If you’ve never leased a car before, chances are you’ve heard a few myths about how it works. Maybe you think leasing locks you into a brand, comes with hidden fees, or that EVs aren’t available to lease.
At Car Leasing Made Simple, we’re here to set the record straight. Let’s break down the most common misconceptions about car leasing – and why they simply aren’t true.
1. “You Have to Pay a Huge Deposit on a Lease Car”
A lot of people assume you need a big upfront payment to lease a car—especially if you’re looking at a premium model. But that’s not the case.
With leasing, your initial payment is typically 3, 6, or 9 times your monthly cost. So, for a BMW 3 Series at £350 per month, your initial payment could be as little as £1,050.
This is a fraction of the deposit you’d need if you were buying outright or financing through PCP (Personal Contract Purchase).
See how affordable leasing can be. Browse our latest deals.
2. “You Have to Pay Fees When Giving the Car Back”
This is one of the biggest myths about leasing.
As long as your car is in good condition and within the agreed mileage, you won’t have to pay anything extra when handing it back.
At Car Leasing Made Simple, we don’t charge collection fees. We even follow fair wear & tear guidelines to ensure you’re only responsible for excessive damage—not everyday use.
Want to know what’s considered fair wear & tear? Check out the full guidelines.
3. “You’re Tied to a Certain Brand”
Not at all! One of the best things about leasing is flexibility.
You can switch brands and models as often as you like. Fancy a Tesla this time and a BMW next? No problem. Leasing lets you upgrade every few years, so you’re never stuck with the same car for too long.
Explore a wide range of brands and models. See what’s available.
4. “You Have to Buy the Car at the End of the Contract”
Wrong—leasing never requires you to buy the car at the end of your contract.
With Personal Contract Hire (PCH), you return the car with nothing left to pay. This is different from PCP (Personal Contract Purchase), where you have the option to buy with a final “balloon payment”.
If you love changing cars every few years without the hassle of selling or trading in, leasing is the way to go.
5. “Electric Cars Can’t Be Leased”
Yes, they can—and they’re one of the best cars to lease!
Since EVs hold their value better than petrol and diesel cars, they often come with lower monthly lease costs. You get all the benefits of driving an electric car—without worrying about depreciation.
Thinking about switching to electric? Check out our EV leasing deals.
6. “You Can Only Do Low Mileage in a Lease Car”
While some leasing plans have mileage limits, you can customise your contract to match your driving needs.
- You choose your mileage allowance upfront.
- If your driving habits change, we can help you adjust your contract to avoid excess mileage fees.
We check in with you throughout your lease to make sure your mileage allowance is still working for you.
7. “Leasing Costs More Than Buying a Car”
This depends on how you look at it.
Buying a car means you own it, but it also means:
✔ A huge upfront cost or years of finance payments
✔ Depreciation—the car loses value every year
✔ You have to sell or trade it in when you want something new
With leasing, you:
✔ Pay low, fixed monthly payments
✔ Don’t worry about depreciation
✔ Get a brand-new car every few years
For many drivers, leasing is a more affordable and hassle-free way to drive a new car.
8. “Only Businesses Lease Cars”
Nope! Personal car leasing (PCH) is becoming more popular every year.
While businesses have long used leasing for company cars, more drivers are choosing PCH because it offers:
✔ Lower monthly payments compared to buying
✔ The flexibility to change cars every few years
✔ No hassle of selling or part-exchanging
Check out personal lease deals here. Browse now.
9. “You Don’t Have to Worry About Maintenance”
Leasing is hassle-free, but it doesn’t mean you can skip maintenance.
Your lease car must be serviced regularly—either annually or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. The good news? You can add a maintenance package to your lease to cover servicing, MOTs, and tyre replacements.
This keeps your car in top condition and avoids unexpected repair costs.
10. “You Get Heavily Penalised for Wear and Tear”
Leasing companies understand that cars naturally wear over time—so you won’t be charged for every tiny scratch or mark.
At Car Leasing Made Simple, we follow BVRLA fair wear & tear standards, meaning only major damage (like deep dents or badly kerbed wheels) will be charged.
Want to avoid any extra costs? Read our wear & tear guide.
Leasing Is Easier Than You Think
There are plenty of misconceptions about leasing, but the truth is, it’s one of the most flexible, cost-effective, and hassle-free ways to drive a brand-new car.
✔ No huge upfront costs
✔ No long-term commitment
✔ No depreciation worries
✔ No hidden fees
Looking for a stress-free lease? Take a look at our latest offers and find a deal that works for you.