:
If you’re looking at long term leasing, opting for a brand with a warranty that covers your entire lease term could offer you that extra peace of mind that any unexpected mechanical faults will be covered.
However, you might also have the option to take out an extended warranty on other manufacturers to keep you covered beyond the standard period.
Peugeot 2008
Not every car is cut out for the long haul, but the right ones make a long term lease deal a brilliant choice.
Think about manufacturers known for durability: brands that build cars designed to keep going and going without major drama.
We’re talking about the ones that consistently appear in reliability surveys and have strong warranty offerings.
The What Car? annual reliability survey is a good place to start.
2025’s survey lists Honda, MINI, Suzuki, Toyota and Vauxhall as the top five most reliable brands over the last year – and with some of the most popular cars falling under these manufacturers, they’re a good place to start if you’re looking for a car that’ll go the distance.
Electric vehicles (EVs) can be fantastic for long term leasing – the technology has stabilised, charging infrastructure keeps improving, and you’re future-proofing against changing emissions regulations.
Plus, with EVs depreciating faster initially, leasing sidesteps that particular headache completely.
Things to consider:
Infotainment system in a car
When you’re committing to a car for four years, getting the right fit matters more than usual.
A family hauling kids to football practice or dance rehearsals has very different needs to a sales rep clocking up motorway miles, and what works brilliantly for one might be a complete nightmare for the other.
Family needs: Look for space, safety features, and practical tech that won’t date quickly. SUVs, estates and larger hatchbacks work well.
Our top family car picks:
Business needs: Consider fuel efficiency, professional appearance, and low Benefit in Kind (BiK) rates for company car drivers. Electric cars and plug-in hybrids are going to be your best friends for low BiK rates.
Our top business car lease picks:
Ford Capri and Ford Explorer
Your monthly payment depends on the car’s expected depreciation over the lease term.
Generally, the longer the lease, the lower the monthly cost – but this isn’t always the case with our exclusive deals.
Thanks to our relationships with dealers and funders, sometimes a 36-month lease might actually work out cheaper than a 48-month one because of the special terms we’ve negotiated.
We always display the best price first time, so you can see the cheapest option straight away and adjust from there.
Picking mileage limits for four years requires a bit more crystal ball gazing than shorter leases.
We offer annual mileage options from 5,000 miles right up to 30,000 miles, so there’s something for everyone, from the occasional Sunday driver to the serious road warrior.
Our mileage options: 5,000, 8,000, 10,000, 12,000, 15,000, 20,000, 25,000, and 30,000 miles per year.
The thing about long terms leases and mileages is that your life can change quite a bit over four years.
New job, house move, kids starting activities on the other side of town, an unforeseen cross-country road trip – suddenly that sensible 8,000-mile limit you picked doesn’t look so clever.
How to choose:
Top tip: It’s usually better to overestimate slightly.
Excess mileage charges at the end can sting more than paying for a higher mileage limit upfront. Think about your current annual mileage, then add a buffer for life’s surprises.
The longer you have the car, the more wear and tear it’ll experience. There’s no way around this one – it’s just a fact of life.
Factor in:
Tesla Model 3
Leasing wins for: Lower upfront costs, no depreciation worries, warranty coverage, ability to upgrade to newer models
Buying wins for: Unlimited mileage, modification freedom, potential asset value (although cars generally make terrible investments)
The verdict: If you like driving new cars without the faff of ownership and the stress of depreciation, long term leasing is brilliant. If you’re happy keeping the same car for a decade and don’t mind dealing with repairs and resale, buying might suit better.
Short term leasing (18-36 months):
Long term leasing (48 months)
The decision: Comes down to whether you prioritise having the latest gadgets or prefer lower monthly costs and less frequent changes
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) works in a similar way to leasing, but it gives you the option to either buy (with what’s known as a ‘balloon’ payment), hand back, or trade in your car for money off another PCP deal at the end of the contract. However, the monthly cost tends to be higher.
Long term leasing is simpler – you just hand back the keys and walk away.
Your search for a long term lease doesn't have to be stressful
Long term leases suit people with stable lifestyles.
If you’re planning major life changes – house moves, career shifts, growing your family – shorter terms might offer more flexibility.
It’s perfect if you have predictable annual mileage, you don’t care about upgrading to the latest tech every couple of years, and you’d prefer to deal with fewer contract renewals and lease admin.
For businesses, long term leasing offers excellent budgeting predictability, and often works out more cost-effective per vehicle.
Benefits include:
Pre-registered (pre-reg) cars offer a fantastic way to get a brand-new vehicle at a lower cost – particularly good for long term leases where you want maximum value.
Here’s how it works: A dealership registers the car first, and then it’s sold through us.
You get a brand-new car with just delivery miles on the clock, but at a reduced price because it’s technically had a previous owner.
Things to remember:
Kia EV6
You’ll have a named expert, from quote to keys: No faceless call centres here. You get a real person from start to end, who knows your deal inside and out.
We’re independently audited and always accountable: Proper accreditation, proper processes, proper peace of mind.
Platinum-rated customer service: We don’t just say we’re good at customer service – we can prove it.
At the end of the phone whenever you need us: Whether you need help choosing or have questions mid-lease, we’re here to help.
Long term leasing isn’t just about saving money (though that does help).
It’s about finding that sweet spot where you get a car you genuinely want to live with for four years, at a price that doesn’t make your bank account weep, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what you’re paying for each month.
Whether you’re after a reliable family hauler, an efficient business runaround, or just want to settle into something nice without the faff of ownership, a 48-month lease could be exactly what you’re looking for.
The best part?
You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Our team of leasing experts will walk you through every option, explain all the ins and outs, and make sure you end up with a deal that actually works for your life – not just your budget.
Ready to explore long term car leasing?
A long term car lease is typically 48 months (four years), compared to standard leases of 24-36 months.
If you want lower monthly payments and don’t need to upgrade frequently, yes. It’s perfect for people with stable lifestyles who want predictable costs.
Early termination is possible, but usually involves a fee – normally around 50% of the remaining lease payments.
It’s sometimes possible to adjust mileage mid-term, though this may affect your monthly payments because it’ll have an impact on the depreciation of the car. If you have any questions, speak to your named leasing expert who’ll be able to advise further.
Yes, after three years post-registration (which could be sooner than three years post-delivery, if you have a pre-reg car). The MOT, and any servicing needed, is your responsibility as the registered keeper.
Basic maintenance is your responsibility, but unexpected mechanical faults and the like should be covered under warranty. Consider taking out an optional maintenance package for complete peace of mind, and easier budgeting.
