A Volkswagen Golf lease costs about $355 per month on average, depending on your negotiated monthly payments, lease term, down payment, and credit score.

As the ultimate compact hatchback, the Volkswagen Golf is the perfect vehicle if you’re looking for a small, fuel-efficient ride. Between its smooth handling, transmission choices, and generous cargo space for its size, the Golf is a reliable set of wheels. If you want the sportiness of the Golf without the commitment of a

car loan

, you may be better off leasing.

While leasing a car does come with more restrictions than a traditional auto loan, leasing typically comes with lower monthly payments, among other perks. Plus, you get to drive the car during its best years.

Thinking about leasing a Volkswagen Golf but don’t know where to start?

Jerry

is here to the rescue. As the #1-rated

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app and certified car expert, Jerry has the answer to all your questions, including how leases work, how much you could pay for a Golf lease, and what to expect when your lease ends. We'll even show you how to save on

Volkswagen Golf car insurance costs

How to lease a Volkswagen Golf

Leasing a Volkswagen Golf should be a pretty simple process. Follow these general guidelines to set yourself up for the best lease deal.

Check your credit score. A score below 520 likely won’t qualify you for a lease, and a score under 620 is considered “subprime.” In most cases, you’ll need at least a 700 to get a decent Volkswagen lease.

Determine your budget. It’s best to aim for a monthly payment of 15% of your income or less (10% is more ideal). So if you make $3,500 a month, you can realistically afford a lease payment up to $525, though a payment closer to $350 is even better.

Figure out how much you can pay upfront. The lease down payment (also referred to as the capitalized cost reduction) can lower your monthly payments. If you can’t make a down payment, it may be more beneficial to save up so you can afford the best deal.

Estimate your annual mileage. Typical Volkswagen leases come with a 12,000 miles-per-year limit, but you may be able to negotiate this at the dealership. If you go over your yearly limit, you’ll probably have expensive fees to pay, so be sure to factor in your commutes or road trip plans during your lease.

Once you’ve got your budget set, you’re ready to go to your local Volkswagen dealership to see what lease deals they’re offering. Making a budget before you go will ensure you’re in a good position to know what kind of Volkswagen Golf lease you can afford. You’ll also be able to better negotiate the best loan terms before signing the papers.

The final step: shop for insurance

Whether you decide to lease or go with traditional financing, you’ll still need solid car insurance for Golf—and

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How much does a Volkswagen Golf lease cost?

The cost to lease a Volkswagen Golf ranges from around $320 to about $400 per month.

Your exact cost, however, depends on factors like the trim level and features you choose at the dealership, your credit score, your lease term, and your down payment. You may also see variations based on your location and the time of year you’re looking, since leasing deals can shift with time.

Trim level

is usually a big factor in dictating the cost of a lease. The newest 2021 Golf model only comes with one trim—TSI—in America. Other Golf models, like the Golf Alltrack, the Golf GTI, and the Golf SportWagen, all come with their own trim levels as well.

Based on a great credit score (690-719), a $1000 down payment, and a 36-month lease term with a 15,000-mileage limit, your monthly payment on a 2021 Golf TSI will be around $327.

Another main factor in determining your payment for a lease is your credit score. Having a lower credit score means higher monthly payments.

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Is it better to lease or buy a car?

Services included in a Volkswagen Golf lease

Leasing from Volkswagen comes with several advantages, including little or no down payment, lower monthly payments, and low maintenance costs through the manufacturer’s warranty.

Volkswagen’s warranty will cover any repairs and replacements of defective parts or workmanship through the car’s first 36 months, which is the length of an average lease. You’ll also have the option to purchase more miles during your lease term if you expect to go over their standard 12,000 limit.

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What to do when your Volkswagen Golf lease is up

When your

Volkswagen lease

comes to an end, you’ll have three different options:

Trade in your Golf for a new Volkswagen

Purchase your current VW

Turn in your current vehicle and walk away

How to return a leased Volkswagen Golf

If you’re ready to part with your leased Golf—or just want a different or newer VW model—you’ll need to follow the same return process.

First, you’ll need to

schedule

an inspection appointment online or by calling 1(844) 264-9704. This assessment will provide you with any repairs you need to make or potential charges you may be responsible for at the end of your term.

After the inspection, you’ll need to make any necessary repairs to avoid major fees when you turn in your vehicle. Be sure to ask your VW dealer or insurance agent if any of these repairs are covered by your warranty or insurance policy. Keep your repair receipts and

email them

to Volkswagen Credit before returning your car. The receipts should include the following items:

Repair order with work performed and vehicle description

VIN or account number

Proof of payment

Date of repair

When you’ve made all the repairs, it’s time for your final payment, which you’ll need to make before returning your vehicle. Then you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your local dealer to turn in your car. Unless you plan to lease or purchase another Volkswagen, you’ll have to pay the disposition fee, which costs somewhere between $300 and $400.

How to purchase a leased Volkswagen Golf

If you’ve fallen in love with your Golf and want to buy it after your lease ends, you won’t need an inspection or repairs, and you won’t have to pay for any excess wear and tear. All you have to do is call your dealership to speak with a financing manager to go through the purchase process.

The purchase price of your Golf will depend on the car’s residual value at the end of the lease. You may be able to purchase your leased car before the contract ends, but you’ll need to ask your specific dealer. You can also find the best loan offers through

Jerry

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How to prepare a car for inspection when returning a lease

How to find the best car insurance for a Volkswagen Golf lease

Leasing or buying, you can always find the best insurance policies when you use the Jerry app. Car insurance shopping is usually a tedious, dull process, but it’s easy with Jerry. All you have to do is download the app and answer a few questions to be met with personalized quotes from over 50 top insurance companies—all in a matter of minutes!

Jerry

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“All of the insurance quotes I saw were over $600 a month because of my age. Then I stumbled upon
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