Apparently Kind, Is the myEuropcar Subscription a Good Deal?

The car rental company Europcar is expanding its offerings and now offers long-term rentals. What do the prices hide?

The business model of car rental companies is becoming more complicated. Unprecedented competition, declining tourism for ecological reasons, rising raw material costs, increasing payroll… It’s not easy to be a traditional car rental company.

Furthermore, for individuals, leasing offers from manufacturers are becoming increasingly cheaper. But there is still hope and opportunity for companies that know how to seize every situation. Sixt started this trend a few years ago: renting a car long-term as if it were just for a weekend. And it’s not such a bad idea!

First of all, what is the disadvantage of a long-term rental (LLD) from a manufacturer?

Committing to a longer period can be problematic. LLD contracts usually extend over several years (averaging 2 to 5 years). This commitment period can be restrictive for tenants whose mobility needs change.

Additionally, LLD often requires a large initial payment, which, spread out over 36 months for example, is not neutral.

What is the myEuropcar car subscription?

myEuropcar offers a flexible car subscription, presenting itself as an alternative to long-term leasing or purchasing a vehicle. This subscription can be set up in just a few minutes via a simple online process. It stands out with a fixed monthly rate including a “peace of mind” package, covering various costs such as technical inspections, registration, maintenance, wear and tear, insurance, and more. Customers can choose between different minimum commitment durations (1, 3, or 6 months), after which the subscription is renewed monthly according to user needs.

What does the monthly rate of the myEuropcar subscription include?

The myEuropcar subscription offers the experience of owning a car without the associated ownership constraints. The basic monthly rate includes 750 km per month (only 9,000 km per year — watch out !), one additional driver free of charge, and a standard protection package with deductible. When booking, you can customize the subscription with additional options, such as larger mileage packages, extended protection levels, or home delivery and pickup. Included benefits cover registration, vehicle tax, technical inspection, maintenance and wear costs, tire changes and storage (especially useful if you live in a mountain region subject to the Mountain Law), as well as liability insurance and theft protection.

Are there registration fees?

With the myEuropcar subscription, no entry fee is required, making access easier. A good point.

Is there a security deposit?

The subscription includes a Basic Protection package that limits financial liability in case of damage. A security deposit of €750 is required, refundable after the end of the subscription, upon vehicle return and settlement of all dues. The subscription is billed monthly, with the first month’s payment and deposit due at booking.

Can I choose my car model?

The subscriber receives a vehicle from the reserved category, with the option to select a model guaranteed under certain conditions. The offer includes a wide range of vehicles, from city cars to SUVs, available in petrol or electric versions. The myEuropcar fleet features vehicles from renowned manufacturers such as Citroën, Peugeot, Opel, Fiat, Lexus, Volkswagen, Renault, Tesla, Toyota, Nissan, Dacia, Hyundai, and others.

What mileage is included in the basic package?

Each month, the subscription includes 750 km. That’s not much. For those needing more, up to six additional packages of 500 km each can be added during booking, allowing a total of up to 3,750 km per month.

Attention: no smoking aboard!

It is strictly forbidden to smoke inside myEuropcar vehicles. This prohibition applies to all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes. Customers are urged to respect this rule to avoid additional cleaning fees upon vehicle return.

Conversely, transporting pets in myEuropcar vehicles is permitted, provided they are contained in appropriate transport cages. This measure aims to prevent damage or soiling of the vehicle interior. Note that cleaning costs to restore the vehicle’s initial condition will be charged to the customer if this rule is not followed.

Who pays for charging a Tesla at Superchargers?

With a myEuropcar subscription including a Tesla vehicle, customers have access to the Tesla app. This app, downloadable on mobile phones, offers various features, including remote control of the vehicle. To use Tesla’s Superchargers, it is necessary to enter credit card information into the app. Charging costs at these stations, as well as possible penalties imposed by Tesla for exceeding the necessary charging time, will be automatically charged to this card. If banking details are missing or invalid, charges for recharges and penalties will be directly billed to the customer by Europcar.

Subscription cancellation

The subscription can be canceled at any time, with specific conditions if canceled before the end of the minimum commitment period. Excess mileage fees may apply depending on the offer’s conditions.

Conclusion

Initially, the myEuropcar offer may seem quite expensive, but it’s not necessarily so. Think especially about using it during vacations. €500 for a month’s use is competitive. For longer durations, incorporating costs typically considered “secondary”—such as insurance, maintenance, or depreciation—into the calculation is important, as they can become costly quickly.

Finally, flexibility is not a luxury in a time when everything moves very quickly: employment, ecology, geopolitics, technology. The idea of not being committed to long-term contracts is rather a good point.

Of course, the listed rents are not always consistent. A Peugeot E-208 or a Renault Megane E-Tech, which are more generous and stately, are offered at the same rate of €499/month. Similarly, a Tesla Model Y at €999/month is quite expensive when a Skoda Enyaq drops to €669/month.

There’s also a MG MG5 station wagon at €509/month, as well as many other petrol or hybrid vehicles in similar price ranges.

Finally, consider carefully negotiating the model you will receive, as the concept is based on a “category” system. For example, instead of a Renault Megane E-Tech, you might receive a MG MG4. Instead of a Peugeot 5008, a Volkswagen Touran. Instead of a Cupra Formentor, a Volvo XC40. Instead of a Volkswagen Golf, a Fiat 500X or a MG ZS. Etc.

READ ALSO: Renault launches a €99/month lease on its used Zoes