The current economic situation is putting a strain on the savings capacity of Italian families. Inflation, increases in the prices of basic necessities and a general increase in the cost of living make it increasingly difficult to face significant expenses such as buying a car.
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Precisely for this reason, many consumers are reevaluating their priorities, giving up the idea of owning a new car to orient themselves towards alternative solutions such as rental, which is constantly growing.
But how much have new car prices increased?
Over the past five years, the average cost of a new car in Italy has increased significantly. In fact, between 2019 and 2024, the prices of new cars increased by 44%, going from an average of around 21.000 euros to almost 30.000 euros. A trend influenced by several factors: the microchip crisis, increasing production costs, inflation and, more recently, the transition towards hybrid and electric engines, which are generally more expensive than traditional models.
At the same time, the used car market has also seen a surge. While it once represented a cheaper way out for those who could not afford a new vehicle, today the prices of second-hand cars have increased significantly. The scarcity of available vehicles has fueled demand and, consequently, price lists. The result is that today buying a car, whether new or used, involves an investment that many families are no longer able to sustain.
Current environmental policies and restrictions on driving in urban centers are also pushing consumers to move towards newer and less polluting models. These vehicles, however, have even higher costs, making it difficult to access a car compatible with the most restrictive regulations.
Over time, all these elements have contributed to reducing the convenience of purchasing, fueling interest in alternative formulas.
More and more Italians decide to switch to renting
In response to this market evolution, a growing share of Italian motorists are choosing to switch long-term rental formulas for private individuals as an alternative to purchasing. According to data released by UNRAE (National Union of Foreign Vehicle Representatives), in the first quarter of 2025, 254.328 long-term rental contracts were signed, an increase of 6,5% compared to the same period of the previous year.
These numbers testify to a significant cultural change: more and more users prefer use to purchase, aiming for a formula that allows them to have a new car, without having to face unexpected expenses related to maintenance or depreciation of the vehicle. Rental is establishing itself as a flexible method, transparent in costs and able to respond to different needs, from professionals to families.
Another factor contributing to the success of leasing is a greater awareness of the real costs associated with car ownership. In addition to the purchase price, you need to consider expenses such as insurance, coupons, tire changes, and extraordinary maintenance. In many cases, long-term leasing allows you to consolidate all these costs into a single fixed monthly fee, making it easier to plan your family budget.
The practical advantages of renting: not just savings
In addition to the economic savings, renting offers a series of practical advantages that have contributed significantly to its spread. One of the main ones is the simplification of car management: there is no need to worry about insurance deadlines, maintenance or inspections. All these aspects are in fact managed by the rental company, which also takes care of roadside assistance and replacement of the vehicle in the event of a breakdown or accident.
Another important factor is the possibility of changing vehicles with a certain frequency, always maintaining a modern, safe and emission-compliant vehicle. This aspect is particularly important in large cities, where there are restrictions on the circulation of the most polluting vehicles.
Rental is also a solution that adapts to the different stages of life. A growing family, for example, can choose a more spacious car when the contract is renewed, while a young professional could initially opt for a small car and later switch to a more powerful model. Flexibility, in this sense, represents one of the main strengths of the formula.
It should also be noted that, in most cases, at the end of the contract it is possible to return the car without further commitments, or to renew the contract with a new vehicle. Some companies also offer the possibility of purchasing the vehicle at an agreed price, if the customer wishes to keep it.
Why rental is increasingly competitive
The evolution of the market and the increase in competition among operators also contribute to making rental an increasingly competitive option. Rental companies have expanded their offerings, proposing customized solutions and ad hoc packages for different categories of users. Some companies, for example, include additional services in the fee, such as the management of fines or the seasonal change of tires.
At the same time, digitalization has greatly simplified access to the service. Today, it is possible to configure your offer online, selecting the model, duration and mileage, to obtain a detailed cost estimate in just a few minutes. This has made rental a transparent and easily comparable choice, reducing the barriers to entry for private individuals.
Another factor that has encouraged the adoption of rental among private customers is the growing attention to the environment. Many operators promote solutions based on hybrid or electric vehicles, providing modern, low-emission fleets. In this way, rental is also part of a broader sustainable mobility strategy.
The outlook for the coming years
The growing trend of rental suggests a bright future for this type of service. Market conditions, with still high prices for new cars, and the ever-increasing attention to the conscious management of family expenses, could further strengthen the attractiveness of this solution.
Operator estimates indicate a progressive expansion of rental even in small towns, thanks to the consolidation of the assistance network and the possibility of carrying out many procedures online. A further boost could come from the spread of electric cars, whose purchase cost remains high but which, through rental, become accessible to a wider public.
In conclusion, the general picture highlights how rental is taking on a central role in Italian private mobility. The growing attention of consumers, combined with the evolution of the offer and the economic advantages, allows us to glimpse a future in which car ownership will no longer be the dominant choice.
Article published on May 27, 2025 - 16:33 pm
