Car ownership costs burden families in Brazil and Switzerland

In Brazil, a Serasa survey finds that 67% of households rank car‑related expenses among their three largest annual outlays, alongside housing, food and education. Fuel, taxes such as IPVA, insurance, maintenance and parking together can cost up to R$ 1,632 per month for a popular vehicle, with tax rates varying by state.

In Switzerland, consumers choosing between a traditional personal loan and a lease‑with‑option‑to‑buy (LOA) face distinct financing structures. The LOA, once limited to corporate fleets, is now widely offered to private buyers with attractive monthly payments, while personal loans have been streamlined for faster approval. Both options require careful assessment of total costs, mileage limits and residual values before committing to a vehicle purchase.