A lease lets you pay for only part of your car's value. During the lease period, the leasing company retains ownership of the car — unlike buying, where you own the vehicle. At the end of the lease, you may need to cover the remaining value of the car, known as the residual value. A higher residual value results in lower monthly payments during the leasing term.

The cost of your lease depends on the car model you choose and any additional fees you may need to cover, such as acquisition fees. This total cost is then adjusted by applying dealer rebates, promotions, and possibly the trade-in value of your current vehicle. This adjusted amount forms the basis of your monthly payment, which also includes the car’s depreciation and finance charges.

A typical leasing period lasts three years. Short-term leasing usually refers to a leasing period of less than 24 months. If you need a car for an even shorter period, a car subscription might be the right choice. With SIXT+, the maximum contract period is 90 days. Should you require a car for a longer duration, you can simply select a different model and start a new agreement.

• Short-term car leasing meets the needs of employees, commuters, or students who require a car for only a few months.
• Short-term car leases involve less financial commitment, as you only pay for the few months you actually need the vehicle.
• Leasing a car for a few months allows you to try out the newest models or test-drive a car you might want to buy in the future.

• Calculating the miles you'll need to drive is important since short-term leases usually come with a mileage limit. You may have to pay a penalty if you exceed this limit.
• The rates for short-term leases are typically higher than those for regular leasing periods. Dealerships also offer fewer rebates and incentives.
• If you decide to buy the vehicle at the end of the lease term, the purchase fee will likely be higher since you've only paid off a fraction of the car's value.

A short-term leasing contract typically lasts between 6 months to a year. The SIXT+ car subscription has a minimum term of just one month. After each month, the subscription extends by 30 days. The maximum leasing period is 90 days. Afterwards the contract ends automatically. You can return the vehicle at any time without additional charges or fees. This offers you greater flexibility, allowing you to pay only for the months you truly need the car.

With short-term leasing, you are responsible for paying vehicle taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repairs on top of the leasing price. This can make the overall costs higher than anticipated. In contrast, with a car subscription, you only pay a fixed monthly fee and cover the cost of fuel. You can adjust the fee by adding or removing extras such as additional mileage or insurance packages.

With short-term auto leasing, you might experience a longer wait time before your new car is ready. With the SIXT+ car subscription, you can select your preferred vehicle category, pick-up date, and location online. The minimum advance booking time is just 24 hours. If your needs change, you can easily adjust your subscription through the app and even choose a different car.