is there actually any monatary benifit to leasing a new car, over buying one with finance ?

ive been doing my sums, and leasing just works out more expensive every time. what is the point of it if it costs more SAND you dont get to keep the car when everythnigs done ?

Its one of those "depends who you are and what you want" type questions.

With a fully financed package, you are borrowing a sum of money to purchase an item which you will then sell at some point in the future. You are taking a risk on the residual value of the car: i.e the bank only cares that you pay them back the pre-agreed amount. You are committed to paying them and whatever the difference between the outstanding finance and the value of the car is your exposure to risk. You are also exposed to risk in that you must pay to maintain and insure the vehicle.

Whether the finance is hire purchase or loan, is you do not have a substantial deposit, you can reach substantial levels of negative equity. This can become a real issue if you write the car off as the insurance payout may not cover the loan. This happens a lot and an additional insurance can be taken out against it.
Also the car belongs to you (its a misconception that the finance company own it. they have a charge over it which gives them certain rights). With HP, you also have the right to withhold payments if the car turns out to be of unsatifactory quality (if bought through a dealer)

With leasing, there are accoutning advantages if you are self employed / run a business). You also do not run any risk on the residual value of the car (although this wil be factored into the lease price) and you can have maintenance costs covered by the monthly payment.

You probably need to clarify your point about finance being cheaper than leasing. Its the size of deposit that affects the finance as well as the period. Are you comaring like with like? Can you post the example you have used?

People like Prof JC might be able to shed some light on this issue since the value of his cars seems to be in excess of £150k, he should know all about financing (unless he doesn't really own such exotica as he says).

there's also the APR to be taken into account - 0% can be very enticing and you can always top up the deposit from a bank loan.......

my problem is... with loan and being young... i dont get ( typical ) apr rates.

i get some random 3digit number.

would that still be the case with leaseing.

and finally, i am about to become self employed, and possibly vat registered in the not to distant future.

im looking at a ford focus at the mo ( i have twins so need a larger car than a citycar.

they want £139 + vat per month ( 3+35 payments ) on a 36month lease non-maintained

thats works out to £5282+vat ( £6,206.35 ) over the 3 years
( road tax is payed for )

and the other car ive been looking at a poxy s-itroen C3. ( boot is just big enuff for pushchair, and 5 doors make loading the twins in and out a reality )

£89+VAT per month over 36months ( 3+35+vat )

totals £3382+VAT ( £3,973.85 ) payed out over 3years for a brand new car.

i guess i was just looking at crap leasers before.

my main question is tho...

do the leasers change their apr depending on who you are ect ( is what i see what i get? ) .... because im sick of being offed "Great new low rates of 29.9
%apr )

oh i forgot to say..

owning a car isnt that important to me... but having access to a new reliable car with isofix, and high ncap ratings is important.

if the worst should happen, i want the best possible outcome for my 11mths old twins in the car.

thats why i refuse to drive with them in my own car at the moment, and instead transport them in my folks astra which is 5star rated and 4star for kids. ( i dont know of any car that offeres 5star child protection yet )