Car Subscription vs Car Rental Melbourne: Which Saves You More in 2026?

Car Subscription vs Car Rental: What Melbourne Drivers Need to Know

If you're a rideshare driver in Melbourne, you've probably seen ads for car subscription services like Splend, Carbar, and Kinto. They promise "all-inclusive" weekly rates with no commitment. Sounds familiar? That's because weekly car rental has offered the same thing for years — often at a lower price.

In this guide, we compare car subscriptions vs car rental in Melbourne across the metrics that actually matter: total weekly cost, flexibility, vehicle quality, and hidden fees. Whether you drive Uber, DiDi, or need a car for personal use, this breakdown will help you choose the option that keeps more money in your pocket.

What Is a Car Subscription?

A car subscription is a monthly or weekly payment that bundles a vehicle, insurance, registration, and (sometimes) maintenance into one fee. Providers like Splend, Carbar, and Kinto market it as a "Netflix for cars" — pay one price, drive away.

However, the reality for Melbourne drivers is more nuanced:

• Minimum terms: Most subscriptions require 1–3 month minimums despite "flexible" branding
• Kilometre caps: Carbar and Kinto typically limit you to 1,500–2,000km/month — far below what a full-time rideshare driver needs
• Platform restrictions: Some subscription providers don't allow rideshare use at all
• Early exit fees: Breaking a subscription early can cost $500–$1,500

What Is Weekly Car Rental for Rideshare?

Weekly car rental — like what Baraka Car Rentals offers — is a straightforward hire agreement with no long-term lock-in. You rent a vehicle week-to-week and return it whenever you want. For rideshare drivers, specialist providers include everything you need:

• Comprehensive rideshare insurance
• Registration and roadside assistance
• Truly unlimited kilometres — critical for full-time drivers
• Vehicles pre-approved for Uber, DiDi, and Uber Eats

Baraka's rate starts from $200/week with no lock-in contracts and no hidden fees. See our full long-term car rental options for extended hire pricing.

Head-to-Head Cost Comparison (2026)

Feature	Car Subscription (Splend/Carbar)	Baraka Weekly Rental
Weekly Cost	$280–$450/week	From $200/week
Insurance Included	Yes (basic)	Yes (comprehensive rideshare)
Kilometre Limit	1,500–2,000km/month	Truly unlimited
Minimum Commitment	1–3 months	1 week (no lock-in)
Rideshare Approved	Varies by provider	Yes — Uber, DiDi, Uber Eats
Roadside Assistance	Sometimes extra	Included
Vehicle Type	Mixed (petrol/hybrid)	Toyota Hybrid fleet
Exit Fee	$500–$1,500	$0
Excess Km Charges	$0.25–$0.35/km	N/A (unlimited)

The Kilometre Problem for Rideshare Drivers

This is where subscriptions fall apart for professional drivers. A full-time Uber driver in Melbourne typically covers 800–1,200km per week (3,200–4,800km/month). Most car subscriptions cap you at 1,500–2,000km/month. Exceed that limit and you're paying $0.25–$0.35 per extra kilometre.

Let's do the maths for a driver doing 4,000km/month on a Carbar subscription with a 2,000km cap:

• Base subscription: ~$350/week ($1,400/month)
• Excess kilometres: 2,000km × $0.30 = $600/month
• Real monthly cost: $2,000

Compare that to Baraka's weekly car rental at $200/week ($800/month) with unlimited kilometres. That's a $1,200/month saving — or $14,400 per year back in your pocket.

Subscription Models: Splend vs Carbar vs Kinto

Splend

Splend specifically targets rideshare drivers with a "rent-to-own" model. While the concept of eventually owning your car sounds appealing, the total cost over 3–4 years significantly exceeds the car's value. Splend's weekly rates for a Toyota Camry Hybrid sit around $350–$400/week — nearly double Baraka's rate for a comparable vehicle.

Carbar

Carbar offers broader vehicle selection but focuses on personal use. Their terms often restrict or prohibit rideshare driving, making them unsuitable for Uber or DiDi drivers. Monthly costs range from $1,200–$2,000 depending on the vehicle.

Kinto (Toyota Subscription)

Kinto is Toyota's own subscription service. While they offer quality hybrid vehicles, the minimum commitment is typically 3 months and kilometre caps apply. It's a better option for personal use than rideshare.

When Does a Subscription Make Sense?

To be fair, car subscriptions aren't always the wrong choice. They can work if you:

• Drive less than 1,500km/month (personal use only)
• Want to test different car models before buying
• Need a temporary vehicle for 3–6 months and don't plan to rideshare
• Prefer the convenience of swapping vehicles frequently

But if you're a rideshare driver doing serious kilometres, the maths overwhelmingly favours long-term car rental or weekly rental with a specialist provider.

Why Melbourne Rideshare Drivers Choose Baraka

Based in Tarneit, Baraka Car Rentals is purpose-built for rideshare drivers across Melbourne's western suburbs and beyond. Here's what sets us apart from subscription models:

• $200/week all-inclusive: Insurance, rego, maintenance, roadside assistance — no extras
• Truly unlimited kilometres: Drive as much as you need without watching the odometer
• No lock-in contracts: Rent for one week or one year — your choice
• Toyota Hybrid fleet: Corolla, Camry, RAV4, and Kluger Hybrids for maximum fuel savings
• Rideshare-ready: Every car meets Uber and DiDi requirements
• Same-day collection: From our Wyndham base, servicing Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, and all Melbourne

Real Driver Savings: Subscription vs Rental Over 12 Months

Let's look at the full-year comparison for a full-time rideshare driver averaging 4,000km/month:

Cost Component	Splend Subscription	Baraka Rental
Base Weekly Rate	$380/week	$200/week
Annual Base Cost	$19,760	$10,400
Excess Km Charges	$0 (Splend allows unlimited)	$0
Exit/Break Fees Risk	$500–$1,500	$0
Total Annual Cost	$19,760–$21,260	$10,400
Annual Savings with Baraka	$9,360–$10,860

That's nearly $10,000 per year in savings — money that can go towards your family, savings, or building your own driving business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a car subscription cheaper than renting in Melbourne?

For most rideshare drivers, no. Subscriptions average $280–$450/week compared to specialist rental at $200/week. The gap widens further when you factor in kilometre caps and exit fees that subscriptions often include.

Can I use a car subscription for Uber in Melbourne?

It depends on the provider. Splend allows rideshare use, but Carbar and Kinto typically restrict or prohibit it. Always check the terms before signing up. Baraka vehicles are explicitly approved for Uber, DiDi, and delivery platforms.

What's the cheapest way to get a car for Uber in Melbourne?

Weekly rental from a rideshare specialist like Baraka at $200/week is the most cost-effective option for professional drivers. It includes everything — insurance, unlimited kms, maintenance, and rideshare insurance. No subscription or ownership model comes close on total cost.

Do car subscriptions include insurance?

Most include basic comprehensive insurance, but not all cover rideshare driving. If you're caught driving Uber with a personal-use-only policy, your claim could be denied. Baraka includes comprehensive rideshare-specific insurance with every rental.

Can I switch from a subscription to rental mid-contract?

Yes, but you may face early termination fees of $500–$1,500 depending on your subscription provider. With Baraka's no lock-in weekly rental, you can start and stop anytime without penalties.

Is rent-to-own worth it for rideshare drivers?

Generally no. Rent-to-own schemes (like Splend's) charge a premium over the vehicle's market value. Over 3–4 years, you'll pay significantly more than the car is worth. Most drivers are better off renting weekly and saving the difference to buy a car outright when ready.

Contact Baraka Car Rentals

Ready to save thousands compared to a car subscription? Talk to our team today:

• Phone: 0461 555 511
• WhatsApp: 0461 555 511
• Address: 16 Ishtar Street, Tarneit VIC 3029
• Hours: 8AM–10PM, 7 days
• Book online: Reserve your vehicle now