Leasing vs. subscription: How transparent are vehicle costs really?

class = “sc-cffd1e67-0 iQNQmc”>

The Audi A1 is available as a subscription for 596 francs per month. This means a total cost of 204 francs less than renting the same car. This is shown in Carvolution’s price comparison. Why does a lower figure still appear on the price tag when renting? This is due to the services offered. In the Carvolution vehicle subscription, everything except fuel is included in the monthly fixed price. In contrast, anyone renting the popular Audi must bear the cost of insurance, taxes, servicing, maintenance and tires and add them accordingly to the rental price.

It is known from consumer psychology that our brain reacts strongly to low prices or discounts. But this can be misleading, especially when it comes to the question of car subscription or leasing. Only those who take total costs into account can compare prices. Various studies show that they are often underestimated when it comes to cars.

Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) calculates that the annual cost for a mid-range car, excluding parking space and fuel, is around 7,500 francs. Total costs include depreciation, amortization, traffic tax, insurance and maintenance costs as fixed costs. Also, tires, service, repairs as well as fuel or electricity are variable costs.

So how can total costs be compared easily and transparently? You should pay attention to this:

For a meaningful comparison, the make, model, engine and equipment must be the same in order to compare vehicles with the same list price.

What is included in the monthly fee? The vehicle subscription includes everything except fuel or charging current. “The subscription price may therefore seem high at first glance compared to the rental fee,” says Léa Miggiano, co-founder of Carvolution. “Is everything really included in the all-in-one price?” asks Carvolution Sales Executive Rinaldo Linder. says one of the most frequently asked questions.

But when renting, as mentioned, there are additional costs for full coverage insurance, taxes, maintenance and tires. These costs must be added to the rental fee to calculate total costs. This is the only way to compare effective costs. There are more tips in the video below.

In vehicle subscription, maintenance and repair costs are included in the price, whereas in rental, these costs belong to the tenant.

Carvolution works with a network of shared garages so that the necessary work can be carried out where it is most practical for the customer. Tire changing and storage also takes place at a tire partner. Invoices go directly to Carvolution.

The car subscription offers an all-round service: everything from payment to driver, taxes, insurance and service to tire changing comes from a single source and is included in the fixed monthly price. All data can be seen at a glance via the Carvolution app. If necessary, the mileage package can also be adjusted there. Tire change or service appointments can also be made digitally. Even in case of malfunction, you can quickly and easily get help or report damage via the application.

When renting, drivers must handle everything themselves and cover their own expenses.

Contract length is important when comparing rental and car subscriptions: the comparison is most objective when the same duration and mileage package is taken into account.

Carvolution also compares shorter subscription periods, such as 12 or 18 months, with longer rental periods. While some cars are only available by subscription for short periods of time, this is usually not possible with rental. Léa Miggiano says you should be aware of this when comparing. Ultimately the comparison is about monthly costs.

The mileage, that is, the kilometers included in the contract, is determined in advance. The mileage limit in rental is valid during the contract period. Additional mileage must be paid; Anyone who drives less is not eligible for a loan.

The Carvolution subscription also comes with a mileage package. However, if you drive more or less, this can be flexibly adjusted monthly via the app. This has a direct impact on the fixed price.

When renting and subscribing a car from Carvolution, the down payment may affect the price of monthly installments. This should also be taken into account for a meaningful comparison.

The shorter the contract period, the higher the monthly fixed price. This applies to both 3 to 48 month subscriptions and rentals. Given technological progress, it would make sense to replace vehicles after two to four years, because then you will be driving with the latest generation.

Leasing is usually done for 36 to 48 months. This also relates to the factory warranty on new cars. When leasing, there is the option to include the right of first refusal in the contract, so drivers can ultimately decide whether they want to purchase or return the car.

Carvolution offers vehicles with fixed terms, for example 24 months. If the contract period can be selected, the vehicle can continue to be used at the end of the minimum period and can be canceled at the end of the month.

If you want to know how the vehicle will affect your budget, you should consider the total costs. Both the Swiss mobility barometer and international studies show that these are often greatly underestimated. When comparing costs, insurance, taxes, service, maintenance and tire expenses should be taken into account. This is the only way to compare a car subscription with a lease, for example.

Source: Blick