Understanding mileage limits for Audi leasing
When you lease an Audi, among the first things you’ll be asked is how many miles you expect to drive.
Generally, the greater distances you travel, the higher your monthly payments will be – and if you go over the agreed limit, you’ll be charged an excess mileage fee at the end of the lease.
That’s why it’s important estimate your annual mileage as accurately as possible.
In this article, we’ll explain:
Why Audi leasing mileage limits are important
How mileage limits affect your monthly payments
How to choose an allowance that avoids excess mileage charges
Why do mileage limits exist when leasing an Audi?
One of the biggest benefits of Audi leasing is that you don’t need to worry about the cost of depreciation (the process by which a car loses value over time).
New cars tend to lose the most value during the first 12 months of ownership, particularly luxury marques like Audis.
With that in mind, leasing an Audi is a cost-effective way of driving a new model without having to shoulder the cost of depreciation, or worry about its resale value.
When you lease an Audi, the leasing company factors in the cost of depreciation when working out how much to charge you each month.
High mileage usually causes a car to depreciate faster, so the more miles it has done, the less it’s worth.
In short, setting mileage limits helps a leasing company to predict how much the Audi will be worth at the end of the lease more accurately.
What is the standard mileage allowance for a lease car?
When you sign an Audi lease, you need to select an annual mileage allowance.
If you exceed that figure, you’ll be charged an additional fee at the end of your lease – so it’s better to err on the side of caution when choosing your mileage and add a little more than you think you’ll need.
At LetsTalk Leasing, our standard Audi leasing mileage limits range from 5,000 to 30,000 miles.
How to estimate your annual mileage
The best way to get an accurate estimate of your monthly or annual mileage is to check your previous MOT certificates or service records.
Alternatively, there are plenty of websites online that offer mileage calculators, including this one on Direct Line.
Remember to factor in any lifestyle changes that may affect your mileage, such as a change of working arrangements.
Tips for avoiding excess mileage charges
As mentioned above, if you exceed your leased Audi’s agreed mileage limit, you’ll be charged at the end of your lease for every extra mile you’ve driven.
Excess mileage charges usually cost more than if you had just added more mileage upfront at the start of your agreement – so it’s best to do what you can to avoid them.
To help, do the following:
Be realistic from the start: Take the time to estimate your annual mileage accurately, considering your daily commute, weekend trips, and annual holidays. Then, add a little buffer – it’s better to have a few miles to spare than not enough
Track your mileage: Keep an eye on your mileage throughout your lease. Check it every few months to make sure you’re not covering more miles than you expected
Add extra mileage if needed: If your driving habits change and you find you’re doing more miles than you expected each month, most leasing companies will allow you to increase your mileage mid-contract to avoid receiving an excess mileage charge at the end of your lease
Take extra care at the end of your lease: As you approach the end of your lease, start checking your mileage more regularly if you’re close to the limit. You may want to consider taking public transport or a different car on longer trips to avoid going over your limit
Can you change your mileage allowance mid-lease?
Yes, if you find that you’re driving more than you expected to, it is possible to change your mileage allowance mid-lease.
Adding more miles will increase your monthly payments for the remainder of your lease.
Leasing an Audi from LetsTalk Leasing
Once you’ve worked out your annual mileage, all that’s left to do is choose the best Audi model and contract length for you.
At LetsTalk Leasing, we offer competitively priced Audi lease deals on a range of popular Audi models, including the Audi Q2, Audi Q6 e-tron, and Audi RS3.
We aim to offer our customers the best Audi leasing deals on the market, so if you spot a better deal elsewhere, why not invite us to match or beat the price?
Browse our full range of Audi lease deals online, or give our team a call on 0330 056 331 for help creating a tailored deal to suit your needs and budget.