The quick answer
Choose subscription
If you prefer flexibility, all-inclusive driving and the freedowm to swap, pause, or cancel as your needs change.
Choose rent-to-own cars
If your goal is ownership and you're comfortable with a longer commitment.
How each option works
Car subscription
- One monthly fee covers the car, insurance, registration, servicing, and roadside assistance.
- Month-to-month flexibility—swap cars or cancel with short notice.
- Great if you prioritise simplicity and flexibility over long-term ownership.
Rent-to-own cars
- Drive away now while making payments that go toward owning the car.
- Longer-term commitment; you handle insurance, registration, servicing, and repairs.
- Ideal if you’re settled and want to own the car outright in the end.
Rent-to-own cars vs car subscription
Compare your driving options
Payment anatomy
Know what you're really paying for
Monthly payment
Instalment toward ownership
One flat fee
Includes
- Instalment payment
- You cover
- •Insurance
- •Registration & CTP
- •Servicing & tyres
- •Unexpected repairs
- Car use
- Insurance
- Registration & CTP
- Scheduled servicing
- Roadside assistance
Optional extras
N/A
Swap or upgrade (often $0 on eligible plans)
Monthly payment
Instalment toward ownership
One flat fee
Includes
- Instalment payment
- You cover
- •Insurance
- •Registration & CTP
- •Servicing & tyres
- •Unexpected repairs
- Car use
- Insurance
- Registration & CTP
- Scheduled servicing
- Roadside assistance
Optional extras
N/A
Swap or upgrade (often $0 on eligible plans)
The 4-step decision guide
Deciding whether to rent or own a car can be challenging, as it depends on your lifestyle, budget, and driving needs. To make the choice clearer, here’s a simple 4-step guide that helps you weigh the pros and cons and determine which option suits you best.
1. Know the true monthly cost
Include insurance, registration, servicing, and wear-and-tear in your rent-to-own estimate. Then compare it to carbar's all-inclusive subscription fee.
2. Think about your timeframe
Need a car for 3-12 months or want to stay flexible? Subscription is ideal. Looking for long-term stability? Rent-to-own might make more sense.
3. Weigh the credit impact
Rent-to-own can help build credit with timely payments—but missed ones can hurt. Subscriptions typically don’t affect your credit file.
4. Plan for life changes
Relocating, changing jobs, expecting a baby? If your situation might shift, flexibility usually beats long-term ownership.
Everyday scenarios, smart vehicle choices
The Contractor
6-month project in Melbourne? Go with Subscription – drive an SUV now, switch to an EV later. One invoice, no fuss.
The Keeper
Need a car for 5+ years? Choose Rent-to-own – build equity and keep it long-term.
The Experimenter
Curious about EVs but not ready to commit? Subscription lets you trial one and swap back anytime.
The Budget Planner
Hate surprise bills? Subscription includes insurance, servicing, and more – predictable monthly costs.
Myths vs. facts
Subscription is always more expensive
When you factor in insurance, rego, servicing, and unexpected repairs, an all-in subscription is often comparable—and much simpler.
Rent to own cars builds equity faster than a loan
Rent-to-own can build equity over time, but usually on a longer, fixed schedule—with added running costs.
Cancelling a subscription hurts your credit score
Subscriptions typically don’t appear on your credit file, so they generally have no impact on your score.
Can I switch vehicles mid-term?
- Subscription: Yes – you can swap cars with two weeks' notice to suit your needs.
- Rent-to-own: Typically no – you're committed to the selected vehicle.
What about maintenance?
- Subscription: Included in your monthly fee.
- Rent-to-own: You’re responsible for all servicing and repair costs.
Do you offer EVs and hybrids?
Yes – Carbar has a range of EV and hybrid options available.
Is there a bond or start fee?
Subscriptions include a low, one-time start fee. It's clear and upfront at checkout.
