Young or First Time Drivers – Why You Should Lease Cars

Let’s set the scene. You’ve passed your driving test and you’re excited to get out on the open road. You’ve been told by friends and loved ones that it’s best to purchase an older used vehicle with plenty of mileage because it will be cheaper to insure and run. Is that really the case though?

You’ve probably got friends who have passed their test and bought a beat-up old car for next to nothing, which you know won’t last very long. And the chances are, they’ve most likely had to splash out to fix endless issues. Is that really what you want when you’re a first-time driver?

With car leasing, even younger and first-time drivers get the chance to drive newer vehicles that are more carbon efficient and therefore cheaper to tax and maintain.

Think of a car lease rather like your mobile phone contract – you pay a monthly fee for the privilege of using a high-end model that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford outright.

The only difference between car leasing and mobile contracts is that you must return the car when your lease ends. However, as with mobile phone contracts, you’ll have the flexibility to upgrade and try a different model when the time comes.

Still unconvinced? Here are five compelling reasons to lease your first car as opposed to buying an older, used vehicle outright:

Lease cars are much newer and less susceptible to breakdowns

It goes without saying that buying a used vehicle can be fraught with danger and hassle. If you are a first-time driver that knows little about the workings of a car, you have to take a leap of faith when buying privately.

Even if a used vehicle has a full-service history, age is not on its side. No matter how hard you try, some older vehicles are simply more susceptible to breakdowns and can become ‘money drains’ due to maintenance and repair costs. Research shows that vehicles 6 years and older are much more likley to have issues, in fact there is a breakdown which shows the average problem rates for cars at three, six and nine years of age.

On the flip side, nearly new or brand-new lease cars offer peace of mind that wear and tear is minimal, and servicing and maintenance can be all part of the deal too.

Rely on a vehicle that’s a smooth, easy drive

Another major issue with older, used vehicles is how they drive. In most cases, first-time drivers will have learnt to drive in their instructor’s newer vehicle that’s a joy to drive. It will almost certainly have a smooth clutch, power steering and perfect suspension.

If you then buy an older, used vehicle to drive around in, you’ll soon notice the heavier, higher clutch and its noisier engine. It simply won’t be as enjoyable or comfortable on the motorways. Getting out on the road for the first time after you’ve passed your test can be daunting. But if you set off in a safe, reliable new leased car that drives like an absolute dream, you’ll feel far more confident.

Drivers can take full advantage of state-of-the-art in-car technology

What a luxury it is for first-time drivers to have access to a vehicle that offers all mod-cons for a reasonable monthly price. Whether it’s Bluetooth connectivity to keep in touch with loved ones or listen to music, front and rear sensors to make parking a breeze or interactive sat navs that help you negotiate your way around the country, all of this is typically available with a car lease.

Read more: The Best In-Car Technology

Newer vehicles tend to offer improved fuel efficiency, saving you money at the pump

Today’s latest vehicles are built with carbon efficiency firmly in mind. New vehicles offer greatly reduced CO2 emissions, which lead to minimal or no tax costs whatsoever. Compare that with older vehicles that expel a considerable amount of CO2 into the atmosphere, a new lease car is not only kinder to your wallet but the wider environment too.

Cars in Group 1 car insurance category can be leased

Vehicles in the ‘Group 1’ category among car insurers are the cheapest to insure for first-time drivers. These tend to be entry-level models such as urban, ‘city’ cars and small hatchbacks that are fitted with low-power engines. Check out our selection of low insurance cars which are ideal for younger drivers.

Though Group 1 cars may be the cheapest to insure, that doesn’t mean they scrimp on standard tech features. Whether it’s cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring systems, speed limiters and lane departure warning, you’re still well-equipped for driving around town or pounding up and down the motorways.

Customise your lease car arrangement to suit your lifestyle

Better still, at Rivervale Leasing, we are dedicated to working with first-time drivers to secure a lease car arrangement that fits their everyday driving needs. Our friendly and experienced account managers are on-hand to guide you through every step of the process.

From selecting the right type of personal car leasing arrangement for you – Personal Contract Hire (PCH), Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Personal Hire Purchase (PHP) – based on your unique financial situation, through to setting annual mileage limits and the length of contract that you’re comfortable with, we’ll do everything we can to get you out on the road with your brand-new vehicle.

See more: Personal Contract Hire Vs Personal Contract Purchase

Does a personal leasing arrangement sound like something that would fit your needs? Avoid the stresses and strains of budgeting for unforeseen repairs with a used vehicle and pay a fixed monthly price to drive away a brand-new vehicle with all the in-car tech and safety features you need to build confidence on the road as a first-time driver.

Contact our friendly and knowledgeable team on 01273 433 480 or request a callback today.

Still not convinced that a new lease car is for you? Take a look at our used vehicle selection.