Used Car Lease Checklist: What to Check Before You Sign

Here's everything you should check before committing to a used car lease.

1. Understand the total cost

Don't just look at the headline monthly payment — make sure you understand the full financial picture:

•  What is the initial rental (upfront payment)?

•  What is the monthly payment including VAT?

•  How many months is the contract?

•  What is the total cost over the full term (initial rental + all monthly payments)?

•  Are there any admin, arrangement or delivery fees on top?

A lower monthly payment with a large upfront cost may actually be more expensive overall than a slightly higher monthly figure with a smaller initial rental. Always compare the total cost.

2. Check the mileage allowance

Every lease comes with an agreed annual mileage limit. If you exceed it, you'll be charged per mile at the end of the contract — typically between 3p and 15p per mile depending on the vehicle.

Be realistic about how many miles you'll drive. Check your last MOT for your current annual mileage, factor in any changes to your commute, and add a small buffer. It's usually cheaper to agree a slightly higher mileage upfront than to pay excess charges later.

3. Confirm what's included

Different leasing providers include different things in the monthly price. Make sure you know:

•  Is road tax included for the full contract?

•  Is delivery included and is it to your door?

•  Does the vehicle come with warranty or approved cover?

•  Is breakdown assistance included?

•  Is maintenance included, or is it an optional extra?

•  What exactly does the maintenance package cover (servicing, MOTs, tyres, wear items)?

The cheapest headline price isn't always the best value once you account for what's excluded.

4. Review the vehicle condition and history

For used car leases, it's reasonable to ask:

•  How old is the vehicle and what's the current mileage?

•  Has it been fully inspected before delivery?

•  Is a full service history available?

•  What warranty cover remains or is provided?

•  Are there any existing marks, dents or wear that should be documented?

A reputable leasing provider will be transparent about the vehicle's condition and history. If they're reluctant to answer these questions, that's a red flag.

5. Understand fair wear and tear

When you return the car at the end of the lease, it will be inspected against fair wear and tear standards — usually the BVRLA guidelines. Normal use is expected: light stone chips, minor interior wear and age-appropriate tyre wear are all acceptable.

What isn't acceptable includes dents, scratches through the paint, interior burns or stains, cracked windscreens, and kerbed alloy wheels beyond minor scuffs. Understanding these standards at the start of your lease helps you look after the car properly and avoid end-of-contract charges.

6. Know the early termination terms

Life changes, and sometimes you may need to end a lease early. Before signing, understand what happens if you need to terminate the contract before the agreed end date. Most lease agreements involve termination charges that cover the remaining rentals owed, so ending early can be expensive.

If there's any chance your circumstances might change during the contract — a new job, relocation, or change in family situation — consider a shorter contract term for added flexibility.

7. Check the provider's reputation

Not all leasing providers are equal. Before committing, check:

•  Are they FCA authorised? (This is a legal requirement for arranging vehicle finance)

•  Are they a member of the BVRLA? (The industry body that sets standards for vehicle rental and leasing)

•  What do their customer reviews say? Check Google, Trustpilot, Feefo or similar platforms

•  Do they have a physical office and contactable team?

•  How long have they been trading?

At Silverstone Leasing, we're FCA authorised, BVRLA members, and have won over 20 industry awards for customer service and innovation. Our reviews speak for themselves — but we'd always encourage you to check before leasing with anyone.

Your quick-reference checklist

•  ☐ Total cost calculated (initial rental + all monthly payments + any fees)

•  ☐ Mileage allowance confirmed and realistic

•  ☐ Road tax, delivery, warranty and breakdown cover confirmed as included

•  ☐ Maintenance package understood (included or optional, what's covered)

•  ☐ Vehicle condition and history reviewed

•  ☐ Fair wear and tear standards understood

•  ☐ Early termination terms reviewed

•  ☐ Provider is FCA authorised and BVRLA member

•  ☐ Customer reviews checked

•  ☐ Written quote received with all terms clear

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