Leasing a car vs rental in Frnce

You'll come out better leasing from either Peugeot or Renault's leasing programs in France. If you return it to another country, the drop off fees could be expensive, however.
Not only is it cheaper, but you can take the car to countries rental cars wouldn't want you to go. And you're 100% insured vs. partial/marginal coverage offered under CDW's of rental companies. The car will also be brand new.
I believe AutoEurope also subscribers to such programs. You'll want to compare prices.

You are correct on all counts. Insurance is included in the price and no last minute surprises, upsells, full tank return, etc. Autoeurope handles the Peugeots, while Renault USA handles the Renault leases. They all come through the same company, TT, ultimately. We use leases any time we need a car for more than three weeks.

We leased a car in France years ago for 4 weeks. It's definitely the way to go for a time period as long as yours, for all the reasons mentioned. The one caveat is that there are fewer pick-up cities than with a rental, but there are enough of them scattered around France so that it shouldn't be a problem.

Auto Europe offers leases on Peugeot and Renault for between 21 and 179 days. We are
leasing a Peugeot 308 Pack Diesel Manual GPS with A/C (one step up from the base 200 series cars) for 120 days. The first 21 days are at $65/day and every day after is only $15/day for our model. The price is 'all-in' including insurance and roadside assistance. We had to replace a tire and there was no charge at a dealer. All the cars are new, ours had 1.5k on the odometer. GPS in English, owners manual in French. You pick the model. One caveat if you travel often: you have to wait a year from the end of your lease to be able to lease again. But a traveling companion could--wife, sibling, of age child, but not your dog. We haven't verified, but you can probably lease from Renault or Citroen. All three marcs use the same office for the Paris in town pickup. There are many pickup/drop off locations.

I have leased through both Renault USA for Renaults and Auto France for Peugeots with excellent results. Both have excellent web sites showing their pick up locations throughout Europe ass well as explaining all the details of the plans. The web sites also have a place where you can view the entire English version of the owners manual for which ever model you lease. While there is a fee to pick up or drop off outside of France, in France there are no fees, even at major airports. Long with the excellent insurance package there are no fees for additional drivers in your family. The while thing is prepaid and there are no surprises when you show up. Two caveats: 1) Automatic transmission availability is very limited so if you need one order now. (These cars are used once and resold as used cars through a loop hole in the French VAT law, so the options reflect the French retail auto market) 2) They are delivered with a full factory fuel load but they always give very clear directions to nearby gas stations.

As long as out trips meet their time requirements, it is my firm intention to never rent again.

Have a great trip.

A specific new car is reserved for you, so you're not getting whatever's on the lot when you arrive. You're technically purchasing that car, with an agreement for them to purchase it back on the date planned.

we have leased twice before and have one organised for next year. we have found citroen to be the best value, of the three.
a few things about earlier posts.
it sometimes doesn't cost any extra to drop off in another country, depends on the deal at the time, even so the drop off cost is not great. that is one of the advantages with this system. also no extra cost for other driver or gps
our have not had a full tank of fuel, only enough to get you to the nearest station, but this is explained in the lease.
the big advantage, being able to order an auto , and get it when you arrive.
as you 'own' the car make sure you are happy with the fine print. the 'what if' issue. what if you have a accident and the car needs repair ( but you need to move on with your trip) the fine print should explain this. to me its the main part that I weigh up when deciding to lease. luckily we have not an once of trouble with the whole lease process, but have not had an accident.

hope this helps.

steven,

Whether leasing or renting, don't forget to pack an International Driver's Permit for each person that will be driving in France. These are used in conjunction with your home D.L., are available at AAA offices for a small fee, and are valid for one year.

Thanks Ken. Others have stated there's no need for the International Drivers License if you're only driving in France. Anyone else want to offer an opinion?

Thanks Glenn. Easy to find the Peugeot and Renault leasing information. Where did you reach Citroen and what was best about them??

Diesel models are always somewhat more expensive. In the US, diesel fuel is also more expensive than gas. Anyone have comments about choice of fuel, gas vs diesel? That's more a mystery to me than the choice between manual and automatic transmission.

Anyone have experience with what to do if you have an accident in a leased car in France? Do you have to stay in place until repairs are completed OR can you proceed as long as the car is deemed safe to drive and return the leased vehicle in it's damaged condition?

steven seeing you asked, we organise our car via a company in Australia.
www.globalcars.com.au/
they have access to the three brands. I am guessing there would be similar companies like them, where you live? the citroen has just worked out cheaper, of the three.
the question you ask about accidents, is explained in the terms and conditions, in fine print.( in our case the citroen 'europass' PSD) they have a daily allowance etc. http://www.citroeneuropass.com.au/insurance-and-assistance/
worth reading the fine print ( appropriate to you- depending on who you go with)

diesel in europe is readily available, we order a diesel auto. they perform well in the alps and the auto is good for those who aren't use to driving on the 'wrong' side IMO. The diesels get very good economy, so you don't have to worry about filling up as much ( just another thing to not have to worry about)

hope this helps

An International Drivers Permit is now required in France, unless you have an equivalent French translation of your license.

We always request diesel, whether leasing or renting. Not only do you get better mileage (kilometers) but the fuel is less expensive at the pump in Europe.

"Others have stated there's no need for the International Drivers License if you're only driving in France. Anyone else want to offer an opinion?"

How about the opinion of the Embassy of France.....

http://franceintheus.org/spip.php?article376

The first sentences cover the pertinent information....

"You may drive with a valid U.S. driver’s license if it is accompanied by a notarized translation in French. It is strongly recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit."

Glen and Bets, Thanks for the education regarding diesel vs gasoline
Glen, I'm not looking forward to reading that "fine print" about what to do in case of accident.... but guess I'll have to.
Ken, your information about the international driving permit couldn't be more clear.. right out the embassy no less!
Happy Holidays to all who have helped me out with this car leasing issue