Is it worth leasing a car in Sweden?
Costs, risks and rights to check before you sign a car lease.
Short answer
Konsumentverket says you do not own a leased car, the contract usually runs about three years and ending it early can be very expensive. Mileage above the agreed limit, damage beyond normal wear and missed servicing can add costs. A right to withdraw applies only to distance contracts, usually for 14 days.
Why
- Konsumentverket says the leasing company owns the car, you are bound by the contract for the whole period and it can be difficult to get out of the agreement.
- Konsumentverket says leasing becomes more expensive the longer distance you need, and that you may have to pay for damage that is not normal wear.
- Konsumentverket says you have no explicit protection under consumer legislation when you privately lease a car, and that the Consumer Sales Act does not apply because you have not bought the car.
Details
Check what the monthly fee includes, such as service, insurance and winter tyres, and what happens if the company raises the fee. At the end you can sometimes buy the car at a residual value (restvärde) set by the company. A complaint to ARN costs SEK 150, and municipal consumer advisers can help you read the contract for free. For other car costs see the cost of living in Sweden and driving and traffic rules in Sweden.
Tip
Ask the company for the exact term, the mileage allowance and the price of exceeding it, and whether you can transfer the contract, and think about whether you could keep paying if your income dropped.
What may differ
If you buy a car from a dealer instead, consumer law applies: Konsumentverket says you always have the right to complain about faults for 3 years.
Common misconception
You can end a car lease whenever you want.
What actually happens
Konsumentverket says you generally have no right to terminate a leasing agreement during the leasing period, and that if the lessor agrees to an early end it can become very expensive.
People also ask
- Should I lease or buy a car in Sweden?
- Is car leasing a good idea in Sweden?
Sources
- Konsumentverket: Leasing a carChecked at:
- Konsumentverket: Problems with a leased car or leaseChecked at:
- Konsumentverket: Buying a car from a dealerChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Konsumentverket and the leasing contract before you sign.
Driving and traffic rules in SwedenRelated questions
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How often does a car need inspection in Sweden?
A passenger car is inspected first within 36 months of the month it was put into traffic.
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Can you take a Swedish rental car to Denmark or Norway?
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Hertz accepts debit cards, but a renter paying with one must also show a credit card at pickup, so a credit card is the safe choice.
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