How much deposit do I need for rent to own?
At YeboAuto the deposit is R995 for a delivery bike, R7,500 to R15,000 for an e-hailing car and R13,500 to R24,500 for an everyday car or bakkie. You pay it when you collect, after approval. A bigger deposit is not needed to be approved, and “no deposit” deals usually move the cost into fees or a higher weekly amount.
Deposits by vehicle
These are the deposits on every YeboAuto vehicle today, next to the weekly amount and the full price over the default term (deposit + all weekly payments + the fixed price to buy it at the end).
| Vehicle | Deposit | Weekly | Term | Full price to own |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Eco 150 (bike) | R995 | R699 | 18 months | R56,017 |
| Honda Ace 125 (bike) | R995 | R749 | 18 months | R59,917 |
| Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 (e-hailing) | R7,500 | R2,495 | 36 months | R401,720 |
| Toyota Vitz 1.0 (e-hailing) | R9,500 | R2,695 | 36 months | R434,920 |
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 | R13,500 | R1,795 | 48 months | R391,860 |
| VW Polo Vivo 1.4 | R14,500 | R1,850 | 48 months | R404,300 |
| Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 (e-hailing, 7 seats) | R15,000 | R3,650 | 36 months | R589,400 |
| Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD S/Cab | R24,500 | R2,650 | 48 months | R580,700 |
The buy price at the end is R500 for a bike and R5,000 for a car. There is no balloon.
Worked examples
A delivery rider. You pay R995 when you collect a Hero Eco 150, then R699 a week for 78 weeks. At the end you can buy the bike for R500. Total: R56,017. The deposit is under 2% of that.
An Uber or Bolt driver. You pay R7,500 for a Suzuki S-Presso, then R2,495 a week for 156 weeks, which already includes e-hailing insurance cover and unlimited kilometres. Total with the R5,000 buy price: R401,720.
An everyday car. You pay R13,500 for a Suzuki Swift, then R1,795 a week for 208 weeks. Total with the R5,000 buy price: R391,860.
In each case the weekly amount is far bigger than the deposit over the term. That is why a small saving on the deposit matters much less than the weekly amount and the term.
Why “no deposit” is rarely cheaper
Providers need money upfront for the first weeks of insurance, licensing and admin. When a deal has no deposit, check for:
- A “start-up”, “joining” or “admin” fee
- A higher weekly amount for the whole term
- A balloon payment at the end
Ask every provider for the full price in writing: weekly amount × number of weeks + deposit + fees + any balloon or buy price. Our contract checklist and balloon payments explained show what to look for, and how to spot a rent-to-own scam covers fees asked for before a contract.
Next steps
See the deposit and full price on every car and bakkie, e-hailing car or delivery bike. Wondering whether you get the deposit back? Read rental deposits explained.
Questions drivers ask
Can I rent to own a car with no deposit?
Some providers advertise it, but most charge a start-up or admin fee instead, or add the cost to the weekly amount. Compare the full price over the term, not the deposit on its own.
When do I pay the deposit?
At YeboAuto you pay it when you collect the vehicle, after you are approved. Never pay a deposit or fee before you have seen and signed a written agreement.
Can I split the deposit?
For bikes, the R995 deposit is all you need upfront. For cars, ask your consultant about splitting the deposit, or choose a longer term to lower the weekly amount.
Do I get the deposit back?
No. A rent-to-own deposit is part of the price of the vehicle, not a refundable security deposit. Read our guide on rental deposits for the difference.