
Yes, you can lease a car for two months, but a standard auto lease is not the right tool for the job. Traditional leases from dealerships are long-term contracts, typically lasting 24 to 36 months. Instead, your best options are short-term rentals from companies that specialize in flexible arrangements. The most direct path is through short-term leasing companies, like Swapalease or Leasetrader, which facilitate taking over the remaining short term of someone else's lease. Alternatively, month-to-month rental services from major companies like Enterprise or Hertz offer the simplest solution, though they can be costly.
For a more modern approach, car subscription services (e.g., Porsche Drive, Care by Volvo, or Canvas) bundle insurance and maintenance into a single monthly payment and often offer one to three-month commitments. A less conventional but potentially cheaper option is using peer-to-peer (P2P) car sharing apps like Turo, where you can often negotiate a discounted rate for a two-month booking directly with a car owner.
| Rental/Lease Option | Typical Commitment | Pros | Cons | Estimated Monthly Cost (Midsize SUV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Lease | 24-36 months | Low monthly payment | Long-term commitment, early termination fees | $400 - $600 (but not viable for 2 months) |
| Month-to-Month Rental | Daily/Monthly | Maximum flexibility, readily available | Highest cost, insurance is often extra | $1,500 - $2,500+ |
| Lease Takeover | Remaining term of lease (can find short ones) | Lower cost than rental, includes maintenance | Requires credit approval, limited vehicle choice | $500 - $800 |
| Car Subscription | 1-12 months | All-inclusive (insurance, maintenance) | Requires a multi-year commitment | $600 - $1,200+ |
| P2P (Turo) | Negotiable (Daily/Monthly) | Unique vehicle selection, potential for deals | Limited insurance coverage, depends on owner | $800 - $1,500 (with long-term discount) |
The key is to compare the total cost, including insurance and mileage limits. For a straightforward two-month need, an extended rental from a major company, while expensive, is often the most hassle-free choice.

Honestly, a standard two-year lease is a nightmare for just two months. You'll get killed with fees if you try to break it early. Your best bet is to look at it like a long-term rental. Check out the monthly rates from Enterprise or Hertz—they have specific programs for this. It's not cheap, but it's simple. Or, get on Turo and message an owner directly. If their car is just sitting there, they might cut you a great deal for two straight months of rental. Forget the dealership for this one.

From a financial perspective, a two-month vehicle acquisition is purely an operating expense, not a financing strategy. Traditional leasing is uneconomical due to high acquisition and disposition costs amortized over a short period. Instead, evaluate the total cost of ownership for the term. A month-to-month corporate rental agreement, while having a high daily rate, may be the most prudent choice when factoring in included liability insurance and zero maintenance risk. Alternatively, a vetted lease assumption with only a few months remaining can offer a favorable cost structure.

I needed a car for a summer internship in another city and found the perfect solution on a lease takeover site. I found a lease with only three months left on it. I took it over for those months, paid a much lower monthly payment than a rental car would have cost, and just handed the keys back at the end. It did require a credit check, but it was way better than dealing with a rental counter or a long-term contract. Just make sure the car's mileage allowance fits your needs.


