GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Car Lease Duration Statistics

The average car lease duration is typically around 36 to 48 months.

Highlights: Car Lease Duration Statistics

  • In 2021, 46% of newly leased vehicles have a lease term of 24 to 36 months.
  • Vehicles with lease terms between 37 and 48 months accounted for 32% of leases in 2020.
  • Only about 1% of car leases in the U.S. are for more than 60 months.
  • Over 10% of drivers report keeping their leased vehicle for longer than the contracted term.
  • One third of leased vehicles had a buyout price under $15,000 in 2019.
  • On average, 29% of vehicles are leased rather than owned.
  • In 2017, 31% of total retail sales of new vehicles were via lease.
  • The average lease payment in 2020 was $460.
  • In 2019, 55% of people leased their vehicle, compared to 45% who financed their vehicle.
  • The average monthly lease payment was $450 in 2018, up $92 from 2008.
  • In 2019, 29.1% of new vehicles sold were leased.
  • Consumers who lease, preferred crossovers at a rate of 38% in 2020.
  • In 2019, the percentage of electric cars leased rose to 75%, according to Edmunds.
  • In 2020, about 80% of electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. were leased.
  • Automotive loans and leases are the third largest category of household debt, accounting for 9.5% of total household debt in the U.S. in 2019.
  • The average residual value (or end-of-lease value) of a leased vehicle was 61.1% in 2018.
  • In 2018, about 4.3 million vehicles were leased in the U.S., making up about 30% of new vehicle transactions.

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In the world of car leasing, the duration of the lease plays a significant role in determining the overall costs and benefits for both lessees and lessors. Understanding the statistics behind car lease duration can provide valuable insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and financial implications. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating world of car lease duration statistics, shedding light on key factors that influence lease lengths and their implications for the automotive industry.

The Latest Car Lease Duration Statistics Explained

In 2021, 46% of newly leased vehicles have a lease term of 24 to 36 months.

The statistic ‘In 2021, 46% of newly leased vehicles have a lease term of 24 to 36 months’ indicates that nearly half of the vehicles leased in 2021 had lease agreements with durations ranging from 2 to 3 years. This information suggests that a significant portion of consumers prefer committing to medium-term leases for their vehicles. The data may reflect various factors influencing lease decision-making, such as affordability, vehicle depreciation rates, or changing preferences for vehicle ownership models. Understanding the distribution of lease terms can offer valuable insights for car manufacturers, dealerships, and financial institutions involved in the leasing market to tailor their strategies and offerings to meet consumer demand effectively.

Vehicles with lease terms between 37 and 48 months accounted for 32% of leases in 2020.

The statistic ‘Vehicles with lease terms between 37 and 48 months accounted for 32% of leases in 2020’ indicates that nearly one-third of all leased vehicles in 2020 had lease terms falling within the specified range of 37 to 48 months. This information suggests that this particular lease term duration was a popular choice among consumers seeking to lease vehicles during the year. Understanding the distribution of lease term lengths can provide insights into consumer preferences, market trends, and potentially even economic factors influencing the automotive industry.

Only about 1% of car leases in the U.S. are for more than 60 months.

This statistic indicates that a very small proportion of car leases in the U.S. extend beyond 60 months, with only about 1% falling into this category. This suggests that the overwhelming majority of car leases in the U.S. are for terms of 60 months or less, highlighting the popularity of shorter lease periods among consumers. Leases can be a popular choice for individuals seeking the flexibility of driving a new car without committing to a long-term purchase, and the fact that such a small percentage opt for leases longer than 60 months may reflect concerns about depreciation, changing needs, or financial considerations. This statistic underscores the prevalence of relatively short-term car leasing arrangements in the U.S. market.

Over 10% of drivers report keeping their leased vehicle for longer than the contracted term.

The statistic stating that over 10% of drivers report keeping their leased vehicle for longer than the contracted term suggests that a significant proportion of individuals are choosing to extend their lease agreements beyond the initially agreed upon period. This could reflect various reasons such as satisfaction with the vehicle, financial constraints preventing them from upgrading, or simply a preference for the current vehicle over other options. The statistic indicates a notable deviation from the expected behavior of returning the leased vehicle at the end of the contract term, highlighting a trend worth exploring further in terms of its implications for the auto leasing industry and consumer behavior.

One third of leased vehicles had a buyout price under $15,000 in 2019.

This statistic indicates that out of all leased vehicles in 2019, approximately 33.3% had a buyout price that was less than $15,000. This information is important for individuals considering leasing a vehicle and potentially purchasing it at the end of the lease term. It suggests that a significant proportion of leased vehicles fall within a lower price range, which may be appealing to those looking for a more affordable buyout option. Understanding this statistic can help consumers make informed decisions when selecting a leased vehicle and considering their options for purchase at the end of the lease period.

On average, 29% of vehicles are leased rather than owned.

This statistic indicates that approximately 29% of vehicles are obtained through leasing agreements, as opposed to being owned outright. Leasing a vehicle involves a contractual arrangement where an individual or company pays for the use of a vehicle over a set period of time, typically with mileage restrictions and return conditions. The percentage suggests that leasing is a popular option for a significant portion of the population, possibly due to factors such as lower monthly payments, the ability to drive newer vehicles, and avoiding the hassle of selling or trading in a vehicle. This insight into consumer behavior can be valuable for businesses in the automotive industry, lenders, and policymakers in understanding market trends and preferences related to vehicle ownership.

In 2017, 31% of total retail sales of new vehicles were via lease.

The statistic ‘In 2017, 31% of total retail sales of new vehicles were via lease’ indicates that a substantial portion of new vehicle sales that year were attributed to leasing agreements. This means that nearly one-third of all new vehicle transactions were conducted through lease contracts, where individuals pay for the use of the vehicle over a specified period rather than purchasing it outright. This statistic reflects the growing popularity of leasing as a financial option for consumers when acquiring new vehicles, as it offers potential benefits such as lower monthly payments and the ability to drive a newer model with updated features without the commitment of ownership.

The average lease payment in 2020 was $460.

The statistic indicates that, on average, individuals or businesses paid $460 per month for leasing a property or asset in the year 2020. This average lease payment value serves as a representation of the typical amount spent by a sample population on leasing arrangements during that year. It is useful for understanding the general cost associated with leasing activities in 2020 and may serve as a benchmark for comparison with other years or sectors. Analyzing trends in average lease payments can offer insights into changes in leasing costs and overall economic conditions over time.

In 2019, 55% of people leased their vehicle, compared to 45% who financed their vehicle.

The statistic provided indicates that in 2019, 55% of individuals opted to lease their vehicles, while 45% chose to finance their vehicles through more traditional means such as loans. This suggests a significant preference towards leasing vehicles as opposed to purchasing them outright. Leasing a vehicle often requires lower upfront costs and provides individuals with the flexibility to drive newer cars with lower monthly payments, whereas financing a vehicle typically results in higher monthly payments but ownership of the vehicle at the end of the financing period. The data highlights a trend towards the convenience and flexibility of leasing over the long-term commitment of car ownership through financing.

The average monthly lease payment was $450 in 2018, up $92 from 2008.

The statistic indicates that in 2018, the average monthly lease payment for a particular item or service was $450, showing an increase of $92 from the average of $358 in 2008. This implies a significant rise in the cost of leasing over the 10-year period. The increase could be due to various factors such as inflation, changes in demand and supply dynamics, improvements in the quality or features of the leased items, or shifts in the overall economy. It suggests that consumers or businesses leasing products or services in the specified category had to allocate more of their budget towards lease payments in 2018 compared to 2008, highlighting the impact of rising costs on their finances.

In 2019, 29.1% of new vehicles sold were leased.

In 2019, 29.1% of new vehicles sold being leased indicates the proportion of new vehicle purchases made through leasing arrangements as opposed to outright purchases or other financing options. This statistic suggests that nearly a third of consumers chose to lease rather than buy new vehicles that year. Leasing a vehicle typically involves lower monthly payments than purchasing and allows for the use of a new vehicle for a specified period without the long-term commitment of ownership. This statistic provides valuable insight into consumer preferences and trends in the automotive industry, highlighting the popularity of leasing as a financing option for acquiring new vehicles.

Consumers who lease, preferred crossovers at a rate of 38% in 2020.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, among consumers who chose to lease vehicles, 38% of them preferred crossovers over other types of vehicles. This suggests that crossovers were a popular choice among consumers opting for leasing options. The percentage provides insight into consumer preferences within the leasing market segment, highlighting the appeal and demand for crossovers compared to other vehicle types such as sedans, SUVs, or trucks. Understanding this statistic can be valuable for automakers, dealerships, and marketers to tailor their strategies and offerings to align with consumer preferences and market trends in order to meet the demand for crossovers in the leasing market.

In 2019, the percentage of electric cars leased rose to 75%, according to Edmunds.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2019, 75% of all cars that were being leased were electric vehicles, according to information from Edmunds. This data point suggests a significant shift in consumer preferences towards electric vehicles as a means of transportation. The increase in the percentage of electric cars being leased could be attributed to various factors such as the growing awareness and concern for environmental sustainability, advancements in electric vehicle technology, increased availability of electric car models, as well as government incentives and policies promoting the adoption of sustainable transportation options. This statistic reflects a trend towards a more eco-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation in the auto industry during the specified timeframe.

In 2020, about 80% of electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. were leased.

The statistic states that in 2020, approximately 80% of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States were obtained through leasing agreements rather than being purchased outright. This implies that the majority of EV users opted for leasing arrangements rather than direct ownership. Leasing an EV could appeal to consumers due to lower upfront costs compared to purchasing, as well as potential benefits such as maintenance being included in the lease agreement. This statistic highlights a significant trend in the EV market, indicating a preference for leasing as a popular method of acquiring electric vehicles in the U.S. in 2020.

Automotive loans and leases are the third largest category of household debt, accounting for 9.5% of total household debt in the U.S. in 2019.

The statistic indicates that automotive loans and leases represent the third largest component of household debt in the United States, comprising 9.5% of the total household debt in 2019. This suggests that a considerable portion of the overall debt burden borne by American households is attributed to financing vehicles through loans or leases. As such, this statistic highlights the significant financial impact that automobile ownership has on households and underscores the reliance on credit for acquiring transportation. Analyzing this data can provide insights into consumer spending habits, economic trends, and potential risks associated with high levels of automotive debt within the population.

The average residual value (or end-of-lease value) of a leased vehicle was 61.1% in 2018.

The statistic “The average residual value of a leased vehicle was 61.1% in 2018” indicates that, on average, leased vehicles were estimated to retain 61.1% of their initial value by the end of the lease term in 2018. This metric serves as a crucial factor for both lessors and lessees in determining the cost-effectiveness and financial risk associated with leasing a vehicle. A higher residual value implies that the vehicle retains more of its original value, potentially resulting in lower monthly lease payments for the lessee and a smaller loss for the lessor if the vehicle is sold after the lease term. This statistic reflects the industry’s projections and historical trends regarding depreciation rates, vehicle demand, and market conditions.

In 2018, about 4.3 million vehicles were leased in the U.S., making up about 30% of new vehicle transactions.

In 2018, approximately 4.3 million vehicles were leased in the United States, accounting for roughly 30% of all new vehicle transactions. This statistic highlights the significant prevalence of leasing as a popular method of acquiring vehicles in the U.S. Leasing allows individuals to drive newer cars with lower monthly payments compared to purchasing, thereby appealing to a large portion of consumers. The fact that leasing makes up nearly a third of new vehicle transactions further underscores its importance in the automotive industry and suggests that leasing will continue to be a prominent choice for consumers in the foreseeable future.

References

0. – https://www.www.ibisworld.com

1. – https://www.www.autotrader.com

2. – https://www.www.statista.com

3. – https://www.www.leaseloco.com

4. – https://www.www.automotive-fleet.com

5. – https://www.www.autolist.com

6. – https://www.www.federalreserve.gov

7. – https://www.leasehackr.com

8. – https://www.www.cargurus.com

9. – https://www.www.cnbc.com

10. – https://www.www.experian.com

11. – https://www.www.thedrive.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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