Ordering a new car on a long-term lease is exciting – but it’s no secret that delivery times are frustratingly long. With global supply chain issues, rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs), and manufacturer backlogs, it’s not unusual to wait 6-12 months for your new lease car to arrive.
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So What Do You Drive In The Meantime?
That’s where short-term car leasing (1–12 months) comes in. More and more drivers are turning to short-term leases as the perfect solution to bridge the gap between now and their long-term lease delivery. Let’s explore how short-term car leasing completes part of the leasing journey, how it works, and why it makes both financial and practical sense.
1. The Reality Of Long-Term Lease Delays
In the past, drivers could often get a new lease car within a few weeks. Today, delays are common due to:
- High demand for electric and hybrid cars as drivers switch to ULEZ-compliant and greener options.
- Global chip shortages that have slowed car production.
- Manufacturer backlogs with waiting lists for popular models like Tesla, BMW, and Kia.
- Custom orders (specific trim levels, colours, and options) adding extra months to delivery times.
Adrian Haytor, owner of Flexxilease – a short-term car leasing company, shares his advice:
“It’s not unusual for long-term lease customers to be left without a car for months. Manufacturers are facing extended delivery lead times, especially for popular EVs and hybrids, and that leaves many drivers stuck. That’s exactly where short-term leasing fills the gap, giving customers a flexible, affordable way to stay mobile until their new vehicle arrives.
My advice to anyone waiting for a long-term lease car is to plan ahead. Don’t leave it until the last minute to arrange a stopgap vehicle – demand for short-term contracts has grown massively in the past two years. Choose a provider that offers clear terms, flexible return options, and a wide range of ULEZ-compliant cars.
If you’re waiting on an electric car, short-term leasing is also a brilliant way to get used to EV driving and charging before your permanent car is delivered. Many of our customers actually tell us their short-term EV lease gave them the confidence to go electric long-term.”
2. What Is Short-Term Leasing?
Short-term leasing allows you to lease a car for as little as 1 month, up to 12 months. It sits between daily rental and a standard 2–5 year lease, giving you flexibility at a fixed monthly cost.
How It Works
- Select a vehicle from a leasing provider’s short-term fleet.
- Choose a contract length (1, 3, 6, or 12 months).
- Pay a fixed monthly fee that often includes road tax, maintenance, and breakdown cover.
- Return the car when your long-term lease car arrives.
3. Why Short-Term Leasing Is Ideal While You Wait
Seamless Mobility
No need to rely on public transport, borrowing cars, or expensive daily rentals. You get a vehicle that fits your lifestyle until your long-term lease arrives.
Fixed Monthly Costs
Unlike buying a temporary run-around and worrying about depreciation or repairs, short-term leasing gives you a predictable monthly payment with most costs included.
ULEZ Compliance
If you’re driving in London or other UK cities with ULEZ zones, short-term leasing ensures you can get a ULEZ-compliant petrol, hybrid, or EV instead of paying daily charges in an older car.
Flexibility On Car Type
Waiting for an EV or hybrid? In the meantime, you can try out different models short-term, getting used to charging or hybrid driving before your permanent car arrives.
No Long-Term Commitments
When your new car is ready, you simply hand back the short-term lease — no need to worry about selling or ending a contract early.
4. A Financially Smarter Option Than Buying A Stopgap Car
Some drivers consider buying a cheap second-hand car to cover the gap, but this often backfires.
- Depreciation: Even in a few months, you could lose hundreds or thousands when reselling.
- Repairs: Older cars come with maintenance risks that can wipe out any savings.
- ULEZ costs: Many cheaper cars are non-compliant, meaning £12.50 daily charges in London.
Example:
- Buy a £2,500 used diesel that isn’t ULEZ-compliant → Drive 20 days a month in London → £250 in ULEZ charges monthly.
- After 6 months: £1,500 in ULEZ charges + £500 repairs + resale losses = short-term lease may actually cost less overall.
5. Best Short-Term Lease Cars While You Wait
Choosing the right car for a short-term lease isn’t just about availability – it’s about matching the vehicle to your lifestyle, driving habits, and budget. Whether you need a compact city car for daily commuting, a spacious SUV for family life, or a sleek executive saloon for business, there’s a short-term lease option to suit every need.
To help you decide, we’ve grouped some of the most popular choices into categories, with examples of models that strike the perfect balance between practicality, cost, and ULEZ compliance.
| Category | Best For | Example Models |
| City Cars Practical & Affordable |
Easy parking, fuel efficiency, everyday commuting | • Toyota Yaris Hybrid • VW Polo • Hyundai i10 |
| Family SUVs Space & Comfort |
Families, school runs, long trips, weekend adventures | • Nissan Qashqai • Kia Sportage • Skoda Kodiaq |
| EVs & Hybrids Try Before You Commit |
Eco-conscious drivers, ULEZ zones, EV trial runs | • Tesla Model 3 • Nissan Leaf • Kia EV6 • Toyota Prius |
| Executive Cars Business Drivers |
Company car replacements, client meetings, prestige | • BMW 3 Series • Audi A4 • Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
6. The ULEZ Factor While You Wait
With the expansion of London’s ULEZ and other UK clean air zones, choosing a non-compliant temporary car can be a costly mistake.
- Petrol cars (Euro 4 and newer) – ULEZ-compliant.
- Diesels (Euro 6 and newer) – ULEZ-compliant.
- Hybrids and EVs – Always compliant.
Tip: When selecting your short-term lease, make ULEZ compliance a top priority, especially if you’ll be driving in cities.
7. Case Study: The Waiting Game
- Driver A: Orders a new Tesla Model Y on long-term lease (delivery in 9 months). Buys a £3,000 2010 diesel to “fill the gap”. Ends up paying £2,250 in ULEZ charges + £700 repairs + £1,000 depreciation when reselling = £3,950 total cost.
- Driver B: Short-term leases a Nissan Leaf for £500/month x 9 months = £4,500 total cost. Includes road tax, breakdown cover, and ULEZ exemption. No hassle, no resale stress, and gains experience driving electric.
In this case, the short-term lease is actually the smarter choice.
8. Tips For Choosing The Right Short-Term Lease While You Wait
- Match the lease length to your expected delivery date (with a buffer).
- Double-check ULEZ compliance if you live in or near a clean air zone.
- Don’t go too premium – keep costs sensible since it’s temporary.
- Consider leasing the same fuel type as your long-term car (useful practice if switching to EV).
- Compare providers for the most flexible exit terms in case your new car arrives sooner.
Final Thoughts… The Bridge Between Now And Your New Car
Waiting months for a new lease car can be frustrating, but short-term leasing provides the perfect bridge. It keeps you mobile, avoids the costs and risks of temporary car ownership, and ensures you can drive a modern, ULEZ-compliant vehicle until your new car arrives.
Instead of stressing over delays, drivers can use short-term leases as a smart, flexible solution – and in some cases, even enjoy the bonus of test-driving an EV or hybrid before making the long-term switch.
