Volkswagen Passat Lease Deals

Why lease the Volkswagen Passat

The Passat is a large, comfortable family-sized car that has long been popular with business users. It suits people who cover a lot of miles, carry clients or kit, and want a quiet, stable car for motorway work. The current Passat is sold in the UK as an estate, with a big boot and a long-legged driving position.

Business contract hire suits this kind of car because you pay to use it for a fixed term rather than tying up capital in a vehicle that loses value. At the end you hand it back. You don't take on the risk of what it will be worth, and you know what the car will cost you each month while you have it.

What it costs and what is included

Business contract hire on a Passat is priced from £436.07 per month, depending on the version, term, mileage and initial rental you choose. The figure you see is a starting point, not a quote for a specific car.

What moves the price:

• Version and engine. Plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid and diesel versions are priced differently, as are higher trim levels and factory options.
• Contract length. Terms are commonly between two and four years.
• Annual mileage. A higher mileage allowance raises the monthly rental. Estimate honestly, because excess mileage is charged when the car goes back.
• Initial rental. A larger upfront payment usually lowers the monthly payments, but you pay more at the start.
• Maintenance. Some deals include servicing and tyres, while others leave maintenance to you.

Typically included in the rental are the use of the car and its manufacturer warranty. Usually not included are fuel or charging, insurance, and any charges for damage beyond fair wear and tear or for excess mileage. Road tax is often covered for the length of the contract, but check the details of each quote. Whether VAT can be reclaimed depends on your business and how the car is used, so check with your accountant.

All finance is subject to status and credit checks by the funder. We are a credit broker, not a lender, and we cannot say in advance whether an application will be accepted.

Which version suits you

The right Passat depends mostly on how you drive and how the car is taxed in your business.

• Plug-in hybrid. Suits drivers with regular shorter trips who can charge at home or work. It can be a sensible choice for company car drivers because of how electrified vehicles are taxed, but the saving depends on how often you actually charge. On long motorway runs without charging, a plug-in hybrid is less efficient.
• Mild hybrid petrol. A straightforward option for mixed driving when you can't charge easily.
• Diesel. Still worth considering for high-mileage drivers who spend most of their time on motorways, if one is available for the model year you want.
• Trim level. Higher trims add comfort and technology such as larger screens, better seats and driver assistance. Think about what you will use daily rather than paying for extras you won't.

If you're unsure, tell us your typical weekly mileage, where you charge or fuel up, and whether it's a company car or used by a sole trader or partner. That will narrow the options quickly.

Contract hire v buying

With contract hire you pay a fixed monthly rental for an agreed term and mileage, then return the car. You never own it. With buying, whether outright or on a finance agreement that ends in ownership, the car is an asset on your books, but you carry the risk of depreciation, servicing and resale.

| | Business contract hire | Buying | |---|---|---| | Ownership | None; the car is returned | You own it (at the end of finance, if used) | | Upfront cost | Initial rental only | Deposit or full purchase price | | Monthly cost | Fixed for the term | Depends on the finance used | | Resale risk | With the funder | With you | | Mileage | Limited by agreed allowance | Unrestricted | | Flexibility | Fixed term; early exit can be costly | Sell when you choose |

Contract hire tends to suit businesses that want predictable costs and regular access to a newer car. Buying may suit those who cover very high or unpredictable mileage, or want to keep a car for many years. Tax treatment differs between the two, so take advice from your accountant before deciding.

Questions people ask

Can I lease a Passat as a sole trader or limited company?

Business contract hire is available to limited companies, sole traders and partnerships, subject to the funder's status and credit checks. We can't confirm in advance that an application will be accepted.

Is maintenance included in the monthly rental?

Not always. Some quotes include servicing and tyres and others don't, so check what is included before you sign.

What happens if I go over my mileage allowance?

The funder charges for each excess mile when the car is returned. If you expect to drive more than planned, ask for a higher allowance at the outset, as it is usually cheaper than paying excess charges.

Does contract hire let me own the car at the end?

No. Business contract hire is a rental, and the car goes back to the funder at the end of the term.