Long term car leasing

Much depends on where you will live and the access to other transport,plus the reasons why you need a car. France is not the U.S. vis-a-vis ways of getting from place to place. There is train service to virtually everywhere FROM virtually everywhere. We cannot imagine that you would pay more to use trains while in France than you would to rent and insure and maintain a car.
That said, if a car is necessary, try (if you havent already checked) Renault and Peugeot- both of which, we think, have plans where you buy a car and turn it in when done using it with the company repurchasing the vehicle from you.

Lynn -

Another potential option is with a programme here in France with Renault.

It is a long-term rental / buy back type situation.

http://www.vantageclub.org/offers/travel/vacation/ideamerge.htm

I have to agree with above you need to examine why you want the car. If you are living in the country and/or want to acces the hills, mountains, and tiny towns. Ok it might be worth. But be aware of the high costs involved. Not to mention long term lease may involve a French drives license(I've e with other ex-pats but don't know about U.S.)which is a bear to get. Even the french complain about the price of gas.

If you are going to be south along the water expect long long long trafic lines in the spring and summer with virtually no place to park.

Do you need a nice car? There are used cars for sale,check the grocery stores or petite annonces You might be able to pay cash for one, then resell it. Registering a car can be a hassle but pain free.(I assume you have a Visa to be living there?)

Would a motercycle or scooter work for you or even a "jalopy" (small 3-wheeled trucks used in the moutains). There are less restricitions, and less gas used.

But buses and trains are great!

Leasing is a fraction of renting. The good deal for tourists has a max length however. It's at least six months but I don't think it's as long as two years (there are exceptions based on certain circumstances). You can check it out at autoeurope.com and europebycar.com.

If you know you will be there at least a year, purchasing a used car and selling it at the end of your trip may be the best idea. Do you have a personal line of credit so you won't have to sort through financing over there?

Renting would be exhorbitant. If you bought a used car and had to give it away, it would probably be a better deal.

Thanks to Paul n Sara, Jona, Trotro and Brad....

I will be living in Provence near St. Remy for four or five (and maybe 6 months) beginning June 3, 2008. I'll need a car there for sure. If I can lease for that perid of time, economically, fine...If not, I could buy a used car...and then store it at no charge and safely at friend's house.

I"ll check out your resources. Thanks, again.

Anyone know if I can open a French bank account in Janaury when I will be there again? What documents will I need beyond a passport?

Trotro---I'l be applying for my long term VISA nxt month as well.

It's all starting to become real" now.

Lynn