We’ve heard the story before, and for some reason, the idea keeps coming around. So what is it that I’m talking about? Well, I’m talking about car subscription services. And, the latest to jump into the ranks is Porsche with a new program that will let you pay a monthly fee for access to cars like the Porsche 718 Boxer, Cayman S, Macan S and the Cayenne. The monthly fee? Oh, just $2,000. For that $2,000 you get access to a total of eight different cars. If you want more, you can level up from the “launch” package to the “accelerate” package for an extra $1,000 – bringing the monthly total to $3,000. With that subscription, you’ll get access to models like Macan GTS, Cayenne S E-Hybrid, Panamera 4S, and the Carrera S. Basically, “Launch” gives you the basic, entry-level models while “Accelerate” gives you access to the higher trim levels.

Now, the first thought that really comes to mind is that the price seems quite high, and that wouldn’t necessarily be a wrong thought, but it does include at least some incentives. First off, the subscription includes vehicle tax and registration, insurance, maintenance, and detailing. It’s all based on a mobile phone app, and there is a one-time activation fee of $500 as well. Plus, you’ll have to pass a credit and background check too. Once users receive their first vehicle same day or future vehicle exchanges can be requested via the app. For now, the program is available to those residing in the metro Atlanta area and is made available through a collaboration between Clutch Technologies LLC and Porsche Passport. So, how does this subscription service stack up against purchasing your own Porsche? Well, let’s take a look.

You Might be Overpaying

Now, the nice thing about this subscription is that you don’t have to pay for insurance, registration, plates, or even cleaning and maintenance. However, that $2,000 package gets you a base level model, so let’s take a look at the base, 911 Carrera. Priced at an entry-level price of $91,100, you might think you’ll be paying a ton, right? Well, with the standard $9,215 down, you can get a 36-month lease, with 15,000 miles per year for 3 years for roughly $1,152 a month – that’s $848 less than that “launch” package above. Will insurance and maintenance allow you to keep your total monthly expense below $2,000? I don’t know, I’ve never insured a Porsche, but I’m sure it varies by location as it does for any other vehicle. If you decide to purchase a base 911, you’re looking at $1,499 with the same down payment, which would put you a little closer to that $2,000 per month bracket with insurance. But, with that in mind, you can also do with the car as you wish, so it may be a fair tradeoff.

Now, let’s talk about the Carrera 4S – one of the same models you get in the $3,000 package and the best Carrera (outside of the cabriolet with the same badge) that you can get. This model will set you back a minimum of $112,000 on the sticker, but with $11,305 down, you can lease one for $1,555 a month or purchase one for $1,840 a month – both significantly cheaper than the $3,000 a month subscription fee even if you cover insurance and maintenance yourself.

Of course, I won’t forget that the program also includes detailing, which can set you back every month or so, if you don’t take care of your own vehicle. And, you can swap out your car for any other of the Porsche lineup (if you have the “Accelerate” package, anyway) so maybe the pricing isn’t all that bad. But, if you’re interested in driving a certain model on a regular, it will most certainly be cheaper to actually buy or lease the car than to opt for this kind of subscription.

Now, the question is… What do you think? If you had pockets deep to shell out $2,000 or $3,000 per month, would you do it? Let us know what’s on your mind in the comments section below.

References

Porsche 718

Read our full review on the 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman.

Read our full review on the 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster.

Porsche 911

Read our full review on the 2017 Porsche 911.