Owning or leasing a car used to be the main ways to get behind the wheel. But now, car subscription services are changing the game. These plans take the idea of leasing to a new level, covering almost everything about car ownership except for the cost of gas. This means you don’t have to worry about unexpected insurance or maintenance costs, as your monthly payment covers all of that.
If you plan to drive one car for a long time, owning a car is more cost-effective. A paid-off car is the best thing for your wallet. But if you don’t want the stress of modern car ownership or you like trying out a new vehicle every few months, car subscription plans are a great option.
Here are the top five car subscription services for 2024. These services cater to different budgets and car types, offering everything from the iconic Porsche 911 to the economical Toyota Prius. They also come with plenty of customization options, making it easy to create a plan that meets your needs.
The Hertz My Car subscription service is very popular. It’s often at full capacity, so you need to watch for when spots open up. This service might not be the best for someone who needs a car immediately, since you can’t just sign up online and start driving. However, if you can wait, Hertz offers great features.
Hertz My Car has three tiers: starting at $599 per month for economy, compact, and mid-size vehicles; $999 for small SUVs, small trucks, and full-size sedans; and $1,399 for regular SUVs, large trucks, and luxury sedans. These prices are competitive, especially since they include insurance, maintenance, the option to exchange your vehicle twice a month, and access to Sirius XM radio.
The selection of cars is impressive, including models like the Mazda 3, Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford F-150, and Cadillac CTS. This variety makes it easy to find a vehicle that fits your needs. Plus, you can swap cars frequently, allowing you to go from a compact city car to a big SUV for a road trip. Keep an eye out for when registration opens if you’re interested.
If you’re into sports cars, the Porsche Drive subscription is a fantastic choice. It’s limited to Porsche vehicles, but you have options like the 911, Macan, Cayenne, and Panamera.
Porsche Drive offers two pricing tiers. The Single-Vehicle Subscription costs $1,800 per month and lets you drive one car for the entire month. You can keep the same car or swap it out at the end of the month. The Multi-Vehicle Subscription costs $4,000 per month and lets you change cars as often as you like. While pricey, the ability to switch Porsches whenever you want is quite appealing.
There are a few limitations, like a base mileage of 1,500 per month and prices that change based on the vehicle you choose. So while it starts at $1,800, you might pay more for the high-end models.
The Care By Volvo subscription service is straightforward. It offers fewer than a dozen SUVs, but they come with premium equipment packages. This gives you access to some of the best and most luxurious models available.
Volvo is known for its safety, and this extends to its subscription service. The plan includes insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance, and additional coverage for wheel and tire protection, meaning you only need to worry about your monthly payment and fuel costs.
Plans start at $833 for the XC40 Plus, which is a bit costly, and you’re limited to 1,250 miles per month. But if you want a simple and luxurious subscription plan, Care By Volvo is worth considering.
SimpleCar doesn’t offer as many options as other services. Your only decision is whether you want a 3rd Gen Prius or a 4th Gen Prius. Everything else is set, making this a good choice if you want a reliable car without hidden fees.
Pricing starts at $599 for a 3rd Gen Prius and $699 for a 4th Gen Prius. You can cancel or change your plan at any time, allowing you to upgrade or downgrade without hassle. Plans include insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance, doorstep delivery, toll road access, and the option to add additional drivers. You’ll also get enrolled in SimpleCar’s gas rebate program, saving you $0.15 on 25 gallons of gas each month.
Of course, not everyone wants a Prius. While it’s affordable for a subscription plan, paying $599 for an economy car might seem steep. But if you want to avoid the hassle of insurance and maintenance, SimpleCar offers a great solution.
Sixt isn’t widely available, but it offers great flexibility. You can choose from a wide range of vehicles, from a Hyundai Kona to a BMW 2 Series, making it easy to find a car that suits your style.
Sixt has reasonable base prices, starting at $449 per month for the Kona and $789 for the BMW 2 Series. However, these prices often exclude mileage and protection plans, which can add hundreds of dollars to your bill. Despite this, the flexibility and variety make Sixt an attractive option.
If Sixt is available in your area, it’s worth a look. Its wide selection of vehicles, reasonable prices, and options to personalize your plan are appealing. Plus, you can cancel monthly, so you’re not tied to a long-term contract.
There are many car subscription services available in 2024, and the number is growing. However, not all of them are worth your time or money. Here’s how we chose the best car subscription services.
Car subscription services can be pricey, but when you consider that most include maintenance, insurance, and roadside assistance, the cost starts to make more sense. Services that offer these features at reasonable prices are preferable.
A big draw of car subscription services is the ability to swap cars regularly. Some services let you change vehicles every month, while others have longer intervals or extra fees. An enticing vehicle roster is important, but even a small catalog can be appealing if it offers affordable and customizable options.
Many services charge for exceeding monthly mileage limits and have activation fees. These are hard to avoid, but services that are upfront about pricing and don’t nickel and dime you are more favorable.
The availability of car subscription services varies by location. People in large cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles have plenty of options, while those in smaller towns might need to travel to find a service. We looked for plans that are widely available across many regions.