Australian Internet Loans
For Fast, Flexible Online Loan Quotes
Australian Internet Loans :: Articles

Car Leasing

What is car leasing and how does it work?

Car Leasing

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Leasing is an often misunderstood car financing option so, in response to subscriber feedback, we've included this article to help give you a better understanding of what it is and how it works.

What's leasing all about?

Leasing is really just another form of borrowing to finance a car. 

But unlike loan finance - where you take ownership of the car and offer it or something else as security to the lender – lease finance sees a leasing company take ownership and give you the use of the car under contract for a specified period.

Lease contracts

Upon signing your lease contract you agree to make regular monthly lease payments, keep appropriate insurance, pay any vehicle taxes or fees, and take good care of the vehicle.

Car Loans - Quick & Easy
Image for Car Loans - Quick & EasyIf you are in the market for a new or used car, then we'd like to help you arrange the money. Our car loan & leasing service is backed by a national panel of car loan specialists who will establish your eligibility, find lender/s offering the best deals for your situation - and help you through the approval and settlement process. No charge to you - and no obligation to proceed with any recommendations offered.

Further, you agree that you'll keep the car for a specified period - typically two to five years - and you're expected to stick it out to the end of the lease contract.

At the end of the lease period, there is often an option to purchase your vehicle at a specified price. 

Or you may be able to use the car as a trade-in on a new car.

Otherwise, the leasing company will expect the vehicle to be returned with no more than normal wear and tear. 

You may have to pay them for any damage or extra mileage over and above a contract-specified limit.

Lease or buy?

Leasing may involve lower monthly payments than a car loan but this is often because you are only paying off a portion of the vehicle’s value, leaving a 'residual' amount at end of the lease period. 

And at lease end, you will not own the car.

Leasing is often promoted as a cheaper way to finance a car because of the tax advantages it can bring for the self-employed or those who take out a novated lease through their employer. 

This is not necessarily the case and really depends on how much mileage will be clocked up overall, what proportion is for work purposes, and what tax rate you are on.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: Paige Estritori

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.


Finance News

Reserve Bank Lifts Cash Rate to 4.35% in May 2026
Reserve Bank Lifts Cash Rate to 4.35% in May 2026
17 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.35% during its May 2026 meeting. This marks the third consecutive rate hike this year, following increases in February and March, as the central bank intensifies efforts to curb escalating inflation. - read more
Commonwealth Bank Shares Experience Record One-Day Decline
Commonwealth Bank Shares Experience Record One-Day Decline
17 May 2026: Paige Estritori
On May 13, 2026, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) experienced a significant market setback, with its shares plummeting by 10.4% in a single day. This decline represents the largest one-day fall in the bank's history, surpassing the previous record set during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. - read more
Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions Penalised for Unlawful Payday Lending Practices
Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions Penalised for Unlawful Payday Lending Practices
09 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Federal Court has imposed a $7 million fine on Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions for operating an illegal payday lending scheme that contravened Australian credit laws. Each company received a $3 million penalty, while their respective directors, Mark Swanepoel and Brenton Harrison, were fined $500,000 each. - read more

Finance Articles

Preparing for Loan Approval: Essential Documents Checklist
Preparing for Loan Approval: Essential Documents Checklist
Getting ready for loan approval can seem overwhelming, but having a clear understanding and the right documents can make a significant difference. - read more
Emergency Financial Plans: Preparing for Loan Challenges in Hard Times
Emergency Financial Plans: Preparing for Loan Challenges in Hard Times
Economic downturns and recessions are part and parcel of the financial landscape. At some point, every economy experiences periods of decline, which can have widespread impacts on businesses and individuals alike. - read more
5 Smart Debt Consolidation Moves for a Financially Savvy Future
5 Smart Debt Consolidation Moves for a Financially Savvy Future
The landscape of personal finance is continuously evolving, and in Australia, this includes the manner in which debt is managed. In recent times, an increasing number of Australians have found themselves navigating the complex maze of personal debt, from credit cards to student loans, and grappling with the impact this has on their financial well-being. - read more