In 2025, the question Indian car buyers are asking isn’t “Which car should I buy?” — it’s “Should I even buy one?”
Car subscription plans are everywhere, from Maruti Subscribe to Quiklyz, Revv, and even Zoomcar Host. These services promise zero down payment, easy swaps, and no resale headaches — but do they really make sense in the long run?
Let’s break it down with facts, numbers, and a little real-world logic.
Table of Contents
What Is a Car Subscription, Really?
A car subscription is like long-term car rental with fewer strings attached.
You pay a monthly fee — which covers road tax, insurance, maintenance, and servicing — and simply return the car when you’re done. No down payment, no loan, no resale stress.
For example, a Maruti Brezza on subscription might cost ₹27,000 per month for 24 months. Sounds smooth — until you realize that’s about ₹6.5 lakh spent in two years, and the car never becomes yours.
Car Ownership: The Old-School Equation That Still Works
Buying a car in 2025 isn’t as simple as it used to be.
Rising insurance, new emission norms, and expensive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) sensors make cars costlier to maintain. Yet, ownership still gives you something subscription never can — control and resale value.
| Expense Type | Typical Petrol Car (₹10–15L range) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Down Payment | ₹2–3L | One-time investment |
| EMI (5 years) | ₹18–22K/month | Depends on loan & bank |
| Maintenance | ₹10–15K/year | Regular servicing + wear |
| Insurance | ₹20–25K/year | Grows with tech features |
| Depreciation | ~45% in 5 years | Biggest hidden cost |
| Total 5-Year Spend | ₹14–16L | Before resale recovery |
If you sell after 5 years, you typically recover ₹5–6L, meaning your net cost = ₹9–10L — which is almost equal to 3 years of car subscription payments.
Hidden Tech Costs That Are Changing the Math
2025 cars are smart — but their maintenance isn’t cheap.
- ADAS Recalibration:
A minor windshield replacement in an ADAS car (like XUV700 or Honda City ZX) may cost ₹25–30K due to radar/camera alignment. - EV Battery & Software:
Out-of-warranty battery replacement can hit ₹6–8 lakh. Subscription covers this, but ownership does not.
Plus, annual connected car app fees (Hyundai BlueLink, Kia Connect, MG iSmart) add ₹3–5K every year. - Tech Insurance Add-ons:
Radar, LiDAR, and camera modules raise the premium even for bumper-to-bumper coverage.
So yes, tech makes driving safer — but it quietly inflates long-term costs for owners.
Car Subscription: The New Way That Buys Time, Not Value
Here’s what a typical car subscription India deal looks like:
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Tenure | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Subscribe | ₹22K–₹35K | 12–48 months | Easy entry, full maintenance | No ownership, mileage limit |
| Quiklyz by Mahindra | ₹25K–₹40K | 24–60 months | Premium models, flexible plan | Pricier than EMI after 3 yrs |
| Revv / Zoomcar Host | ₹20K–₹28K | 12–36 months | All-inclusive | Limited car choice, variable quality |
If your driving is below 1,000 km/month, or you need a car for just 1–2 years, subscription is smart.
But for daily users, it’s like paying rent on something you could’ve owned.
The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds
For many Indians, the best strategy is hybrid:
- Own one dependable car — a simple petrol manual for regular use (Honda Amaze, Kia Syros, or Mahindra XUV 3XO).
- Subscribe or rent short-term — when you need an EV, SUV, or premium car for a trip or business use.
You protect your savings, enjoy variety, and avoid tech depreciation risks.
When Does Subscription Make Sense?
✅ You move cities every 1–2 years.
✅ You want to test an EV or premium brand before buying.
✅ You prefer zero-maintenance living.
✅ You don’t care about resale.
It does not make sense if you drive often, plan to keep a car >3 years, or want long-term savings.
Final Thoughts
Owning a car in 2025 isn’t outdated — it’s just become smarter.
Car subscription is freedom in the short term but expensive in the long run.
Think of it like renting a fully furnished apartment: comfortable, commitment-free, but never truly yours.
So, is a car subscription the new way or the old-school way to buy better?
If you love driving, value long-term savings, and enjoy the pride of ownership — the old-school way still wins.
If you value flexibility, zero paperwork, and tech coverage — the new way might be worth the ride.