A few years ago, only big companies leased vehicles and company executives could drive around in the latest models while getting tax write-offs for the business. Fast forward a bit, and a new breed of millennials wanted to get into the action of driving the latest cars with no real maintenance costs. But what if you have a family? Is leasing a good option if you have kids? Here are some of the pros and cons:
PROS
1. New car, new perks
Leasing means that you always get a brand new vehicle with the latest safety features and all the bells and whistles you could think of. You will also not have to deal with any of the issues that come with older cars like a flat battery, bad brakes and shot transmission. That’s a big perk for a parent with new kids because safety and peace of mind are essential.
2. Easy process
Unlike purchasing a car, leasing is incredibly easy, and you can even do it online. The dealership will take care of all the paperwork and also deliver the vehicle to your doorstep. Research online to find out more information on the process of leasing a car.
3. Low cost
Getting a car on lease comes with a very low or no upfront cost. If you have good credit, you can drive off with the vehicle of your choice at a very minimal price. The monthly payments and sales tax are also meagre because you only pay for the value you use and not the entire car value. This means you can afford to drive a dreamy new car without digging into your savings fund or messing up your monthly expenditure. If you have a business, you can look into whether you’ll be able write off some of the leasing expenses if you need the vehicle for work.
4. Full warranty
A new vehicle comes with a full warranty, meaning you don’t have to fund any repairs that might occur. This is another perk for parents who don’t want to spend their own money on car repairs and maintenance. It’s rather handy to know in advance what you’re going to spend on the car each month and no have any surprise repair bills.
CONS
1. Limited mileage
If you and the family like to take long drives and road trips, a leased car may not be for you. Leases have a limited mileage of 60,000 miles or less for the three years you will be driving it. If you go past those miles, you have to pay extra for every mile.
2. You have to keep it in good condition
Even though the car’s warranty will take care of the repairs and maintenance, it’s still your job to make sure the vehicle remains in tip-top shape for those three years. If your kids are likely to smear food all over the upholstery, the dealership will have a problem accepting the car back. Leasing a car when you have kids will mean protecting the interior (perhaps with seat covers) and you might need to set some rules.
The decision to lease a car when you have a family will depend on how young your kids are and how well-behaved they can be. You also need to make sure you get the best deals by bargaining hard at the beginning to make sure it fits into your monthly budget and lifestyle. Let me know your experiences of leasing a car in the comments below, I’d love to get your advice 🙂
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