From Dream Car to Cost Trap – why Stephan now drives a car subscription

Like many who enjoy driving a new car regularly, Stephan opted for leasing for years. Although it always worked well for him, he had bad luck with his last car: After buying the car, additional costs suddenly accumulated to 7,000 Swiss Francs. Since then, Stephan has relied on a solution with clearly calculable and lower costs – the car subscription. It resembles leasing in many ways: You pay a fixed monthly amount, choose a suitable mileage package, and at the end of the term, you often have the option to take over the car. The decisive advantage: services like taxes, insurance, or tire service are already included, and the costs are low.

In this interview, Stephan explains how the car subscription simplifies his daily life and why it is the ideal alternative to traditional leasing for him.

Why did you choose a car subscription?

For many years, I leased cars instead of buying them because I liked to stay up-to-date. My last car – a VW GTI – I eventually bought and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, over time, problems arose: The car was now five years old, the vehicle inspection was due, summer and winter tires needed replacing – and so on. When I calculated everything, I would have ended up paying around 7,000 Swiss Francs – just to keep driving the car. That made me realize how quickly a car can become really expensive over the years – and that many people aren't even aware of this.

It was clear to me: I needed a car for another one to two years, but I didn't want any more unexpected expenses. While researching, I came across Carvolution. Everything was simply explained; I could put together the subscription exactly as it suited me best: from the term to the mileage package, and at a fair price.

So you find the price fair?

Yes, absolutely. The Seat Ibiza perfectly suited my needs – and at 610 Swiss Francs a month, I drove more affordably than with my previous car, if you include all running costs. Insurance, taxes, service, tires – everything was included, and I didn't have to worry about a thing.

And one thing shouldn't be forgotten: a new car is always expensive – whether bought, leased, or subscribed.

Were there reactions from your circle about the subscription and the costs?

Many were surprised at first: "What, 610 Swiss Francs a month?" – that sounds like a lot, of course. But once you calculate it, it looks completely different. 14 months times 610 Swiss Francs totals 8,540 Swiss Francs. A new Seat Ibiza costs around 35,000 Swiss Francs – and the depreciation alone in the first year is 30 percent or more. You lose more there than the entire subscription cost.

And those are just the acquisition costs. Plus insurance, service, tires, and taxes – all of that is already included in the subscription. Many only look at the monthly amount, but not at the overall package.

That's why the subscription was the best solution for me. Anyone who honestly adds up all the costs over the year quickly realizes what's really worthwhile. Many don't even do this calculation. I come from the industry – I know what to look out for.

And if you compare now, what are the biggest differences between leasing and subscription?

When I compare leasing and subscription today, the difference becomes quite clear to me. With leasing, you also have fixed monthly rates, but many things are simply not included. Full comprehensive insurance, for example, is mandatory but must be taken out and paid for separately. Service is also not included with all brands – meaning you have to expect additional costs, for example, for maintenance, tires, or taxes.

Furthermore, with leasing, you have to commit from the start: how long you want to drive the car, how many kilometers you drive per year – all of that is fixed. If something changes, for example, if you drive more or want to exit earlier, it quickly becomes expensive.

With Carvolution, it was completely different. I could tailor my subscription exactly to my needs – the term and mileage package could be chosen flexibly and adjusted even on the go. Through the app, I always had an eye on my driven kilometers and could react quickly if necessary.

In the end, I not only had less effort but also more freedom – and that's what made the decisive difference for me.

Were there moments when you were particularly glad to have a subscription instead of a lease or purchase?

Yes, especially when switching to winter tires. Normally, that involves effort – with the subscription, a quick call was enough, and everything was organized. At the garage, I was kindly received, and high-quality Continental tires were even fitted – that's not a given. Everything went smoothly. In such moments, you simply realize how pleasant it is when you don't have to worry about anything.

What was particularly pleasant for me was also that I could easily extend the subscription after the fixed term of twelve months – either fixed for a new minimum term or simply continue driving and cancel monthly.

And how was the car return?

The return went completely smoothly. Thanks to clear communication beforehand, I knew exactly what to do – where to refuel and wash the car. In Bannwil, we were kindly received, could take a seat in the lounge, and were offered coffee. The damage inspection by the XpertCenter employees took less than ten minutes. The expert simply said: everything was perfect, except for a barely visible stone chip. Everything was cleanly documented – overall, a very professional process.

Did you have any concerns about the return beforehand?

Yes, a little – I had read some of the negative reviews about returns beforehand. That's why I was curious how it would go for me. But in hindsight, I can't really understand the criticism. I come from the car industry myself and know how to treat a car. Anyone who maintains their car and treats it carefully doesn't have to worry about the return. Of course – if you use the car like a disposable product, you shouldn't be surprised if costs arise in the end.

Would you do anything differently if you sign up for a new subscription?

Yes, next time I would definitely pick up the car myself in Bannwil. The home delivery was very convenient, and perfectly fine for me – the car was brought, unloaded, keys handed over, done. But in hindsight, I realized: the personal handover on site would simply have been a nicer experience.

In Bannwil, everything is explained in detail again, you can ask questions, and get familiar with the car at your leisure. Especially if you're not very tech-savvy, that's priceless. But even for me as a professional, it would have been simply more personal and complete. With the next subscription, I would definitely not miss that moment.

Was there anything that surprised you or particularly touched you positively?

Definitely your team! So friendly, attentive, and uncomplicated – I honestly didn't expect that. A nice example: I liked your square, black air freshener so much that I had to ask where to get it. And without hesitation, you simply sent me nine pieces for free. A small gesture – but it left a truly lasting impression on me.

Who can you recommend the subscription to?

I always say: If you want to keep your costs under control and are looking for a new, well-equipped car – with the most important assistance systems and without hidden costs – then a car subscription is exactly what you need.

Sure, if you buy an old car, have partial coverage insurance, and are lucky that nothing breaks, you might save money in the short term. But in return, you sacrifice safety, comfort, and predictability.

With Carvolution, you get exactly that – without effort and with full cost control – that ultimately convinced me.