How to choose: leasing a car or buying one for the family?

Choosing between leasing or buying a car for your family in 2025 can be a daunting task, especially if you want to balance convenience, budget and long-term plans. On one hand, leasing a car allows you to avoid large purchase and maintenance costs, while on the other hand, buying gives you complete freedom and a sense of ownership. For families with children, who often need reliable transport to get to school, holidays or errands, this becomes a particularly relevant issue. In this article, I will help you understand the pros and cons of each option, consider the financial aspects, practical nuances and give advice so that you can make an informed decision.

Evaluate your vehicle needs

Before deciding whether leasing or buying a car is better, it's important to understand how often and for what purpose you need a car. If your family uses a car every day to commute to work, daycare, or workouts, buying may be a better decision. For example, a car that is always on hand eliminates the need to book a car through a hire service every time. However, if you drive infrequently - say, only at weekends or on holiday - renting may be more convenient as you don't have to worry about ongoing maintenance costs.

Take into account the number of journeys and distances travelled

For families who often travel long distances, buying a car can be a preferable option. Imagine: you are planning a trip from Moscow to Kazan, and you need a car with a child seat, a roomy boot and low fuel consumption. In this case, owning a car allows you to prepare it for your needs. On the other hand, renting a car or owning one may be less practical for long journeys, as renting for a long term can be more expensive than regular loan payments on a purchased car.

Compare the financial aspects

Finance is one of the main factors in choosing between leasing and buying a car. Buying a car requires a significant initial outlay: you need to pay either the full price or a down payment on a loan. In addition, you will spend money on insurance, taxes, maintenance and repairs. For example, the average cost of a new car in Russia in 2025 may be about 2-3 million roubles, and the annual maintenance costs are another 100-200 thousand roubles. Leasing, on the other hand, allows you to avoid these costs, but includes regular rental payments, which can accumulate over time.

Calculate long-term costs

When planning for the long term, it is important to consider that renting versus buying a car has different financial implications. If you rent a car, you only pay for the time you use it - for example, 2-3 thousand roubles a day for an average car. However, over the course of a year, this can add up to 300-400 thousand rubles, especially if you rent a car frequently. At the same time, buying a car, even on credit, pays off over time, as you become the owner of an asset that can be sold. For a family with a limited budget, renting may be a more flexible solution, especially if you are not ready for large one-off costs.

Think flexibility and convenience

Flexibility is another important aspect to consider when choosing whether to rent or own a car. Renting gives you the opportunity to choose a car to suit your specific needs each time. For example, you can take a spacious SUV for a family holiday at the seaside, or a compact hatchback for city trips. Moreover, renting saves you the hassle of selling your car if your plans change. However, buying provides stability: you always know that your car is ready to go, and you don't depend on the availability of rental cars.

Appreciate the convenience for family travelling

For families with children, convenience is key. If you have your own car, you can install a child seat, adjust the seats to your preferences and store everything you need in the boot - from a pram to toys. With a bought car, for example, you won't waste time searching for the right car with the right equipment. However, renting or buying a car can be more convenient if you want to try different models or aren't prepared to deal with car maintenance. Renting allows you to experiment without being tied to one car.

Consider maintenance and liability

When you are choosing between leasing or buying a car, it is important to keep maintenance issues in mind. When you buy a car, all responsibility for its condition lies with you: you have to have regular inspections, change the oil, buy new tyres and pay for repairs. For example, replacement of a set of tyres for a family crossover can cost 40-50 thousand rubles. In the case of renting, these worries are taken care of by the rental company - you simply return the car after use. However, renting requires you to comply with the rules of use: any damage may incur additional costs.

Think about insurance and risks

Insurance is another aspect to consider. When you buy a car, you are obliged to take out MTPL insurance, and possibly CASCO, which adds 20-50 thousand roubles to your annual expenses. In addition, if the car gets into an accident, the repair will be at your expense. In the case of renting, insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you may be offered additional options to reduce risks. For example, when renting a car in Sochi, you can pay for full insurance so you don't have to worry about minor scratches. Whether to rent or buy a car depends on how much you are willing to take on the risks.

Consider the impact on the environment

The environmental aspect is becoming increasingly important to families who are concerned about their children's future. Buying a car, especially if it is an electric car or hybrid, can reduce your carbon footprint in the long term. For example, using an electric car for city driving reduces CO2 emissions by 30-40% compared to petrol models. However, renting a car or owning one can also be an eco-friendly choice if you hire modern, low-emission vehicles. Hire companies often update their fleet with more eco-friendly models.

Choose according to the duration of use

If you only plan to use the car a few times a year, renting can be a greener solution as you're not adding another car to the road. For example, for a weekend trip to the Moscow region, renting an electric car through a carsharing service may be ideal. However, if you drive every day, buying a fuel-efficient car or electric vehicle may be a more sustainable choice in the long run. The choice: renting a car or owning one, in this case, depends on how often you plan to use the car.

Think about the family's long-term plans

Your long-term plans also play an important role when choosing between leasing and buying. If you are planning to move to another city or country, leasing may be a better option as you don't have to worry about selling the car. For example, a family moving from Moscow to St. Petersburg can simply rent a car for the move and then decide whether buying is necessary in the new location. On the other hand, if you plan to stay in the same city for years to come, buying a car can be an investment in your family's future.

Take into account changes in family composition

The makeup of your family also affects your decision. If you are expecting a new addition to your family, you may need a larger vehicle, such as a minivan. In this case, buying a car allows you to immediately choose a model that will fit your future needs. However, renting versus buying a car can be useful if you want to test drive different types of cars before making a final choice. For example, you can rent a minivan for a holiday and see if it is suitable for your family.

Compare available services and offers

In 2025, the car rental and purchase market in Russia offers many options. Carsharing services, such as Yandex.Drive or Delimobile, allow you to rent a car for a few hours or days at prices starting from 5 roubles per minute. The purchase is available through car dealerships, where a loan or leasing can be arranged. For example, buying a LADA Vesta on credit can cost 15-20 thousand rubles per month. A comparison of offers will help you understand what is more favourable - renting or buying a car - depending on your preferences and budget.

Research company reviews and reputations

Research reviews of rental companies and car dealerships before making a decision. Some rental services may charge hidden fees for fuel or penalties for minor damages. At the same time, when buying, it's important to choose a reliable dealer that offers a warranty and quality service. For example, renting a car through a carsharing service may be convenient, but reviews can help you understand how customer-centric the company is. Researching reputation is an important step to choose between renting or buying a nuanced car.

Conclusion: find a balance for your family

The choice between leasing or buying a car for your family in 2025 depends on your needs, budget and plans. Leasing is suitable for those who value flexibility and don't want to spend time on maintenance, while buying is ideal for families who need a car every day. Evaluate your travel, finances, environmental priorities and long-term goals to make the right decision. Compare available offers, research reviews and think about your family's future. With the right approach, you'll find the perfect option to make your life more comfortable and convenient.