Is Car Subscription Better than Buying?

There are more than one billion cars in the world! Despite the growing environmental concerns, car ownership is on the rise! For some people, buying a brand-new vehicle may not sound like a financially feasible idea, so they resort into other options, and that includes a car subscription.

Buying a car and opting for a subscription are two things with their respective pros and cons. Deciding which one is better isn’t straightforward since it depends on individual situations. It is crucial that you look at the good and the bad of each option for a well-informed choice. To help you decide which one is more suitable for your needs, keep on reading and learn from the insights we’ll share in this short guide.

How does a Car Subscription Work?

Before we discuss the pros and cons of buying a car versus a subscription, let us first talk about how the latter works. A car subscription is like a car lease in the sense that you do not have a full ownership of the vehicle. The main difference, however, is that a subscription has more flexible terms. The duration is often short and in most cases, you can frequently change your car depending on the terms.

Basically, you will sign-up for a subscription. Some of the most popular services include Porsche Drive, Care by Volvo, and Audi Select. You will be paying a membership fee, often monthly. In exchange, you can use their cars and enjoy other services that come with the subscription, such as roadside assistance. Insurance and maintenance costs are also covered. You can swap cars during the length of the subscription if the conditions allow such. This is unlike in a lease where you are tied at the same brand and model. The best thing is that there are no long-term costs! In some cases, the car will even be delivered right at your doorstep, eliminating the hassle of going to the dealer!

If you are interested in trying car subscription, make sure to check out https://bestcarsubscription.org/. They have collated some of the top options available, making it easier for you to decide which subscription service is more suitable for your needs. From the monthly rates to the inclusions, take the time to compare the possibilities!

Weighing the Good and the Bad

Let’s first talk about the good in car buying. The best thing is that you can claim ownership of the vehicle. There are papers saying that it is your property. It counts towards your assets and it is an investment. Because it is yours, you will have the freedom to do what you want. You can change the tires and upgrade the seats, depending on how you want your car to be. If you have a long-term perspective, then this is a great way to save money.

However, in the short-term, buying a car is expensive. You will need a lot of money to pay its value or you will take a loan. The latter is easier for most people, but the tricky part is that it has

high interest rates. This can be a financial burden! Not to mention, you will be stuck with the same car for years. It will depreciate in value and looks. After about five or ten years, your car may no longer look as good as you want it to be. There is a desire to replace it with newer models!

As an answer to all the shortcomings of car buying, you should consider the benefits of car subscriptions. It is a financially-sound alternative to vehicle ownership. The monthly fee is cheap, especially considering the things that you will get. Aside from the car, you can also enjoy roadside assistance and maintenance. Insurance is also included for your peace of mind. More so, what we like the most is the freedom to change your car. Depending on the terms of the agreement, you can swap cars, which means that you would often be driving a new model. In some cases, you can also be lucky enough to be driving some of the latest models available.

Despite the good things, there are also a few drawbacks that you should know. The most significant is that it does not count as your asset, so you do not have an ownership of the car. Paying it for months and years can eventually become a burden. The longer the subscription is, the less cost-effective it will be. You will be making endless payments without the right to claim ownership. There is also no room for personalization. You are limited in terms of the things that you can do because you do not own the car. From adding bumper stickers to changing the seats, you cannot personalize your car. Some will have conditions like prohibiting pets in the car as a way of preserving the interior.

While a car subscription is a good idea, it is important that you find the right provider. Do not forget to read the fine prints, making sure that you will be enjoying the best value for every dollar. Some conditions might be hidden in the terms, and if you do not understand them, you might end up paying more than what you intend to.

So, Which One is Better?

At the end of the day, the right choice will vary from one person to another. It depends on what your goal is. Car buying is a better option if the budget is not an issue and if you want a car that you can call your own! It is a great asset, although, it will depreciate through the years. On the other hand, a car subscription is a better option if you want the feeling of driving a new car every month or as often as the contract would allow you to swap. It is recommended for people who do not want to be burdened by long-term ownership