Moving Interstate? Here’s a Smarter Car Option Than Buying

A new job, new city… and a big decision about your car

Every year, tens of thousands of Australians pack up and move interstate — for work, study, or a lifestyle change. It’s exciting, but it also comes with a long to-do list: new rental, new routine, new network.

And for many, one of the biggest questions is: “What do I do about my car?”

Should you sell before moving? Drive it across states? Or buy again once you arrive? Each option comes with stress, cost, and commitment — which is why more Australians are turning to Motopool’s flexible car subscription service as a smarter alternative.

Why buying isn’t always the smart move

Buying a car when you’re relocating can lock you into long-term costs that don’t suit your short-term plans. Between upfront payments, registration, insurance, and depreciation, the costs can easily exceed $10,000 in the first year alone.

If you’re moving for work or study, you might not know:

• How long you’ll stay in that city
• Whether you’ll need parking
• If public transport or ride-share might cover most of your travel

Locking yourself into ownership — or a lease — limits flexibility.

A car subscription flips that model. You drive a vehicle you love, but without the long-term commitment, finance, or hassle of selling later.

Locking yourself into ownership — or a lease — limits flexibility.

A car subscription flips that model. You drive a vehicle you love, but without the long-term commitment, finance, or hassle of selling later.

How car subscriptions make moving easier

A Motopool car subscription bundles everything — registration, insurance, servicing, and roadside assistance — into one simple monthly fee. That means less paperwork and zero hidden costs when you’re already juggling a big move.

Here’s why it’s a smarter choice for interstate relocations:

• No long-term contract – Subscribe month-to-month and change or cancel anytime.
• Swap when your needs change – Start with a city-friendly hatchback, then upgrade to an SUV if you decide to explore.
• Drive immediately – Skip the dealership queues and finance approval delays.
• No depreciation stress – You don’t have to worry about resale value when your circumstances change.

“When people relocate, flexibility is everything,” says Laura Harewood, Group CRO of Karmo and Motopool.

“The beauty of a subscription is that it adjusts with you. Whether you’re staying six months or settling permanently, you can swap, upgrade, or return the vehicle whenever life changes — no penalties, no admin headaches.”

Real-life example: relocation made simple

Jordan didn't just move interstate, he moved across continents. Here is what he had to say

"Absolutely the easiest and best option I made in looking for a car lease in Perth. I was able to set this up in the UK before moving to Perth and was collected from the airport, driving away within five minutes of collecting my vehicle.  You can read the full Google review here."

The financial advantage

Traditional car ownership comes with unpredictable costs — servicing, rego renewals, insurance hikes. When you subscribe, all of that is built in.

It’s a smarter way to budget, especially when you’re already managing the cost of moving. Even better, you can pause or cancel if you head back home or overseas.

For many customers, Motopool isn’t just a stopgap — it’s become their long-term mobility solution.

Making mobility fit your lifestyle

A car subscription gives you the freedom to focus on the move — not the mechanics of car ownership. You can choose your preferred model online, sign up in minutes, and have your car ready when you land.

Whether you’re moving for work, study, or a lifestyle change, Motopool makes it easy to stay mobile without financial strain or commitment fatigue.

Want to see what’s available? Explore the latest Motopool plans and vehicles and experience the flexibility that’s redefining car access across Australia.

Author Bio

Sam Merigala — Marketing & Communications, Karmo and Motopool

Sam Merigala is part of the Motopool marketing and communications team, helping connect Australians with smarter, more flexible ways to access vehicles. He’s passionate about sustainability, technology, and simplifying the customer journey through transparent mobility solutions.

Expert Contributor

Laura Harewood — Group Chief Revenue Officer, Karmo & Motopool

Laura Harewood is the Group CRO for Karmo and Motopool, driving growth and innovation across both car subscription platforms. With years of experience in the automotive and mobility sectors, she’s passionate about building flexible, customer-first solutions that redefine vehicle access in Australia.