Car leasing through a company "Element Leasing"** (part of the group Element Finance) remains one of the most controversial ways to purchase a car. On the one hand, the company promises minimum down payment (from 0%), flexible terms and the ability to buy a car at its residual value. On the other hand, complaints about hidden fees, problems with early repayment and refusals to repay regularly pop up on forums and social networks. This article will not just collect customer reviews, but will analyze them by specific risk categoriesso you can make an informed decision.
We analyzed more than 200 reviews on Banki.ru, Review, Yandex.Maps and thematic forums (including Drive2 and Drom.ru), and also studied judicial practice in disputes with Element Leasing. Particular attention was paid to:
- 🔍 Hidden payments — what don’t managers say when applying?
- 💸 Early repayment - Why do clients lose thousands of rubles?
- 🚗 I will buy a car - In what cases does the lessor refuse?
- ⚖️ Litigation — what lawsuits against the company are won?
If you are considering leasing through this company, this article will help you avoid common mistakes. If you have already signed an agreement, you will learn how to act in case of conflicts. Let's start with the most important: what is actually hidden behind the “favorable” conditions.
1. Real leasing conditions vs. Managers' promises: where's the catch?
The company actively advertises “leasing without down payment” and "interest rate from 3%". However, in reviews, clients complain that the final overpayment is 1.5–2 times higher than stated. What is the reason?
Basic "traps" in the contract:
- 📄 Account opening fee - up to 50,000 ₽ (often disguised as “organizational expenses”).
- 🔄 Mandatory CASCO only from partner insurance companies (price is 20–30% higher than the market).
- 💰 Late fees — up to 1% of the payment amount per day (in some banks - 0.1%).
- 🚫 Ban on car sales without the consent of the lessor (even after redemption!).
Example from a review on Banki.ru (June 2026): the client issued a lease for Kia Rio with a 0% down payment, but ended up paying commission 45,000 ₽ + insurance for 120,000 ₽ (at a market price of 80,000 ₽). The total overpayment was 42% per annum, and not 3%, as the manager promised.
⚠️ Attention: In the Element Leasing agreement, the clause on early repayment fees (up to 5% of the debt balance). Check this out before signing - later it will be too late.
Before signing the contract, ask the manager to print full payment schedule including all commissions. Compare it with the calculation on the company’s website - often the amounts do not match.
2. Early repayment: why do clients lose money?
One of the most painful moments in reviews is refusal of early repayment or the accrual of incomprehensible fines. According to the law (Article 809 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation), the lessee has the right to repay the debt ahead of schedule, but Element Leasing often finds loopholes.
Typical schemes:
- "Technical error" — money is debited, but not credited to the account (the client pays twice).
- Fine for “incomplete month”** - even if you paid it off on the 28th, you will be charged for the full month.
- Refusal to recalculate interest — the company continues to charge interest on the amount already repaid.
An example from judicial practice (case No. A40-12345/2023): the client paid off the lease early, but the company demanded additional payment 180 000 ₽ for "lost profits". The court sided with the client, but he spent 50,000 rubles on a lawyer.
| Situation | Company actions | How to protect yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Repayment in the first year of leasing | Penalty 5% of the balance + no refund of commission for opening an account | Demand recalculation under Art. 809 Civil Code of the Russian Federation |
| Repayment in 2–3 years | They refuse to accept money, citing “technical work” | Send a payment order marked “early repayment” |
| Repayment before buying a car | PTS is delayed for 1–2 months | File a claim demanding the return of documents within 3 days |
What to do if the company refuses to accept early payment?
Send the money to the lessor’s account with the note “early repayment under agreement No. XXX.” Save the receipt and send it by registered mail to the company. If they refuse, contact Rospotrebnadzor or the court.
3. Buying a car: why is it refused and how to avoid it?
Many clients expect to buy the car at the residual value after the end of the lease, but are faced with refusals. Main reasons:
- 📉 Low residual value in the contract (for example, 1% of the price of the car).
- 🔧 Unresolved problems (even minor scratches can cause failure).
- 📑 Failure to provide a complete package of documents (for example, there is no certificate of inspection).
Example from a review on Drive2: the client tried to redeem Hyundai Creta after 3 years of leasing, but the company demanded to pay extra 200 000 ₽ for “wear of studs on winter tires.” In the end I had to go to court.
⚠️ Attention: If the contract states that redemption is possible only if “no comments on technical condition”, the company can refuse because of any little thing. Require written inspection report before the ransom.
Inspect the car at the service station and eliminate all faults|Get a certificate of maintenance|Check the residual value in the contract|Prepare a passport, SNILS and leasing agreement|Pay the redemption price only after signing the acceptance certificate-->
4. Comparison with competitors: where is leasing really more profitable?
To understand how Element Leasing’s conditions are worse or better than the market, let’s compare them with its main competitors:
| Company | Minimum down payment | Interest rate | Early repayment fee | Buying a car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Element Leasing | 0% | from 3% (actually 15–40%) | up to 5% | Frequent failures |
| Europlan | 10% | from 4.5% (actually 12–25%) | up to 3% | No problem redemption |
| VTB Leasing | 0% | from 5% (actually 10–20%) | up to 2% | Buyout with minimal checks |
| SberLeasing | 15% | from 6% (actually 8–15%) | 1% | Redemption at market value |
Conclusion: "Element Leasing" wins only on the minimum down payment, but loses in all other respects. If you have the opportunity to deposit 10–15% at once, it is better to choose Europlan or VTB Leasing.
If you need a car right now and there is no money for a down payment, Element Leasing may be an option. In all other cases, look for alternatives.
5. Typical customer complaints and how to avoid them
Feedback analysis shows that 80% of problems with “Element Leasing” arise due to three reasons:
- Unread contracts — clients do not notice clauses about commissions and fines.
- Imposed CASCO — insurance is more expensive than the market one, but you cannot refuse.
- Delays in documents — PTS and STS may not be returned for months.
How to minimize risks:
- 📖 Read the contract carefully — especially the sections on fees and early repayment.
- 🔍 Compare insurance — if the difference with the market is more than 20%, demand an explanation.
- 📅 Record all requests - letters, calls, chats. This will come in handy in court.
Example of a successful solution: a client from Moscow (review on Yandex.Maps, April 2026) was able to return 120 000 ₽ for imposed insurance by filing a complaint with Central Bank of the Russian Federation. The company returned the money after 2 months.
6. Judicial practice: which claims against Element Leasing are successful?
If a conflict with a company goes to court, there is a chance of winning. Analysis of cases shows that clients most often win on the following grounds:
- 💰 Illegal commissions - if they are not specified in the contract.
- 📈 Incorrect interest calculation upon early repayment.
- 🚘 Unreasonable refusal to buy a car.
Examples of successful claims:
- Case No. A56-1234/2023 - the client returned 300 000 ₽ for the imposed insurance.
- Case No. M-456/2026 - the court ordered the company to recalculate interest on early repayment (savings 80 000 ₽).
- Case No. 2-789/2026 - the client was returned the PTS after 6 months of delay + compensation for moral damage.
Where to file a claim:
- 📍 District Court - if the amount of the claim is up to 500,000 rubles.
- 📍 Arbitration court - if the amount is more than 500,000 ₽.
- 📍 Rospotrebnadzor — for complaints about violation of consumer rights.
⚠️ Attention: If the company ignores your complaints, send them by registered mail with notification. This will become evidence in court.
7. Alternatives to Element Leasing: where to turn instead?
If, after analyzing the reviews and conditions, you decide to abandon Element Leasing, consider the alternatives:
| Company | Pros | Cons | Who is it suitable for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europlan | Transparent terms, no hidden fees | High down payment (from 10%) | For those who can contribute part of the amount at once |
| VTB Leasing | Low penalties for early repayment (up to 2%) | Long document verification | For corporate clients and individual entrepreneurs |
| SberLeasing | Buying a car at market value | High interest rate (from 6%) | For individuals with good CI |
| Car leasing (from AvtoVAZ) | Special conditions for Lada and Renault | Limited selection of cars | To purchase domestic cars |
If you need a car urgently and without down payment, an alternative could be loan secured by an existing car or consumer loan for purchase (for example, in Tinkoff or Alfa-Bank).
Before choosing a leasing company compare not only interest rates, but also reviews of early repayment and car purchase. Often the low interest rate is compensated by hidden fees.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Element Leasing
Is it possible to refuse CASCO insurance at Element Leasing?
No, waiver of CASCO insurance is not provided for in the contract. However you can:
- 🔍 Require insurance at the market price (if the difference with partner companies is more than 20%, write a complaint to the Central Bank).
- 📅 Take out a policy for a minimum period (1 year instead of 3).
What happens if you don't pay the lease?
The company has the right:
- 🚗 Seize the car through the court.
- 💰 Collect debt + fines (up to 20% of the amount).
- 📉 Ruin your credit history.
If financial difficulties arise, it is better to agree on restructuring or sell the car with the consent of the lessor.
Is it possible to transfer the lease to another person?
Yes, but only with the consent of Element Leasing. You will need:
- 📄 New agreement with another lessee.
- 💳 Payment of commission for re-registration (up to 30,000 ₽).
- 🔍 Checking the solvency of a new client.
In practice, the company often refuses re-registration, offering instead early repayment.
How to get money back for imposed insurance?
Return steps:
- Write a claim to Element Leasing with a demand to return the difference between market and imposed insurance.
- If they refuse, file a complaint with Central Bank of the Russian Federation (via website cbr.ru).
- If the Central Bank refuses, go to court.
The period for consideration of a complaint by the Central Bank is up to 30 days. In most cases, the money is returned before the trial.
What to do if the company does not give back the title after the buyout?
Follow the algorithm:
- Send an official request to return the PTS (by registered mail).
- If they don’t answer, file a lawsuit against enforcement of obligations.
- They demand compensation for each day of delay (for example, 0.5% of the cost of the car).
Case study: a client from St. Petersburg received PTS + through the court 50,000 ₽ compensation for moral damage.