First Car Lease?

Read our Easy Guide and See How Car Leasing Can Work for You

Five steps to your first car lease

Choose your car

Choose your car

We have a huge range of makes and models available, including Audi, BMW and Volkswagen, plus many more.

Don't know which car you want? We have all different body types available, as well as electric lease deals if you're thinking about making the switch. You'll also find affordable options with our latest special offers.

Whatever car you want, we're sure to have it at a great price. Simply use our range of filter options to find the right vehicle for you.

Customise your lease deal

Customise your lease deal

Once you've found your desired car, customise your lease agreement.

  • Choose your contract length - either 2, 3 or 4 years.
  • Add your annual mileage, up to 30,000 miles per year.
  • Opt for a maintenance package if you want regular servicing, maintenance and tyres included in your monthly payment.
  • Decide how much you want to pay for your initial rental.

Your initial rental is a one-time upfront payment that's usually the same amount as 3, 6 or 9 months' worth of your lease payments.

For example, if your car lease was £200 per month, a 3-month initial rental payment would be £600. The higher your initial rental, the cheaper your monthly lease payment.

Complete your application

Complete your application

After customising your lease deal, we'll give you a quote online or over the phone. If you're happy to go ahead, you can complete your application by filling in a short form online.

The information is passed onto our helpful team who will then run a standard credit check. Providing you pass the credit check, then your lease application will be approved.

Car leasing is a type of finance so it can impact your credit score, just like any other monthly payment (such as a phone bill, a loan or a credit card). Make sure that you can make your monthly payments on time every month.

Receive your documentation

Receive your documentation

Once your lease application is approved, we'll provide an estimated delivery date for the vehicle. You'll be given access to our online portal to get updates on any progress.

We'll also send you official documentation via post that you'll need to sign and send back to us.

You can check for updates on your lease agreement and the delivery of your car with our easy online portal.

Get your car delivered

Get your car delivered

We'll confirm a delivery date and address and have your brand-new car delivered, ready for you to drive.

All our lease cars are delivered free to anywhere within mainland UK.

Start your car leasing journey today

Now that you have read our recommended guide for your first car lease, why not get in touch with us, or look for a deal on our site.

What is car leasing?

Car leasing lets you 'rent' a brand new car for 2-4 years.

Simply choose the car you want and we'll help you find a great deal. When your lease ends, you return the vehicle. It's as simple as that.

If you like driving a different new car every few years while paying the same amount every month, leasing could be the perfect choice.

Benefits of Car Leasing

  • Drive a brand-new car of your choice
  • Makes budgeting easier and gives you peace of mind with the same fixed payments each month.
  • Often cheaper than other finance options like PCP or buying a car outright.
  • No long-term commitment or large payment at the end of your deal.
  • No depreciation costs or hidden fees
  • Manufacturer's warranty and road tax included with most deals

What you need to know when leasing a car for the first time

  • You won't own the car. The vehicle gets returned at the end of your deal.
  • You need to keep the car in good condition to avoid any damage charges.
  • You'll pay extra if you exceed your agreed mileage limit.

Are you eligible to lease a car?

Fill out our short form and get your results in 30 seconds, without affecting your credit score.

Get Started

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First Car Lease FAQ's

Your questions answered

How do you lease a car for the first time?

Simply decide on which car you want to drive, customise your agreement to your needs and start your online application. Our helpful team will guide you through the process and you can see updates in our handy online portal. Once your application is complete and you have passed a credit check, we'll arrange the delivery of your brand-new car.

Do I need a good credit score to lease a car?

Like any type of finance, it's better to have a good credit score when you apply. This reassures the lender that you're reliable and will make payments on time. However, this isn't the only factor considered and you may still be approved, regardless of your credit score.

Which leasing company should I choose?

Always opt for a reliable, trusted company when leasing a car. Here at Rivervale, we're rated 5* on TrustPilot, with over 2,000 verified customer reviews. Our friendly team will help find you the best car for your needs and budget. What's more, we have no hidden charges and never take admin fees, so you know exactly how much you'll pay for your new car.

Are all lease cars brand-new?

Yes, all our lease cars are brand new, which is why many include the manufacturer's warranty. You also won't need to pay for an MOT if your lease deal is under three years, as new cars don't require one.

When you lease a car, when is the first payment due?

The majority of funders collect your Initial Rental by Direct Debit within 7–10 days of delivery. However, a small number of funders require payment in advance of delivery. Your Account Manager will be able to confirm this with you.

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