Must have changed since this post was started; this is what it says now:
“Can I buy the car at the end of the lease?
It may be possible to buy your car at the end of the contract, but this can only be discussed in the final three months of your lease. If you would like to speak to someone about your purchasing options, please contact us on 0300 456 4566.
If you decide to buy your car at the end of the contract, but would also like to remain on the Scheme, you can do so, providing you are still eligible.“
But (I know one should not start a sentence with but, but I feel in this case it is OK), I would take into account what has been said above re. warrantee, price, etc. I know from experience they do not always ask a high (top retail) price; when my husband was moved to PIP, although the DWP conceded he was less mobile than when he was awarded DLA, the changes meant he was no eligible for a Motability vehicle, they (Motability) offered it to him at less than trade.
The only reason I can think of, as to why they ask retail price, when selling is they want to discourage people (from leaving the scheme). They certainly wouldn’t get anywhere near the price they ask from a dealer or at auction. If one could find out which auction the car is going to be in perhaps one could get it there. A dealer would need to factor in profit, etc. so would not be willing to pay as much as a private buyer.
Current lease: 2025 Omoda 5 Estate 1.6 TGDI [147] Noble 5dr 7DCT
Last lease: 2022 MINI Hatch 2.0 Cooper S Classic Premium 5DR Auto
First lease: 2018 SEAT Leon Sport Tourer 1.8 TSI FR Technology DSG