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sedanLeasing a new car is a popular choice for drivers who want flexibility, and it is often more affordable than financing. However, what if you do not want to keep a vehicle for three or four years? What if you only need a vehicle for six months, a year, or perhaps something slightly longer? In these situations, a short term car lease can be the right solution. Because more drivers are asking these questions than ever before, it is important to break down every detail about lease length, terms, and options.
Therefore, this car leasing blog will show you how long most leases last, why dealerships rarely provide short terms, and what strategies you can use if you need flexibility. Moreover, it will explain when to choose a short lease, why lease takeovers make sense, and how to find the best car lease deals 2025.
What Is the Average Car Lease Length?
First, it helps to understand the basics. The average car lease length in 2025 is still 36 months (3 years). Because three years balance depreciation with cost, this is the term most manufacturers promote. However, dealerships also offer 24 months, 39 months, and 42–48 months. In some cases, they once allowed 54–60 month leases, but in 2025 these are extremely rare. As a result, most drivers today choose leases of 2–3 years, while 4-year terms remain less common.
In other words, if you want something shorter than 24 months, then you are seeking a short term car lease.
Can You Lease a Car for 6 Months?
Many people ask: Can I lease a car for 6 months? Unfortunately, dealerships rarely approve 6 month car leases. However, two alternative paths exist:
Long-Term Rentals or Subscriptions
Because traditional leasing is not designed for ultra-short terms, companies like Hertz, SIXT+, and Enterprise offer long-term rentals. These work like leases but are technically contracts for extended rentals. Moreover, these plans often include maintenance and insurance, which makes them convenient. However, they usually cost more than a standard lease.
Lease Takeovers or Assumptions
Another option is the lease takeover. In this case, you assume another driver’s existing lease. Because many drivers want to exit their contracts early, you can step in and finish the remaining months. Therefore, this method allows terms as short as three months or as long as two years. Moreover, it usually requires no down payment, just a transfer fee.
As a result, if you want a short term car lease for under two years, a takeover is the most practical choice.
Typical Car Lease Terms Explained
Because every driver has unique needs, there are several options for lease durations:
24 months – Provides flexibility, although monthly payments are higher.
36 months – The industry standard, because it balances cost and warranty coverage.
39 months – Popular for luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes, since it reduces monthly costs slightly.
42–48 months – Works for drivers who want smaller payments, although the risk of repairs rises.
54–60 months – Technically possible in the past, although today they are almost gone.
Therefore, when you weigh car lease term options, you must decide if you prefer flexibility or the lowest cost. Because depreciation slows after the second year, longer leases spread costs, but short leases let you upgrade sooner.
Short Term Car Lease vs. Traditional Lease
Because many drivers hesitate between short and long contracts, it helps to compare directly.
Flexibility: Shorter terms allow upgrades to sedans, SUVs, or hybrids more often. Therefore, drivers who value variety prefer this route.
Payments: Longer leases spread depreciation over more months, so monthly payments are usually lower. However, this comes at the cost of commitment.
Depreciation: Cars lose most value in the first two years, so short terms mean you pay for more depreciation. As a result, they can be more expensive.
Warranty: Standard 36-month contracts almost always remain under warranty. However, very short terms may not.
Therefore, if your top goal is low payments, then a traditional 36-month deal is best. However, if flexibility matters more, then a short term car lease is the right move.
Who Benefits Most from a Short Term Car Lease?
Because not every driver needs a long commitment, short terms serve certain groups well:
Business car lease clients. Because car lease expenses may be deducted, LLC owners often ask how to write off a car lease with an LLC. As a result, short contracts can save businesses money.
Travelers and professionals. When relocating for six months to a year, a short lease is often perfect.
Students. Because they need temporary transportation, this option is often affordable.
Luxury enthusiasts. Because they enjoy frequent upgrades, a short term car lease helps them switch more often.
Sedan shoppers. Many want to explore the best sedans with MSRP ranges that fit their budgets, so a short lease allows them to try different trims without long-term commitment.
Value hunters. Because they want the best cheap car lease or great prices on a lease, flexibility helps them secure bargains.
Why Choose Best Deal Auto Leasing?
Because leasing can be complicated, working with an expert auto broker is essential. At Best Deal Auto Leasing, we specialize in matching drivers with both short term car lease options and standard terms. Moreover, our team offers unmatched customer service and exclusive access to best car lease deals 2025.
Here is why drivers trust us:
✅ Exclusive auto lease deals across brands.
✅ Ability to find cheapest lease deals and great prices on a lease.
✅ Personalized guidance from an expert lease broker.
✅ Flexible car lease terms, from shortest to longest.
✅ Clear support on tax savings, car lease expenses, and business write-offs.
Therefore, when you ask Can you lease a car for one year? or How long does a car lease last?, we provide clear, expert answers.
Final Thoughts on Short Term Car Lease Options
In conclusion, leasing is still one of the most practical strategies in the auto industry, because it balances cost with flexibility. While the average car lease length is 36 months, alternatives exist for those who want something shorter. Because rentals and lease takeovers exist, you can secure a short term car lease that fits your needs.
✅ Quick Recap
✅ | Most leases = 24–39 months. |
✅ | 54–60 month terms are nearly extinct in 2025. |
✅ | Short term car lease options = rentals or takeovers. |
✅ | Longer leases lower costs but risk warranty expiration. |
✅ | Business leases provide tax write offs and savings. |
✅ | Best Deal Auto Leasing gives access to the best deals and service. |
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Additional Resources
Wondering Why You Should Lease a New Car? Click Here to Learn Why
Need to Know How to Protect Your Leased Car from Lease End Liabilities? Learn How Here
Need to Know How to Protect Your Leased Cars Tires & Wheels from Lease End Liabilities? Learn How Here
Need Help with Securing the Cheapest Car Lease Deal? Learn How Here
Wondering How To Lease a Car? Find out Here
Find Out How Much it Really Costs to Lease a Car. Click Here
Be Sure to Check Out All of Our Leasing Specials Here
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