How Much Does a Car Subscription Cost in Australia?

Quick Answer

The cost of a vehicle subscription in Australia depends on the provider, vehicle, subscription plan, kilometres, inclusions and individual circumstances. Unlike simply comparing a weekly payment, you should consider the total cost of accessing and operating the vehicle.

Depending on the provider and plan, a subscription may include registration, insurance, scheduled servicing, routine maintenance and roadside assistance.

Freedom Cars assesses applications individually according to its current eligibility criteria.

What Determines the Cost of a Vehicle Subscription?

There is no single price for every vehicle subscription.

The cost can be affected by:

• Vehicle type.
• Vehicle age.
• Vehicle value.
• Subscription plan.
• Kilometre allowance.
• Insurance arrangements.
• Included services.
• Subscription period.
• Availability.

For this reason, customers should compare the complete offer rather than relying on a generic advertised price.

What Can Be Included?

Depending on the provider and subscription plan, a vehicle subscription may include:

• Registration.
• Comprehensive insurance, subject to policy terms.
• Scheduled servicing.
• Routine maintenance.
• Roadside assistance.

Other costs may remain the customer's responsibility.

Always confirm the exact inclusions before entering into an agreement.

What Is Not Usually Included?

Even when a subscription bundles many vehicle expenses, customers may still need to budget for items such as:

• Fuel.
• Parking.
• Tolls.
• Insurance excesses where applicable.
• Traffic infringements.
• Personal vehicle-related expenses.
• Costs specifically excluded under the agreement.

The subscription agreement should be treated as the definitive source of information.

Weekly Cost vs Total Cost

One of the biggest mistakes when comparing vehicle options is focusing only on the advertised weekly payment.

Consider the complete picture.

For example:

Cost	Consideration
Subscription	Regular vehicle access payment
Fuel	Depends on kilometres driven
Parking	Depends on lifestyle
Tolls	Depends on travel
Insurance	Check whether included
Registration	Check whether included
Servicing	Check whether included
Maintenance	Check whether included
Tyres	Check agreement
Excess kilometres	Check agreement

This provides a more realistic picture of the cost of running the vehicle.

Vehicle Choice Makes a Difference

The vehicle you choose can have a major effect on your overall transport budget.

A small hatchback may have lower fuel consumption than a large SUV.

A ute may provide valuable cargo capacity for a tradie but may have different running costs.

A family SUV may offer additional passenger and storage capacity.

Choose based on what you actually need rather than automatically selecting the largest or most expensive vehicle available.

How to Build a Vehicle Subscription Budget

Start with your monthly household income.

Then subtract:

• Housing.
• Food.
• Utilities.
• Existing financial commitments.
• Phone and internet.
• Child-related expenses.
• Savings.
• Other essential costs.

Then calculate your realistic transport budget.

Remember to include fuel and other expenses that are not included in the subscription.

Example Budget

Monthly Item	Example
Household income	$________
Housing	$________
Food	$________
Utilities	$________
Existing commitments	$________
Transport subscription	$________
Fuel	$________
Other transport	$________
Savings	$________
Remaining amount	$________

This is a budgeting example only. Your actual figures will depend on your circumstances.

Vehicle Subscription vs Buying

When comparing a subscription with buying a vehicle, consider more than the purchase price.

Buying can involve:

• Purchase price.
• Finance interest, if applicable.
• Registration.
• Insurance.
• Servicing.
• Repairs.
• Tyres.
• Depreciation.

A subscription may combine several vehicle-related expenses into one regular payment.

The most appropriate option depends on your circumstances.

Case Study

Choosing a Vehicle Within Budget

Sarah needed a reliable vehicle to commute to work and transport her children.

Initially, she focused on finding the lowest weekly payment.

After creating a complete household budget, she realised that fuel, registration, insurance and servicing were just as important as the vehicle payment.

She compared the total costs of different transport options and applied for a Freedom Cars subscription.

Following an individual assessment and satisfaction of the applicable eligibility criteria, Sarah selected a vehicle that fitted her practical requirements and budget.

Ways to Keep Vehicle Costs Under Control

Choose the Right Size

Avoid paying for capacity you don't need.

Monitor Fuel Consumption

Your driving habits can significantly affect fuel costs.

Plan Your Trips

Combining journeys can reduce unnecessary kilometres.

Maintain the Vehicle

Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance requirements and the subscription agreement.

Review Your Budget

Revisit your transport budget if your income or circumstances change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a vehicle subscription?

There is no universal price. Cost depends on the vehicle, provider, plan and inclusions.

Does the subscription include insurance?

It may, depending on the provider and plan. Check the applicable policy terms.

Is fuel included?

Fuel is generally a separate running expense unless specifically stated otherwise.

Are registration and servicing included?

They may be included depending on the subscription plan.

Is a subscription cheaper than buying?

Not necessarily. Compare the total costs, responsibilities and benefits of both options.

Does Freedom Cars publish one price for everyone?

Pricing and vehicle availability can vary. Applicants should review the current options and applicable subscription terms.

Vehicle Subscription Cost Checklist

Before committing, check:

□ Weekly or monthly subscription cost.

□ Vehicle included.

□ Kilometre allowance.

□ Registration.

□ Insurance.

□ Insurance excess.

□ Servicing.

□ Maintenance.

□ Roadside assistance.

□ Tyres.

□ Cancellation conditions.

□ Additional fees.

□ Fuel costs.

□ Parking and tolls.

□ Your overall household budget.

Key Takeaways

• Vehicle subscription costs vary depending on the vehicle, provider and subscription plan.
• Don't compare vehicle options using the subscription payment alone.
• Check exactly what is included.
• Budget separately for fuel and other excluded expenses.
• Choose a vehicle that matches your actual needs.
• Compare the total cost with alternative transport arrangements.
• Freedom Cars individually assesses applications according to its current eligibility criteria.

Related Resources

• Australia's Complete Guide to Bad Credit Vehicle Subscriptions
• What Is a Vehicle Subscription?
• Vehicle Subscription vs Car Finance
• Vehicle Subscription vs Leasing
• Can You Get a Car Subscription With Bad Credit?
• Payment Defaults and Vehicle Subscriptions
• Financial Hardship and Vehicle Subscriptions
• Student Vehicle Subscription Guide
• Apprentice Vehicle Guide
• Self-Employed Vehicle Guide
• Working Visa Vehicle Guide
• Vehicle Subscription Budget Planner
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Start Your Freedom Cars Application

Freedom Cars provides vehicle subscription solutions and practical information to help eligible Australians understand vehicle costs, compare transport options and make informed decisions.