Moving to Perth? Car Subscriptions for Expats

For expats, returning Australians, and professionals relocating to Western Australia, deciding whether to rent, buy or finance a vehicle isn't always straightforward. You might not know how long you'll be staying, which suburb you'll settle in or what kind of vehicle you'll need once you're established.

That's where drive.select car subscriptions offer a practical alternative.

With premium vehicles from $249 per week, flexible terms starting at just three months and the option to change or purchase your vehicle later, you can get moving without making a long-term decision on day one.

Traditional car ownership can be a significant commitment, particularly when you're still getting settled.

Buying a vehicle outright means tying up funds that could otherwise go towards housing, relocation expenses or establishing your new life. Financing a vehicle can also be challenging depending on your visa conditions and without an established Australian credit history.

Long-term car rental offers flexibility, but costs can add up, particularly over several months.

A car subscription sits somewhere in between, combining the convenience of rental with the familiarity of having your own vehicle.

With drive.select, one fixed monthly payment covers your vehicle, comprehensive insurance, registration, scheduled servicing, maintenance and roadside assistance.

There's no joining fee, and subscriptions start from just three months.

One of the challenges for new arrivals is that you may not yet have an Australian credit history, even if you have a strong financial background and stable employment.

At drive.select, we understand that relocating internationally doesn't always fit the usual application criteria.

We take a flexible approach to assessing applications from expats and newly arrived residents, considering your individual circumstances rather than relying solely on an established Australian credit history.

Whether you're arriving on an employment contract, relocating with your family or returning to Australia after years overseas, our Perth-based team can help you understand your options.

All applications remain subject to credit assessment, identity verification and approval, but a limited Australian credit history doesn't necessarily mean you can't subscribe.

Traditional rental cars can be convenient for a few days or weeks, but a longer rental may become expensive, especially when you want a comfortable, well-equipped vehicle for everyday use.

drive.select offers premium European vehicles at competitive subscription prices, including:

• Audi Q2 compact SUV — from $249 per week, with a three-month minimum subscription.

• CUPRA Tavascan electric SUV — from $299 per week, with a six-month minimum subscription.

Both include the major running costs of the vehicle, making it easier to plan your monthly budget while you settle into Perth.

For longer stays, a subscription may offer better value than traditional car rental, particularly when comparing equivalent vehicles and insurance arrangements.

Your transport needs when you first arrive in Perth might be very different from what you need six months later.

Perhaps you're initially commuting to an office in the city, but later move to the suburbs. Maybe your family is joining you from overseas, or you discover that an electric vehicle would suit your daily routine.

With drive.select, you're not locked into the same vehicle for years.

You can start with a compact SUV, then explore changing to a larger family vehicle, a performance model or an EV when your subscription term ends.

With an expanding range of Audi, CUPRA and Volkswagen vehicles, there's plenty of choice as your circumstances evolve.

One of the advantages of subscribing is having time to make a more informed decision about vehicle ownership.

Instead of purchasing a car immediately after arriving in Australia, you can spend several months driving it, getting to know Perth and understanding your longer-term needs.

At the end of your subscription, you may have the option to purchase the vehicle outright or arrange finance, subject to availability, agreed purchase terms and finance approval.

Alternatively, you can renew your subscription, change vehicles or return the car in accordance with your agreement.

It's an opportunity to settle in first and decide what works best for you later.

Moving to a new country involves enough big decisions. Your car doesn't have to be one of them.

With flexible subscription terms, no joining fee, competitive pricing and the option to change or purchase your vehicle later, drive.select gives you the freedom to get settled before committing to long-term car ownership.

Explore our range at drive.select or speak with our Perth team on +61 1300 399 898.