As if it were Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, but instead of consuming series and movies to get our own car. That is what the subscription car modality is all about, a more than interesting way nowadays with which it is easier for us not to be subject to anything more than a monthly fee. But is it all like that? Does it work for us?
Car ownership is no longer a priority
More and more alternatives are emerging to have a vehicle without having to pay the large amount of money involved in its acquisition and maintenance. We are talking about formulas such as renting or subscription, which today are already taking shape in Spain in a considerable way, although the concept of property continues to be deeply rooted.
In fact, as we know, what we see is an irresistible trend today is that, more and more, vehicle ownership is not a priority for people. This does not mean that there are fewer and fewer drivers, but that there are fewer and fewer vehicle owners… and all due to the flourishing of other alternatives to purchasing such as renting or, as is the case at hand, subscription cars.
In this way, we are talking about a modality, where appropriate, that what we will do will be the same as what we do with streaming video platforms, for example, where we will only pay for use . It is based on a contract that forces the user to pay a fee for an indefinite period of time, which is usually shorter, from one month to two years.
The car by subscription, payment only for use
The simplicity and flexibility of this mobility solution makes the subscription the best way to test drive a car, both for individuals and companies. And it is that the subscription includes all the necessary services to rent a vehicle, so that we only have to worry about enjoying driving.
Likewise, the main reason for subscribing to a car is that it is the easiest way to have your vehicle without having to buy it, saving us that high initial expense and the responsibility of choosing a model without having tested driving it.
In addition, if what we want is to save ourselves from long-term commitments, with the subscription we have the freedom to choose the period of time during which we are going to use and the vehicle model that best suits our needs (being able to change it for another if preferred). This makes subscription also a very attractive option for moving to electric cars.
It is then that, when the minimum contract period passes, we can unsubscribe without any type of penalty. However, unlike other forms such as leasing , when we interrupt the subscription we stop enjoying the vehicle and we do not have the option of being able to buy it.
It is all included in the monthly fee
In this, and as one of its great supporters, is that with the subscription everything is included in the monthly fee : car insurance, maintenance, ITV, taxes and assistance, without forgetting that it has great flexibility to meet the needs of the user, being able to choose both mileage and permanence.
For its part, in addition, the subscription of a vehicle for a self-employed person or an SME, the user has the possibility of deducting the entire monthly subscription fee for personal income tax or Corporate Tax. The vehicle subscription model therefore helps both the self-employed and small companies to save on their business.
Yes indeed; As usual, not everything is going in your favor. And it is that, if you want to hire a vehicle for periods of one year or more, the annual fee will be much higher in the case of the subscription car, so it is much more profitable to take advantage of vehicle leasing offers if you intend to exceed the 6 months of hiring.
But do people bet on these services? Yes, and more and more. In fact, the platforms reported that, at the end of 2022, there was a 200% growth in subscriptions , establishing itself as one of the main alternatives to enjoy a car for private use without having to buy it, and completely online.