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What are the pros and cons of car subscriptions?

Here are the benefits and drawbacks of car subscriptions.
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Car subscriptions are a new way to own a vehicle that doesn't have the same headaches as traditional car ownership. They're generally easier to manage, but they come with some downsides. Let's go over some of the pros and cons of car subscriptions so you can decide if it's right for you:

Pros

A car subscription service offers a lot of convenience, but there are some important things to consider before signing up. Here are the advantages:

You don't need to negotiate with car dealers

You don't have to deal with the sales pressure in a dealership. Instead, you can do your research online before you go and compare prices, features and options. You also get more time to think about it and make sure you make the right choice.

You won't have to worry about financing or trade-in values

The subscription provider offers a broad range of vehicles from which to choose, so you'll have plenty of options for different styles and budgets.

You don't need to take out a loan from the bank and pay interest on it every month

That's another reason people love this subscription service - they get all of these perks without having any debt hanging over their heads!

One flat, all-inclusive monthly fee for everything

A major benefit to a car subscription is that you pay one monthly fee, no matter how many miles you drive (within the agreed mileage).

Your monthly payment usually covers everything from insurance and maintenance costs to breakdown cover and servicing. You never have to worry about paying any of these expenses again

Subscriptions are flexible

Most car subscriptions are month-to-month, you can easily cancel anytime without penalties or termination fees.

Upgrade, or downgrade, vehicle anytime - Another advantage is that it allows users to upgrade their vehicles as often as they want without committing to anything long term.

A broad range of vehicles to choose from

If you're looking to drive a different car every few months or years, this is the subscription that will let you do it. Not only can you choose from a wide range of vehicles in terms of brand and style, but also size and type.

If you're someone who wants to try out different cars before making a long-term commitment, a car subscription service is an excellent option.

Cons

While subscriptions can make it easier to get a car, they also have some drawbacks.

If you have poor credit, you may still get rejected

While subscription aren't a form of car finance, providers want to see you can afford the payments. Having said that, they will be less stringent than PCP, HP or leasing providers.

The cost per month may be higher than leasing a car or buying one outright

Car subscriptions are a great way to get your hands on new wheels, but the monthly payment can be high. Due to the fact you don't have to pay a large deposit upfront, and the subscription provider is responsible for most car costs, this is reflected in the monthly payment.

The included mileage may not be enough for some

While most providers offer at least 700 miles per month as standard, this may not be enough for those road warrior who like to drive! The on the other hand, you can add more miles to your subscription which is normally between 4p and up 30p per mile. Excess mileage is also charged if you go over the pre-agreed mileage.

You can't modify the car (in most cases)

Whatever car is available, that's what you can order and subscribe to. So far, Care by Volvo is the only subscription provider that allows for configuring your car. But with that comes the longer term commitment, starting at 3-months. Plus, configuring the car to your likely normally adds a few more weeks to the delivery time.

You will never own the car

If you want your hard-earned cash to go towards ownership of the vehicle, then subscription is not right for you. If you like owning your cars, tinkering with them and fixing them yourself, look elsewhere.

Final word

We hope this article has helped you understand the benefits and drawbacks of car subscriptions. If you're still interested in trying one out, we recommend signing up for one month. The best way to see if a service is right for you is by experiencing it firsthand!

This is a short read, so be sure to read our in-depth guides:

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