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Xtracars®® Blog

Discover Subscription

What is a subscription car?

Over the years, many new words have entered our vocabulary. One of the most noticeable is the verb "to subscribe”. But after all, what is a subscription to a car? When we want to watch the series everyone is talking about, we subscribe to one of the countless streaming services available.
The same happens if we want access to a personalised music library, or if we want to support a publishing project, follow a training plan, or even have ready-made meals delivered to our home. Even when we are simply watching a YouTube video, the creator often reminds us that we should — yes, you guessed it — subscribe to their channel. Now you already know what a car subscription is: it is paying to access a service for as long as you need it. Simple.

A cultural shift that has reached the automotive industry

The truth is that the world has changed, and this has an impact on how we relate to our everyday objects. The popularity of subscription services lies in how our relationship with ownership has shifted: today, technology allows us to enjoy without necessarily owning the physical object.

We see this everywhere: in streaming services (Netflix, HBO, Disney+), in music (Spotify, Apple Music), in software (Microsoft 365, Adobe), in video games (PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass), in gyms and fitness apps, in digital newspapers and magazines, and even in food or beauty boxes. In other words, the idea of what is a subscription is already part of our routine, and mobility has not been left behind. And it’s all thanks to Xtracars.

Subscribing to a car: a new trend in mobility

Subscribing to a car follows precisely this cultural change and fits perfectly into a lifestyle embraced by younger generations. It’s more convenient, more flexible, helps reduce costs, and gives you access to a mobility experience tailored to your needs — no paperwork, no hidden fees, and no long-term commitments.

If you already understand what is a subscription in digital services, then the step to subscribe to a car is intuitive: you choose, you drive, you pay a fixed monthly fee, and you change whenever you need to.


Gen Z couple driving a car

How do you subscribe to a car? And what’s the difference between subscribing and renting?


It’s really simple: choose the model you want, set the length of the subscription (from 1 to 12 months), and you’re good to go. That’s right — all the paperwork is on us: insurance, maintenance, inspections, road tax, roadside assistance, even a replacement car if you need one.

And now you might be wondering: but isn’t this just renting? Or leasing? Not quite. Traditional rental options usually tie you into long-term contracts with very little flexibility.

Subscribing to a car works just like the subscription services you already use. It’s designed to be modern, practical, and adaptable.

Subscription services for your business? Xtracars has them too

Such a good solution isn’t just for individuals. Companies can also subscribe to cars for their teams, without the costs and hassle of managing their own fleet. It’s simpler, more predictable, and perfect for small and medium-sized businesses that need mobility without the headaches. With Xtracars, what is a subscription to a car translates into efficiency and peace of mind.

Hit the road with Xtracars

Nobody can imagine life without a platform to watch their favorite shows, stream music on demand, or use apps to stay fit. Soon, many people will see mobility in exactly the same way.

Car subscription follows the very same logic of consumption that’s already part of our daily lives. It’s flexible, convenient, and crystal clear. Plus, it’s perfectly aligned with a modern lifestyle that values urban living, sustainability, and freedom from unnecessary commitments.

That’s why car subscription is the natural evolution of this global trend. And the one at the center of this change? That’s you. Because just like buying CD or DVD stopped making sense, soon buying a car the traditional way might too.

https://www.xtracars.pt/en/xtracars-stations/