Whether you're in the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, or Royal Marines – your car needs are uniquely different from civilian drivers.
You face distinct challenges like frequent deployments, postings to remote bases, and extended periods away from your vehicle.
There are two common methods to acquire a car buying it outright or go through the leasing route, which one suits the best, this article is all about that.
Table of Contents
Military Car Discounts and Deals Available
As an armed forces personnel you can access exclusive vehicle discounts through specialised key providers.
One of the key provider: Motorfinity offers the most substantial savings, with military personnel saving an average of £7,000 on vehicle purchases, they have various finance option available to suit your needs.
There are specialised leasing discounted websites that provide exclusive savings through leasing or salary sacrifice program.
The Financial Picture
When buying outright through military discount schemes, you'll benefit from significant upfront savings.
Military specialists like Motorfinity offer substantial discounts averaging £7,000 off the vehicle's price. You'll own the asset outright, but you'll also be responsible for all maintenance and future value considerations.
Leasing, on the other hand, typically requires lower initial costs and includes warranty coverage throughout the contract.
Deployment Consideration
Your deployment schedule significantly impacts this decision.
When buying outright, you'll need to arrange storage during deployments, but you maintain full control over the vehicle.
Many bases offer storage facilities, though you'll need to consider maintenance during long periods of non-use.
Leasing companies often provide military-specific contracts with deployment clauses, allowing early termination or payment holidays during overseas postings. This flexibility can be valuable, but you'll need to carefully check the terms of these agreements.
Practical Lifestyle Factors
If you're frequently posted within the UK, leasing offers the flexibility to change vehicles with each new posting.
The warranty coverage and predictable monthly costs can provide peace of mind during an already demanding service life.
Buying outright gives you complete freedom over mileage, modifications, and usage. You can sell the vehicle when needed, though you'll need to consider market conditions and depreciation
Making Your Decision
Your service pattern significantly impacts your vehicle decision. Below, we have mapped out how different aspects of military life align with buying or leasing options.
Consider these factors alongside your personal circumstances when making your choice.
| Your service situation | Best option | Why It works |
|---|---|---|
| Stable UK posting | Buying | Build equity while having stability |
| Regular deployments | Leasing | Military break clauses protect you |
| Overseas assignments | Leasing | Easy handover before posting |
| Base location | Buying | Reliable transport you control |
| Family situation | Leasing | Flexibility to change with postings. |
The Cost Comparison Table
See the following table for a comprehensive breakdown between the total cost of the two. We are comparing a £30,000 vehicle and see which buying option makes more sense in the particular budget.
Military Cost Comparison
Based on a £30,000 Vehicle
Key Insight: Your posting pattern should guide your choice. Stable UK tours favour buying, while frequent moves or deployments make leasing more practical.
Which One is Better in the Longer Run? Cost Value Assessment
When comparing long-term costs between buying and leasing military vehicles, the initial three years show leasing as more cost-effective.
Consider this example: a £25,000 car purchase, reduced to £18,000 with military discount, requires £3,000-£5,000 upfront plus monthly payments of £300-£400. You'll need to cover maintenance (£1,000-£1,500) and insurance (£500-£700 annually), but you'll own an asset retaining about 40% value after three years
Leasing starts with £1,000-£2,000 initial payment, followed by £250-£350 monthly. Maintenance is included, and insurance is cheaper (£400-£600). The £7,000 military discount applies to both options.
While leasing costs less initially, buying becomes more economical from year five onwards, offering no monthly payments and asset ownership. Your choice should align with your service duration and posting stability.
Which Vehicle Option Should You Choose Based on Your Vehicle Choice?
Based on our expert analysis of military service patterns, here's our recommended approach for different service roles.
Note that these are general guidelines - your individual circumstances should guide your final decision.
| Service Branch | Role Type | Our Recommendation | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Forces | Combat Units | Lease | Frequent deployments |
| Regular Forces | Support/Technical | Buy | Stable postings |
| Royal Navy | Seagoing | Lease | Extended sea time |
| Royal Navy | Shore-based | Buy | Fixed location |
| RAF | Aircrew | Lease | Base rotations |
| RAF | Technical/Support | Buy | Specialist postings |
| Reserves | All roles | Buy | Civilian primary use |
| Strategic Command | Staff roles | Buy | UK-based stability |
Combat units typically face regular deployments, making leasing's flexibility valuable. Support and technical roles often have more stable postings, where buying can offer better long-term value.
Seagoing Royal Navy personnel might prefer leasing's simplicity during extended deployments, while shore-based staff could benefit from buying's stability.
RAF aircrew, with frequent moves, often find leasing practical, while technical specialists in longer postings might prefer buying. Reserves, using vehicles primarily for civilian life, typically benefit from ownership.
These recommendations are based on common service patterns, but your individual circumstances - including deployment frequency, family needs, and career plans - should guide your final choice.
For detailed insights on all aspects of military vehicle acquisition, including costs, deployment considerations, and financial benefits, please see our comprehensive guide on buying vs leasing.
Motorfinity
At Motorfinity, we pride ourselves on offering exclusive discount across all makes and models. Whether you're looking for efficiency, style, or cutting-edge technology, our selection is designed to meet every need.
You can choose from Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Hire Purchase (HP), and leasing deals. Each option provides flexibility and benefits tailored to different driving habits and budgetary needs.
Are you eligible?
Our nations Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police and Prison Services, the Education and Social Care sectors and more form our eligible audience.
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