Having umm'd and ahh'd over various motors for the past month or so, my gaze is now firmly fixed on the great Simpsons PCH offer on the petrol Yeti L&K. I've never considered a lease before, so can anyone tell me how fussy Simpsons/Skoda will be at the end of the agreement when it comes to assessing fair wear and tear? Things like worn tyres are pretty clear cut because of the tread wear indicators, but what about stone chips on the bonnet/wings/headlights? Minor scuffs or scratches (that haven't gone through the paint) from country lane hedgerows? Supermarket trolley dings? Wheel kerbing (perish the thought)? Has anyone received a bill for this sort of stuff at the end of a PCH agreement and if so, how much did VWFS have you for?

All leasing agents will be in line with the BVRLA guidelines:

 

http://www.makingleasingsimple.co.uk/media/Templates/Fair_Wear_Tear.pdf

Thanks for that. I wasn't aware that such a standard exists. What it doesn't tell you is how much you'll be lightened if there is damage when you hand the car back!

Thanks for that. I wasn't aware that such a standard exists. What it doesn't tell you is how much you'll be lightened if there is damage when you hand the car back!

You will be charged the cost to rectify the damage.

It is prudent to rectify any damage that is over & above the BVRLA fair wear & tear before you return to the owner

Having worked for 38 years in the Daily Rental ( car & van hire ) industry and then a few in the leasing industry, I feel able to comment. When considering a lease ( or any similar expression which means returning a vehicle to its owner), try to see it from the Dealer (or Hire company's) point of view.

One of the main reasons for this type of arrangement is to generate good, low mileage used vehicle stock. You will find the mileage clauses encourage around 10,000 miles per annum for this purpose.

If you return the vehicle requiring a minimal amount of time and money spending on it to enable a quick resale, then few or no charges will be levied on you. However lots of dings, dents and scratches WILL cost!

I could write a book on the return condition of Daily Rental vehicles when customers are amazed we should consider charging for cleaning up sick, a large milk spill and even the remains of a fortnight's holiday of an overseas tourist.

My advice is:- return the vehicle in the condition and you would have expected to have received it and you can't go too far wrong.

Finally the BVRLA condition booklet is fair and reasonable, you can request one.

Thanks for all the advice - it's much appreciated. I'm not one to abuse my cars (more the sort that will park at the far flung corner of a supermarket to avoid trolley and car door dings) but I am a little wary of being taken for a ride at the end of a PCH - I'll be a captive audience by then. I'd rather know what to expect at the outset and prepare accordingly.