Drivers consider subscription rather than ownership thanks to car costs

Drivers say the annual cost of running a car can now hit £1,000

Drivers are looking at new ways to get mobile

Three-fifths of people would try a Netflix-style subscription to reduce the hassle and costs of owning a car, according to a new report. 60% are willing to try a car hire subscription according to research from SIXT UK.

One in four believe that subscriptions or rentals are the future of driving as half said they see vehicle costs as a source of worry, while one in four describe them as a significant burden on their household budget.

Many drivers say their annual running costs for a car now exceed £1,000. On average, UK adults now subscribe to 2.8 different services, from streaming platforms to mobility options.

Drivers are now exploring alternatives that let them access a vehicle when they need it without long-term commitments that a subscription model could address. Instead of committing to a car outright, a subscription lets drivers access a vehicle for a fixed monthly fee, often including insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance.

Awareness has also grown. What was largely unknown in 2023, with 78% of adults unfamiliar with subscriptions, is now appealing to 60% in 2025. SIXT UK Managing Director Andrew Smith said: "The latest SIXT UK Mobility Study shows a clear market demand for flexible, commitment-free mobility solutions.

"The subscription model directly addresses what consumers want - low upfront costs and transparent pricing that eliminates financial surprises. This shift is reshaping the mobility landscape."