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Rent-to-own contract checklist
Short answer
Before you sign, get the full price in writing (weekly × weeks + deposit + fees + balloon), check what’s included (insurance, tracker, service, licence), the kilometre limit, what happens when the car is in the workshop, the late-payment rules, early settlement and when ownership transfers.
The 12 checks
- Full price over the whole term, in rand
- Balloon or residual at the end: should be R0. See balloon payments
- Deposit and start-up fees: what each covers
- Insurance included? Covers e-hailing if you drive for Uber/Bolt? Excess?
- Tracker, service plan and licence disc included?
- Kilometre limit and the cost per extra kilometre
- Repairs: who pays, and do you get a courtesy car? Do payments stop while it’s in the workshop?
- Late payment: grace period, fees, immobiliser, repossession
- Early buy-out: can you buy it early, and how is the price worked out?
- Ownership transfer: when and how the car is registered in your name, and who pays
- Upgrades and swaps: allowed?
- Statements: can you see every payment and how it was allocated?
YeboAuto answers all twelve on each vehicle page before you apply. See how it works.
Questions drivers ask
Can a provider take the car back if I pay late?
Read the default clause: how many days late, what notice you get, and whether they can immobilise the car remotely.
Should I get the contract checked?
If anything is unclear, ask the provider to explain in writing, or ask someone you trust to read it before you sign.