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With the internet helping to make subscription models more popular over the last decade and a half, it makes sense that the motor industry has adopted this service method to help customers get their hands on new vehicles.
Currently, there are multiple car subscription providers in the UK to help you get your hands on your next pair of wheels, yet with that amount of choice, it can be hard to know which providers offer the best service.
No matter if you’re looking to get a subscription of a specific model or engine type, or are flexible, here’s a look at some of the best car subscription providers that you should consider.
If you’re looking for a new or used car and want to consider other car buying methods, you can find out more information on Car Adviser.
| Provider | Customer rating | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Onto | 4.7/5.0 | on.to |
| Mycardirect | 4.7/5.0 | mycardirect.com |
| Wagonex | 4.4/5.0 | wagonex.com |
| Flexed | 4.8/5.0 | flexed.co.uk |
| Flexigo | 4.5/5.0 | flexigocars.uk |
| Elmo | 4.7/5.0 | elmodrive.com |
| Cocoon | 4.7/5.0 | cocoonvehicles.co.uk |
| Hyundai Mocean | 1.0/5.0 | mocean.com |
| Genesis Flexibility | 2.8/5.0 | genesis.com |
| Pivotal | 4.1/5.0 | drivepivotal.com |
| Volvo | 3.5/5.0 | volvocars.com |
| Loopit | 4.0/5.0 | loopit.co |
Car subscriptions are a relatively new way of buying and owning a vehicle and are something that is only recently growing in popularity. Instead of purchasing a vehicle outright or needing to be accepted for a finance scheme to fund a car, a car subscription service is an alternative option that allows you to pay comparably small monthly fees for your car.
It operates similarly to Netflix and other subscription services – you get a continuous service with no restrictions and pay each month. Unlike getting a lease or another finance deal, you’re not tied to a single car for a long-term contract. Instead, with a car subscription service, there’s the opportunity to get a new car every year and even every six months, allowing you to stay current and up-to-date with the best vehicles.
A car subscription service will also usually get you additional benefits while you’re under your subscription. You can expect things such as roadside assistance and maintenance. This allows a car subscription to be a more complete solution to getting a new car and is an exciting development in the auto industry.
When you join a scheme from one of the many car subscription providers reviewed by Car Adviser, it’s essential to understand that you do not get ownership of the car. Instead, you’ll just become a named driver. However, you won’t be able to sell the car or anything like that and will have to return the vehicle once you’ve cancelled your subscription.
For many people, being able to drive new, modern cars is an excellent trade-off for not being able to own them. However, if you’d rather have the security of owning your car, this model may not be your best option.
One of the best ways of getting a car subscription is by using the official service offered by a manufacturer. When you choose this option, you’ll get access to the latest vehicles from your favourite car makers. This can be a more secure way of subscribing to a car, and you’ll also likely get additional services and aftercare.
Below we listed some of Car Adviser’s best manufacturer car subscriptions in the UK that you should consider.
Although you can go and subscribe to cars directly from specific brands, plenty of top manufacturers still don’t yet offer this service. Despite that, you can still get access to these vehicles by using a different kind of subscription provider that offers multiple cars from different manufacturers in their catalogues.
These options can also be potentially cheaper than going directly to the manufacturer. However, you may not get some extra perks and aftercare that you can expect when you go directly with a brand.
We had a look at some of Car Adviser’s best car subscription providers that don’t focus on providing a car from certain manufacturers and are likely found online.
There are many great benefits to subscribing to cars, which is why it’s becoming a trendy option within the UK. The specific benefits will differ between providers, as some will offer more perks than others. With that said, there are still many positives that you can expect from the best car subscription service.
One benefit many drivers are capitalising on is that a subscription model is far more flexible. You don’t need to commit to a long-term contract that spans years, and you can instead cancel your contract after a few months.
Some car subscription providers will require a notice period, typically three months. Still, then after that, you’ll be able to leave without having to pay any cancellation fees or without owing any money.
Not having to be tied into a contract gives excellent freedom to drivers, as it allows them to continue searching for the best deal for them and also suits those who only need a car for a short period. Plus, because of their flexibility, you can easily upgrade your vehicle and get a new model as part of your current subscription, which is excellent for those who want to experience the cutting-edge in motoring.
Another massive benefit of car subscriptions is that the cars you get are typically new and will be no older than three years old. This allows you to try the best models and is a massive draw for most car enthusiasts.
Car subscription services aren’t completely flawless, and even the best car subscription providers will have drawbacks that you’ll have to consider to ensure that it’s the best option for you.
The biggest negative you’ll have to deal with when getting a car subscription is that it’s a pretty expensive way of getting your hands on a car. Although the monthly fees are smaller and could be more affordable, especially if you don’t have a large lump sum available to buy the car outright, over a year, you could end up paying more than you would with other finance methods.
The reason why car subscriptions are more expensive is that as well as the car, you’re also paying for other services, such as roadside assistance and road tax and insurance, which many car subscription providers will handle on your behalf. This makes getting a car more convenient, but you will pay more for the pleasure.
Other extra costs may make it even more expensive, such as service fees, delivery fees, maintenance fees, and others, depending on your circumstances. All in all, you can easily pay around £150-£200 more monthly on your car subscription than you would if you leased it. That said, it’s still cheaper than hiring a car from a rental company.
Another negative against car subscriptions is they do come with limitations on the car’s usage. For example, most will have a mileage cap, meaning you can’t exceed a certain amount of miles during your subscription. If you do, you’ll likely have to pay extra. This can affect how you plan to use your vehicle, as it may mean that you’ll be unable to make many long-distance trips with it.
You could also be restricted on who can use the car, although this depends on the provider, as some will offer free secondary drivers to be added to the service, although this isn’t the case for all of them.
Another slight issue with car subscriptions is that most will require you to have a good credit rating to get one. This means that if you currently have a poor credit score, you may struggle to be accepted, especially if you’re looking at luxury car subscription providers.
Having a better understanding of the pros and cons of car subscriptions can help you decide if it’s an option that suits your needs and lifestyle.
Now that you have a more comprehensive understanding of car subscriptions, here’s a look at some of the top brands you can get subscriptions from, ranging from individual manufacturers to digital companies offering multiple brands.
Onto is a car subscription provider that focuses on providing electric cars only. If you want to experience electric vehicles, Onto can be a good option as they’re all-inclusive and offer a wide array of cars for a reasonable price.
There’s no deposit with Onto, and for your monthly payment, you get insurance, breakdown cover, servicing, road tax, and 750 miles a month which can be increased. Unlike other electric-only car subscriptions, you also get charging included with no extra fee.
To browse cars on Onto, you’ll have to register by uploading your license and a selfie. You’ll also have to pay to have the car delivered to you, which is unusual for many other car subscription services.
Despite that, Onto is unique as, unlike other subscription services, it can be cheaper than leasing a car, making it an excellent option for those wanting to save money. You can also swap your car monthly, allowing you to drive multiple cars.
Onto have multiple great reviews, with people praising how the service has been simple and easy from start to finish. The customer service has been said to go the extra mile and that the service is excellent value for money.
There are some complaints, however, with some people saying that there are many additional charges that you may have to pay and that it can take time for issues to be resolved and repairs to be made.
Pros
Cons
Mycardirect gives you access to new cars or vans via a subscription method, with the vehicle delivered directly to your door. There are no long-term contracts or hidden charges when you use Mycardirect. You just pay monthly and receive an all-inclusive service.
Mycardirect includes MOT, maintenance, and road tax in its service, meaning that there’s less admin that you have to worry about. With that said, you don’t get insurance, and you don’t get any cover for accidental damages.
When you get a car subscription to Mycardirect, you’ll have to pay an initial £250 joining fee. You’ll also have to pay a deposit of another £250-£500. This isn’t standard among other car subscription providers, making the service a bit more expensive than others. It means that initially, Mycardirect can be pretty expensive.
However, once you’ve paid, you’re a member for life, and the subscription costs of their vehicles are low. Plus, the ability to subscribe for a van makes Mycardirect stand out among other options.
Many people praise this option, as many tradespeople values the ability to get a van on a flexible agreement. People also praise how flexible to options are, as you can get contracts that last months or contracts that span over a year.
With that said, some people have complained about the initial costs of this subscription service, and because of that, it may not be the best car subscription service, although it is still a good option.
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Cons
If you’re a fan of Volvo, their subscription service is a good option to help you get their latest models. With Care by Volvo, you’ll be able to get their latest models for a fixed monthly cost and be able to cancel your subscription easily with just a three-month notice period.
Volvo is a good option, especially for those on a budget, because there’s no deposit or joining fee. Instead, you pay your monthly subscription with no hidden costs. Their service is all-inclusive, meaning you’ll get services, maintenance, cover for wear and tear, vehicle tax, and so much more.
With Care by Volvo, you can have a flexible plan, or you can get a fixed 36-month contract where you can pay lower monthly prices.
You can get multiple types of cars, including fully electric or hybrid vehicles, with costs ranging from £600 a month to £1200, depending on the car you choose.
Past customers praise the service options, as you can access a wide array of vehicles and build a contract that suits you. Many also talk about the benefit of having no additional costs, which helps to keep the overall costs down.
Some complaints have been made against their customer services, with some claiming that they’ve been tough to deal with and that when returning a car, they can be very stern in looking for damages. This could have you paying more if they find any perceived issues with it.
Pros
Cons
Pivotal is a subscription service offered by both Jaguar and Land Rover, allowing you to get your hands on either of these two luxury brands. The service gives you access to the latest, top models for both brands and also allows you to update and swap your vehicle every six months, giving you plenty of opportunities to try all that this manufacturer offers.
To get this service, you must first join the scheme with an initial payment of £550, including VAT. After that, you can then choose your subscription model. Pivotal has multiple tiers, starting at Blue, their cheapest at £850 a month. There are additional tiers like Indigo, Violet, and their top level, Ultraviolet, which gives you access to their premium vehicles for £2000 a month.
Pivotal allows you to pause your car subscription after three months and also gives you road tax, servicing, and insurance for two drivers.
Current customers praise the service for its flexibility and ease of use, with many also praising the professionalism of the customer service. The choice of cars is also a great highlight for many people.
There are a few complaints about extra charges and hidden fees. Plus, some customers have had to pay massive charges for light repairs and damages that occurred during their ownership.
Pros
Cons
Genesis offers a subscription service for their luxury vehicles, which can be a good option for those who want to experience the cars this brand offers.
With Genesis Flexibility, you’ll be able to drive a Genesis without officially owning one. You get your choice of model, support from a dedicated personal assistant, servicing, roadside assistance, and the option to flex the duration of your subscription, making the service perfect for those with differing needs.
When getting a car from Genesis Flexibility, the vehicle will be delivered to you free of charge, and you’ll have to option to swap it for a new model every six months. All the models you can get are factory new, meaning they wouldn’t have been driven or owned by anyone before you.
Unfortunately, Genesis Flexibility does not include insurance, which many other car subscriptions do. The cars also have a pretty low annual mileage limit of 10,000, which is lower than the average you’ll likely drive in a year, meaning that you may be limited to how much you can use the car.
People praise Genesis Flexibility for being efficient and professional with good customer service. However, people do complain about some of the restrictions on usage and how difficult it is to be eligible for the service.
Pros
Cons
Despite having a pretty poor rating on Trustpilot, you shouldn’t be put off by Hyundai’s Mocean service, as it’s an excellent option for getting your hands on the top models Hyundai offers.
When you get a car from Mocean, you don’t have to pay anything upfront, not even a deposit, and you will have the flexibility to cancel, pause, and restart your subscription whenever you want.
Unlike a few other options reviewed, you can have comprehensive insurance included with this car subscription option, as well as the typically servicing and maintenance that you can expect from the best car subscription service.
You also get breakdown cover and road tax included, meaning all you need to worry about when getting a Hyundai car from Mocean is fueling and driving it.
This makes Mocean a pretty convenient experience, especially if you don’t have to commit to a long-term contract and can cancel your subscription after a very short period.
Although new, the cars you can get with Mocean are much cheaper than some of the other manufacturer-specific services, with vehicles costing around £250-£400 a month.
Mocean also runs various promotions on some of its vehicles, giving you one month free and other perks.
Common praises from current customers mention the value for money of this service and also how beneficial having insurance and other essentials sorted for you. The customer service is also said to be excellent.
However, one of the biggest complaints against Hyundai Mocean is that the quality of vehicles isn’t always that great. Many people say that their car has had issues and faults that take a while to be fixed and repaired. Common issues include problems with the GPS, aircon, and other quality of life features.
Pros
Cons
Cocoon is a car subscription service that gives you access to various cars, either on a subscription or as a short-term lease.
You can get multiple types of cars, be it diesel, electric, hybrid, or petrol. You can also get luxury brands such as Audi and Bentley or more budget-friendly options such as Nissan, Hyundai, and Skoda. This makes this provider an excellent choice for everyone.
Among the reviews Cocoon has received, one of the common praises is that the customer services were very helpful and professional. Many other reviewers also said that the company was easy to deal with and that the process was seamless from start to finish.
Some people have complained that the service isn’t the cheapest out there and that you can find other car subscription providers for less. However, they recognise that the price is worth the quality that you get.
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking to drive the latest electric vehicles, then Elmo can be a great option if you want to subscribe to a car. With this service, you’ll be able to get your own electric car for as long as you want it, and you’ll only have to pay one monthly payment.
Unlike some other providers, there’s no deposit to pay, and you get an all-inclusive package regardless of what model you get. Insurance is covered when you hire an electric car with Elmo, and you also get the standard maintenance and repairs.
Extra things like road tax and congestion charges are also managed by the provider, making it a good option for those driving in cities with these congestion zones.
Although not in their basic subscription, you can add a home charging point and public charging for an extra fee. If this is your first time getting an electric car, then this added service is pretty much essential.
You can get cars from multiple manufacturers, including Jaguar and Fiat, and prices can range from £400-£1500 a month, depending on what you hire.
Past customers praise Elmo for their customer service as well as the volume of cars that they offer. Many customers also highlighted the booking process and delivery as being smooth and a breeze for many.
There were only a handful of complaints, with a few stating that their eligibility criteria can be hard to pass. Some also said that the process wasn’t adequatly explained to them, which made it harder to control their service.
Despite this, Elmo seems to be one of the best car subscription service, especially if you’re looking for an electric vehicle.
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Cons
Loopit is a bit of a unique car subscription provider. Instead of offering its own fleet of vehicles, it is a management system to allow other providers to offer subscription services. This means that Loopit is a great tool for dealerships who want to offer a subscription service easily.
For customers looking to subscribe to a car, you can find car subscription providers near you by signing up for the service. When you subscribe, you’ll be able to choose from over 27,000 vehicles worldwide. Although you’ll be getting you’re car from an independent business; it will be managed by Loopit’s robust management platform, which will make it easy to see the status of your subscription and more.
Users of Loopit praise the service as once you’re registered, it can make it easier to find the right car to subscribe to, meaning that you’ll be able to choose from a higher amount of vehicles. People also like the platform interface, as it makes communicating and organising subscriptions for customers and business owners easier.
With that said, a complaint against Loopit is that needing to sign-up can make it a bit less accessible for people, as it’s hidden away from people behind an initial paywall. It is not as convenient as other providers, as you can’t simply search for a car. Plus, it’s also hard to find a reliable rating for Loopit, as there are few reviews online for the service.
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Cons
Wagonex is a service that gets you in contact with multiple partners to allow you to find a car subscription that suits you.
When getting a subscription with Wagonex, you’ll be able to choose numerous contract options ranging from a single month to two years, making it very flexible.
Wagonex also offers a comprehensive service, as you’ll get roadside assistance, road tax, services, and maintenance. Although these extras are pretty standard across the industry, you can also add insurance to your subscription to make it even more inclusive.
Wagonex is also said to be very fast to use, as you’ll be able to get your car in no time, which is excellent for those in a rush who need a new vehicle immediately.
You can get multiple cars, including vans and electric vehicles, helping you select from a wide range of cars. The prices vary a lot on Wagonex, with their cheapest cars costing just under £200 a month, whereas their most expensive cars can cost over £2000 a month.
People praise Wagonex for its speed of checkout and ease of use, and many also say that delivery is very reliable.
However, people have said that the service can be lacking, especially as it’s not as comprehensive as some other options.
Pros
Cons
Flexed is a standard car subscription service that allows you to get a car for as short as 28 days or as long as 12 months. This means that the service is very flexible and is great for people who need a car short term.
You can get multiple types of vehicles from Flexed, including luxury cars like Mercedes and BMWs, or more budget, everyday options like Volvo or Skoda. You can get your vehicle replaced and swapped every 6-months, and you also get access to emergency breakdown assistance, vehicle recovery, and road tax.
With that said, the service isn’t as comprehensive as others, as you don’t get maintenance, wear and tear cover, MOT, or insurance, which many other providers offer.
Flexed is an awkward car subscription provider, as they have conflicting reviews on multiple platforms. Although it has a good score on Reviews.co.uk, its Trustpilot score is poor, with 2.9/5.
Across both websites, people praise the service and talk about how easy it was to deal with the customer service team. People have also praised how convenient the vehicle drop-off was.
With that said, many people have said they’ve been hit with hidden fees that feel unreasonable.
Pros
Cons
Flexigo is a car subscription service that’s part of the Cocoon group, and because of that, it provides a service that’s similar to Cocoon, as you can get multiple different vehicles. In fact, these two providers offer the same catalogue of cars.
The only difference between Flexigo and Cocoon is that Flexigo offers vechiles to corporate or business accounts, making them a good option for a business that wants to offer company cars as a subscription. Because they have this corporate focus, the contracts are a little bit longer, as each car needs a subscription of at least three months.
If you’re looking to get a car subscription service for your business, this is easily one of the best options. People praise it for being a good service as it offers employees multiple cars and options. It’s also easy to use and has good customer service.
There have been complaints on review websites that there are a few initial costs and extra fees, such as a documentation fee, that can make it a bit more expensive.
Pros
Cons
Getting your car through a subscription is a unique way of financing a vehicle, as instead of buying it outright, you're paying for it each month. This can make it worthwhile for you, as this payment method could be more affordable, depending on your circumstances and if you have a regular monthly income.
Unlike leasing a car, car subscriptions mean that you're not tied to a specific car for the long term. This means that you can replace it with a new model regularly. If you want to experience and drive the latest models, this makes car subscriptions worthwhile.
With that said, over a year's subscription, you'll likely pay more than if you leased or bought the car. You need to consider this when determining if a subscription is worth it for you.
The best UK car subscription providers for 2023 are:
Although most car subscription services market themselves as all-inclusive, this means different things for different providers. For example, one provider may include insurance in their service, while another may not.
This means that insurance is included depending on the specific provider. If you're looking for the best car subscription service, make sure that it includes insurance, as it can help save you money and hassle.
Some providers may allow you to add insurance to your service, although this may cost a bit extra.
In addition to getting insurance, you should expect top-quality car subscription providers to offer road tax, maintenance, and servicing to your contract.
A car subscription is not considered a loan, meaning it shouldn't affect your credit rating, even if you miss a payment.
With that said, many providers may check your current credit score to see if you're eligible and if you can be trusted to keep up with your monthly payments. This means that although your credit score won't be affected, it's still essential when considering car subscriptions, so it's worth your time doing what you can to ensure that you have a good credit rating when applying for a car subscription scheme.
Car subscriptions are designed to be flexible, meaning that many will have pretty low minimum contract lengths. This will depend on your specific provider, but some can be as short as 28 days.
With that said, the average you'll find within the industry is three months, which is still much shorter than other contracts.
You'll also find that many providers have pretty short maximum contract lengths, which cap your subscription to either 12, 18, or 24 months.
You can get a car subscription from a single manufacturer or a company that offers various models and makes. Both have benefits, and one isn't objectively better than the other.
When you get a subscription from a manufacturer, you'll get access to some of their latest models, which can be a great way to drive some of the more cutting-edge vehicles.
In addition, when getting a subscription from a manufacturer, you'll likely be able to swap your car more frequently, giving you access to some of the best models every six months or so.
A manufacturer will likely throw in additional perks when you get a subscription. This can range from servicing being included in the price and a personal assistant.
Of course, the biggest downfall of using a manufacturer subscription service is that you limit the choice of cars you can drive. If you want to experience different makes and models, using a provider like Onto with varying car types might be best.
The cars you can get on subscription services are new and current and won't have much mileage on them when you get them. This is one of the major perks of getting a subscription service for your car, as you can guarantee that you're always driving a vehicle with low wear and some of the more up-to-date features.
How new the car is will depend on the provider. You'll find that most won't be any older than three years old, and if you're using a manufacturer subscription service, you'll likely be getting new cars under six months to a year old.
One of the main things you need to compare when choosing a car subscription service is the maximum mileage you can drive each month. Most services will enforce a limit, typically around 800 miles a month.
If you exceed this limit, you'll be charged extra on your subscription, with a fee based on each mile you exceed.
When looking for the best car subscription provider, try to find one with a more extensive monthly mile limit, as some offer up to 1,250 miles. The average a car travels a year is around 13,500 miles, equating to 1,125 miles a month. This means that if you don't get a subscription with an increased limit, you'll have to use your car much less than average to avoid any extra fees.
In addition to being able to experience new cars and models, there are many other benefits and perks to getting a car subscription. What you get will depend on each unique provider, but there are still some things you can expect everyone to offer.
When you get a subscription, you'll likely have everything you need to drive a car covered in the price. This means that things like road tax, insurance, and maintenance are all included in the price, meaning you don't have to worry about these extra expenses. This can make things pretty convenient, as you'll only have one monthly bill that covers everything to do with your car.
As well as this, some subscriptions will also include roadside assistance, helping you to get support if your car ever breaks down on the side of the road.
Some luxury car subscriptions offer even more benefits, like discounts on some of their partners, personal assistants, and more.
When comparing a car subscription to the amount you'll have to pay to buy the car outright, it can cost more depending on your subscription's length. For example, a subscription of 48 months at £300 a month will cost you £14,400 in total. The car you're driving for that price may only cost £12,000 to buy outright, meaning you're spending more.
That said, the monthly payment model may be more affordable for some who may not have the capital to buy a vehicle all at once but can spread the costs over smaller, regular payments.
Getting a car on a subscription will be more expensive than car finance or leasing. However, this is likely because things like road tax, insurance, and maintenance costs are included in the price of a subscription.
Car subscriptions are not considered credit products. This is because you're not being loaned cash that you must repay. As a result, using a car subscription service will not affect your credit score positively or negatively.
On the other hand, some car subscription services will want to assess your credit history to see if you have a track record of being able to pay for a service like this. Most won't bother completing a hard credit check; others will just be content with assessing your affordability.
This is where they'll analyse your income against current expenses to determine if you have enough money to afford the monthly payments.
If you're deemed not to have the right affordability level for a certain product, you may not be able to obtain certain cars on a subscription.
The majority of car subscription services are all-inclusive, meaning that you get everything you need at the cost of the subscription to be able to drive legally. This means that insurance is included in the price, so you're covered if your car gets into an accident.
The level of insurance you get will depend on the provider, as some will only get the minimum insurance you need, while others can offer a more comprehensive package.
Most car subscription services will include maintenance as part of the subscription. This means that if there are any faults or issues with your car, you can access support and get it fixed at no extra charge.
As well as maintenance, you'll also be able to get services as well, ensuring that the car is always in good condition and that it avoids any issues from materialising.
The regularity you can swap your car will depend on the subscription provider, but on average, you should be able to change your vehicle at least every year, with some allowing you to do it more frequently.
Of course, if you're swapping to a more premium model, then your subscription costs may change, but for most, you'll be charged a flat fee over your subscription term and can change cars when you choose.
Do note that some subscription providers may charge each time you swap a car, so it may end up being an expensive thing to do.
This depends a lot on who you get the car subscription from, so be sure to use this as a factor when deciding the best provider for you. With many, you should be covered to drive abroad without hassle as their insurance can extend to Europe.
You may have to request before you travel, but this will usually be as easy as filling in a form on your account.
If you can drive your car abroad, you'll likely be limited to just 90 days a year, meaning that a car subscription may not be optimal if you make a lot of regular, long-term trips out of the country.
In addition, some providers will require you to have had your subscription for a minimum term before you're allowed to go abroad. This is usually around a month.