For better or for worse, there’s a subscription for everything in 2023. You can subscribe to TV, movies, video games, and even a place to store it all in the form of cloud storage. With the overall cost of car ownership on the rise, many consumers are turning to the fledgling car subscription market in its place.
As with most big investments, car ownership comes with its downsides. The price of a new car is more expensive than ever, and that’s before factoring in recurring costs like service and maintenance. In an act of desperation, you might be tempted to give in to the predatory interest rates at your local Nissan dealer. I mean, what other choice do you have than 30% APR?
A car subscription service provides an alternative to buying and leasing. In the same way you subscribe to Netflix or Spotify, you can now add a new Porsche or Audi to your queue. However, while subscribing to a car may sound like a foolproof plan, you’ll want to consider the downsides before asking where to sign. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’ll not only help you figure out if a car subscription is right for you, but we’ve also weighed the pros and cons of the best car subscription services at your disposal in 2023.
Why choose a car subscription
- No commitment: One month you want to tour the country in an Audi e-tron Sportback. For your next trick, you’re showing up in a new BMW M3. Pay the fee and swap rides as often as your contract allows.
- No liability: So, you got your dream sports car. Unfortunately, the engine blows up within a year, and the company and insurance say it’s your fault. Now you’re stuck with an $80,000 paperweight. A car subscription will come with liability insurance to protect you against these situations. As long as they occur under normal vehicle operation.
- No financing: You’re not tied down to a depreciating asset that will be too expensive to own post-warranty period. If you no longer want the vehicle or can’t afford the monthly fee, just cancel it. Opting out of an auto loan is a hassle and will affect your credit score.
Read the fine print
It should be obvious that car subscriptions aren’t a path to vehicle ownership. You can never modify the vehicle or conduct your own repairs. This will breach the agreement and you’ll be liable for any potential damages the company says you caused. Any other damage beyond normal wear and tear, it’ll be your time to foot the bill, Bill.
If the company wants to void your contract for any reason, it’s allowed to take the car back – with or without your approval. Any fee increases and extra charges are yours to pay. This is all outlined in the contract terms, but companies know no one reads them.
Car subscription fees
As for what’s included in your subscription:
- Maintenance and insurance: Most subscription fees cover the basics, like oil changes and tire protection, so you never even have to think about where to buy tires online, provided you operate the car like a normal person. However, what qualifies as ‘normal’ varies from company to company.
- Roadside assistance: If the car breaks down, the company will send a lovely stranger to help get you back on the road.
- Monthly mileage: Subscriptions allow you to drive a set amount of miles per month. Most agreements are between 1,500-2,000 miles.
- Liability insurance: Liability insurance covers you for a specific amount if you’re injured in an accident.
The best car subscription services
Finn
Pros
- Insurance, maintenance and delivery included
- No application fee
Cons
- 6-12 month subscription period
- 850 monthly miles
Germany-based Finn wants to revolutionize the car ownership experience. Its focus is on carbon neutrality while providing consumers with a quick-and-easy signup process. There’s more to come from this exciting startup and we can’t wait to see it blossom.
Sixt+
Pros
- Unused mileage carries over
- Month-to-month contract
Cons
- 1000 monthly miles ($0.47 per extra mile)
- Accident cover, liability insurance and roadside assistance are not part of the subscription fee
Customize is not just a word for the good folk over at Sixt. Its car subscription, Sixt+, lets you personalize your subscription from the app. All the info is front-and-center on the website. Sixt+ creates tailored recommendations to suit your needs, as opposed to one-car-fits-all. It’s a refreshing, slightly less corporate approach to car subscriptions.
Kyte
Pros
- Wide range of vehicles (EV options)
- Starts at $518
Cons
- Only available in 14 cities
- 850 miles free ($0.35 per extra mile)
Simplicity. Kyte doesn’t want to be more than a subscription. Its focus is not on aesthetics or gimmicks, but rather offering a subscription that works for you every time.
Hertz My Car
Pros
- Access to the full Hertz fleet
- Unlimited miles
- Insurance and loss waiver included
Cons
- $1,660/month (Ford Focus, Austin Texas)
- Personal insurance is $225
- Additional drivers and roadside assistance cost extra
Hertz has been there, done that. If you’ve ever rented a car, Hertz is a company you’re familiar with. This means lower pricing and more cars to choose from, but you lose the personality and customer attention you get from smaller brands. At the end of the day, you’re dealing with a boring, old corporation. However, the Hertz My Car subscription service is as polished as you might expect from the company synonymous with car rentals.
Subscribe with Enterprise
Pros
- Insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance come standard
- Swap up to four times a month
- 3,000 miles per month
Cons
- Only available in three states (Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada)
Considering its modest price, Subscribe with Enterprise has a lot of perks. And coming from a household name in the rental car market, it damn well should. Contrary to its reputation, Enterprise doesn’t compromise on car quality either, with a wide range of premium SUVs and trucks to choose from. The bad news is that while it is one of the more compelling car subscription services, Subscribe with Enterprise is only active in a few states.
Porsche Drive
Pros:
- Delivery and pick-up available within 20 miles of a Porsche dealership
- Insurance and maintenance included in subscription fee
Cons:
- $595 activation fee
- $2,420/month for a single vehicle subscription (Porsche 718 Cayman, Dallas Texas)
Drive your dream car, today. For many, owning a Porsche is a fantasy that will never die. Porsche Drive allows you to make it a reality for a month or two without breaking the bank.
Audi on demand
Pros:
- $1574/month (Audi A5 Sportback in Austin, Texas)
Cons:
- Full liability insurance is $924.
- 1,000 miles limit ($0.30 per extra mile)
Audi on demand’s long-term drive service is impressive. You get the Audi experience without the hassle of owning a rapidly depreciating German luxury car. The pricing, range, and intuitive sign-up process make it one of the top car subscription contenders.
Embrace the future
The steady decline in new car ownership means manufacturers need to find new ways to sell cars. Subscriptions are here to stay. Still, a thriving used car scene, right-to-repair laws, and cheaper future electric vehicles mean that personal ownership will still be the norm for years to come. More choices are a good thing for you, the consumer. Why not welcome it, as an option, with open arms?
