French drivers are increasingly choosing a financial arrangement called LOA (lease with an option to purchase) for both new and used vehicles. In the first half of 2026, banks for the first time financed more used cars through LOA than through personal loans. This change, which had already affected the new car market, is now also influencing the used car sector. The rising prices of new cars in recent years have led many buyers to prefer LOA or long-term lease (LLD) over traditional ownership. This marks a notable shift for French consumers, who were once known for preferring to own their cars. However, this trend also applies to the used car market, even though LOA and LLD deals are often not very attractive to buyers. According to the French Association of Financial Societies (ASF), from January 1 to June 30, 2026, the total amount dedicated to leasing used cars surpassed that of personal loans (1.393 billion euros compared to 1.363 billion euros). However, these figures can be misleading and do not indicate that LOA has become the dominant choice. LOA typically applies to recent models (less than two years old), which are relatively expensive (with an average value of over 18,000 euros). As a result, a small number of these high-value leases can significantly boost the total amount. In contrast, personal loans are also used to fund older cars, which cost only a few thousand euros. Additionally, the loan figures only include those specifically intended for car purchases, while many French buyers use standard consumer loans, which are not included in these statistics. Overall, the shift to LOA is not yet fully realized. According to a recent study by Aramisauto, the demand for LOA on used cars increased by 30% between 2024 and 2025. According to experts in automotive distribution, the choice of a vehicle is now strongly influenced by the ease and speed of financing, with LOA and quick processing being as important as the car’s engine in the final decision. French car-buying habits are changing, and LOA is now also becoming relevant in the used car market.