For whom is a car subscription in Switzerland worthwhile?

Should I buy or lease my car – or even subscribe to it? The car subscription is becoming increasingly important in Switzerland. We have weighed up the pros and cons for you and show you when and for whom a car subscription makes sense.

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Car subscriptions have been available worldwide for several years. Initially, they were primarily intended for wealthy customers to try out various chic sports cars – but soon the potential of the idea was recognized and expanded. Why buy a car when you only need it for a few months a year? Why choose a certain model when you might want to try another one in six months? Since 2018, there have also been numerous providers of car subscriptions in Switzerland. We give you an overview here and show you when a car subscription is worthwhile for you.

What does a car subscription include?

The car subscription includes all costs except refueling. You decide on a car model that you can then drive like your own car during the subscription period – countless brands and models are already available in Switzerland, from the Fiat 500 to the Tesla. The cheapest car plans start at around 500 francs per month, with subscription terms ranging from 1 to 36 months.

Advantages and disadvantages of a car subscription

A car subscription is convenient – there's no doubt about that. Your dream car will be delivered to your doorstep, and you will have optimal cost control thanks to the monthly fee. Running costs such as insurance, taxes, tire changes and service are included.

When comparing costs, keep in mind that depending on the provider and the selected mileage package, any costs for additional kilometers may be added. An entrance fee and a deductible are also possible, for example in the event of parking damage

Flexibility is also an important keyword when it comes to car subscriptions. With subscription periods of six months, you can drive sporty in summer and rely on all-wheel drive in winter. If you have a new family, you can switch from a four-seater to a seven-seater - and car fans can try out several brands in turn.

If, on the other hand, you enjoy owning your own car and you like to tinker with the interior and exterior equipment, then the car from the car subscription is not the right solution.

When is a car subscription worthwhile?

… if you only need a car for a certain amount of time

You know that for a certain period of time – several months or one to three years – you'll be driving more often for the job. Until now, there has been no solution to such a situation without a car subscription. The cost of long-term rental is very high – and it's hardly worth buying or leasing a car if it's sitting unused in the parking lot for days or weeks. If the car subscription expires, you simply hand in the car and the issue is settled for you. And if you have taken a liking to it and want to keep the car – there are providers where you can lease or buy the vehicle later on at good conditions.

… if you travel a lot and have little time

If you drive a lot, i.e. drive around 2,000 to 2,500 kilometres per month, you can subscribe to a small car such as a Fiat 500 or a Renault Clio with a frequent driver subscription from around 600 francs per month (for a one-year term, for example). Since the provider takes care of upcoming services, your head remains free for the numerous appointments in your calendar.

… wenn du wenig unterwegs bist und wenig Zeit haben

Wenn du weniger als 800 Kilometer pro Monat zurücklegst, kannst du dich für ein kleines Kilometerpaket entscheiden. Dann kostet der Fiat 500 je nach Anbieter ab 450.- pro Monat für eine Laufzeit von einem Jahr. Je längerfristiger du dabei denkst, desto günstiger ist die monatliche Gebühr. So kostet zum Beispiel der beliebte Ford Ka+ bei einem Abo-Abschluss von 36 Monaten nicht einmal 400.- pro Monat. Auch für dich gilt: das Auto steht auf dem Parkplatz, du zahlst die monatliche Gebühr, und brauchst dir keine weiteren Gedanken zu machen.

… wenn du ein Auto haben möchtest, für einen Autokauf aber zu wenig Reserven auf dem Konto hast

Die Kosten für das Auto-Abo sind übersichtlicher als die Stange Geld, die du für einen Autokauf bereit haben musst. Dazu kommt die Tatsache, dass du ein Auto aus dem Auto-Abo nicht amortisieren musst, und du dich nicht fragen musst, wann und zu welchem Preis du dein Auto später weiterverkaufen kannst.

… wenn du Abwechslung schätzt

Du magst Autos? Dann freust du dich vielleicht über dein neues Auto – und schaust ein Jahr später dann trotzdem neidisch in den Rückspiegel, wenn auf der Autobahn hinter dir die neueste Edition fährt. Oder du liest von Verbesserungen und neuen Leistungen, und möchtst diese gerne ausprobieren bevor du dich für den Kauf entscheidest? Dann ist ein Auto-Abo, wo du nach Ablauf der Abolaufzeit eine andere Marke, ein anderes Modell ausprobieren kannst, wie gemacht für dich.

… wenn du sportliche Autos liebst

Sie möchtest dir etwas gönnen, und sportlich unterwegs sein? Mit einem Auto-Abo kannst du zum Beispiel einen Audi R8 einen Monat lang fahren, als wäre er dein Eigener. Oder einen Tesla Model 3. Oder einen Toyota Supra 3.0. oder oder oder…

Conclusion – there are many reasons for a car subscription

You can see it for yourself – the car subscription is a solution for very different requirements. Whether you're a sports car fan or a city runabout, a frequent or infrequent driver, you're sure to find a solution that is worthwhile for you among the wide range of offers for a car subscription in Switzerland.