Is a car subscription a good way to get a second car?
Nowadays, for most people, it’s hard to imagine life without a second car. According to research, 8.8 million people in the UK lived in a household with two cars in 2020! We also see from our users that many opt for a second electric car before they commit to ditching their existing non-EV.
Whether we commute, travel to see relatives or play taxi for the kids, we often need more than one vehicle!
Subscribing to a car can be a good option for those who need a second car temporarily or want to avoid the commitment of owning a car outright.
Why get a second car in the first place?
There are several reasons why someone might want a second car:
- To have a backup vehicle in case of emergencies - A second car can provide peace of mind if your primary vehicle is in the garage or otherwise unavailable.
- To have a car for specific purposes - For example, someone who needs a larger vehicle to haul supplies for their business might want a second car specifically for that purpose.
- To have a separate car for each household member - If multiple people need a car for work or other commitments, having a second car can make it easier for everyone to get where they need to go.
- To have a car for leisure activities - Some people might want a second car for road trips or other leisure activities.
- To have a car for use in specific locations - If you live in a city but frequently visit a rural area where a small city car is not practical, a second one can be useful for those trips.
In many cases, subscribing to a car can be an excellent alternative to owning a second car outright.
However, it's essential to carefully consider the costs and terms of the subscription before deciding.
Some benefits of subscribing to a car include:
- Flexibility - You can usually change the car you're using or cancel your subscription at any time, making it a good option for people who only need a car occasionally or are unsure of their long-term needs.
- Convenience - Many car subscription programs include maintenance, insurance, breakdown cover and other services as part of the subscription fee, so you don't have to worry about these costs separately.
- Choice - Some car subscription programs offer a wide variety of vehicles to choose from, so you can find the one that best fits your needs.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Cost - Car subscriptions can be expensive, especially if you're planning to use the car for the long-term. It's important to compare the costs of subscribing to a car with the costs of owning a car outright to see which option is more cost-effective.
- Limited mileage - Some car subscription programs limit how many miles you can drive each month, which can be inconvenient if you need to drive long distances regularly. Our research shows subscription providers allow drivers to add more miles to their plans and excess mileage usually costs between 4p to 25p per mile.
- Lack of ownership - When you subscribe to a car, you don't own the vehicle, so you don't have the option to sell it or customise it.
Overall, subscribing to a car can be a good option for some people. Still, it's important to carefully consider your needs and budget before making a decision.
Want to learn more about the perks of car subscription? Read our in-depth guides for more information:
Browse all cars available on subscription
There are hundreds of cars available via UK subscription companies.
We also reference useful information from other reputable websites where appropriate and data is fact-checked. See our editorial guidelines.
