Index
Can you sell a renting car?
How the purchase option works in a renting agreement
How much it costs to exercise the purchase option
Renting with a purchase option vs without a purchase option
Step by step: from a renting car to your own car
How much is an ex-renting car worth on the market
Advantages and disadvantages of ex-renting cars
How to sell your ex-renting car
Frequently Asked Questions
More and more people in Spain are using renting cars. The model has grown significantly in recent years, not only among businesses but also among individuals. And when the end of the contract arrives, many wonder the same thing: "I like this car, can I keep it and then sell it?".
The short answer is that it depends on your contract. Some renting contracts include a purchase option at the end of the period. Others do not. And if they do, exercising it involves a cost and procedures that are worth understanding before deciding.
In this article, we explain how the whole process works: from the purchase option to the subsequent sale of the car, including the procedures, costs, and the strategy to get the best price.
Can you sell a renting car?
Not directly. While the renting contract lasts, the car is owned by the renting company (Arval, ALD Automotive, LeasePlan, Northgate, etc.), not you. You cannot sell something that is not yours.
To be able to sell it, you first need to acquire ownership. And that is only possible if your contract includes a purchase option at the end of the period, or if you negotiate the purchase with the renting company even if it was not planned in the original contract.
Once you exercise the purchase option (or agree on the purchase), the car is transferred to your name and you can sell it like any other second-hand vehicle.
There is an important distinction: this applies to the individual or company that has a renting car and wants to keep it to sell it. It is not the same as buying an ex-renting car that is already for sale at a dealership (those cars were already acquired by the dealership after the renting ended and are ready for sale).
How the purchase option works in a renting agreement
The purchase option is a clause that some renting contracts include. It works like this: at the end of the contract period (usually 2, 3, or 4 years), you have the opportunity to buy the car for a price agreed upon beforehand, called the residual value.
What is the residual value
The residual value is the price at which the renting company sells you the car at the end of the contract. It is set at the start of the renting, when you sign the contract, and is calculated as a percentage of the original value of the vehicle.
Normally, the residual value is between 30% and 50% of the original price of the car, depending on the contract duration and the agreed mileage. A car that cost 30,000 euros new with a 4-year renting agreement can have a residual value of 10,000-15,000 euros.
When it makes sense to exercise the purchase option
It makes economic sense if the residual value is lower than the market value of the car at that time. If the company offers to let you buy a car for 12,000 euros that is worth 15,000 euros on the market, you are buying at a discount. If the residual value is similar to or higher than the market value, it is not worth it.
It also makes sense if you know the car, know its exact history (because you have driven it yourself), and want to keep using it or sell it with the peace of mind of knowing exactly what condition it is in.
When it does not make sense
If the residual value is equal to or higher than the market value. If the car has had mechanical problems during the renting period. If the actual mileage is significantly higher than agreed (which can lead to penalties or a lower market value). Or if you simply do not need the car and do not want the hassle of buying it only to sell it later.
How much it costs to exercise the purchase option
The total cost of exercising the purchase option includes several components.
Residual value. This is the main price. The figure that appeared in your contract.
VAT. If the renting company sells you the car, the transaction attracts VAT (21%). If the residual value is 12,000 euros, you will pay 12,000 + 2,520 VAT = 14,520 euros. If you are self-employed or a business and are going to use the car for your activity, you can deduct this VAT fully or partially.
If you bought the car as self-employed or as a company, the subsequent sale has additional tax implications. Check how to sell a company car to an individual.
Transfer costs. The renting company transfers the ownership to your name. The DGT fee is 55.70 euros. If the company uses an agency, administrative service fees (40-80 euros) may be added.
ITP (Property Transfer Tax). If you are an individual and the company sells to you without VAT (uncommon but possible in certain contracts), you would pay ITP instead of VAT. Check your contract conditions.
Possible penalties for excess mileage. If you have exceeded the agreed mileage during the renting period, the company may apply a penalty for each extra mile/kilometre. These penalties are settled at the end of the contract, usually before or at the same time as the purchase.
Estimated total cost. For a car with a residual value of 12,000 euros: 12,000 + 2,520 (VAT) + 55.70 (DGT) + ~60 (agency) = approximately 14,636 euros. To this, mileage penalties would need to be added if applicable.
Renting with a purchase option vs without a purchase option
If your contract has a purchase option
You are in the most favourable position. At the end of the contract, you can decide: return the car or buy it at the agreed residual value. If the residual value is good (lower than the market value), you buy and sell with a margin. If not, you return it and look for another car.
If your contract does not have a purchase option
You do not have the right to buy the car at the end of the contract. However, you can negotiate with the renting company. Many companies are willing to sell the car to the lessee who has used it because they save on reconditioning, transport, and resale costs. The price they offer you will probably be the market value (not an agreed residual value), so the margin for reselling will be smaller or non-existent.
If the company does not want to sell, your only option is to return the car and, if you want a similar car, buy it on the second-hand market like any other buyer.
Leasing vs renting
Do not confuse renting with leasing. Leasing (finance lease) almost always includes a purchase option and is designed so that the lessee ends up buying the car. Renting (operating lease) is a long-term rental that does not always include a purchase option. If you have a leasing agreement, the purchase option is practically guaranteed and usually has a low residual value.
Step by step: from a renting car to your own car
Step 1: Review your contract. Check if it includes a purchase option and what the residual value is. If it does not include it, contact the renting company to negotiate.
Step 2: Compare the residual value with the market value. Value your car for free with Dealcar to find out how much it is worth in the current market. If the market value is significantly higher than the residual value, the purchase is an opportunity. If they are similar, there is no margin.
Step 3: Communicate your decision to the renting company. If you decide to exercise the purchase option, communicate it within the period established in your contract (usually 1-3 months before the end of the renting period).
Step 4: Settle penalties if there are any. If you have exceeded the agreed mileage or there is damage exceeding normal wear and tear, the company will settle this before the purchase.
Step 5: Pay the residual value + VAT. The company issues an invoice with VAT. Complete the payment by bank transfer.
Step 6: Complete the transfer. The company manages the change of ownership to your name in the DGT. Once completed, the car is legally yours.
Step 7: Arrange insurance in your name. During the renting, insurance was included. Now you need to purchase your own policy before driving.
Step 8: If you want to sell, do it. With the car in your name, you can sell it like any other second-hand vehicle.
With the car in your name, the sale process follows the usual procedures to sell a car in Spain.
How much is an ex-renting car worth on the market
Ex-renting cars have a mixed reputation on the second-hand market. Some buyers view them positively and others are wary. This affects the price.
In favour of the price. Renting cars usually have strict and documented maintenance (renting companies require timely services). Many have controlled mileage (the contract penalises excess). And most are well-equipped models from popular brands, which makes resale easier.
To maximise the price of your ex-renting car, check out our strategies to get the best price for your car.
Against the price. Some buyers perceive renting cars as "rental cars" that have been used by multiple drivers without special care. This perception is not always fair (many renting cars are used by a single person throughout the contract), but it exists and can push the price slightly down, between 2% and 5% compared to an equivalent car from a single private owner.
In practice. If your renting car is in good condition, with a full maintenance history and reasonable mileage, it sells virtually the same as any other second-hand car. Renting origin is not a determining factor for professional dealerships, which evaluate the car based on its objective merits.
Advantages and disadvantages of ex-renting cars
Advantages for the buyer (and therefore for you as a seller):
Documented and rigorous maintenance
Mileage controlled by contract
Recent and well-equipped models
Clear and traceable history
Disadvantages that the buyer may perceive:
Perception of a "rental car" (less careful use)
Possible higher than usual interior wear and tear (if used by sales representatives with high mileage)
Multiple drivers during the renting period (if it was a fleet car)
Your job as a seller is to highlight the advantages and neutralise the disadvantages. A full maintenance history and a deep clean of the car do most of the work.
How to sell your ex-renting car
Once the car is in your name, the process is the same as for any other vehicle. But here are some specific tips for ex-renting cars.
Highlight the maintenance history. It is your greatest asset. Renting cars have strict and documented services. Present the invoices and history as proof that the car has been maintained according to the manufacturer's standards.
In addition to the maintenance history, make sure you have all the documentation ready. Consult the documents required to sell a car.
Do not hide its origin. If the buyer asks, be transparent. "I had it on a renting agreement for 3 years, and at the end I exercised the purchase option because I liked the car and the price was good." Transparency builds trust. Hiding its origin only to have the buyer discover it later does the opposite.
Consider selling to professionals. Dealerships do not have the prejudices that some individuals have towards renting cars. They evaluate the car on its actual condition, not on its origin. With Dealcar, your car reaches more than 1,000 dealerships competing for it. The offers reflect the real value of the car, without any discount for its origin.
Calculate your actual profit. Remember that the cost of your car is not just the residual value: it includes VAT, transfer costs, and potential penalties. Your actual profit is the selling price minus all those costs. Make sure the operation is profitable for you before buying it to resell.
Do not forget the taxation of the transaction. Consult our guide on taxes when selling your car.
Dealcar: value your car for free and receive offers from dealerships
Before exercising the purchase option, value your car with Dealcar to find out if the market value justifies the investment. If the market pays more than the residual value, the transaction makes sense. If not, return the car.
And once you have bought it, Dealcar helps you sell it at the best price. More than 1,000 professional and verified dealers bid against each other for your car. Dealerships evaluate the vehicle on its condition, not on its renting origin.
100% free for you. No commissions or hidden costs.
Get paid before handing over the keys. Bank transfer before delivering the car.
Home collection of the car. No travel required.
No red tape. The dealer manages the transfer, DGT, and all paperwork.
On average, 1,400 euros more than selling on Wallapop.
More than 12,000 cars sold and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.
Use Dealcar's free valuation tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a car that is still on a renting contract?
No. While the contract lasts, the car is owned by the renting company. You can only sell it after exercising the purchase option (if your contract includes it) and completing the transfer to your name.
How much does it cost to exercise the purchase option of a renting car?
The main cost is the residual value agreed in the contract (usually between 30% and 50% of the original price). To this is added VAT (21%), the DGT transfer fee (55.70 euros), and potential penalties for excess mileage.
Is it worth buying the renting car to resell it?
Only if the residual value is significantly lower than the market value. If the residual value is 12,000 euros and the market pays 16,000, there is a margin. If the residual value is 14,000 and the market pays 15,000, the margin is minimal and the effort might not be worth it. Value your car before deciding.
Are buyers wary of ex-renting cars?
Some private individuals are, due to the perception of it being a "rental car". Professional dealerships are not: they evaluate the car on its actual condition. A full maintenance history and a car in good condition neutralise any mistrust.
What is the difference between renting and leasing when it comes to selling?
Leasing almost always includes a purchase option with a low residual value. Renting does not always include it. From a tax perspective, leasing is taxed differently (it is a finance lease). If your contract is leasing, the final purchase is usually simpler and cheaper.
Index
Can you sell a renting car?
How the purchase option works in a renting agreement
How much it costs to exercise the purchase option
Renting with a purchase option vs without a purchase option
Step by step: from a renting car to your own car
How much is an ex-renting car worth on the market
Advantages and disadvantages of ex-renting cars
How to sell your ex-renting car
Frequently Asked Questions
More and more people in Spain are using renting cars. The model has grown significantly in recent years, not only among businesses but also among individuals. And when the end of the contract arrives, many wonder the same thing: "I like this car, can I keep it and then sell it?".
The short answer is that it depends on your contract. Some renting contracts include a purchase option at the end of the period. Others do not. And if they do, exercising it involves a cost and procedures that are worth understanding before deciding.
In this article, we explain how the whole process works: from the purchase option to the subsequent sale of the car, including the procedures, costs, and the strategy to get the best price.
Can you sell a renting car?
Not directly. While the renting contract lasts, the car is owned by the renting company (Arval, ALD Automotive, LeasePlan, Northgate, etc.), not you. You cannot sell something that is not yours.
To be able to sell it, you first need to acquire ownership. And that is only possible if your contract includes a purchase option at the end of the period, or if you negotiate the purchase with the renting company even if it was not planned in the original contract.
Once you exercise the purchase option (or agree on the purchase), the car is transferred to your name and you can sell it like any other second-hand vehicle.
There is an important distinction: this applies to the individual or company that has a renting car and wants to keep it to sell it. It is not the same as buying an ex-renting car that is already for sale at a dealership (those cars were already acquired by the dealership after the renting ended and are ready for sale).
How the purchase option works in a renting agreement
The purchase option is a clause that some renting contracts include. It works like this: at the end of the contract period (usually 2, 3, or 4 years), you have the opportunity to buy the car for a price agreed upon beforehand, called the residual value.
What is the residual value
The residual value is the price at which the renting company sells you the car at the end of the contract. It is set at the start of the renting, when you sign the contract, and is calculated as a percentage of the original value of the vehicle.
Normally, the residual value is between 30% and 50% of the original price of the car, depending on the contract duration and the agreed mileage. A car that cost 30,000 euros new with a 4-year renting agreement can have a residual value of 10,000-15,000 euros.
When it makes sense to exercise the purchase option
It makes economic sense if the residual value is lower than the market value of the car at that time. If the company offers to let you buy a car for 12,000 euros that is worth 15,000 euros on the market, you are buying at a discount. If the residual value is similar to or higher than the market value, it is not worth it.
It also makes sense if you know the car, know its exact history (because you have driven it yourself), and want to keep using it or sell it with the peace of mind of knowing exactly what condition it is in.
When it does not make sense
If the residual value is equal to or higher than the market value. If the car has had mechanical problems during the renting period. If the actual mileage is significantly higher than agreed (which can lead to penalties or a lower market value). Or if you simply do not need the car and do not want the hassle of buying it only to sell it later.
How much it costs to exercise the purchase option
The total cost of exercising the purchase option includes several components.
Residual value. This is the main price. The figure that appeared in your contract.
VAT. If the renting company sells you the car, the transaction attracts VAT (21%). If the residual value is 12,000 euros, you will pay 12,000 + 2,520 VAT = 14,520 euros. If you are self-employed or a business and are going to use the car for your activity, you can deduct this VAT fully or partially.
If you bought the car as self-employed or as a company, the subsequent sale has additional tax implications. Check how to sell a company car to an individual.
Transfer costs. The renting company transfers the ownership to your name. The DGT fee is 55.70 euros. If the company uses an agency, administrative service fees (40-80 euros) may be added.
ITP (Property Transfer Tax). If you are an individual and the company sells to you without VAT (uncommon but possible in certain contracts), you would pay ITP instead of VAT. Check your contract conditions.
Possible penalties for excess mileage. If you have exceeded the agreed mileage during the renting period, the company may apply a penalty for each extra mile/kilometre. These penalties are settled at the end of the contract, usually before or at the same time as the purchase.
Estimated total cost. For a car with a residual value of 12,000 euros: 12,000 + 2,520 (VAT) + 55.70 (DGT) + ~60 (agency) = approximately 14,636 euros. To this, mileage penalties would need to be added if applicable.
Renting with a purchase option vs without a purchase option
If your contract has a purchase option
You are in the most favourable position. At the end of the contract, you can decide: return the car or buy it at the agreed residual value. If the residual value is good (lower than the market value), you buy and sell with a margin. If not, you return it and look for another car.
If your contract does not have a purchase option
You do not have the right to buy the car at the end of the contract. However, you can negotiate with the renting company. Many companies are willing to sell the car to the lessee who has used it because they save on reconditioning, transport, and resale costs. The price they offer you will probably be the market value (not an agreed residual value), so the margin for reselling will be smaller or non-existent.
If the company does not want to sell, your only option is to return the car and, if you want a similar car, buy it on the second-hand market like any other buyer.
Leasing vs renting
Do not confuse renting with leasing. Leasing (finance lease) almost always includes a purchase option and is designed so that the lessee ends up buying the car. Renting (operating lease) is a long-term rental that does not always include a purchase option. If you have a leasing agreement, the purchase option is practically guaranteed and usually has a low residual value.
Step by step: from a renting car to your own car
Step 1: Review your contract. Check if it includes a purchase option and what the residual value is. If it does not include it, contact the renting company to negotiate.
Step 2: Compare the residual value with the market value. Value your car for free with Dealcar to find out how much it is worth in the current market. If the market value is significantly higher than the residual value, the purchase is an opportunity. If they are similar, there is no margin.
Step 3: Communicate your decision to the renting company. If you decide to exercise the purchase option, communicate it within the period established in your contract (usually 1-3 months before the end of the renting period).
Step 4: Settle penalties if there are any. If you have exceeded the agreed mileage or there is damage exceeding normal wear and tear, the company will settle this before the purchase.
Step 5: Pay the residual value + VAT. The company issues an invoice with VAT. Complete the payment by bank transfer.
Step 6: Complete the transfer. The company manages the change of ownership to your name in the DGT. Once completed, the car is legally yours.
Step 7: Arrange insurance in your name. During the renting, insurance was included. Now you need to purchase your own policy before driving.
Step 8: If you want to sell, do it. With the car in your name, you can sell it like any other second-hand vehicle.
With the car in your name, the sale process follows the usual procedures to sell a car in Spain.
How much is an ex-renting car worth on the market
Ex-renting cars have a mixed reputation on the second-hand market. Some buyers view them positively and others are wary. This affects the price.
In favour of the price. Renting cars usually have strict and documented maintenance (renting companies require timely services). Many have controlled mileage (the contract penalises excess). And most are well-equipped models from popular brands, which makes resale easier.
To maximise the price of your ex-renting car, check out our strategies to get the best price for your car.
Against the price. Some buyers perceive renting cars as "rental cars" that have been used by multiple drivers without special care. This perception is not always fair (many renting cars are used by a single person throughout the contract), but it exists and can push the price slightly down, between 2% and 5% compared to an equivalent car from a single private owner.
In practice. If your renting car is in good condition, with a full maintenance history and reasonable mileage, it sells virtually the same as any other second-hand car. Renting origin is not a determining factor for professional dealerships, which evaluate the car based on its objective merits.
Advantages and disadvantages of ex-renting cars
Advantages for the buyer (and therefore for you as a seller):
Documented and rigorous maintenance
Mileage controlled by contract
Recent and well-equipped models
Clear and traceable history
Disadvantages that the buyer may perceive:
Perception of a "rental car" (less careful use)
Possible higher than usual interior wear and tear (if used by sales representatives with high mileage)
Multiple drivers during the renting period (if it was a fleet car)
Your job as a seller is to highlight the advantages and neutralise the disadvantages. A full maintenance history and a deep clean of the car do most of the work.
How to sell your ex-renting car
Once the car is in your name, the process is the same as for any other vehicle. But here are some specific tips for ex-renting cars.
Highlight the maintenance history. It is your greatest asset. Renting cars have strict and documented services. Present the invoices and history as proof that the car has been maintained according to the manufacturer's standards.
In addition to the maintenance history, make sure you have all the documentation ready. Consult the documents required to sell a car.
Do not hide its origin. If the buyer asks, be transparent. "I had it on a renting agreement for 3 years, and at the end I exercised the purchase option because I liked the car and the price was good." Transparency builds trust. Hiding its origin only to have the buyer discover it later does the opposite.
Consider selling to professionals. Dealerships do not have the prejudices that some individuals have towards renting cars. They evaluate the car on its actual condition, not on its origin. With Dealcar, your car reaches more than 1,000 dealerships competing for it. The offers reflect the real value of the car, without any discount for its origin.
Calculate your actual profit. Remember that the cost of your car is not just the residual value: it includes VAT, transfer costs, and potential penalties. Your actual profit is the selling price minus all those costs. Make sure the operation is profitable for you before buying it to resell.
Do not forget the taxation of the transaction. Consult our guide on taxes when selling your car.
Dealcar: value your car for free and receive offers from dealerships
Before exercising the purchase option, value your car with Dealcar to find out if the market value justifies the investment. If the market pays more than the residual value, the transaction makes sense. If not, return the car.
And once you have bought it, Dealcar helps you sell it at the best price. More than 1,000 professional and verified dealers bid against each other for your car. Dealerships evaluate the vehicle on its condition, not on its renting origin.
100% free for you. No commissions or hidden costs.
Get paid before handing over the keys. Bank transfer before delivering the car.
Home collection of the car. No travel required.
No red tape. The dealer manages the transfer, DGT, and all paperwork.
On average, 1,400 euros more than selling on Wallapop.
More than 12,000 cars sold and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.
Use Dealcar's free valuation tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a car that is still on a renting contract?
No. While the contract lasts, the car is owned by the renting company. You can only sell it after exercising the purchase option (if your contract includes it) and completing the transfer to your name.
How much does it cost to exercise the purchase option of a renting car?
The main cost is the residual value agreed in the contract (usually between 30% and 50% of the original price). To this is added VAT (21%), the DGT transfer fee (55.70 euros), and potential penalties for excess mileage.
Is it worth buying the renting car to resell it?
Only if the residual value is significantly lower than the market value. If the residual value is 12,000 euros and the market pays 16,000, there is a margin. If the residual value is 14,000 and the market pays 15,000, the margin is minimal and the effort might not be worth it. Value your car before deciding.
Are buyers wary of ex-renting cars?
Some private individuals are, due to the perception of it being a "rental car". Professional dealerships are not: they evaluate the car on its actual condition. A full maintenance history and a car in good condition neutralise any mistrust.
What is the difference between renting and leasing when it comes to selling?
Leasing almost always includes a purchase option with a low residual value. Renting does not always include it. From a tax perspective, leasing is taxed differently (it is a finance lease). If your contract is leasing, the final purchase is usually simpler and cheaper.
