Buying a brand-new car in Tampa Bay is a luxury that many people cannot afford. Even if many cars are more affordable these days, a lot of buyers do not have the financial freedom to have such an investment, Luckily, you have other choices, and one that is worth exploring is a car subscription.
With the best car subscription service, you will be paying a monthly fee (plus a one-time activation fee on some companies). In return, you will receive a car that you can drive as long as the contract allows. The subscription is also often inclusive of maintenance, insurance, and roadside assistance, among other benefits.
Looking for the best car subscription in Tampa Bay? We are here to help you out. Keep on reading and we’ll talk about some of the most important considerations.
Price
The average cost of a brand-new car in the United States crossed the $40,000-mark in 2020. Not only that it became more expensive, but buyers are also paying a higher down payment. With this, it is good to consider a car subscription if you are on a budget. However, the prices differ from one provider to the other, so make sure to evaluate their rates.
It is best to check the websites of at least three companies offering car subscriptions before signing up. Check their rates and find one that will suit your budget. It can be as low as $500 for basic cars. For SUVs and luxury cars, on the other hand, expect to pay $1,000 or more.
Inclusions
One of the selling points of a car subscription is that the monthly fee comes with other perks, although the specific benefits will vary. In most companies, your subscription often comes with maintenance, roadside assistance, and insurance. The more benefits are tied to the contract, the more value for money you will be able to enjoy.
Fleet
Another important consideration would be the vehicle fleet. The more choices are available, the better. Especially when you are picky with the car that you are driving, it is important to choose a company that offers diverse vehicles. From cars to trucks, they should have different options to fit the needs and demands of their customers.
Some car makers like Volvo have their own car subscription service. If you opt for such, your choices are limited to cars from that company. On the other hand, with providers like Sixt+ and Hertz My Car, you can enjoy more diverse options. They have more brands and models available, so you can easily find one that meets your budget, needs, and preferences.
Swapping
Compared to buying a brand-new car or leasing, one of the biggest appeals of car subscriptions is that you can swap your car. This means that you do not have to drive the same car for months or years. You can swap into a new brand or model every month or as often as the contract allows. Nonetheless, take note that this may not be offered by all companies, so make sure to find one with such a benefit.
Mobile App
While it isn’t a must, it is best to choose a car subscription that comes with a user-friendly mobile app. With the latter, you can easily place an order and view the available cars. in a time when we use our smartphones for almost everything, it is good if there is an app that will allow you to request for a car in an instant.
Delivery
Like the mobile app, this is optional for car subscriptions, but you will greatly benefit if the company is offering this service. In the past, you will need to visit a dealership to pick-up the car and return it once you are done with the subscription. Today, however, such is no longer the norm. Instead, the company will send the car in your chosen address and they will pick it up once you are scheduled to return it.
Customer Service
What if there is a problem with the car? What if you want to get in touch with a representative of the company? Things should be easy, so pick a provider that offers exceptional customer service. This is directly related to customer satisfaction. Otherwise, you might end up frustrated. If the company has a mobile app, it is good if there is a live chat feature, so you can immediately connect to one of their representatives if you have concerns.
Limitations
Even in car subscriptions, there’s more than what meets the eye. You should be responsible enough to research the limitations that come with the subscription. For instance, some will have mileage limits. If you go above the limit, then you will pay an additional fee. This is often affordable, but it can quickly add up. Also, some will not allow you to bring the car outside the service area. There are also companies with rules about the use of the cars, such as whether for personal or business. Using the car for business will put more strain on the vehicle, making it prone to wear, so such may not be allowed.
Reviews
It is also best if you take the time to read reviews and learn from the real-life experiences of other people. All that you have to do is to go online and you can read a lot of articles from people who are generous enough to share their opinions about specific companies. Pay attention to the quality of the car and the overall service that is offered. It is better if you can ask around from people you personally know, so that you can be confident that they are sharing genuine words. In the advent of fake reviews, be smart enough to know which reviews are fake.
Conclusion
You have several options when it comes to car subscriptions in Tampa Bay. Nonetheless, this does not mean that they are all the same. from the price to the reviews, take your time to evaluate the alternatives before deciding.