There is a calculator and a pen on a desk that can be used for maths tasks
There is a calculator and a pen on a desk that can be used for maths tasks

In December 2021, SRF's "Kassensturz" programme compared various offers from car subscription providers with leasing and buying. In this blog article, we would like to take a closer look at the cost comparison. You will also learn about the differences between buying, leasing and subscribing to a car with a recommendation for your needs and circumstances.

SRF Kassensturz - Comparison between car subscription and leasing

The SRF Kassensturz report first compares various car subscription and leasing offers. It compares the price of a flexible 12-month car subscription with a 4-year leasing, including the running costs.

Unfortunately, the chosen comparison approach is too theoretical. As previous Comparis studies have shown, car subscriptions are cheaper than leasing when compared correctly. We show you why.



Calculation tips - car subscription and leasing in comparison

Tip 1: For an accurate comparison, the minimum term should be as similar as possible. For example, 36 or 48 months for both car subscription and leasing.

Tip 2: For all cars from Carvolution, you will find a direct cost comparison with leasing. This way, you know exactly how much you will pay for the same model with a car subscription and for a leasing.

Tip 3: With Carvolution's Best Price Guarantee, we guarantee that the car subscription will be cheaper than an equivalent lease. If your leasing offer, including running costs, is lower than the car subscription costs, we will reduce our price.



Back to the comparison: Even if the costs are generally broken down correctly, the Kassensturz study mostly uses lower minimum contract terms (e.g. 12 months) for car subscription providers and compares them with a fixed 4-year leasing contract. Due to the different durations, i.e. contract periods, comparability is therefore not given.

Car subscription and leasing - the key differences!

Beyond the pure price comparison, a car subscription differs from leasing in many ways. With Carvolution, for example, customers benefit from an all-inclusive subscription.

Besides the car, additional costs such as insurance, taxes, cantonal redemption, service and maintenance and tyres are also included. Leasing, on the other hand, is basically a long-term rental where you pay for the use of the car only.

The Carvolution car subscription also offers a high degree of flexibility. You can choose between a minimum term of 3 and 48 months and then keep the car, exchange it for another model, or simply return it. Compared to leasing, you can also increase or decrease the number of kilometres on a monthly basis and manage them easily in the Carvolution app.

Carvolution Best Price Guarantee - Don't pay more than for leasing!

Carvolution goes one step further and guarantees that the cost of the car subscription will be lower than the total cost of leasing. To benefit from the Best Price Guarantee, you can send us your leasing and insurance quotes and, optionally, the cost of tyres or servicing. If we are more expensive, we will reduce our prices for the same model. So you never pay more than for a leasing!

SRF Kassensturz - Car subscription and car purchase compared

In addition to leasing, the report also compares buying a car with a subscription. To be more precise, the purchase is based on a term of 8 years. In turn, the price of a car subscription with a minimum term of 3 months is extrapolated to 8 years and compared with the purchase. This results in a significantly higher price for the car subscription after eight years.

However, the comparability of a car subscription and car purchase, as shown in the example, is very poor. A person who wants to drive a car for 8 years and is considering a purchase is most likely not interested in the flexibility of being able to change their car every 3 months. The target group and the flexibility of the offers compared are therefore completely different, which is why a comparison does not make sense.

For which person is a car subscription or car purchase worthwhile?

Instead, it's worth looking at the differences between a car subscription and buying a car. After all, both mobility concepts appeal to different target groups.

Buying a car is particularly recommended if the following aspects are important to the prospective buyer:

  • Term: If you are considering a used car and plan to drive it for 8 years, it is certainly more worthwhile to buy it. However, if you're looking to drive a new car for up to 4 years and don't want to worry about servicing, maintenance and repairs, a car subscription is definitely worth considering.

  • Wide range of vehicles: Although car subscription providers offer a wide range of models, it is simply impossible to cover the full range of cars.

  • Car configuration: A full configuration of the car is not possible with a subscription, as car subscription providers can offer favourable prices by purchasing large quantities of pre-configured models. If a configuration is particularly important to you, buying a car might be a better option.

A car subscription, on the other hand, is particularly worthwhile for people who want to benefit from the following advantages:

  • Flexibility and variety: As mentioned in the Kassensturz article, the car subscription offers a very high degree of flexibility in comparison to leasing or buying a car. You can test drive your car for a few months or take out a subscription for up to 4 years.

  • Additional costs included: Insurance, taxes, cantonal redemption, service and maintenance and tyres are all included. All you have to worry about is refuelling and parking.

  • Transparent costs: Whereas with your own car you may incur unplanned repair costs, with a car subscription you pay the same total monthly price and know exactly what your monthly costs will be. Costs for maintenance or depreciation are not included in the subscription.

Conclusion - Who should buy, lease or subscribe to a car?

Overall, each form of mobility has its advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for a different target group. While buying a car can be rewarding in the long run and gives you a lot of freedom, you have to consider the considerable upfront costs and the responsibility for maintenance and depreciation.

Leasing, on the other hand, gives you the opportunity to drive a new car on a regular basis, but is tied to fixed terms and kilometre packages and comes with additional costs.

If you want to enjoy the benefits of a car in mint condition without the long-term commitment or financial risk, Carvolution's all-inclusive subscription is ideal. Insurance, taxes, cantonal redemption, service and maintenance as well as tyres are included in the total monthly price, so all you have to worry about is refuelling and parking.

If you are interested, you are welcome to browse through our wide range of models or contact the Carvolution team for a non-binding consultation.

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