FINN vs. GO: Which Car Subscription Is Right for You?

FINN was launched in Munich, Germany in 2019 and following its European success expanded into the U.S. in 2022 as the “better way to drive”.

The company wanted to make procuring a car just like any other retail experience, pioneering an online subscription model that includes “everything except for fuel”. Greater flexibility, maintenance, roadside assistance, and insurance are provided in a very competitive package.

Unlike some other so-called subscription companies, FINN specializes only in car subscriptions. Communities of car subscribers have appeared in many eastern states including New York, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia and most of New England.

The growth rate in the U.S. is now twice as fast as in Germany. Current brands include Chevrolet, Nissan, Cadillac, Jeep, GMC, RAM and more.

FINN’s status as one of the “new guys on the block” has helped it remain nimble in a competitive space. As an indication of its progressive stance and commitment to “sustainable mobility”, 30 percent of its global fleet are fully electric vehicles while another 20 percent are plug-in hybrid vehicles.

FINN will continue to introduce new ideas and digitalization features to its car subscription model in the U.S. as the market matures. 

GO started life in 2020 and is based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company operates entirely online with the aim of reducing the overheads and red tape required to drive one’s car of choice. Customers find a car online and, after approval, arrange insurance and schedule vehicle delivery to their home at a convenient time. They pay a monthly subscription fee without being chained to long-term debt.

GO has introduced a new term into the lexicology of car ownership. Its subscriptions are called “un-leases”, which combine elements of leases, rentals and subscriptions. Its services are geared specifically toward “daily drivers” who want to drive a car for an extended period (years) rather than swapping vehicles regularly.

The company claims that customers can order their car completely online in under five minutes and save up to 25 percent per month. Besides its home city of Philadelphia, GO’s available markets are mainly in the south, and only in the major metropolitan areas of Florida, Texas, Georgia and North Carolina, as well as in northern New Jersey.

Michael Beauchamp, GO’s founder and CEO and a native New Yorker, said “GO was created to streamline and simplify an antiquated process. Customers win thanks to technology and efficiency driving our unique business model.”

Since early 2022, the startup has expanded its fleet, which now comprises a varied collection of SUVs, sedans and pickups from Chevrolet, Toyota, Jeep, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Ford. Plans to add more hybrids and EVs (Tesla Model 3 and Model Y) are also in the works.

To be approved for a subscription with GO, you’ll need:

• A valid permanent U.S. driver’s license in the state where the vehicle is collected
• A good/clean driving record
• To be at least 25 years of age 
• A verifiable source of income (proof may be needed)

With FINN, you’ll need:

• To be at least 25 years of age
• A valid U.S. driver’s license you’ve held for at least two years
• A credit score of at least 640
• A good/clean driving record

Meeting these eligibility requirements does not guarantee approval for a subscription with either FINN or GO.

GO does not usually charge a deposit or down payment. Once approved, most drivers simply pay the first monthly fee and get delivery of their car. 

However, sometimes a fully-refundable security deposit may be required for customers perceived as higher risk. This is charged instead of raising the monthly fees. The deposit is fully refundable if the vehicle is returned without damage, unpaid charges, mileage overage or excess wear and tear. 

FINN charges no deposit or down payment provided you have a credit score of at least 680 (FICO 9). Drivers with a credit score of 640-679 (FICO 9) must pay a deposit equal to two months of subscription.

GO’s published monthly fees range from around $419/month up to $999/month — but there is tax to pay on top of this (so, these totals become $465/month to $1,109/month in Pennsylvania). Note that these low fees are based upon a considerably longer subscription term (three years) than FINN.

Currently, FINN’s monthly fees vary from $589 per month (excluding tax) for the Chevrolet Traverse up to $1,539 per month (excluding tax) for the GMC Yukon XL. These are based on shorter, 12-month deals.

FINN offers either 6 or 12-month subscription terms (12 or 24 months for EVs). To continue a subscription, simply select the same delivery date as your return date and FINN will keep you on the road without any hiccups.

GO is aimed at drivers who want to hold on to their cars for longer — up to 36 months or longer. 

FINN provides a “risk-free” period of 48 hours during which you can cancel for free if you change your mind. Beyond that, you will need to pay a restocking fee. Once the vehicle is delivered, you commit to paying for the entire term of 6 or 12 months.

GO allows you to cancel the contract up to 72 hours from when your reservation was confirmed unless it is within 24 hours of scheduled delivery or pickup. In that case, you forfeit the first month’s payment.

If you cancel after the delivery of your vehicle, you will pay a restocking fee of $999 to cover title/registration, vehicle prep and shipping. Returning your car or switching to another car within 36 months will also incur the restocking fee — and you must give a 30 day notice too.

GO operates a simple online booking system where you select a specific vehicle, specifying color and mileage. After approval and proof of insurance, the vehicle is delivered for free to your door. The delivery time varies according to the vehicle.

You can choose from a range of SUVs, crossovers, sedans, pickups and minivans from U.S. and Japanese manufacturers, including Chevrolet, Toyota, Jeep, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Nissan and Ford.

With FINN, the efficient online booking system also makes it easy to arrange a subscription, with fast approval for eligible candidates. There is a similarly wide range of SUVs, crossovers, pickups, and sedans with both automatic and manual transmissions — currently with a few more hybrid and EV options available than with GO.

Service areas are expanding quickly for both FINN and GO but they currently specialize mainly in different areas of the country.

GO focuses mainly on metropolitan areas in the southern United States: Florida, Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina, besides its home city of Philadelphia and northern New Jersey.

FINN, on the other hand, offers services mainly in the north: predominantly New York, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia and most of New England.

FINN includes 850 miles in the base monthly package. Additional mileage is charged and varies by vehicle model. You can also select a higher-mileage package of 1,000, 1,250 or 1,500 miles.

The basic package with GO includes 833 miles per month with additional packages available at 1,000 miles and 1,250 miles. Extra mileage is charged at $0.25 per mile with mileage overdraft protection including 1,000 miles for usage during the 36-month contract period. Unused monthly mileage is rolled over to the next month.

Both FINN and GO include 24/7 roadside assistance in their basic packages. This includes towing, battery jump start, flat tire change or inflation, gas delivery (varies by make) and lock-out service.

FINN includes preventive and routine maintenance on all its vehicles but with GO only some vehicles offer this. Otherwise, the customer is responsible for maintenance.

With both FINN and GO, normal wear and tear is included but you’ll need to pay a deductible for repairs.

FINN includes insurance in its monthly fees but there is a deductible of up to $1,000 per incident. 

GO also includes insurance packages for eligible customers as long as minimum coverage limits are met but pricing varies by customer profile. There is a minimum deductible of $500.