For decades, South Africans looking for a car had only 2 options: lease it or finance it. But the economy has shifted. Interest rates are high, fuel is expensive, and growth is slow. These pressures are hitting even the most resilient households.
Today, the average household carries a debt-to-income ratio of 62.5 percent. This means, for every rand earned, 62 cents are already owed.
Instead of having money left to save or invest, many families feel like there is too much month at the end of their money.
Because of this, leasing and financing no longer feel like helpful options. They feel like long commitments in a time when income is uncertain.
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Carsharing as an alternative to leasing and financing
Carsharing is reshaping how people access cars. Instead of locking yourself into a contract for years, you can simply rent a vehicle from another car owner for as long as you need it. And if you already own a car that spends most of the week parked, you can earn money by renting it to other drivers.
Tarlen Carshare, launched in 2023, makes this easy. Our platform helps car owners and drivers connect and transact safely. Drivers get flexible access to a car and owners turn their idle vehicle into an income-earning asset.
Why car ownership is valued in SA
In South Africa, owning a car goes beyond getting from one place to another. Owning cars brings status, there’s no denying that.
And once the car is yours, you can personalise it with new wheels, a sound system, or a custom exhaust to stand out the way you want.
But ownership also comes with hard realities. Up to 84,000 cars are repossessed in South Africa every year. Your financed car locks up capital that could support other needs. It brings recurring costs that do not adjust when your income drops.
Banks do not make exceptions. If you lose your job or face a family emergency and fall behind on payments, your car will still be repossessed. The risk sits squarely with you.
What is car leasing
Car leasing looks similar to vehicle finance at first glance. You pay a set amount every month for a fixed period. But the similarities end there.
Leasing is usually cheaper than financing. It also runs for a shorter duration. At the end of the lease, you return the vehicle instead of owning it. This structure comes with a few clear advantages:
- Cost: You pay a predictable monthly fee that is often lower than a finance payment. And your payment is more predictable because maintenance and servicing is handled under the leasing agreement.
Upgrades: When the lease ends, you can switch to a newer model with updated features and technology.
There are also trade-offs to consider:
- No ownership: The car is never yours. You return it at the end of the term, unless you choose to buy it at the agreed future value.
Mileage limits: Lease agreements include a maximum number of KMs you can drive. Exceeding that limit means paying extra. You’ll also have to pay for any damage beyond regular wear and tear.
Termination penalties: Ending a lease early can be expensive. You may have to pay some or all of the remaining monthly installments, so always know the early termination clause before signing.
Who benefits from carsharing?
Carsharing offers value to a wide range of people, whether they need a car only sometimes or own one that often sits idle.
- Occasional drivers: Some people do not need a car every day. Buying one becomes a cost trap, with more expenses than benefits. Carsharing lets them book a vehicle only when they need it, whether for a weekend getaway, running errands, or a special trip. They avoid long-term financial commitments and pay only for actual use.
Business travellers and tourists: Business travellers appreciate the flexibility of choosing the exact car they need without waiting in rental queues. Tourists benefit in the same way. Families can book larger vehicles. Adventure travellers can find camper vans or four-wheel-drive options for tougher terrain. The choice is wide and often more personal than traditional rentals.
Car owners with low weekly use: If you already own a car but it spends most days parked, carsharing gives you a way to earn from it. Platforms like Tarlen help first-time hosts get started and guide them through the process so they can run a small, simple carsharing business.
Small independent car rental businesses: Local rental agencies can also use carsharing platforms to improve fleet utilisation and grow revenue without major expansion costs.
Step-by-step guide to book a car on Tarlen carshare
- Register: Sign up on the Tarlen app or website and complete your driver’s licence verification.
Choose your ride and pay: Browse unique make and models available. When you find one that fits your dates, complete payment to confirm your booking.
Chat with your host: Use the in-app messaging feature to arrange pickup details or share your delivery location if you selected delivery.
Step-by-step guide to list your car on Tarlen
Confirm eligibility
Visit the eligibility page to check whether your vehicle can be listed on Tarlen. The page outlines which types of cars are accepted and which are not.
Sign up as a Tarlen Host
Download the Tarlen app and create a host account. You only need your full name, email address, and phone number to get started.
Create your listing
Once you’re signed up, select “List my car” and follow the steps.
- Vehicle information: Enter the location, make, model, year, and other required details.
- Photos: Upload 8–12 clear, well-lit photos. Humans are visual creatures, and the photos create your first impression. Make sure the images are bright, clear, and thoughtfully taken. Follow this guide to learn how to take great photos of your car.
- Vehicle specifications and features: Add the body type, colour, transmission, fuel type, roof type, and the number of seats and doors. Highlight any features that make your car stand out. Include a short description that tells guests why they will enjoy driving it.
- Extras (optional): You can offer items like a phone mount, child seat, GPS device, bicycle rack, or surfboard rack. You may include them for free or charge a small additional fee.
- Pricing and availability: Set your daily rate, mileage allowance, discounts, and availability schedule. You can also choose whether to offer delivery and, if so, set a delivery fee.
When everything looks right, submit your listing for review.
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