Complete Guide To Car Subscription: Buy or Subscribe a Car? 

During this pandemic, having a personal vehicle has become a need. Buying a car can sometimes be very expensive and a long term commitment. There are many ways to own a car apart from actually buying one. Services like car leasing and subscription let you be a car owner even when you don't buy a car.

Car subscription is maybe one of the simplest ways to own a car. It's all in the name and it's as easy as having a Netflix subscription. You can register online and you will be charged every month. The costs will cover everything from maintenance, servicing and insurance. All you will have to pay for post subscription is fuel charges. Car subscription is the best way to own a car if you want a hassle-free experience.

But just like everything, there are two sides to each story. Car subscription may work for some but it may not for others. This article covers everything you should know before subscribing to a car.
 

What exactly is a car subscription?

Just like leasing, a car subscription can be availed simply by paying a monthly fee during the term of the contract. All the costs like maintenance, servicing, vehicle taxes and insurance are already covered by the monthly fee and you will only have to pay for the fuel charges. The car wash will not be included In the package and should be paid by the subscriber. Unlike car leasing that has a contract of a minimum of 2 years, a car subscription is a short term contract ranging from one to six months. Car subscription can be done both by private as well as commercial users.  
The monthly subscription costs start at around Rs 14,000 plus taxes for a small car e.g. for Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Rs  28,000 plus taxes for a compact SUV e.g. Hyundai Venue to around Rs 33,000 plus taxes for a midsize sedan e.g. Honda City.

How can you subscribe to a car?

Many of the car manufacturers  offer car subscriptions. Websites like MyChoize, Zoomcar offer an easy subscription of a minimum of 1 month. The automobile manufacturers offer only their own models however, the websites have a range of brands to choose from.

Steps to subscribe a car

1. Visit your preferred car subscription website. Select the location, tenure of subscription & Choose the car of your choice
2. Pay a nominal refundable security deposit along with the monthly fees
3. Upload your documents - Driver license and address proof 
4. Get your car delivered to your selected location (doorstep or from a nearest pick-up point across the city)
5. Drive the car for the agreed tenure. At the end of the subscribed period, return the car to your selected drop points (doorstep or from a nearest drop point across the city)

How is subscription different than leasing?

• Leasing is a long term contract ranging from 2-5 years while subscription is done for 1-6 months going up to 2 years.

• Maintenance and insurance are included and fuel charges have to be paid by the subscriber while in leasing, service and maintenance may have to be paid by the person leasing the car, depending on the plan they choose.

• Both leasing and subscription have a kilometer limit every month and additional charges have to be paid if the limit is exceeded.

• Subscription is expensive in long term compared to leasing.

• Leased vehicles can be modified according to the consumer prior leasing in some cases while subscription does not allow any such practice.

Requirements for car subscription:

• Depending on the provider a minimum age of 18-23  is required

• Depending on the provider, a nominal registration fee may have to be paid for first-time subscribers.

• An Indian residential address or a registered company address is required.

• Indian driving license is required.

• A subscription cannot be availed with a negative CIBIL score.

Pros and Cons of Car Subscription:

      Pros:

• Changing to a new car every few months with zero down payment and only monthly fees.

• Inclusive of all services, no hidden charges.

• You can drive a new model with the latest features every few months.

• Short contract terms. That is more freedom and flexibility.

• Easy/ hassle-free registration

      Cons:

• The subscribed car cannot be acquired.

• Depending on the provider and plan, there can be mileage limitations.

• No changes can be done in the vehicle post subscription.

• Usually more expensive than buying or leasing a car.

• Not recommended for long term use.

• On-demand availability may not always be possible across cities

What to look for while subscribing to a car?

Subscribing is the easiest way of owning a car. But the details and terms may differ based on the provider you choose. It's recommended comparing different providers to choose the best option in terms of services and monthly payments. There are few questions you should get answers to when/if you decide to subscribe to a car 

• Does the subscription need any down-payment?

• How much is the kilometer limit?

• How much has it already driven?

• Any new offers?

• How is the car insured? What does the insurance cover?

• Can the car be delivered to the area it is needed?

• Availability of the car model you require and the time it takes to deliver the vehicle.

Should you be getting a car subscription?

Let us pay a little more attention to the disadvantages. You will not be able to modify the car, there will always be a kilometer limit and instant availability may not always be possible , if you can get past these, there should be no issue to get a short term car subscription. Car subscription may be the best option if you are a tourist, traveller, a company wanting to provide its employee temporary private transport facility or an indidivual who uses public transport but needs a personal vehicle just for a few months. 

And If you are on-site for a job, a car subscription can be no less than a blessing. However, if you are planning to keep the car for the long term and need one for heavy usage, leasing or buying is recommended.

Explore MYNEWCAR.in. We are an online marketplace which simplifies the car buying process by providing a transparent, convenient & safe purchasing experience. You can get Brand neutral expert advice, Search Cars, Compare Cars Online, Book a Door-step Test Drive with a click, Get On-Road Price, Offers & Discounts and Book your new Car Online. 

We provide Finance, Car Leasing assistance along with an option to Exchange your car and renew your Car Insurance  with discounts upto 40%, all under one-roof. 

We also bring Latest Automobile News for our readers including Buying Advice, New Car Launch Updates, Car Offers, Reviews and much more. Not just that, MYNEWCAR.in  also provides you with car maintenance tips and car driving tips for your car.

Now you can also sign up for new offer notifications and daily car related updates. For more updates and Latest News Follow Us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Pinterest.