Car subscription: Provider comparison 2024

The trend towards more flexibility and independence is also evident when it comes to cars. Car subscriptions in particular are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to leasing. Recently, even the VW Group has announced a fundamental change in strategy and will in future rely on car subscriptions instead of purchasing. This shows: Not only specialized subscription providers are on the market, classic car manufacturers are also increasingly pushing into the market. Time for a comparison of car subscription providers.

What is a car subscription?

All-round carefree package at a fixed monthly price

Netflix for your car, car flat rate, all-inclusive mobility, long-term car rental or subscription a car: there are various descriptions for the car subscription, a new trend on the automotive market.

Users of a car subscription pay a fixed monthly fee and can drive a car in mint condition or even a new car for a predetermined period of time. The monthly payment covers all the usual costs such as tax, insurance, maintenance and inspection. Subscribers only have to pay for refueling or charging costs and topping up the oil themselves. With most car subscription providers, monthly free kilometers are included in the subscription price via a kilometer package or can be booked in addition if necessary. Many providers do not charge any additional fees such as an initial fee or deposit.

The car subscription can be cheaper than the alternatives of leasing and renting. Some providers already offer a car subscription for less than 300 euros. A car subscription for less than 200 euros is also possible.

There are now also many e-car subscription offers. Especially those who want to try out an electric car first can drive an electric car with a subscription before deciding to buy one.

An overview of all additional vehicle costs included in the car subscription:

  • Transfer
  • Registration
  • Car insurance
  • Vehicle tax
  • Inspection
  • Maintenance & wear
  • Tire service
  • Often no down payment

How does a car subscription work?

With a car subscription, users rent or subscribe to a selected vehicle at a fixed monthly rate for a certain period of time. Compared to traditional leasing, car subscriptions are generally shorter-term and do not require a long-term commitment.

The minimum term for car subscriptions is one, three or six months, depending on the provider, and the maximum term is 12 to 24 months, depending on the provider. The monthly rate usually includes all costs such as insurance, maintenance and repairs. Users only have to pay extra for refueling or charging costs.

In addition to specialized car subscription providers that have focused entirely on the car subscription model, car manufacturers are also increasingly trying to take advantage of the subscription trend and offer various models, especially for corporate customers, including Toyota and Volvo. The cars on offer are usually immediately available new cars or young used cars.

Which car manufacturers offer a subscription?

  • Volkswagen
  • Mercedes
  • BMW
  • Ford
  • Audi
  • Hyundai
  • Seat
  • Cupra

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Comparison of car subscription providers

An overview of the most important car subscription providers on the German market as well as their services and benefits.

Provider FINN Faaren Like2Drive Sixt+ ViveLaCar KINTO Flex Care by Volvo
Info
Price
Minimum Duration 6 or 12 months 1 month 6 or 12 months 1 month, 6 months, 12 months 3 months 6 months 36 months or flexible from 3 months
Notice Period After Minimum Duration Fixed contract term, subscription ends automatically 1 month Fixed contract term, subscription ends automatically monthly 3 months Fixed contract term, subscription ends automatically 3 months
Registration Fee none none none €199 (1 month), €99 (6 months), €0 (12 months); no fee for electric cars none none none
Free Kilometers/Month Kilometer packages from 1000 to 5000 km 1250 km/month, 3330 km/month, 5000 km/month Various kilometer packages Standard: 500 km/month, additional packages up to 5000 km/month Different kilometer packages depending on the model Included kilometers depending on selected duration Kilometer packages from 10,000 to 60,000 km/year
Availability Delivery time 2-4 weeks Delivery time 1-5 weeks Delivery time 10-20 weeks Delivery time 1-4 weeks Partially available immediately, otherwise within a few weeks Delivery time 6-8 weeks Delivery time 4-14 weeks
Delivery Costs none Depends on distance between delivery location and car location €249 none, delivery only in certain cities €249 Pickup at Toyota dealer Pickup at Volvo dealer
Pickup Costs No pickup possible none none none €249 none none
New or Used Cars No information New or nearly new cars New or nearly new cars All cars are new or like new (max. 12 months old) New or used cars New or used cars New cars
Number of Models >40 >80 >50 30 >80 6 12
Car Brands Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Jeep, Polestar, Range Rover, Skoda, Tesla, VW Audi, BMW, Cupra, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Tesla, VW Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Opel, Porsche, Seat Audi, BMW, Lynk & Co, MG, Opel, Polestar, VW BMW, Citroen, Cupra, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Seat, Skoda, Tesla, Volvo, VW Toyota Volvo
Electric Car Subscription Available?
Private / Business Private / Business Private / Business Private / Business Private / Business Private / Business Private / Business Private / Business
Requirements From 18, driver’s license, residence in Germany From 18, driver’s license, residence in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, credit check From 21 or 25 depending on the model, driver’s license, residence in Germany, EU bank account From 18, driver’s license, credit check From 21 or 25 depending on the model, driver’s license, residence in Germany, credit check From 18, driver’s license, down payment, credit check From 18, driver’s license, down payment, credit check

How much does a car subscription cost?

How much a car subscription costs depends primarily on the subscriber's wishes: Depending on the brand, equipment, mileage package or additional service, monthly subscription prices range from €200 to several thousand euros. It is advisable to compare car subscription providers and their offers in advance to find the right subscription for your budget.

Flexible car subscriptions are in vogue and therefore there are now a variety of car subscriptions and the costs can vary greatly depending on the car make and model as well as the contract term. Initially, car subscriptions are generally more expensive than conventional car ownership. However, as they are all-inclusive packages that cover all costs from registration to tire changes in the monthly price, car subscriptions can be a cheap alternative, especially for short periods of time.

Prices for car subscriptions start at around €200 per month. In this price range, you can get a small car or compact SUV. Larger vehicles or premium models usually cost well over €500 or even €1000 per month. However, if you look at the total cost of a car, you quickly realize that the prices appear higher than they are at first glance.

Which factors influence the cost of a car subscription at a glance:

  • Make and model of the vehicle: With a car subscription, drivers can choose from a wide range of different vehicles and models - from small cars from VW or Opel, to premium models from Audi, BMW or Mercedes, to electric cars from Tesla or Cupra.
  • Subscription term: The term of the car subscription varies depending on the provider. It is usually 6 or 12 months, but some providers also offer flexible subscriptions with a minimum term of 1 month. The advantage of a longer subscription is often a lower monthly rate compared to the flexible monthly rate.
  • Free kilometers and kilometer packages: Many providers offer free kilometers between 10,000 and 20,000 kilometers per year or 1,250 inclusive kilometers per month. If the pre-selected amount is exceeded, the additional kilometers will be charged. The costs for additional kilometers are normally 10 to 20 cents per kilometer. Subscribers should be careful, however, as the number of additional kilometers is usually limited to 200 to 500 kilometers per month, depending on the provider. However, surcharges can usually be reduced by booking mileage packages early.

Are there also electric cars on subscription?

In addition to combustion engines and plug-in hybrids, there are also electric cars on subscription. In fact, some providers have even specialized in electric cars and mainly offer them. Subscription models are particularly interesting for electric cars, as the new drive technologies can be tried out here due to the short terms.

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Requirements for a car subscription

The detailed requirements for taking out a car subscription usually depend on the car subscription provider. It goes without saying that subscribers must be at least 18 years old (or older for special models) and have a valid driver's license. In addition, a place of residence or business in Germany (for some providers also Austria or Switzerland) is usually required, as well as a positive credit check.

These are the requirements for a car subscription:

  • Minimum age 18 years or older
  • Valid driving license
  • Residence in Germany
  • Sufficient creditworthiness

Advantages and disadvantages of a car subscription

Cost transparency

Taxes, insurance and other fixed costs are already included in the monthly installment. This makes the car subscription more transparent for the user than any other form of car ownership.

No residual value risk

Subscribers have nothing to do with resale and losses when changing vehicles. The comparison with purchased new cars that are only kept for one to three years is particularly worthwhile. Here, the subscription has huge financial advantages, as the loss in value of the car is particularly high during this period.

Uncomplicated processing

Ordering and paying for the car subscription is usually completely digital. There are no appointments with the authorities for registration and deregistration, which saves time and paperwork. In addition, subscription cars are usually delivered conveniently to your front door.

Advantages and disadvantages at a glance

Advantages

  • Flexibility due to short contract terms
  • Simple and quick registration process, usually completely digital
  • Cross-manufacturer and cross-model offers
  • Subscribers can test various technologies (hybrid or electric cars)
  • Some providers also offer a purchase option at the end of the contract

Disadvantages

  • Start or registration fee possible
  • The number of included kilometers can be low
  • Car is only rented, not owned
  • Takeover date can rarely be planned precisely
  • Some providers have restrictions such as minimum age or annual mileage
  • Vehicles are preconfigured, no more changes possible

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Stefan Wendering
Stefan is a freelance author and editor at NAVIT. Previously, he worked for startups and in the mobility sphere. He is an expert in urban and sustainable mobility, employee benefits, and New Work. In addition to creating blog content, he also produces marketing materials, taglines, and website content, as well as case studies.
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