Can I Buy My Lease Car? A Simple Guide to Lease Buyouts

We get it — you’ve spent the last few years cruising around in your lease car, and now the end of your contract is creeping up. Maybe you've started thinking, “Can I just keep it?” You know the car, you love the car, and it’s been good to you. So why not buy it?

Well, in some cases, you absolutely can. But in others... not so much.

Here’s everything you need to know about lease car buyouts — what’s possible, what’s not, and whether it’s the right move for you.

Can you buy a leased car?

The honest answer? Sometimes.

Some lease providers will offer a buyout option, but not all of them do. And even when they do, it’s usually something that can only be requested at the end of the contract — not something you can decide upfront.

You also can’t guarantee they’ll say yes. Lease vehicles are often pre-planned for resale or auction, and the finance company might simply not offer it for purchase, even if you’re willing.

So, if you’re leasing with the long-term intention of buying, that could be a risky strategy.

What if I'm 100% sure I want to keep the car?

If you're already in love with the idea of owning the car at the end, then a lease might not be the best route. You’d probably be better off looking at:

• PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) – which gives you the option to buy at the end.

• HP (Hire Purchase) – which spreads the cost of ownership over fixed payments and leads to full ownership.

Both are designed with that purchase goal in mind, and give you more certainty from day one.

How much does a lease buyout cost?

If a lease company does agree to sell you the car, they’ll set a buyout price — usually based on the vehicle’s current market value. That means they’ll consider the car’s age, mileage, condition, and residual value.

It won’t be a bargain-bin price, but it should be fair. Just bear in mind: you don’t have any control over the pricing, and you can’t negotiate it upfront when you take out the lease.

When can I ask to buy my lease car?

Generally, you’ll need to wait until the very end of your lease contract to make a request. Some providers will let you enquire a few weeks before, but decisions are usually only made near your return date.

You can get in touch with the finance company directly, or ask us to request it on your behalf — we’re happy to help chase it up.

What are the pros and cons of buying your lease car?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

✅ Pros:

• You already know the car — no surprises.

• Full history, since you've had it from day one.

• No need to shop for a new vehicle.

❌ Cons:

• You may not be allowed to buy it.

• Price is set by the finance company — no haggling.

• Doesn’t make sense if ownership was your goal from the start (PCP or HP would’ve been better).

What if I’m not allowed to buy it?

Don’t worry — you’ve still got options. If you love your car but can’t buy it, we can help you find a like-for-like replacement or a factory order in the same spec. You might even end up with a better deal or a newer version of the same car.

We can also talk you through ownership-focused finance options like PCP or HP if you want to go that route next time.

Bottom line

If you’re coming to the end of your lease and want to buy your car, it might be possible — but there’s no guarantee. Some providers say yes, some say no, and some won’t even consider it.

If car ownership is your main goal, we’d suggest looking at PCP or HP instead, so you’re not relying on a maybe.

But if you’re not sure what route’s best for you, we’re here to chat it through. Just drop us a message, and we’ll help you find the right next step.