
Finding a traditional 3-month car lease directly from a major manufacturer is highly unlikely. Standard lease terms are typically 24 to 36 months, as this allows the leasing company to accurately predict the vehicle's future residual value. However, you do have a few practical alternatives for short-term vehicle access that function similarly to a very short lease.
The most viable option is a car subscription service. Companies like Drive, Care by Volvo, or Canvas (from Ford) offer month-to-month or fixed-term plans that bundle the car, insurance, and maintenance into a single monthly payment. These are designed for flexibility, but often require a multi-month commitment and can be more expensive than a traditional lease.
Another route is exploring short-term leases through dealerships. Some dealers may offer programs as short as 12 months, but 3 months is rare. It's always worth asking, as they may have unregistered "loaner" vehicles or other promotional programs. Be prepared for a significantly higher monthly payment to offset the rapid depreciation they'll incur.
Your final alternative is a long-term rental from companies like Enterprise or Hertz. While not technically a lease, you can rent a car for 90 days. This is often the most straightforward way to get a car for exactly three months without a long-term contract. The cost is all-inclusive but can be high.
| Option | Typical Minimum Term | Pros | Cons | Estimated Cost (for Midsize SUV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car Subscription | 1 month | All-inclusive, flexible, easy process | Limited availability, higher monthly cost | $600 - $1,200+ per month |
| Dealer Short-Term Lease | 12 months (if available) | Brand-new car, full warranty | Very rare, high monthly payment | $700 - $900+ per month |
| Long-Term Rental | 1 day | Immediate availability, no commitment | Most expensive option, no equity | $1,800 - $2,700+ for 90 days |
The best choice depends on your budget and need for convenience. For a strict 3-month need, a long-term rental or subscription service is your most reliable bet.

You're basically looking for a unicorn. Major automakers don't do 3-month leases—it's a financial nightmare for them. Your real-world options are a car subscription service, which is like a flexible lease but pricier, or a long-term rental from a company like Enterprise. Both will cost you significantly more per month than a standard 2-year lease, but they give you the freedom you need without a long contract.

For a precise three-month period, a traditional lease isn't feasible. I'd recommend investigating car subscription programs. Companies like and Porsche offer these all-inclusive plans that are perfect for short-term needs. They handle insurance and maintenance, and you can often cancel with 30 days' notice. It’s more expensive than leasing, but it’s the closest you'll get to a short-term lease with a new vehicle.

I looked into this last year for a temporary job assignment. The dealerships just laughed when I asked about a 3-month lease. What worked for me was a long-term rental. I called Enterprise, explained I needed a car for 90 days, and they gave me a monthly rate that was better than the daily price. It was easy, no haggling over mileage, and I just dropped it off when I was done. It's not cheap, but it's simple.

Think of it from the dealer's perspective: they need to resell the car after your lease. Predicting its value after just 90 days is too risky, which is why terms are longer. Instead, focus on services designed for flexibility. A car subscription is your best analog to a short lease. Alternatively, compare the total cost of a 90-day rental against a subscription. For a very short period, the rental might be more cost-effective, even if the monthly rate seems high.


