Car leasing, the most important facts in brief

How does leasing work? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Are there any risks with car leasing? What alternatives are there? Find the questions and answers here.

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Questions and answers

The most important questions and answers about leasing.

Leasing: How does it work?

With a car lease, you rent a car from a car dealer or leasing company for a certain period of time, usually three to four years. During the leasing period, you pay a monthly leasing rate that covers the costs for the car as well as the costs for financing, i.e. the interest. The costs for the obligatory comprehensive insurance, the taxes, the licence plates and the right tyres are not included in the monthly leasing rate and have to be covered by you additionally.

At the end of the leasing contract, usually three years or longer, the car is returned to the car dealer or leasing company. In some cases it is also possible to buy the car.

A big advantage of leasing is that it can be cheaper than buying a car, especially if the same car is only used for a relatively short time or only a few years. In contrast to buying, the initial costs are also relatively low and the lessee bears no residual value or resale risk, as the car is returned to the car dealer or leasing bank at the end of the leasing period.

The prerequisite for leasing in Switzerland is a valid driving licence and a good credit rating. Proof of residence and income is required for a leasing application to be considered.

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Questions & Answers

How is the monthly leasing rate composed?

The monthly leasing rate is influenced on the one hand by the price of the vehicle, the kilometre package and the interest rate. The higher these factors are, the higher the leasing rate. On the other hand, the down payment, the duration and the residual value of the vehicle determine the rate. The higher these factors are, the lower the leasing rate. The leasing rate therefore only covers the costs for using the car. However, there are other costs associated with the car that can be added as an option, depending on the type of leasing.

What is included in a lease?

First and foremost, only the costs for using the car for a certain period of time are covered. Comprehensive insurance, taxes, service & maintenance and tyres are additional costs that are not included in the monthly leasing rate. Depending on the leasing provider, these can be added for a surcharge, i.e. an increase in the leasing rate. This is known as full-service leasing.

Does the car belong to me after the lease?

No. In a leasing contract, you pay for the use of the car, but you have to return it at the end of the duration. However, depending on the vehicle and the leasing contract, buying the car after the lease is an option.

Can I adjust my leasing contract?

With leasing, you determine the conditions at the beginning. You choose your car, the duration and the kilometre package. These are then fixed and usually cannot be adjusted for the duration of the lease. If you want to adjust your leasing contract, it is best to contact your lessor.

Can the lease be terminated prematurely?

No, a leasing contract can only be cancelled or terminated prematurely in exceptional cases. It is therefore advisable to set durations that are certain to be adhered to. If you want to end a leasing contract prematurely, it is advisable to find someone to take over your leasing. This way you can avoid the high exit costs.

Can I get a leasing down payment back?

The purpose of a down payment is usually to reduce the total cost of the lease so that the monthly payment is lower. The down payment is therefore not a deposit that is returned at the end of the lease if the vehicle is in good condition.

Is leasing also available without a down payment?

Yes, leasing is usually available without a down payment. In this case, the total costs are spread over the duration of the lease, so that the monthly payment is significantly higher than with a down payment. However, the total costs remain the same with and without a down payment, only the time of payment changes.

What happens if I have an accident with a leased vehicle?

Basically, the procedure is similar to that for any accident. In addition, the owner of the vehicle, i.e. the lessor, must be informed. The specific costs you have to pay depend on the leasing contract and the insurance conditions. Among other things, there may be costs for repairs, towing charges or administrative costs.

Are there age restrictions on leasing?

Yes, but these vary depending on the leasing company. The minimum age is usually 18, but there are also deviations or additional costs for young drivers. There may also be an upper age limit if risk factors that may be associated with advanced age are to be taken into account.

Can I also use a lease for an SME?

Yes, in most cases a lease can be used for private individuals as well as for SMEs and companies in general.

Explore savings potential

Audi a3 sportback 35 tfsi 10 1

Audi A3 Sportback

List price incl. optional equipment: CHF 54'280
Discount on list price:
10%
Down payment leasing:
CHF 6'000 (CHF 167 / month)
Leasing rate:
3.9 %

Canton: Zürich
Kilometres per year:
30'000 KM
Duration:
36 months

The comparison is from February 2023. Find out more about our assumptions for the comparison here.

EN Sparpotenzial Audi A3
Peugeot 3008 gt pack

Peugeot 3008 GT Pack

List price incl. optional equipment: CHF 57'430
Discount on list price:
8%
Down payment leasing:
CHF 6'000 (CHF 167 / month)
Leasing rate:
3.9 %

Canton: Zurich
Kilometres per year:
22'200 KM
Duration:
36 months

The comparison is from February 2023. Find out more about our assumptions for the comparison here.

EN Sparpotenzial Peugeot3008
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