To lease or not to lease

We looked at a range of popular new cars to find out whether they are cheaper to buy or lease.To lease or not to lease

Jaguar XF 3.0D V6 Premium Luxury Auto

The Jaguar XF represents a return to form after the disappointing S-type and X-type.

Its diesel engines are refined and economical, especially this new 3.0d version, making the XF a worthy alternative to German rivals.

A predicted resale value of 55% after three years is good – but the XF is a great example of what not to lease.

An eyewatering lease bill of more than £30k over three years means the XF is almost £13k more expensive to lease than to buy using finance.

The contrast with a Ford Mondeo (below) shows why it’s vital to do your sums.
•List price £37,495
•Discounted price £34,750 (7%)
•Predicted resale value after three years/36,000 miles £20,625

Pay cash
•Total cost over three years/36,000 miles £14,125

Pay by finance
•Monthly cost £1,051.19
•Total cost over three years/36,000 miles £17,218

Lease
•Deposit required £1644.36
•Leasing cost per month £274.20
•Total cost over three years/36,000 miles £14,522

To lease or not to lease Verdict: Lease it

Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec

The Ford Mondeo is a perennial fleet favourite and poor resale values mean it’s the only car here that’s cheaper to lease than to buy using finance (although it’s not cheaper than paying in cash).

You’ll need to stump up a deposit of around £920, but after that the monthly payments are almost half those of a bank loan.
•List price £20,990
•Discounted price £15,615 (26%)
•Predicted resale value after three years/36,000 miles £7,350

Pay cash
•Total cost over three years/36,000 miles £8,265

Pay by finance
•Monthly cost £493.60
•Total cost over three years/£36,000 miles £10,420

Lease
•Deposit required £1230.94
•Leasing cost per month £205.69
•Total cost over three years/36,000 miles £8,405

To lease or not to lease Verdict: Lease it

To lease or not to lease

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To lease or not to lease