Car subscription instead of buying a car – this is how the Auto Flat works

Message from 02/08/2022

Leasing a car has long been an alternative to buying a car. But now a new trend is emerging from the USA: the car subscription, also called car flat. As with leasing, with a car subscription you are the owner, but not the owner of the vehicle. In this way, you can use the car to its full extent, but you do not bear the full risks, such as the car losing its value. We show what a car subscription is all about and when the car flat rate can be worthwhile.

What exactly is a car subscription? As with leasing, with a car subscription you use the vehicle for a fixed period of time without purchasing it. However, this period is significantly shorter. Compared to leasing, car subscribers do not have as many models available - although there are constantly more, as can be seen in the large Mivodo comparison. Some manufacturers also offer individually configurable order trolleys in the car subscription. Everything inclusive except refueling With the car subscription, all ancillary costs are included: - transfer - registration - insurance and vehicle tax - main inspection - maintenance and wear - tire service and an agreed monthly mileage. The customer only has to pay the costs for refueling and, if applicable, a registration fee pay the flat rate. The contract terms for the car subscription are between 1 and 12 months and are therefore significantly shorter than for leasing. Requirements for a car subscription The requirements for concluding a car subscription are similar to leasing: -The place of residence must be in Germany. -The customer must not have any negative SCHUFA entries. -He must be in a secure employment relationship - preferably permanent. -His income must be regular and adequate for the vehicle. -The minimum age for a car subscription is 18 to 25 years, the maximum age is 73 to 75 years. -The customer must have had his driver's license for at least two years . How the car subscription works As with any other subscription, you have to pay a fixed monthly price for the service offered with a car subscription. In this case, the car is the service. The total term of the car flats varies from provider to provider. Some offer flexible termination options, while others categorically rule this out. When is a car subscription worthwhile? A car subscription is always worthwhile when flexibility and mobility are more relevant than having your own vehicle. A car subscription is a sensible way of being mobile, especially for people who do not want to worry about servicing the car – such as registration, repairs or sales. Anyone who needs a car for professional or private reasons for a foreseeable period of time , is usually better served with a car subscription than with leasing. A car subscription can also come to the rescue in special situations: for example, vehicles with disabled-friendly conversions are offered. This can be useful if you are temporarily dependent on a wheelchair due to an accident or an operation. When is a car subscription more worthwhile than car leasing? The all-inclusive flat rate is noticeably more expensive with a car subscription than with car leasing. In the lower segment you can expect a monthly price from 199 euros. However, almost all of the costs have already been factored in. As with leasing, you pay an additional fee for too many kilometers driven. A car subscription is more worthwhile than a leasing contract if you... -... only need a car for a short period of time. -... don't want to deal with insurance, registrations, etc .-… would like to be able to plan costs easily.-… would like to test different models.-… would like a flexible termination option. Conclusion A car subscription can be a sensible alternative to leasing or buying a car. Although the fees are usually higher than for leasing, all costs - except for refueling - are already paid. (prm) agency article