A few years ago, I was stuck in what I like to call the “money pit cycle” with my car. It was a 10-year-old sedan that seemed to have a new problem every month. One month it was the alternator, the next it was the brakes, then the air conditioning decided to give out during a summer heatwave. Each repair cost hundreds of dollars, and just when I thought I was done, something else would break. In total, I was spending $2,500 a year on repairs just to keep my old car running.
Frustrated and desperate for a solution, I started exploring alternatives. That’s when I stumbled upon car subscription services. At first, I was skeptical. The idea of subscribing to a car sounded weird—like subscribing to Netflix, but for wheels. But after doing the math and weighing my options, I realized that a car subscription could free me from unexpected repair costs, insurance headaches, and even the stress of ownership.
Here’s how switching to a car subscription service saved me thousands of dollars and why it might be the solution you didn’t know you needed.
What Exactly Are Car Subscription Services?
Before I dive into how much I saved, let me explain what a car subscription service is. Think of it as a mix between leasing and renting a car, but with more flexibility and less hassle. Instead of buying a car outright or committing to a long-term lease, you pay a monthly fee to use a vehicle. This fee typically covers:
- Car Payment
- Insurance
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Roadside Assistance
- Registration Fees
Most subscription services let you swap cars every few months, and some even offer month-to-month flexibility. Essentially, you’re paying for convenience and peace of mind.
Why I Considered a Car Subscription
I was at a crossroads. My old car was unreliable, and I was tired of the constant repair bills. Buying a new car felt like too big of a commitment, and leasing required a fixed-term contract. I wanted something flexible, predictable, and stress-free. That’s when a friend told me about car subscriptions.
After some research, I found a few popular services like:
- Care by Volvo
- Fair
- Subscribe with Enterprise
- Flexdrive
These services promised a hassle-free experience with everything bundled into one monthly payment. The idea of no more surprise repair bills or insurance shopping was incredibly appealing.
My First Experience with a Car Subscription
I decided to give it a shot. I signed up for a 6-month subscription with a service called Fair. For $500 a month, I got a nearly new Toyota Corolla. This monthly fee included:
- Comprehensive insurance
- All maintenance and repairs
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Flexible terms (I could cancel anytime after 6 months)
At first, $500 a month seemed steep. But when I compared it to what I was spending on my old car, the numbers made sense.
My Old Car Costs
- Monthly Repair Costs: $200 (averaged over the year)
- Insurance: $120/month
- Registration and Taxes: $30/month
- Total: $350/month
And that was for a car that still broke down regularly!
My Subscription Costs
- Monthly Fee: $500 (including everything)
The difference was $150 more per month, but with zero repair costs, no insurance shopping, and complete peace of mind. Plus, I got to drive a newer, more reliable car.
How Car Subscriptions Saved Me Thousands
1. No More Surprise Repair Bills
With my old car, repair bills would pop up out of nowhere. A $400 alternator here, a $600 brake job there. These expenses always seemed to strike at the worst possible time. With the car subscription, all maintenance and repairs were covered. I didn’t have to budget for unexpected breakdowns or worry about getting stranded on the side of the road.
In the 6 months I used the subscription, I avoided an estimated $1,250 in repairs based on my old car’s track record.
2. Insurance Was Included
Shopping for car insurance was always a hassle. Rates would fluctuate, renewals were stressful, and any claim would spike my premium. The subscription service included comprehensive insurance with a set deductible, so I didn’t have to worry about rate increases or finding the best deal. This saved me about $120 a month and eliminated the headache of dealing with insurers.
3. Predictable Monthly Costs
One of the biggest perks was knowing exactly what I was paying each month. The fixed $500 fee covered everything, making it easier to budget. No more surprise expenses throwing off my finances.
4. No Long-Term Commitment
I liked the fact that I wasn’t locked into a multi-year contract. After the initial 6 months, I could return the car, swap it for a different one, or extend the subscription. This flexibility gave me the freedom to adapt my transportation to my needs without being stuck.
5. Driving a Newer, Safer Car
My old car lacked modern safety features like backup cameras, lane-keeping assist, and automatic braking. The subscription car had all these features, making me feel safer on the road. If I’d wanted these features in a car I owned, I would’ve had to buy or finance a much newer (and more expensive) vehicle.
Breaking Down the Savings
Here’s how much I saved by switching to a car subscription for 6 months:
- Repair Costs Avoided: $1,250
- Insurance Savings: $720 ($120/month x 6 months)
- Total Savings: $1,970**
Even though the subscription cost me an extra $150 per month compared to my old car, the savings on repairs and insurance more than made up for it. Plus, the convenience and peace of mind were priceless.
Is a Car Subscription Right for You?
While car subscriptions aren’t for everyone, they can be a game-changer if:
- You’re Tired of Repair Costs: If you drive an older car that constantly needs repairs, a subscription might save you money and stress.
- You Value Flexibility: If you don’t want to commit to a long-term lease or purchase, subscriptions give you options.
- You Need Predictable Expenses: One monthly fee covering everything makes budgeting easier.
- You Want a Newer Car Without Buying: Subscriptions let you drive a newer car with modern features without a big financial commitment.
My Takeaway: Freedom from the Money Pit
Switching to a car subscription service gave me freedom—freedom from repair bills, insurance headaches, and the constant worry that my car would break down. While I eventually decided to buy a used car after my subscription ended, those 6 months gave me the breathing room I needed to make a smarter purchase.
If your car feels like a money pit, a subscription service might be the break you need. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about saving your sanity, too.
