汽车“以租代购”宣称低门槛、实则套路多，所谓便利背后隐藏哪些风险？

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the emerging "rent-to-own" model in the car rental industry, which appears to lower the barriers for consumers but conceals significant risks and hidden fees within the contracts [1][12]. Group 1: Consumer Experiences - A consumer, Mr. Lu, reported issues with a car rental platform where he faced unexpected fees and difficulties in returning the vehicle, despite being promised a straightforward process [1][4]. - The discrepancies between the loan amounts reported by the car purchase platform and the credit system raised concerns, with the platform showing a loan of 119,400 yuan while the credit system indicated only 84,118 yuan [4][6]. - Consumers are often left with high debts and complicated processes when attempting to exit these agreements, as seen in Mr. Lu's case where he was charged various fees despite not having the vehicle [1][8]. Group 2: Industry Practices - The "rent-to-own" model is being adopted by various companies, with one company offering a new car for 15,000 yuan after three years of monthly payments of around 4,000 yuan [1][7]. - Industry insiders indicate that the model carries high risks, particularly with inflated loan amounts compared to market prices, leading to potential financial burdens for consumers [8][12]. - The contracts often contain complex terms that can be exploited, making it difficult for consumers to understand their rights and obligations [12]. Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Insights - Legal experts note that the "rent-to-own" contracts blend leasing and sales agreements, which can lead to misunderstandings and exploitation if not properly regulated [12]. - Authorities have identified fraudulent practices within the industry, including scams that involve misleading advertisements and inflated vehicle prices, resulting in significant financial losses for consumers [10][11]. - Recommendations for consumers include verifying the legitimacy of companies, understanding contract terms, and ensuring that verbal promises are documented [12].