Toyota Unveils New Car Subscription Service
» Posted March 4, 2019 • Resources | Share This Post
Toyota is joining the growing trend of carmakers that offer drivers the option of sampling the goods through a subscription service. The Japanese automobile manufacturer announced last month that it’s launching a subscription service that will allow users to pay a flat rate for access to a car and related expenses like insurance, registration and maintenance.
“As society shifts from conventional car ownership to car usage that can be enjoyed wherever and as much as users would like, there is a growing need for a service that allows customers to freely select the car that they like or want to drive and enjoy it as they like, instead of using a car simply as a means of transportation,” the company said in an announcement.
Toyota is initially limiting the new Kinto service to users in Japan. The program offers two options. A standard version allows users to drive one Toyota vehicle over three years, at a price of $420 to $900 per month. A premium version allows the user to select up to six Lexus vehicles over the same period, for about $1,600 a month.
The program also rewards divers for safe and efficient operation of their cars. Although the details aren’t entirely clear, the company said it will award points to drivers “based on their vehicle usage (such as for safe or ecological driving),” which can then be credited toward monthly payments. That’s led some to speculate that the cars will be equipped with connected technology that allows the company to track driving.
Kinto follows the launch of similar subscription services from Volvo, BMW and Nissan.
How the California Lemon Law Protects Owners and Lessors
Although car subscriptions offer an alternative to traditional buying and leasing models, they still come with the same risk: being stuck with a lemon. The good news for car buyers and lessors in the Golden State is that the California lemon law offers some important legal protections.
The law requires a car manufacturer to make certain efforts to repair the vehicle while it’s under warranty. The number of attempts that the manufacturer must make varies based on the circumstances. If those attempts are not successful, the carmaker has to give the owner/lessor the choice of having the vehicle replaced or being reimbursed for the purchase price and other related costs.
How a California Lemon Law Attorney Can Help You
If you’re a California car owner who’s stuck with a lemon, you have the right to consider legal action against the manufacturer. The California Lemon Law attorneys at the Bickel Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases across the state. We take the stress off of you by offering the peace of mind that comes with knowing that we’re working aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve. Our firm does not charge upfront fees in most cases.
Our offices are conveniently located in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an attorney.
