Michelin Guide to Car Leasing

Some people get indigestion just thinking about car leasing. We get it. It can be as complicated as a Michelin-starred menu - full of unfamiliar words and hidden surprises. Topped off with a fear of ordering something you don’t really want.

But just like a great dining experience, with the right guidance, you can leave feeling fully satisfied with a leasing deal that suits your tastes. 

What…you didn’t think we could compare car leasing to fine dining? Think again.


Can How You Dine Reflect How You Lease?

You have to remember, this isn’t some all-you-can-eat buffet where you grab a bit of everything and hope for the best. This is tactical, Michelin-level stuff.

There’s no going back for another helping of extra mileage or a side order of ‘forgot to read the vehicle maintenance small print’.

It’s all about how you choose to consume it. Some go for the 12-course tasting menu, savouring every bite of information. Others prefer something more seasonal - evolving their vehicle choices alongside their palette. And then there are the middle-of-the-roaders - steady away, avoiding surprises or risk.

Lease Terms: Served by Summit Drive

The Grazers: Short-Term Lease Crowd (12–24 months)

Dip in, see what’s new, place your order, and move on to the next trending thing before too long. 

  • Down Payment: Pay more upfront, get the chef’s attention, and benefit from ‘being a regular’ thereafter with cheaper monthly payments.
  • Mileage: Go for moderate mileage - enough for your daily tastings and commutes without triggering the surcharge alarms.
  • Why Graze? You want the latest things on offer - always. Your mood changes faster than the chef’s specials board.

The Staple: Mid-Term Lease Crew (24–36 months)

Happy to get stuck into whatever's on the menu as long as it's value for money.

  • Down Payment:Middle ground. You’re happy to put more in the pot as long as it's acknowledged later down the line.
  • Mileage:Enough for your daily routes, plus those efficient decisions to drive and avoid public transport.
  • Why Staple?You’ll stick around because you’re happy with your surroundings. You appreciate that all good things come to an end.

The Full-Course: Long-Term Lease Lovers (36+ months)

Forget the small plates. You want the whole hog, and you’re sticking around for dessert.

  • Down Payment:You know you’ll be coming again and again, so they’ll get their money’s worth eventually. Spread the cost like a five-course meal over three hours.
  • Mileage:You’re clocking up the miles like a food critic on a European tour. Set a realistic mileage cap or face the painful “excess mileage” bill later.
  • Why Full-Course?Comfort and consistency are your vibe. Predictable monthly bills are your friend.

End Game: Don’t Starve Yourself. Don’t Stuff Yourself.

Picking your lease term isn’t about what sounds or looks fancy… it’s about what fits your appetite (and your wallet). It’s important to get what you want and what you’re happy with, but don’t overdo it.

The ‘Extra Breadbasket’ Dilemma

It’s easy to get carried away with what’s right in front of you. That flashy spec, the too-good-to-be-true monthly price, or ignoring the mileage cap because “it’ll be fine”…Until it’s not. 

Suddenly you’re paying for every extra mile like being billed for every breadstick you didn’t need (or even remember saying yes to). 

At Summit Drive, we’ll give it to you straight. No fluff, no hidden fees dressed up as freebies- just clear, honest deals that won’t leave a bad taste later.Check the spec. Know the terms. Then tuck in with confidence.