Buying a car from a lessor: is it profitable or not?

Buying a car from a leasing company is one of the most controversial, but potentially profitable ways to purchase a car. On the one hand, you get a vehicle with a known service history, no hidden problems and the opportunity to save up to 30% of the market value. On the other hand, the registration process is full of legal nuances, and the final price may be higher than expected due to hidden fees. In this article we will figure out how to correctly buy a car from a lessor in 2026, avoiding pitfalls.

Leasing companies often sell cars after the lease agreement ends - this is standard practice. But not all cars are equally profitable: some models lose value by 50% in 3 years, others by only 20%. Key Point: redemption value (aka residual value) is stated in the leasing agreement in advance, and it can be revised. We will tell you how to do this, what documents are required and what to look for when inspecting a car before purchasing.

The topic is especially relevant for those who are already leasing a car and are considering the option of buying it. But even if you are looking for a used car with a transparent history, leasing lots are worth exploring - they are often cheaper than used dealership offers. The main thing is to take your time and carefully analyze all the conditions.

Why do leasing companies sell cars?

Leasing is a financial service, not a car dealership. The main goal of the company is to earn money on interest under the contract, and not on the resale of cars. However, after the lease period ends (usually 3-5 years), the cars need to go somewhere. Here are the main reasons for their sale:

• 📉 Asset depreciation: the car loses value, and it is unprofitable to keep it on the company’s balance sheet.
• 💰 Release of working capital: selling a car allows you to return part of the invested money and invest it in new leasing transactions.
• 📑 Fulfillment of the terms of the contract: Some contracts initially require the client to buy them at the residual value.
• 🚗 Park update: Companies strive to offer customers modern models with current options.

It is important to understand that lessors are not dealers and do not engage in trading in the traditional sense. Their main task is to minimize losses from sales. Therefore the redemption price is often lower than the market price, but only if key conditions are met: no late payments, full payment of the lease and the safety of the car.

In addition, companies do not always advertise the sale of their cars - many lots are sold through closed auctions or affiliate networks. To find a good deal, you will have to monitor several sources.

Pros and cons of buying a car from a lessor

Before making a decision, weigh the pros and cons. Buying from a leasing company has unique advantages, but the risks are higher than when buying from a private owner or in a showroom.

Benefits

• 💎 Transparent history: the car was serviced according to regulations, there are all receipts and records of repairs (if the lessor kept them).
• 💰 Price below market: Residual values are often 15-30% cheaper than similar used offers.
• 📄 Minimal risks of legal problems: There is no chance of running into a credit car or a car with traffic police restrictions.
• 🔧 Guarantee from the lessor: some companies provide a short-term warranty (3-6 months) for purchased cars.

Disadvantages

• 📉 Limited selection: models and configurations depend on what was included in the lease. Often these are corporate versions with minimal equipment.
• 🔍 Hidden defects: Vehicles may have been driven carelessly (e.g. taxis or courier services).
• 📑 Difficulties with registration: The buyout process takes longer than buying from a private owner and requires additional documents.
• 💸 Additional costs: There may be fees for re-registration, appraisal or preparation of the car for sale.

One of the key points is car condition. Leasing cars often have high mileage (100,000+ km over 3 years) and may require service immediately after purchase. For example, Toyota Camry when leasing from taxi drivers, it covers up to 80,000 km per year - this is critical for the service life of the engine and suspension.

⚠️ Attention: If the leasing agreement stipulated the client’s obligation to maintain the car in good condition, but in fact no maintenance was carried out, all risks fall on the buyer. Always ask service book and maintenance reports!

How to find out the residual value of a car?

Residual value (residual value) is the amount for which the lessor is willing to sell the car after the end of the contract. It is fixed in the contract when leasing is executed, but can be adjusted. Here's how to find out and check it:

1. Study the leasing agreement: the residual value is indicated in the section “Terms of repurchase” or “Financial conditions”. If it is not there, this is a reason to be wary.
2. Request an up-to-date estimate: Write a formal request to the leasing company asking for the current surrender price. They are required to respond within 5 business days.
3. Compare with the market: Check prices for similar models with the same mileage on Avito, Auto.ru or Drom.ru. A difference of more than 20% in favor of leasing is a reason for bargaining.

The formula for calculating residual value usually looks like this:

Residual value = Original price × (1 – Depreciation rate)

The depreciation rate depends on the lease term:

• 1–2 years: 30–40%
• 3 years: 50–60%
• 4–5 years: 60–70%

For example, if Kia Rio 2021 cost 1,200,000 ₽ when leasing for 3 years, its residual value will be approximately 480 000–600 000 ₽ (depending on mileage and condition). But lessors often lower this figure to encourage repurchases.

Make/Model	Year of manufacture	Mileage, thousand km	Market price, ₽	Residual value in leasing, ₽	Savings
Hyundai Solaris	2020	85	950 000	720 000	230 000 ₽ (24%)
Volkswagen Polo	2021	60	1 100 000	850 000	250 000 ₽ (23%)
Skoda Octavia	2019	120	1 400 000	980 000	420 000 ₽ (30%)
Toyota RAV4	2020	90	2 200 000	1 600 000	600 000 ₽ (27%)

If the residual value seems too high, it can be challenged. This will require an independent assessment of the car (cost - from 3,000 ₽). Lessors make concessions if the difference with the market price exceeds 15–20%.

Specify the residual value in the contract|Compare with market prices|Order an independent assessment|Check the service history|Inspect the car at a service station-->

Step-by-step instructions: how to buy a car from the lessor

The redemption process consists of several stages. If you are already a lessee, some steps will be simplified. If you buy someone else’s car, you will have to collect more documents.

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Not all leasing agreements include a buyout option. Check the following points in your contract:

• Right of redemption - must be stated explicitly.
• Terms of redemption - for example, full payment of all payments.
• Deadlines — some companies allow repurchase only after the end of the contract.

Step 2. Rate the car

Even if the car looks good, order diagnostics at a service station. Please note:

• 🔋 Battery condition (service life - 3-5 years).
• 🛞 Wear of tires and brake discs.
• 🔧 Oil or antifreeze leaks.
• 📱 Electronics operation (especially if the car has a mileage of >100,000 km).

Step 3: Agree on a price

If the residual value in the contract is irrelevant (for example, due to a market decline), write an application for recalculation. Attach your evaluation report and screenshots of similar proposals.

Step 4. Sign the purchase and sale agreement

The lessor must provide:

• Sales and purchase agreement (PSA).
• The act of acceptance and transfer.
• PTS with a mark on deregistration (if the car was leased from a legal entity).

Step 5. Re-register the car with the traffic police

The period for registration is 10 days. You will need:

• Passport.
• DCP and acceptance certificate.
• PTS.
• OSAGO policy.
• Receipt of payment of the state fee (RUB 2,000 per registration).

⚠️ Attention: If the lessor is a legal entity and the buyer is an individual, notarization of the DCT may be required. Check this in advance to avoid delays!

Documents for purchasing a car from the lessor

The list of documents depends on whether you are a current lessee or buying someone else's car. In the first case, the process is simpler - some of the papers are already on file.

If you buy back your leased car:

• 📄 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation.
• 📑 Leasing agreement (original).
• 📊 Payment schedule with payment marks.
• 🚗 PTS (if stored with you) or an application for the issuance of a duplicate.
• 💳 Receipt for payment of the remaining value.

If you buy someone else's leased car:

• 📄 Passports of the seller (lessor) and the buyer.
• 📜 Leasing agreement with a mark on the right to sell.
• 📋 Car valuation report (if the price is controversial).
• 🚘 Diagnostic card (if the car is older than 4 years).
• 💰 Documents confirming payment (bank statement or receipt).

Pay special attention PTS. If the car was leased from a legal entity, the PTS must contain a note indicating deregistration with the traffic police. Without it, you will not be able to re-register the car in your name.

Also check if there are any records of collateral in the title. Leasing cars are often collateralized by the bank. If the loan is not repaid, the transaction will not be possible until the encumbrance is removed.

What to do if the lessor refuses to issue a title?

If the company withholds the title, write an official complaint demanding that the document be provided within 5 days. If there is no response, contact Rospotrebnadzor or the court. The lessor has no right to retain the title after full payment of the redemption price.

Taxes and additional expenses upon redemption

Many people forget that in addition to the residual value, they will have to pay taxes and fees. Their size depends on the status of the buyer (individual or legal entity) and region.

For individuals:

• 💸 Personal income tax 13%: if the difference between the market and residual value exceeds 250,000 rubles, the tax office may charge additional income tax (Article 214.10 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation).
• 📋 State registration fee: 2,000 ₽ (for issuing STS and making changes to PTS).
• 🛡️ OSAGO: the cost of the policy depends on the power of the car and the driver’s experience (from 5,000 to 20,000 rubles).

For legal entities:

• 💼 VAT 20%: if the company is not simplified, you will have to pay tax on the redemption price.
• 📊 Transport tax: depends on engine power and region (from 5 to 150 ₽ per hp).
• 📑 Recycling fee: 20,000 ₽ (if not paid earlier).

Calculation example for an individual purchasing Lada Vesta 2020 for 600,000 ₽ (market price - 800,000 ₽):

Redemption price: 600,000 ₽
State traffic police duty: 2,000 ₽
OSAGO: 8,000 ₽
Personal income tax (if additionally charged): (800,000 – 600,000) × 13% = 26,000 ₽

TOTAL: 600,000 + 2,000 + 8,000 + 26,000 = 636,000 ₽

⚠️ Attention: If you are buying a car through an auction of a leasing company, check whether taxes and commissions are included in the lot price. Some sites charge an additional 5-10% of the cost!

Alternatives to buyout: which is more profitable?

Buying out from the lessor is not always the best option. Let's look at the alternatives and compare them based on key parameters.

Option	Cost	Deadlines	Risks	When it suits
Buyout from the lessor	↓ 15–30% cheaper than the market	1–2 weeks	Hidden defects, limited selection	If the car is in good condition and the price is reasonable
Buying from a private owner	Market price (±10%)	1–3 days	Legal risks, no guarantee	If you need a specific model with low mileage
Used car in the showroom	↑ 10–20% more expensive than leasing	1 day	Minimum (1–2 year warranty)	If reliability and service support are important
New car on credit	↑↑ Full cost + interest	1–5 days	Overpayment of interest	If you need a new car with a 3+ year warranty

If your goal is maximum savings, the buyout from the lessor often wins. But if you need specific car with warranty, it is better to consider salon offers. For example, Skoda Karoq 2021 leasing will cost 1.2 million rubles, and in the showroom with a guarantee - 1.5 million rubles. The difference of 300,000 ₽ can cover the risks, but only if the car does not require expensive repairs.

Another nuance: leasing cars often have corporate package - without climate control, leather interior or multimedia. If options are important to you, check their availability in advance.

Common mistakes when buying a leased car

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when buying cars from leasing companies. Here are the most common of them:

• 📄 Ignoring the leasing agreement: Many people do not read the terms of the buyout and only find out about hidden fees during registration.
• 🚗 Purchase without inspection: leased cars may have hidden damage from an accident or unqualified repairs.
• 💰 Unaccounted taxes: they forget about personal income tax or transport tax, which is why the final cost increases by 10–20%.
• 📑 Problems with PTS: they do not check for encumbrances or deregistration marks.
• 🔧 No Warranty: Even if the car is in perfect condition, after the purchase, repairs will fall on your shoulders.

Case Study: Client Purchased Renault Duster 2019 for 700,000 ₽, without checking the history. A month later, it turned out that the car had been in a serious accident (the front beam was welded), and the cost of repairs was 150,000 rubles. As a result, the savings turned into losses.

To avoid such situations, always:

1. Check your car via Autocode or CarVertical.
2. Request a complete maintenance history.
3. Agree on the price in writing.
4. Consult a lawyer if the transaction is complex (for example, buyout through auction).

FAQ: answers to popular questions

Is it possible to buy a leased car before the end of the contract?

Yes, but it depends on the terms of the contract. Some lessors allow early repurchase with payment of the balance of payments + a fine (usually 5–10% of the amount). Specify this in your contract or write a request to the company.

What to do if the lessor inflates the residual value?

Order an independent assessment of the car and provide it to the lessor. If the difference with their price is significant (from 20%), ask for recalculation. In case of refusal, you can go to court - the courts often side with the buyer if the price is clearly too high.

Do I need to pay tax when buying a car from a lessor?

For individuals, personal income tax arises if the difference between the market and redemption value exceeds 250,000 rubles. For legal entities, 20% VAT and transport tax apply. We recommend consulting with an accountant before making a transaction.

Is it possible to purchase a loan on credit?

Yes, some banks (eg SberBank or VTB) issue loans for the purchase of leased cars at 10–15% per annum. However, the lessor must provide a full package of documents, including title without encumbrances.

What cars are most profitable to buy from leasing companies?

The greatest savings come from models with high demand in the secondary market: Toyota Camry, Hyundai Solaris, Kia Rio, Skoda Octavia. Premium segment cars are also profitable (BMW 3-series, Audi A4), since their residual value falls more slowly. Avoid rare or problematic models (eg. Nissan Almera or Renault Arkana), which are difficult to resell.