CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Although car prices, on average, saw a recent dip, the price points were nowhere near their pre-pandemic figures, according to Kelly Blue Book.
With interest rates on the rise, industry experts said buying a new or used car remains expensive.
However, in the age of subscription service, consumers can add cars, and all the expenses that go with driving one, to the list of monthly subscriptions available.
Flexcar opened its fourth location in Charlotte in September of 2022, hoping to offer drivers a smart alternative to car ownership.
The company said Charlotte drivers saved about 20 percent, on average, compared to traditional ownership with little to no upfront expenses and no long-term contracts.
"Someone can come in and have one monthly payment," Alicia Tamboli, the product manager for Flexcar, told WCNC Charlotte. "That includes insurance, registration, maintenance, and everything for the car. Only thing customer is responsible for is gas."
Tomboli explained the process is all done using their app making transactions touchless, seamless, and quick.
"Choose their color and their plan, and when they come pick it up, they unlock it within the same app and the key is right here in the glove box," Tomboli described.
She also said the customer shouldn't have to deal with an associate since everything is done using the app.
Tamboli said, "If they can come in, pick up the car, drive away inside of two or three minutes, that is what we are striving for."
Drivers can then take the car for as long as they'd like.
Since opening up their location on South Boulevard, Flexcar said drivers in the Queen City have driven two million miles using their fleet.
Now the company is expanding its fleet to include the Ford Explorer, Ford F-150, Jaguar F Pace, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Prius Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4.
People can also swap vehicles out.
"We have some luxury cars as well. And even minivans, anything that our customers are looking for," Tomboli said.
The company also announced the launch of its all-inclusive monthly plans in Charlotte, starting at 500 dollars a month, which includes "miles, insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance, title, inspection, the ability to swap cars, and more," according to a Flexcar spokesperson.
In addition to Charlotte, Flexcar has locations in Boston, Nashville, and Atlanta.