Can the car subscription keep these promises?

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I have a black Ford Fiesta in front of me. Shiny, compact, brand new. The inside smells like only new cars can smell. Even though it’s a small car, it’s really important when it comes to equipment, especially in terms of safety and comfort. Lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera, steering wheel heating, sports seats. Carvolution Sales Manager Rinaldo Linder lists how many cars you can buy with this model.

The brand new Ford Fiesta ST-Line X would have cost me 478 francs a month instead of 506 francs thanks to the March campaign: a two-year period, 850 kilometers per month, driven on my behalf in Zurich. That means I can get a built-in parking card. All in all, a cheap and flexible solution that doesn’t require a large initial investment.

But let’s start over: I’ve been reporting on Carvolution regularly for two years. Compare subscription, rental and purchase. Talk to customers. The Bernese start-up advertises its car subscription as “simple, flexible and inexpensive”. The monthly fixed price includes everything except fuel or charging current. In addition, the route to your own car can be made entirely online: from choosing the right model, to advice in live chat or by e-mail, to conclusion of the contract.

I would like to know if it really is that easy – and contact me as a privately interested party via the chat window on the Carvolution website. “I’m looking for a compact family car. Not too big, economical, automatic,” I write. Six seconds later, Simon answers and asks to see which model might fit.

Eleven minutes after initial contact, he sent me a link with three suggestions, including a Ford Fiesta. I want to see the vehicle in place, sit, test drive and make an appointment. Shortly after I got a call and could arrange a visit to Bannwil BE.

The exchange of ideas with the Carvolution team was generally pleasant. The promise of “simple and flexible” has already been fulfilled when it comes to advice. But it should be even better.

A few days after the first contact, I stop at the Carvolution hall in Bannwil. An outstanding industrial building in the country. Woolly pigs graze outside. Inside, several dozen cars shine through the competition. That’s all for bling bling. Otherwise: a warm welcome, coffee and friendly staff.

Unlike a traditional branded garage, there is no flashy showroom. A wide variety of brands and models stand side by side here. Some have their license plates installed and are ready to ride for customers, according to Rinaldo. First of all, three vehicles are displayed in a presentation area. Next to each of them is a screen with the name of the customer. “They’ll be picked up today,” Rinaldo says. Even if Carvolution delivers them right to the front door, many people want to pick up their cars in Bannwil. In addition to the coffee, there are also explanations about the functions of the vehicle if you wish.

My onsite visit whets the appetite for “more cars”. I feel like a child who is overwhelmed by what is offered in the toy section. “My” Ford has a yellow VW ID on the face. Buzz is the electric version of the popular Bulli. This would of course be the coolest family vehicle. Or the Audi Q2, which has a lot of cargo space, promises greater visibility and comfort, and starts at 612 francs per month.

But first, Rinaldo drove the Ford Fiesta for me. The Chief of Sales is well prepared: He also has the keys to a Ford Puma, as I am looking for a family car. Because the compact SUV offers more space with prices starting from CHF 553 per month.

I’m getting in the car. Check the view, check the mounts and the big screen. Test rear seat legroom, estimate trunk space. Rinaldo answers all my questions. Let me know how the subscription works, if I want to extend the period or change vehicles.

The Fiesta was recommended to me based on my size and budget preferences. Mild hybrid with petrol engine (consumption 6.1 l/100 km). With a mileage of 850 kilometers and heavy city traffic, that costs about 100 francs in fuel per month, I calculate out loud.

An electric car would be more contemporary anyway, I tell Rinaldo. But as a city dweller without your own parking it gets tricky: I can’t charge in the blue zone. Garage areas with charging stations are still rare and very expensive, I justify my choice of internal combustion engine. Rinaldo says I need to rethink here. Electric cars now have a wide range and do not need to be connected to the grid every day. But it would be too cumbersome for me to always upload it publicly.

Rinaldo is a car professional, you can tell that at any time. He takes me and my needs seriously. He gives advice but doesn’t convince me of anything. He explains the car and its extensive functions without making a fool of me. It also provides detailed answers to questions about subscription, such as duration, mileage package or refund. As a potential Carvolution customer, I feel valued and comfortable.

At the end of the visit, I can take the offer with me right away. If I accept the deal, I can leave the Carvolution salon in Bannwil in my new car in about three weeks. I want to know why I couldn’t take the car with me right away. Rinaldo laughs: “In principle, with pleasure, of course. But we are happy to take care of reimbursement and insurance for you, the number from the road traffic authority only takes a few days to arrive.” Also, the car I’m looking at is already reserved for another customer.

While everything is quick and easy in Carvolution, I realize it takes some patience. After all, as soon as I pick up the car, I will never see the salon in Bannwil again until I return it at the earliest. Because Carvolution has partner services for tire change or service nationwide.

The result: From initial contact via the Internet to on-site personal advice, the road to your own car is professional and always friendly. I feel well supported. There are no hidden costs: the price of the service is known from the start. For a clean household budget, parking and fuel expenses should be calculated on a monthly fixed price. Complete.

There is probably no easier or cheaper way to own a car, as the following example shows:

The Ford Fiesta ST-Line X with 125 hp and automatic transmission is currently available at Carvolution for 469 francs per month with a maturity of 24 months and 10,000 kilometers per year, thanks to the Super Savers campaign. Everything is included. Same model with same configuration, no down payment, starting at 554 francs per month for rental. There’s also full coverage insurance, taxes, maintenance, tires. Even at the normal price, Carvolution’s Ford performs better.

Source: Blick

Ella

I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.