Hello Cars

About Hello Cars

Hello Cars is a Sydney-based subscription company that works on a tiered plan basis. You choose the plan, add the car (and its cost) on top, then drive on a 30-day minimum subscription (depending on the subscription tier), with switches available at 21 days’ notice. Customers must collect from Parramatta, just outside Sydney, but residents within Sydney, Queensland, Victoria and rural NSW, who are over 21, under 75, and have at least a Provisional P2 license are welcome to apply for the service.

How it works

Once you have completed the initial sign-up process, Hello Cars performs a credit check, the results of which gives you access to specific plans and car types that are affordable for you. You can then choose a vehicle and arrange to collect, with a minimum initial subscription term of 30 days. Because Hello Cars have access to a large fleet of vehicles with a wide variation in quality and prestige, upfront fees, mileage terms and even minimum subscriptions vary.

Regardless of the tier you choose, a car subscription with Hello Cars includes the following:

• CTP Insurance
• Comprehensive Insurance
• Vehicle Registration
• Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
• Roadside Assistance
• Servicing & Maintenance
• Brakes, Tyres & Battery
• Depreciation

Costs and fees

All subscribers must pay a refundable $500 security deposit, with the results of the credit check sometimes increasing this amount to $1000 or $2500. However, this can be reduced by paying a weekly assessment premium. Some plans may also include an upfront joining fee 399.

The three plans available are:

Economy: From $183 per week – this plan requires the joining fee and swaps are payable at $350 per swap, with a 120-day minimum term
Cruise: From $243 per week – this plan doesn’t have a joining fee, includes free swaps every 90 days and a 45-day minimum term
Explorer: From $273 per week – this plan doesn’t have a joining fee, includes free swaps every 90 days and a 30-day minimum term

The mileage allowances are also tiered, at 250km, 450km and 650km per week respectively, with excess charged at $0.33 per km across all three tiers.

Brands and models

Hello Cars offer access to a wide range of vehicles, with each customer’s access assessed specifically on their credit score result. The range caters for all needs, from entry level vehicles to high-end sports cars. The brands available through Hello Cars include:

• Alfa Romeo
• Audi
• BMW
• Chrysler
• Dodge
• Ferrari
• Honda
• Infiniti
• Jeep
• Kia
• Mazda
• Mercedes
• Porsche
• Peugeot
• Smart
• Renault
• Subaru
• Tesla
• Volkswagen
• Volvo

Notice periods

The standard notice period is 21 days, in writing. However, depending on the plan and vehicle, not all cars can be swapped at such short notice.

What is special about Hello Cars?

As Hello Cars also offers sales and purchases of cars, they have access to a large fleet for their car subscription service. Their decision to limit the choice of cars depending on each individual customer’s credit rating means that there is an element of safety for both parties, and they offer subscription terms to provisional drivers, providing they hold a Provisional P2 license.

With three tiers to choose from, customers can enjoy higher mileage, lower minimum terms and avoid upfront fees by choosing a higher weekly tier. Hello Cars also offer the chance to reduce your insurance excess or avoid a higher deposit, by paying extra weekly subscriptions, which adds an extra layer of customisation for the customer.

Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmyXS5MJYxE

Social media

Hello Cars use Facebook to communicate their latest offers and company news, as well as information on the latest driving laws and developments.

FAQs

Where can I use Hello Cars?
Currently, Hello Cars is only available to customers in the Sydney area.

Can I use the service if I’m not Australian?
Yes you can. Hello Cars actively advertise themselves as a company that helps tourists get around. If you are from another country and want to use the service, just get in touch with them for requirements and eligibility criteria.

Can I apply without paying?
Yes, it is free to go through the application process itself. Once you have been accepted, depending on your circumstances you may be charged a joining fee before your subscription starts. All subscriptions require a refundable deposit which is returned to you once the contract is complete.

How far can I drive in my vehicle?
The distance included in your package is determined by the level of subscription you choose, and is quoted in terms of monthly kilometres. If you go over the agreed amount, extra kilometres are charged at $0.33/km.

Does Hello Cars deliver?
Yes, Hello Cars deliver throughout the Sydney metropolitan area. When you sign up, they will take you through how the delivery process works.

Conclusion

Hello Cars offer a wide range of vehicles, with economy models available alongside SUVs. This, coupled with their three tiers of subscription and flexible mileage, means that they appeal to a greater demographic than more restrictive subscription companies. As they are a car vendor first and foremost, they have a reputation that backs up their comparatively new subscription service, and this also means that they have a greater reach, with customers in Sydney, Queensland, Victoria and rural NSW all able to use the service.