Leasing a car in New Zealand is a straightforward process. The hardest part, like in most other countries, is deciding what type of vehicle to lease, how much you can afford to spend and what type of lease you want. There are quite a few automotive leasing companies in New Zealand, and you will want to enquire with a few of them to find the best leasing arrangement.
Determine what type of lease you want. In New Zealand you have two choices--either an operating lease or a finance lease. An operating lease functions more like a car rental, covering maintenance of the vehicle in your payments but not offering an option to purchase the car at the end of the lease. A finance lease will leave you responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle through the lease, at the end of which you have the choice to walk away or buy out the vehicle at its residual value. Operating leases tend to come with higher payments than a finance lease but they offer full tax deductions, whereas a finance lease is not tax deductible.
Determine what type of vehicle you need, be it a four-door car, sport utility, light truck or a sports car. You many even want to narrow this down to a particular make and model.
Gather quotes from several lease companies and compare the quotes based on your specifications. Make sure you review the terms of each offer, such as "mileage" measured in kilometers allowed, the interest rate charged, what is considered fair wear and tear as well as all maintenance covered.
Sign the lease contract you feel most adequately meets your needs for the term you need the lease. Do not sign any contract until you are sure you understand the terms and can adhere to those terms. Breaking a lease contract in New Zealand usually will involve heavy penalties.
