Thanks to the new mobility options available on the market, we can now choose how we drive with greater flexibility than we did just a few years ago.
Among the most in-demand services, many drivers consider choosing between buying or renting , as they are two quite different options, each with its own characteristics.
At Astara , we'll help you make the best choice for you. That's why we've outlined the advantages and disadvantages of each service below, so you can fully compare them.
Furthermore, we shouldn't overlook other services that coexist with renting and buying a car. For example, there's the subscription service , where for a monthly fee you can enjoy the car you want with a non-binding contract, so you can use it only as long as you need.
Buying or renting: which is best for me?
These days, almost every driver is asking this question: should you buy or rent? If you want to choose the best option for your needs, we offer the following tips:
- Learn about both services. Below, we offer a comparison of the two.
- Assess your short-, medium-, and long-term needs to consider which service might best suit each situation.
- Analyze your financial solvency to assess whether the fees for both services are within your reach.
- Based on these conditions, each service offers you different car models to choose from. Are these the ones you're looking for?
Renting vs. Buying a Car: A Detailed Comparison
One of the key factors when choosing between renting and buying a car is knowing the features of both services. Here's a detailed comparison of the most important ones:
Cost of service
Many leasing advocates point out the difference between buying a €15,000 or €20,000 car and paying a fee of between €300 and €500, but this isn't a realistic comparison.
Financing a car purchase can offer very attractive monthly payments, and while the total amount will always be higher than with a rental service, after the latter, you have to return the car, so you again need to continue investing.
Vehicle maintenance
Vehicle maintenance is one of the most positive aspects of leasing, as it's all covered by the financial institution's responsibility. This includes not only having to repair any breakdowns, but also paying associated taxes and even car insurance.
To alleviate this situation, many finance companies optimize their offers by allowing you to purchase multiple services at the same time. This way, you can benefit from an extended warranty, additional vehicle replacement services, or even improved car insurance terms.
Possession of the vehicle
This is where the biggest advantage of buying a car lies. By paying off the entire financing, the vehicle becomes your full property. You can continue using it as long as you want or sell it, thereby recouping part of the investment you've made over the years.
Renting is a vehicle rental service. What does this mean? At the end of the contract, you'll have to return the car .
Limitations of the contract
A rental service is limited by time or mileage. After a certain number of months, the contract expires, and it's time to return the vehicle. It's also possible to exceed the mileage limit set in the contract, in which case it will also be considered expired or a renegotiation will be necessary.
Buying a car allows you to drive it as much as you want and for as long as you want, while still providing optimal performance.
Are there alternatives to buying or renting a car?
With this comparison between buying a car and renting a car, you can better understand the differences between the two. But what if neither of them fully meets your needs?
Precisely for this reason, new mobility services continue to emerge, perhaps one that perfectly suits your driving needs. Among them, we highlight the following:
- Subscription: Pay a monthly fee to drive a new vehicle, with all expenses included (except fuel) and no commitment.
- Sharing: A rental service that you can set up for a few minutes, a few hours, or a few days. Maximum flexibility for any type of driver.
Still not sure which service to choose? Contact us, and Astara will offer you a fully personalized advisory service to recommend the best financing or pay-as-you-go option, based on your needs.
