The complete guide to getting the best value lease car: How to drive more car for less money

Want to drive a car that’s normally out of your price range? You’re not alone

We live in a world where you can order everything from your weekly shop to a new kitchen from the comfort of your sofa, but when it comes to getting behind the wheel of something decent, the process feels a little harder.

But here’s the thing: car leasing opens up a world of possibilities that buying simply can’t match.

You can do the whole thing through your phone, but that’s not the best bit. When delivery day comes, you’ll be driving a car that would normally cost you tens of thousands of pounds to buy outright for a fraction of that cost each month.

And with the right approach, you can find deals that’ll have you wondering why you didn’t make the switch sooner.

What makes a car lease good value?

The best value lease cars balance affordable monthly payments with low initial costs, generous mileage allowances, and include extras like road tax and delivery.

It’s not just about the cheapest monthly payment – it’s about getting the most car for your money.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to find the best value lease deals, avoid the common pitfalls that cost people money, and understand why leasing might just be the smartest way to drive the car you want.

Let’s start with the basics. 

And trust us, once you understand how leasing works, you’ll wonder why more people don’t talk about it.

The economics of leasing vs buying

Think of leasing versus buying like this: when you buy a car, you’re paying for the whole vehicle, even though you’ll likely only use a portion of its value before you sell it on or trade it in.

With leasing, you’re only paying for the bit you use.

Leasing can be cheaper because you’re only paying for the depreciation you use.

A £25,000 car that’s worth £15,000 after three years has depreciated by £10,000. That’s what you’re paying for in a lease (plus fees), not the full £25,000.

The hidden benefits are pretty sweet too.

You’ll have warranty coverage for the majority of the lease period, your monthly costs are predictable, and you won’t have to worry about MOTs for the first three years. All the fun of driving a new car, none of the admin headaches.

The value equation

Finding the best value lease isn’t just about the monthly payment – though that’s obviously important when you’re budgeting.

Here’s what matters:

Monthly payment is the most obvious factor, but not the only one.

Initial payment affects your total cost.

It’s usually expressed as a multiple of your monthly payment – so if you see ‘6+35’, that means the initial rental is equivalent to six monthly payments, then 35 monthly payments at the one-month cost after that.

Additional extras can make a difference to the value.

Though a maintenance package will add an additional monthly payment to your outgoings, it could save you hundreds of pounds over the course of your lease term.

Mileage allowance is crucial if you don’t want nasty surprises.

Excess mileage charges typically range from 5p to 25p per mile, so getting this wrong can be expensive.

Contract length affects your monthly payment, but length doesn’t always point to a great deal.

Sometimes longer contracts work out cheaper, but conversely, shorter contracts give you more flexibility to upgrade to newer tech (though could have a higher monthly payment).

The downsides of leasing

We’re all about transparency here, so let’s talk about what leasing can’t do for you.

You won’t own the car at the end – which means no asset to sell or trade in. If you’re someone who likes to keep cars for a decade or more, or completely run them into the ground before moving on, buying might make more sense.

If you want the absolute best value lease car, you might have to compromise on your dream spec or colour. We’re able to secure some incredible deals, but these do tend to be on a specific model.

Mileage restrictions mean keeping a little eye on how far you’re going over the course of your lease, and modification restrictions mean you can’t turn your lease car into a track day special.

But for most people, these aren’t deal breakers.

How to find cheap car lease deals

Right, let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s where to find the best lease deals that’ll keep your cash where you want it – in your wallet.

Where to look

Leasing brokers vs dealerships: Here’s something you might not know - leasing brokers (like us) might actually have access to better deals than you’ll find by just walking into your nearest dealership.

We work with multiple funders and dealers, which means we can shop around for the best deals. And we have a full range to pick from, across all major makes and models... 

You’re spoilt for choice.

In stock vs factory orders: Want a quick win? Look for in stock cars and pre-registered vehicles.

These are often very good cars that dealers want to shift, which generally means a better price for you. You might not get your exact preferred spec, but you could save hundreds of pounds and get the car within weeks, rather than months.

Timing your search

Best months to lease: September and March are when new number plates are released, and manufacturers push hard to register cars – which can mean better deals for you.

End of financial quarters: The beginning of new quarters can sometimes mean prices rise as manufacturers reset their rates, so it’s worth locking in at the end of the previous quarter to secure the price.

Model lifecycle timing: During the lifetime of a car model, manufacturers often give it a facelift and update the tech.

Sometimes, this means we’ll be able to secure a really good rate on the slightly older model – but it’ll still be a brand-new car.

First-time lease tips

Don’t just focus on monthly payments

A £200 monthly payment with a £3,000 initial payment isn’t necessarily better than a £250 monthly payment with a £1,500 initial rental.

Do the maths on the total cost.

Ask about excess mileage rates

If you think you might go over your mileage allowance, find out what it’ll cost you per mile.

It’s usually cheaper to buy extra miles upfront than pay excess charges later.

Get everything in writing

If you need time to make a decision, having a quote in writing with all the added extras included will give you something concrete to go back to.

The Carparison advantage

We’re not just another leasing company – we’re a leasing company that will actually show you how we make our money.

Commission transparency: We show you exactly what we earn from each deal.

No hidden kickbacks, no secret bonuses – just honest, upfront information about what you’re paying and why.

Buying power: We don’t just have access to dealer pricing – we have relationships with funders and manufacturers that give us access to deals the public simply can’t get.

Our batch purchasing power means better rates get passed onto you.

No hidden fees: What you see is what you pay.

You’ll know exactly how much we’re charging you upfront, plus what any extra costs at the end of your lease (excess mileage, damage beyond fair wear and tear) could potentially be.

Expert guidance: You’ll get advice from real humans who understand both cars and finance.

We’re not just order-takers: we’re here to help you make the right decision for your situation

Best value lease cars by budget

Let’s get down to specifics.

Here are the cars that offer some of the best value at different price points, with real-world advice on what you can expect.

Under £250 per month

What are the cheapest cars to lease?

The sub-£250 market is where you’ll find the best value for money, especially if you’re mainly driving around town or don’t need masses of space.

Hyundai i10: It might be Hyundai’s smallest car, but the i10 feels sophisticated and grown-up. Perfect for city driving and surprisingly well-equipped.

Citroen C3: French flair without the premium price tag, the C3 has bags of character and is surprisingly spacious inside.

Dacia Spring: If you want to go electric without breaking the bank, the Spring is your answer. It’s basic, but it’s also incredibly cheap to run and perfect for urban commuting.

Peugeot 208: One of the most stylish cars in its class, the 208 punches well above its weight for interior quality and tech. Available in petrol and full electric versions.

BYD DOLPHIN: Chinese innovation at impressively low prices. The DOLPHIN offers impressive range and kit levels for the money.

What you get:

• Low running costs that won’t hit you hard in the pocket
• Easy parking in those city spaces everyone else struggles with
• Surprising amount of tech and safety features
• Perfect for urban driving and the occasional longer journey

£250-£350 per month

What’s the best value family car to lease?

This is the sweet spot for family cars – enough space for the school run and weekend adventures, without the premium price tag.

Nissan Qashqai: The car that started the crossover revolution is still one of the best. British-built, reliable, and with a 2024 facelift that’s really elevated its style.

Vauxhall Mokka: Vauxhall’s compact SUV has bold styling and a surprisingly premium interior. It’s also available as an electric version if you want to reduce your running costs even further.

Hyundai Tucson: There’s something about the Tucson that screams ‘family adventure’. Bold looks, brilliant headlights, and a spacious interior that’ll hide all of life’s necessities.

Volkswagen Tiguan: German quality in a family-friendly package. The Tiguan is refined, efficient, and holds its value well – which often means better lease rates.

What you get:

• Family-friendly space for car seats, pushchairs and weekend bags
• Modern safety features that’ll give you peace of mind
• Better fuel economy than you’d expect from larger cars
• Higher driving position for better visibility

£350-£450 per month

What premium cars can I lease for around £400?

This is where things get interesting.

For £400ish a month, you can access cars that would cost £30,000+ to buy outright.

Genesis GV60: If you want to stand out from the crowd, the GV60 is your answer. It’s a premium electric SUV with distinctive Korean styling and impressive tech.

Ford Kuga: Ford’s family SUV with a focus on practicality and efficiency. Available in petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions.

Jaecoo 7: The premium, tech-filled SUV that’s properly Jaecool. You might think it has a premium price to match its looks, but it’s quite affordable, and comes with all the mod-cons.

Volvo EX30: The baby of the Volvo SUV line-up that’s actually quite large for a ‘compact’ SUV. With a WLTP Comb range of 286 miles and characterful interior, it’s not one to miss.

What you get:

• Premium brand prestige that’ll make an impression
• Advanced tech that feels genuinely cutting-edge
• Superior build quality that you’ll notice every day
• Access to a better car than you might be able to afford outright

Best value electric cars to lease

Under £350

• BYD DOLPHIN SURF: Chinese innovation at an affordable price
• Renault 5: The French icon reimagined as an EV
• MG4 EV: The electric car that’s properly good and properly affordable
• Volkswagen ID.3: VW’s electric alternative to the Golf

£350-£450

• Alpine A290: French hot hatch excitement in electric guise
• Omoda 5: Another Chinese contender with impressive range
• Hyundai Kona: Proven reliability in electric form
• Kia EV3: Korean efficiency with impressive tech
• Hyundai IONIQ 5: Distinctive styling and ultra-rapid charging

£450+

• Ford Explorer: American SUV style with European sensibilities
• Volkswagen ID.7: Executive electric motoring
• SKODA Elroq: Czech value with German engineering
• Kia EV6: Award-winning electric SUV with serious performance

Hidden savings with EVs

Did you know you might actually be able to save a bit of cash if you make the switch to electric leasing?

Congestion charge exemption

If you drive in London, at the moment you’ll save around £15 a day on congestion charges. That’s £75 a week if you’re a commuter.

This is set to change later in the year – but watch this space. Savings for EVs often crop up as the government continues to incentivise their adoption.

Company car tax benefits

Electric cars have ultra-low Benefit in Kind (BiK) rates, which can save you thousands if you’re leasing a car for your business, or through your employer with a salary sacrifice scheme.

You can also offset the cost of your lease against your corporation tax, and 100% of the VAT can be claimed back if the vehicle is being used for business journeys only (50% if you also use it for your personal life).

Home charging

Charging at home is significantly cheaper than public charging, and cheaper than petrol or diesel.

Range anxiety reality check

Let’s be honest about range anxiety – it’s mostly in your head.

Average daily mileage

Most people drive less than 30 miles per day. Even the most basic electric car will handle that with range to spare. Even most plug-in hybrids can do up to 60 miles on electricity alone.

Charging infrastructure

The UK’s charging network is expanding rapidly, with over 82,000 chargepoints now available, and a new one added roughly every 30 minutes.

You could even drive the length of England and Scotland, from Land’s End to John O’Groats, with plenty of places to stop and charge.

Real world ranges

Modern electric cars can easily handle daily commuting and most longer journeys. The days of 50-mile ranges are long gone.

Common leasing mistakes that cost you money

We’ve seen these mistakes more times than we can count. Here’s how to avoid them.

Underestimating mileage needs

The trap: Choosing low mileage to get cheaper monthly payments.

The solution: Excess mileage charges are expensive – typically 5p-25p per mile. Calculate your annual mileage carefully and give yourself a 5% buffer.

It’s almost always cheaper to buy extra miles upfront.

Ignoring contract length

The trap: Assuming longer contracts always mean cheaper monthly payments.

The solution: Some of our best deals are cheaper on shorter contracts – always consider your needs, and whether you want the car at the best deal, or for the longest time.

Not reading the fine print

The trap: Unexpected charges at the end of your contract.

The solution: Understand Fair Wear and Tear guidelines. A few stone chips and minor scuffs are expected, but kerbed alloys and excessive damage will cost you.

Getting started: Your next steps

Ready to find your perfect lease deal? Here’s how to get started.

Set your budget

Monthly payment: What can you comfortably afford without stretching your finances?

Initial rental: How much can you put down upfront?

Contract length: How long do you want to commit? 

Define your needs

Size requirements: City car for urban adventures, family car for the school run, or SUV for weekend escapes?

Fuel type: Petrol for flexibility, electric for lower running costs, or hybrid for the best of both?

Mileage: Be honest about how many miles you drive per year. It’s better to overestimate than face excess charges.

Research your options

Compare total costs: Not just monthly payments – include initial rental and any extras, including a maintenance package.

Read reviews: What do other drivers say about reliability, running costs, and day-to-day ownership?

Check reliability: Some brands are just more dependable than others.

Get expert advice

Speak to our team: We’re here to help you make the right decision, not just process an order.

Ask questions: No question is too simple or too small. We’d rather explain something twice than sign you up for the wrong deal.

Conclusion

The best value lease car isn’t necessarily the one with the cheapest monthly payment. It’s the one that gets you the most car for your money over the entire contract period.

By understanding how leasing works, calculating total costs rather than just monthly payments, and choosing the right partner to work with, you can drive a car that would normally be out of your price range.

Whether you’re looking for a nippy city car, a family-friendly wagon, or want to go electric without the premium price tag, there’s a lease deal out there for you.

And we’re here to help you find it.

Our transparent approach, buying power, and genuine commitment to finding the right deal for you means you’ll drive away confident you made the right choice.

Frequently asked questions

What makes a car lease good value?

A good value lease balances affordable monthly payments with reasonable initial costs, generous mileage allowances, and includes extras like road tax and delivery. The key is looking at total cost over the contract period, not just monthly payments.

Is leasing cheaper than buying?

For most people, yes. Leasing typically offers lower monthly payments and smaller upfront costs. You’re only paying for the depreciation you use, not the entire vehicle cost.

What are the cheapest cars to lease?

City cars and small hatchbacks like the Hyundai i10, Citroen C3 and Peugeot 208 generally offer the lowest monthly payments. Electric cars like the BYD DOLPHIN and MG4 EV also offer excellent value.

Should I lease or buy a car?

Leasing is typically better if you want lower monthly payments, prefer driving newer cars, and don’t mind not owning the car at the end. Buying makes more sense if you plan to keep the car for many years.

Can I get a cheap car lease with bad credit?

It’s possible, but you might face higher monthly payments or need a larger deposit. Some funders specialise in helping people with poor credit history.