Car Rentals

When to rent, when to lease

Peugeot 208

ABOVE: A Peugeot 508 from Auto Europe's Peugeot Open Europe lease program.

By Durant Imboden

If you'd like to drive around Europe, you can't bring your own car, and you live outside the European Union, you have two options for obtaining a vehicle: renting or a short-term lease.

Renting is just what you'd expect: You pay by the day or week, with or without mileage fees, as you'd do at home.

Short-term leasing, also called "buy back" or "purchase-repurchase," may be an even better choice if you need a car for 21 days or longer. You get a new Peugeot or Citroën vehicle and turn it in at the end of your trip.

It's a win-win-win situation:

You save money on your vacation car, SUV, or van.
The auto manufacturer can sell the vehicle as a slightly used car.
Some lucky European gets an almost-new car while saving on the purchase tax.

The chart below will help you decide which is better for you: traditional car rental or a short-term tourist lease. You may also want to compare rates for the two options by visiting our partner:

Auto Europe: Car Rentals

Auto Europe: Peugeot Open Europe leases

Auto Europe: Citroën Euro Pass leases

Comparison Chart:
Renting vs. Short-term leasing

Rental

Your only option for a trip shorter than three weeks.

No residence restrictions.

Minimum age is usually 21 to 25, often with "young driver surcharges." There may be a maximum age of 70, depending on the country and vendor.*

Pick up and drop off nearly anywhere. International one-way rentals may require drop-off fees.

Collision damage waiver is extra in most countries, or requires paying a higher inclusive rate.

Rate includes VAT of 16-20% or more. Airports and some city locations impose surcharges.

For more information and rates, click:

Auto Europe
(Car rentals)

Short-term tourist car leases

Significant savings if you're driving for at least 21 days.

Available only to drivers who live outside the EU or have temporary visas.

Available to licensed drivers of 18 or older.

Pick up and drop off at authorized locations. Locations outside France incur pick-up and/or drop-off fees.

Full insurance is included (no deductible).

No VAT or airport/city fees.

For more information and rates, click:

Short-Term Car Leases in Europe

Rental-Car Insurance

Car vs. Train

Driving in Europe

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