Why Is Short-term Car Leasing Preferred Over Long-term Leasing?

Recent Data Found 37% of Drivers Prefer Short-term Leases

This article may contain affiliate links. [Ed. note: While this article focuses on a UK phenomenon, we expect short-term leases to hit the States soon, if they haven’t already.]

The UK has witnessed a notable increase in the preference for a short-term car lease, with two-thirds of 18-24-year-olds looking to lease a car in the future. This shift can be attributed to various factors, including the financial flexibility that short-term leases provide, less commitment, the ability to access new vehicles, and the rising interest in electric vehicles (EVs).

What Is a Short-term Car Lease?

Leasing a car offers individuals and businesses the convenience of having a vehicle without committing to a long-term lease or the financial burden of purchasing a car outright. A short-term car lease is a type of car arrangement that lasts a relatively short duration, often just three to 12 months.

What Is a Long-term Car Lease?

A long-term car lease refers to a contractual agreement between a lessor (usually a leasing company or dealership) and a lessee (an individual or business) in which the lessee agrees to use a vehicle for an extended period, typically two to five years, in exchange for regular lease payments. 

What Are the Benefits of Short-term Car Leasing Compared to Long-term Leasing Options?

Short-term car leasing offers several benefits compared to long-term leasing options: 

• Flexibility: Short-term leasing typically allows for more flexibility in terms of the duration of the lease. You can lease a car for as short as a month, which is ideal if you need a vehicle temporarily for business trips, short-term projects or personal situations where a vehicle is required temporarily.

• Lower commitment: With short-term leasing, you’re not locked into a long-term contract, so you have less financial commitment. This is advantageous if your circumstances change suddenly, such as if you need to relocate or your transportation needs evolve.

• No long-term obligations: Long-term leases can last for years, and terminating them early can incur substantial penalties. Short-term leases allow you to avoid these penalties because you commit to a shorter duration. This is beneficial if you need more clarity about your future needs or expect changes in your financial situation.

• Newer models: Short-term leasing allows you to drive newer models more frequently than if you were committed to a longer-term lease. Since you’re not tied to a car for an extended period, you can regularly upgrade to newer vehicles, enjoying the latest features, technology, and safety advancements without waiting until the end of a long-term lease.

What Are the Top 10 Reasons to Lease a Car in the UK?

Here are the top ten reasons why individuals in the UK might consider leasing a car: [Ed. note: most of these apply on this side of the Atlantic as well.]

1. Competitive market rates: Leasing companies offer competitive market rates, helping reduce your monthly costs.

2. Drive a better car: You can lease a better car than if you bought one because you only pay for the car’s depreciation during the lease period.

3. More reliability: New or nearly new cars have little chance of age-related reliability issues and are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.

4. Safety and the latest technology: You’ll get the latest safety features and technology.

5. No need for large upfront payments: You don’t need to invest considerable lump sumsin a vehicle purchase or pay hefty deposits.

6. No MOT and lower maintenance: New cars don’t need an MOT until 36 months old and typically require less maintenance.

7. Fixed cost motoring: Your monthly lease payment and breakdown cover remains the same.

8. Avoid depreciation: Leasing allows you to sidestep the depreciation of car ownership.

9. Avoid big-ticket motoring costs: New cars are less likely to need big-ticket mechanical item replacements.

10. Convenience: Leasing brokers offer competitive rates on thousands of vehicles, eliminating the need for showroom visits, negotiations, and finance deal searches.

Are Car Leases Contributing to Net Zero Targets for 2050?

Short-term car leasing can contribute to the UK government’s effort to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The government has set a target of zero carbon emissions and is encouraging people to switch to electric vehicles (EVs).

Sustainability is a compelling factor for many, with 19% of UK adults attracted to leasing due to its environmental benefits. Among the younger demographic aged 18 to 25, 23% prioritize sustainability when considering leasing options.

Car Leasing Can Assist in Reaching this Target in Several Ways:

• Leasing makes it easier for people to afford EVs. EVs are typically more expensive than traditional gas or diesel cars. However, leasing can make them more affordable by spreading the cost of the vehicle over time.

• Leasing encourages people to switch to EVs more frequently. When people lease a car, they are more likely to switch to a new car every few years. This means they are more likely to drive a newer, more fuel-efficient vehicle.

• Leasing companies offer various incentives to encourage people to choose EVs. These incentives can include lower interest rates, tax breaks, and access to charging stations.

Will Market Trends Continue To Impact the Popularity of Short-term Car Leasing?

In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed significant consumer behavior and preference shifts. 

• On-demand access: Consumers increasingly prefer on-demand access to vehicles without long-term commitments, aligning with the flexibility offered by short-term leases.

• Sustainability: With a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, short-term leasing offers access to electric and fuel-efficient vehicles, supporting the transition towards eco-friendly mobility.

Market trends indicate a growing preference for flexibility, convenience and cost-effectiveness, aligning closely with short-term car leasing benefits vs. the commitment that comes with longer-term leases.