Opinion: ‘Zero Worry’ package made me opt for a subscription car

After the worst of the pandemic and with the return to work in person, I found myself in a dilemma. I had moved and the commute home from the newsroom, previously made on foot, now required waiting for a bus at night in downtown São Paulo, considerably less safe than in March 2020, when we left the office.

It was also the time when the prices of transport by app soared, pulled by the rise of gasoline and the growing demand. I wasn’t too happy to pay BRL 40, BRL 50 — that’s when you could get a car — for a ride that in more normal times wouldn’t even cost BRL 20.

Almost eight years after my arrival in the capital of São Paulo and paying the language after a few speeches about how unnecessary a car would be in my life, I decided to have one.

The problem is that the prices were sky high. A 0 km car was definitely not in my budget, but even used ones were prohibitive.

Paying BRL 70,000 for a 2016 vehicle — without any luxury — that in a short time could cost me more and lose resale value didn’t sound like a big deal to me. Also add the interest on the financing you would have to do.

Behold, I remembered a conversation with a friend, months before, about subscription vehicles. I wouldn’t have a car to call my own, but I wouldn’t have to worry about licensing, IPVA, or taking out insurance either. I would get a brand new car, use it as long as it was convenient, and not spend on maintenance. All this is included in the monthly fee.

The first searches were frustrating. At the time, I wanted an intermediate model (any resident of Perdizes knows how to value an automatic exchange), but I couldn’t find anything for less than R$ 3,000 a month.

The only offer that seemed advantageous to me was the most basic model from Renault (the automaker’s service is called Renault On Demand). For about R$1,500 a month, you would have a Kwid 2023, with air conditioning, electric steering and sound, but a manual gearbox and no flashy extras.

I decided that it was worth giving up comfort for the price and the convenience of not having to worry about all the bureaucracy involved in buying and maintaining a vehicle.

I opted for the minimum period (12 months) because I wanted to test the service without committing for a long time, but the longer the contract duration, the lower the installment.

I was happy with the result. The process was online, simple, and my only job is to take the car in for service when the time comes.

I didn’t have any complications that led me to trigger the insurance – and I hope things stay that way –, but I feel reassured knowing that I already have the protection in the monthly package.

Waiting can be long and fines incur an extra fee

I’m not going to say that everything was a bed of roses. It took two months to wait for the vehicle. The initial forecast was a little lower, but the delivery was delayed. If I wanted a more elaborate model or even a car in another color, I would have to wait longer.

I also struggled a little to be able to pay the monthly fees. The operator’s system didn’t charge my card bill, but it accused me of not paying them. It took some contact with the call center to resolve the issue, which occurred more than once.

Another downside is the limited mileage. In my case, however, the minimum deductible serves me well.

Finally, there is one more cons that requires the driver’s attention. Fines cost 15% more, as the operator charges an administrative fee for each infraction. And, it is worth remembering, at the end of the contract you will have invested a reasonable amount and you will not have any assets — but you will not lose money with the depreciation of the car either.

My choice was for practicality. It seemed financially advantageous, but I confess that I didn’t put all the expenses on the tip of the pencil to methodically estimate what would be cheaper, buying or renting.

So far, I’m still satisfied.