4 years of subscription and then buying a car after all

For over 4 years, Michel has driven many cars from Carvolution through a subscription model. He has tested the subscription model thoroughly in everyday life – with different experiences. Now he makes a surprising decision: he buys a car. Was the Carvolution car subscription not the right choice after all?

Michel has been a Carvolution customer since 2021. During this time, he drives a VW e-up! and also tests other electric cars in the subscription – from the Fiat 500e to the Audi e-tron to the Cupra Born. He especially appreciates this variety: trying out different models that fit his life. At the same time, he also experiences the less obvious sides of the car subscription, such as everyday usability, car returns, and Carvolution’s customer service.

But why does someone decide to buy a car after years of car subscription? And what does that say about the subscription model? In the interview, Michel talks about his experience.

Michel, you bought your car after four years of subscription. Were you no longer satisfied with the subscription?

Michel: On the contrary! I am still driving the Cupra Born in a car subscription from Carvolution. But after four years, the VW e-up! reached its maximum subscription duration and I had to decide: do I return the car or buy it after the subscription?

And why did you then decide to buy it?

Michel: I simply asked the Carvolution outlet whether they could make me a purchase offer for the VW e-up!. Since you can also take over all cars after the subscription, that was not a problem. I then compared it with prices on the used car market, and Carvolution’s offer was so good that, purely financially, there was no question anymore.

How did you experience the purchase process via the Carvolution outlet?

Michel: The process was extremely fast, friendly, and professional. I only had to send a photo of the current mileage and then received a purchase offer shortly after. Everything was completely transparent and essentially exactly the uncomplicated experience I already knew from Carvolution.

Now you have experienced both: the car subscription and buying. Which option is cheaper overall?

Michel: That cannot be answered in general terms. A used car often seems cheaper, but can quickly become more expensive due to repairs, servicing, or technical defects. With electric cars in particular, such costs can quickly run into the thousands. With the Carvolution car subscription, you do not bear these risks yourself, but instead have a fixed cost basis.

Another issue with traditional used cars is the often unclear vehicle history. With my VW e-up!, I took it over directly from my own subscription. I knew every mile and knew it had been fully maintained.

Why is this fixed cost basis such a big advantage?

Michel: In everyday life, this mainly means absolute predictability. The monthly subscription rate includes all additional costs, from comprehensive insurance to services and tyres to roadside assistance. So I never have to worry about whether a major inspection is due this month or whether new tyres are needed.

With a purchased car, I would have to cover all these costs myself. With the Carvolution car subscription, I instead pay a fixed rate and have full cost control. Apart from the excess in case of damage or fines, there are no additional expenses, which makes budgeting extremely transparent.

Besides buying and the car subscription, leasing is also an option. Was that ever something you considered?

Michel: In principle yes, leasing was an option. I compared it: due to the offer and especially the flexibility, I then chose the car subscription. In such a dynamic market, I did not want to commit myself for several years. As a working father, you never know how life will develop – maybe you suddenly need more space or drive many more or fewer miles than agreed in a leasing contract due to a job change.

Do you have that freedom with the car subscription?

Michel: Absolutely! With the Carvolution car subscription, I have the choice. I can commit for up to four years, but I do not have to. If I want to stay flexible, I choose shorter periods of three or six months and extend the subscription if the car still perfectly fits my everyday life. That gives me the freedom to react to changes in my life at any time.

Speaking of mileage: you can adjust it monthly in the car subscription. Have you ever done that?

Michel: Yes. In fact, I had a job change, which meant I suddenly had to commute much less. In the Carvolution car subscription, that was no problem at all: I simply reduced the monthly mileage and immediately saved money.

Mileage is one thing, but what if you realise the car itself no longer fits?

Michel: That actually happened to me. After just a few days, I noticed that the Fiat 500e did not really impress me technologically, because the assistance systems and app connectivity did not meet my expectations. Carvolution reacted immediately and worked with me to find a suitable solution.

Have you ever had concerns about returns with your now four car subscriptions, even though there are often critical comments online?

Michel: No, I am of course aware of those critical reports, but my personal experience after four returns at Carvolution tells a completely different story.

The entire process has always been completely transparent and fair. You inspect the car together with an expert and discuss every point openly and on equal terms. Since I take good care of my cars, I always knew exactly what to expect.

If you maintain the car properly, there are no nasty surprises with costs. The negative voices online have therefore never been confirmed for me – on the contrary: I experienced the returns as very professional and uncomplicated.

And yet there was once a bill of 2,000 francs for the rims. Was that not a shock after all?

Michel: At first, of course, you swallow hard at such an amount, but that shock quickly passed. You have to stay realistic, because those were high-quality 22-inch alloy rims from my Audi e-tron and I knew I had hit the kerb myself. For me, the key point was that the process was fair and transparent – and it was.

You have remained loyal to Carvolution over the years. Why?

Michel: It is simply this young and dynamic feeling there. The people at Carvolution are motivated and the atmosphere is relaxed but still highly professional. As a customer, you feel real appreciation.

This is shown both when you are helped quickly in difficult situations and in details such as the child-friendly atmosphere at pick-up and return. For me, the overall package simply works, and therefore there was never a reason to go elsewhere.

You are not only loyal to Carvolution, but also to electric drive. Why have you driven exclusively electric cars in the subscription so far?

Michel: A single test drive changed everything back then. The silent, direct acceleration and this effortless glide immediately won me over. It is a level of comfort that makes it impossible for me to imagine going back to a combustion engine today. For me, the Carvolution car subscription is the best way to stay consistent with that, as I always have access to the latest technology.

How does the subscription model specifically help you keep up with the rapid technological development in electric cars?

Michel: I can choose short contract durations and therefore remain extremely flexible. At the same time, I can also stay longer with one model if I want. As soon as a new model with more range or better technology comes onto the market, I can switch easily.

I can enjoy technological progress without worrying about depreciation or complicated resale in a few years.

Your final advice: for whom is the car subscription the “perfect match”?

Michel: The Carvolution car subscription is ideal for anyone who wants to stay flexible and avoid paperwork. It is a simple and risk-free way, especially for entering electric mobility, to find out what really fits your everyday life.

For me, it was the perfect way to first test a car in everyday life and then take it over if needed. That way, you make a decision based on real experience, not intuition.