Excess mileage and choosing your lease mileage
Work out how far you really drive, see what going over your allowance could cost, and pick an annual mileage with a sensible buffer. There is also a rough guide to ending a lease early.
How far do you drive?
Weekends, holidays, errands.
Estimated yearly mileage: 7,500 miles (commute counted over 45 working weeks).
Your agreement
Check your agreement. Typical rates run from about 3p to 30p a mile.
| Allowed over the term | 30,000 miles |
|---|---|
| Expected over the term | 36,000 miles |
| Over the allowance | 6,000 miles |
| Estimated excess charge | £600 |
A sensible allowance for 12,000 miles a year is 15,000 miles a year, which leaves a small buffer of about 5%. A higher allowance raises the monthly rental a little but avoids a bill at the end.
Ending the lease early (rough guide)
Some providers charge up to about half, others differ. Check your agreement.
Rough early termination estimate: £3,600 (24 months remaining). Terms vary a lot, so treat this as a guide only and ask your provider for a settlement figure.
Car Lease Deals UK, carleasedealsuk.co.uk. Mileage, rates and early termination terms are the user's own figures from their agreement. Printed . An estimate, not advice.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I go over my lease mileage?
You pay an excess mileage charge for each mile over the total allowance, at a pence-per-mile rate set in your agreement. It is usually cheaper than buying a bigger allowance you do not use, but a large overage adds up.
What annual mileage should I choose?
Estimate your real yearly miles and add a small buffer. Choosing too low risks an end-of-term bill; choosing too high means paying for miles you never drive. This tool suggests a sensible band.
Is it cheaper to increase my mileage mid-term or pay the excess?
Many providers let you adjust the allowance during the term, which can be cheaper than paying the excess rate at the end. Ask your provider; this tool shows the excess cost so you can compare.
How much does it cost to end a lease early?
It varies by provider, but a common basis is a share of the remaining rentals, often up to about half. Always check your own agreement. The panel here gives a rough guide only.
Does excess mileage affect my end-of-lease condition charges?
They are separate. Excess mileage is about distance; condition charges are about damage beyond fair wear and tear. See our fair wear and tear checklist.