How long is the term of a lease for a double cab van?

The term of a lease for a double cab van usually varies between 24 and 60 months. The most popular terms are 36 or 48 months, as these fit in well with the depreciation of the vehicle and business planning. You can decide for yourself which term best suits your situation, depending on factors such as usage, budget and growth plans. With a finance lease, you can match the term to the depreciation period of the vehicle.

What are the standard lease terms for a double cab van?

The standard lease terms for a double-cab van are 24, 36, 48 and 60 months. These periods have been chosen because they are in line with the depreciation of company cars and the way entrepreneurs plan their finances. Most business users opt for a term of 36 or 48 months, as this offers a good balance between monthly costs and flexibility.

The flexibility in terms also depends on the type of lease you choose. At financial lease you are the economic owner of the vehicle from the first lease term onwards and the van is included in your balance sheet. You can tailor the term to the depreciation period that suits your business operations. With an operational lease, you rent the vehicle for a specific period, with a different ownership situation.

Entrepreneurs in construction, logistics and technical services often opt for a longer term of 48 or 60 months. This is because a double cab is used intensively and a longer term keeps the monthly costs lower. Self-employed professionals and smaller companies sometimes opt for 24 or 36 months because they want more flexibility to switch to another vehicle more quickly as their business grows.

A significant advantage of financial leasing is that you set the interest rate in advance. This means you pay a fixed monthly amount throughout the term and know exactly where you stand. This makes budget planning a lot easier, especially if you work with multiple vehicles or want to expand your fleet.

How do you choose the right term for your business?

The right lease term for you double-cab van depends on how intensively you use the vehicle and how many kilometres you drive per year. If you drive to different project locations every day with a full team, your vehicle will wear out faster than if you only use it for local trips. With high annual mileage, a shorter term is often wiser, so that you are not left with a worn-out vehicle.

Your business growth also plays an important role. If you expect your team or activities to expand significantly in the coming years, a shorter term of 24 or 36 months may be useful. This will allow you to switch more quickly to a larger or more modern vehicle that better suits your new situation. For stable companies with predictable needs, a longer period of 48 or 60 months is more advantageous, as the monthly costs are lower.

Budget planning and depreciation periods are practical factors to consider when making your choice. With a finance lease, you can tailor the term to the depreciation of the vehicle, which can be advantageous from a tax perspective. You pay a fixed monthly amount with no surprises, because the interest rate remains unchanged throughout the term. This gives you financial security and clarity.

Self-employed professionals often have different needs than SMEs or larger organisations. As a self-employed professional, you usually want to remain flexible and not be tied to one vehicle for too long. A term of 36 months offers a good compromise. SMEs with multiple employees often opt for 48 months, as this provides the best balance between monthly costs and useful life. Larger organisations with fleet management sometimes opt for 60 months, because they maintain their vehicles intensively and use them for longer.

A concrete example: if you work in construction and drive to sites every day with a team of five people plus tools, you can probably expect to cover around 30,000 to 40,000 kilometres per year. In that case, a term of 36 or 48 months is realistic. Do you mainly drive locally with lower mileage? Then a longer period of 60 months may be more financially attractive.

What happens at the end of the lease period?

At the end of your lease contract, you have several options, depending on the type of lease. At financial lease you are the beneficial owner of the vehicle, which means that you can take ownership of the van by paying off any residual value. You can also opt for a new lease contract with a different vehicle, or extend the term if that suits you better.

If you wish to return the vehicle, the residual value plays an important role. This is the amount that the van is still worth at the end of the lease period. With a finance lease, you can include a final instalment in the agreement equal to this residual value, which will reduce your monthly lease payments. Upon return, the car will be valued and settled against this agreed residual value.

Practical matters such as any damage or mileage exceeding the agreed limit will be assessed upon return. With a finance lease, you are responsible for arranging the car costs yourself, such as maintenance and insurance, so you usually know the condition of the vehicle well. Normal wear and tear is accepted, but more significant damage or technical defects may affect the final settlement.

A smooth transition to your next commercial vehicle requires timely planning. Start thinking about your next step about three months before the end of your lease period. Do you want another double cab, or has your business grown and do you need something bigger? By starting your search early, you will have enough time to find the right vehicle and arrange financing.

When extending the contract, you can often agree on favourable terms, as the initial investment has already been made. This can be interesting if your vehicle is still in good condition and you do not yet need a replacement. You can also opt for a new lease contract with a more modern vehicle, allowing you to benefit from the latest technology and safety features.

How we assist with the lease of your double cab

We understand that choosing the right lease term for your double-cab van can be quite complicated. That is why we offer personalised advice that is tailored to your specific situation. Whether you are a self-employed person, have a growing SME or manage a larger fleet, we will work with you to find the best solution.

With nearly 60 years of experience in the commercial vehicle sector, we know exactly what entrepreneurs encounter. Our approach is clear and transparent: no opaque constructions, but a fixed repayment amount, a fixed term and a fixed low interest rate. You know exactly where you stand from day one.

This is how we can help you in concrete terms:

• Flexible leasing options: We will discuss with you whether financial leasing is the best option for your business and tailor the term to your depreciation periods and growth plans.
• Ample stock: With 400 commercial vehicles in stock, including various double cabins, you can quickly find a vehicle that suits your needs
• Transparent pricing: No hidden costs or surprises afterwards, just honest communication about what you pay.
• Prompt service: We work as much as possible by telephone and e-mail, which allows us to respond quickly and means you do not have to wait.
• Total solution: From advice to delivery, and even insurance and accessories, we take care of everything for you.
• Stock alert service: Can't find your ideal double cab? Set up an alert and receive automatic notification as soon as a suitable vehicle becomes available.

Please contact us for a no-obligation chat about your leasing options. Together, we will look at which term best suits your business and draw up a transparent proposal. Or take a look at our current stock of double cabins at www.vdhurk.nl and discover why entrepreneurs in Helmond and throughout the Netherlands have been placing their trust in us for decades.