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Car Rentals

When to rent, when to lease

Peugeot 208

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

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

Related articles:
Short-Term Car Leases in Europe
Rental-Car Insurance
Car vs. Train
Driving in Europe