Car financing in Switzerland: leasing, credit or car subscription?

The financing of a car in Switzerland is a complex topic with many options, ranging from leasing and loans to car subscriptions. This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of the different possibilities, the pros and cons of each method, and current trends in the Swiss market.

Leasing: The Most Popular Option in Switzerland

Leasing has established itself as the most popular method of car financing in Switzerland. According to a representative survey by Comparis, one in two Swiss people leases their car. Leasing is particularly popular among women, while only 40 percent of men opt for it.

With leasing, the car remains the property of the leasing company, while the user pays monthly installments. At the end of the term, the vehicle can either be returned or purchased for a residual value. This method is especially attractive for those who want to drive a new car regularly without having to worry about its resale value.

Car Loans: Flexibility and Ownership

Car loans offer an alternative to leasing by allowing the buyer to own the vehicle outright. In this case, a loan is taken out and repaid in monthly installments. A major advantage of this method is flexibility: the owner can use and modify the vehicle as desired.

Another advantage is that after the loan is repaid, there are no further costs, and the car remains fully owned by the buyer. This can be especially appealing for those who wish to keep their vehicle for the long term.

Car Subscriptions: A New Trend on the Horizon

Car subscriptions are still relatively unknown in Switzerland, but they are becoming increasingly popular. A car subscription offers an all-inclusive solution: for a monthly fee, all costs such as insurance, taxes, maintenance, and tire changes are covered.

One provider in this area is Enterprise Minilease. This offer allows flexible car usage without long-term commitments. It is particularly attractive for individuals seeking short-term mobility solutions or those wanting to try out new models.

Pros and Cons of Each Financing Option

With leasing, users benefit from low monthly payments and the possibility of regularly driving a new vehicle. However, the car remains the property of the leasing company, and additional costs may arise for damages or excess mileage.

Car loans offer the advantage of direct ownership and the freedom to use the vehicle as desired. However, monthly payments may be higher than leasing, and the buyer bears the risk of depreciation.

Car subscriptions combine the benefits of leasing and car loans by offering flexible and hassle-free usage.