If you're coming to the end of your personal lease agreement, you might be wondering: can I buy the car I've been driving? With Personal Contract Hire (PCH), the answer is usually no—but there are exceptions.
In this guide, we’ll explain what typically happens at the end of a lease, why buying your car isn’t usually an option, and what alternatives are available.
In most cases, no. Personal Contract Hire (PCH) is a use-only lease. You lease the vehicle for a fixed period and then return it to the leasing company at the end of the agreement.
There is no contractual right to purchase the car, and the leasing provider usually sells it at auction or through wholesale channels.
PCH agreements are designed around a return model, not ownership. The finance provider sets your monthly rentals based on the vehicle's expected depreciation and plans to recover the rest by selling the car once your contract ends.
This structure makes lease payments lower than traditional finance options—but it also means:
The car isn’t for sale to you
No guaranteed purchase price is set at the beginning
At the end of your lease agreement, you have three main options:
Return the vehicle
Hand the car back in line with fair wear and tear and mileage limits
No resale responsibility, no negotiations, no stress
Lease a new vehicle
Start a new contract with a brand-new car
Upgrade to the latest tech or switch to an EV
Request a quote to purchase (if available)
In rare cases, we can ask the funder for a purchase price
This is always at the discretion of the finance provider and is not guaranteed
Some leasing companies may offer the option to buy the car at the end of your lease, but only:
By special request
Near the end of your contract
Subject to the funder’s approval and pricing
If available, the purchase price is typically based on the car’s residual value, which may or may not be competitive with market prices.
Please note: this option is not guaranteed and may not be available on your lease.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You know the vehicle’s history | Purchase option not included in PCH by default |
| Avoid return inspections or excess mileage fees | Price may exceed the car’s market value |
| Keep a car you like and trust | Not all providers allow lease-end buyouts |
If you’d prefer the flexibility to buy your car at the end of the contract, consider other finance options:
PCP (Personal Contract Purchase): Low monthly payments with an option to buy via a balloon payment at the end
HP (Hire Purchase): Pay monthly until the car is fully owned
We can help you compare options and find the right plan for your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're interested in keeping your leased vehicle, contact us and we’ll check with the leasing provider to see if a purchase is possible.
Or if you’re planning ahead and want to own your next vehicle, we’ll walk you through your options with PCP or HP.
Let’s talk about what’s best for you: