I have checked out the Renault and Peugeot leasing websites and noticed that there are significant extra charges for pick-up/drop-off locations outside of France. Even AutoEurope adds on these charges. As of right now, the plan is to fly into Zurich and out of Frankfurt. Does anyone know of a leasing company that does not have the extra charges or of a company that leases cars in Germany? We generally rent cars from AutoEurope--just curious about the possibility of leasing. Thanks.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
I believe France is the only European country that permits this.
French car companies lease new cars so that they can resell them as (slightly) used cars and avoid the new car VAT, which I think is 17.5%.
Apparently there's no VAT in France on a used car.
So the new French owner gets an almost-new car at a much lower price.
Why the French permit this is one of those Gallic mysteries.
I think I'm right on this; maybe some poster from France can correct me if I'm not.
Bottom line: you won't find lease/buyback from any other country.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10555 posts
I leased through AutoEurope and had to pay the extra charge to pick up the vehicle in Frankfurt. I dropped it in Paris, so no extra charge there.
Have you already purchased your plane tickets? If not, and you can fly into / out of an airport in France, it would save you a lot of money.
With the additional charges you might be better of renting. We did have a great experience with the lease.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I've leased.
Yes, France is the only country that offers the lease deal (Pugeot or Renault) for tax reasons. You will pay for pick up/drop off outside of France.
The good news is, even with those added charges (we picked up in A'dam and dropped in Rome), it's still a great deal.
Remember CDW for leases is included in the price, most rental CDW is in addition to the quoted rate, so be sure to compare apples to apples when you shop for transportation.
Another option is to purchase a used car on arrival and sell it when you leave. I'm a little risk averse for this approach because the back end isn't guaranteed. I had Australian friends who did this regularly on vacations and swore it worked well.