Garage Graveyard: Why the £250 Lease Crowd Might Have the Better Ride
Bottom line: While a DIY garage full of aging project cars can feel rewarding, paying £250 a month for a leased vehicle offers peace of mind, predictable costs and instant reliability.
Garage Graveyard: Why the £250 Lease Crowd Might Have the Better Ride
Image: Garage Graveyard: Why the £250 Lease Crowd Might Have the Better Ride – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
My garage looks like a museum of misfit toys. There’s an Audi A2 with its quirky, boxy shape that still turns heads because it’s so rare. The Land Rover Defender Td5 is a classic box‑on‑box that screams adventure, even if the paint is a little faded. The Volkswagen Beetle‑style Baja Bug has that nostalgic curve that makes kids point and say “wow”. The Hillman Imp, a tiny British hatch, looks like a toy car you’d find in a 1970s garage sale. Finally, the motorcycle (and its project twin) adds a splash of two‑wheel flair.
Performance & Mileage
All the cars are still moving, but each tells a different story:
- Audi A2: 10,000 mi this year, modest 1.2 L engine, cheap to run.
- Defender Td5: 20‑year‑old diesel, reliable enough for an 11th world‑tour, occasional expensive fixes.
- Baja Bug Beetle: Rough running, but the owner knows how to rebuild the engine.
- Hillman Imp: Still waiting for a BMW engine swap – project status.
- Motorcycle: Works fine; the project bike is currently a paperweight.
The mileage on these vehicles is low compared with a daily commuter, but the unpredictable maintenance can add up quickly – a recent £2,000 bill for the Defender is a case in point.
Price & Rivals
Putting a price tag on a hobby is tricky. The total outlay for all six machines is less than the price of a brand‑new Dacia, yet the hidden cost is time and occasional surprise invoices. By contrast, a £250 monthly lease covers a brand‑new car, full insurance, servicing and roadside assistance. No surprise repairs, no endless tinkering, and you can drive a vehicle that feels new every day.
| Engine | Mileage | Price (approx.) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 L 4‑cyl (A2) | 10,000 mi/yr | £2,500 used | Lightweight, cheap parts |
| 2.5 L Td5 diesel | 15,000 mi/yr | £3,200 used | Off‑road capability, longevity |
| 1.3 L flat‑4 (Beetle) | 5,000 mi/yr | £1,800 used | Classic styling, easy engine access |
| 1.1 L I4 (Imp) | 2,000 mi/yr | £1,200 used | Compact, quirky design |
| Various (Motorcycle) | 3,000 mi/yr | £1,500 used | Agile, fun to ride |
FAQ
- What is the average mileage of the cars in the garage? Roughly 6,400 mi per year across all vehicles.
- Is it cheaper to keep old project cars than to lease a new one? Upfront costs are lower, but unpredictable repair bills and time often make leasing more economical in the long run.
- Can I avoid the guilt of a garage full of projects? Focus on one car at a time, set a realistic budget, and consider a lease for everyday reliability.
What do you think – is a tidy lease worth the monthly fee, or does the joy of fixing your own car beat the convenience? Leave a comment below and share your garage stories.
Source: Read Official News
