Australian Car Subscriptions

About Australian Car Subscriptions

Australian Car Subscriptions is a Melbourne-based car subscription form, offering a wide range of economy and mid-range vehicles, as well as SUVs. The vehicles they offer are all brand-new, and the subscription fee includes rego, insurance, maintenance and breakdown cover. There are three monthly packages to choose, which dictate the number of ‘free’ kilometres you get, as well as the vehicle type and the initial minimum term you can sign up for. Australian Car Subscriptions also has a team of employees who assist customers with choosing which package will suit them best, depending on their lifestyle.

How it works

If you have a valid driver’s licence from the state in which you reside, you can apply. Once approved, you then select which package you would like. There are three options: Economy, Cruise and Explorer, which offer 250, 450, and 650 km per month on 90, 45, and 30-day minimum terms, respectively.

Customers must be in the Melbourne area, and can swap vehicles as often as they like for a small fee. Once the minimum term has been fulfilled, users can also cancel at any time by contacting Australian Car Subscriptions.

Costs and fees

The one-off setup fee to use Australian Car Subscriptions is $499. Then, you can choose from one of three packages:

• Economy: From $169 per week
• Cruise: From $238 per week
• Explorer: From $268 per week

Extra kilometres are charged at $0.33 each on all three plans, and swap fees are charged at $100 per swap.

Brands and models

Below are some indicative models offered by Australian Car Subscriptions, though these may be substituted for equivalents:

• Compact SUVs: Kia Stonic, Hyundai Venue
• Medium SUVs: Kia Seltos, Suzuki Vitara
• Large SUVs: Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe
• People Movers: Kia Carnival, Hyundai Staria
• UTES: Isuzu D-MAX
• Vans: Hyundai Stari Load

Notice periods

Depending on the package you have chosen, your minimum term is 30, 45 or 90 days. After that, you can cancel at any time, and the notice period is the remainder of your current payment cycle.

What is special about Australian Car Subscriptions?

Australian Car Subscriptions only offer new vehicles, which gives a certain peace of mind to customers. By offering an economy range and three packages, they are also able to provide a low entry point in terms of price. The option to subscribe to a van is also not an industry-wide standard, and the top-end mileage package of 650 kilometres per week is quite high. You can also choose to pay your subscription weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, giving a level of flexibility that several other competitors do not offer.

Social media

Australian Car Subscriptions has a Facebook, but they haven’t updated it since the end of 2021.

FAQs

Is there a joining fee?
Yes, there is a joining fee, which Australian Car Subscriptions calls an ‘establishment fee’. Currently, this is $499.

Where can I use Australian Car Subscriptions?
Currently, the company operates in Melbourne and you need to pick the vehicle up and drop it back off. Therefore, you will need to live in the Melbourne area to use the service.

How often can I swap vehicles?
There is no limit on how often you can change your vehicle for a different one. However, there is a charge of $100 each time you swap.

Is there a bond to pay?
Yes, you have to pay a deposit. The specifics of this depend on the vehicle tier you have chosen.

How do I cancel my subscription?
Cancelling is simple – simply call (03) 9021 3855 and the customer service team will arrange everything. Your subscription will end at the end of your current payment term.

Conclusion

Australian Car Subscriptions has a wide range of vehicles across different classes, and provide a customer service team who can help you choose the package and vehicle that works best for you, based on some information you provide them about your lifestyle and specific needs. The mileage packages are generous, but the excess charge for going over isn’t too punitive. The chance to change your payment frequency will suit a lot of people with less regular work payment cycles, and the ability to switch vehicles as often as you like adds a bit of extra flexibility.