Changing your car during a lease in Switzerland: what you need to know

Are you currently under a leasing contract, but your vehicle no longer meets your needs?
Do you want to switch to a larger, more economical, newer model… or simply change your car?
In Switzerland, it is perfectly possible to change your car during the leasing period, but this requires a good understanding of the available options.

🚗 Is it possible to change the car before the end of the leasing contract?

Yes, but not without conditions.
Changing the vehicle before the end of the contract means terminating the current leasing contract early and starting a new one, either by:

• Buying out the current lease, then taking out a new lease or purchase
• Transferring the lease to a third party, then signing a new contract
• Negotiating a takeover with the lessor (if you remain within the same brand or network)

⚙️ Three possible options to change your car during the lease

1. 🔄 Early takeover by the dealer or leasing company
   If you want to switch to a new car of the same brand, the dealer can offer:

• To buy out your current contract by incorporating the remaining balance into the new lease
• Or to take back the vehicle and settle the contract, with or without fees

🎯 Advantage: you stay in a simple process with a single point of contact.
⚠️ Disadvantage: if the vehicle has high mileage or depreciated significantly, you will often have to pay a difference.

2. 🔁 Lease transfer to a third party
   You can offer your vehicle for lease takeover to a private individual or a company.
   Once the transferee is accepted by the leasing company, you are released from the contract and can take out a new contract for another vehicle.

🎯 Advantage: you avoid termination fees and pass the lease on to someone else.
⚠️ Disadvantage: it depends on the success of your offer and the creditworthiness of the transferee.

3. 💳 Lease buyout and signing a new contract
   You can buy out the remaining lease balance yourself by paying the remaining installments plus any fees, and:

• Become the owner of the vehicle (to sell or keep it)
• Then sign a new lease contract or loan for another vehicle

🎯 Advantage: you gain freedom, especially to resell or negotiate elsewhere.
⚠️ Disadvantage: this solution requires a significant one-time financing, which should be carefully evaluated.

📊 What does an early change cost?

It depends on:

• The residual value of the vehicle
• The number of remaining installments
• Early termination fees (vary by leasing company)
• The condition and mileage of the vehicle (which affect its resale value)

It is advisable to request a buyout simulation from the leasing company before making a decision.

💡 MultiCredit can help you:

• Buy out your current lease through an independent fixed-rate loan and become full owner
• Finance the vehicle change, even if you are still under contract
• Consolidate multiple debts to simplify your monthly budget
• Study your situation free of charge and without obligation to find the most advantageous option

✅ In summary
Changing your car during a lease is possible, but requires:

• A clear financial analysis of the current lease balance
• An evaluation of possible fees or the vehicle’s value
• A smart financial arrangement, especially if you want to take out a new contract

📞 Contact MultiCredit for a free simulation:
We help you exit your current lease cleanly and finance your next vehicle under the best conditions.

An article by Munur Aslan, Director of MultiCredit