[thfuran]

But it's not a payment plan, it's a subscription. If you drive the car for 25 years, you're still on the hook every year if you want the seats to heat.

[gnicholas]

BMW maintained the one-time purchase option. The subscription was added for people who only wanted to pay intermittently (or who were buying a BMW new, but somehow didn't have the $500 to pay for heated seats upfront).

[thfuran]

That there exists an alternative doesn't make the subscription better.

[gnicholas]

I would heartily disagree. When I go to buy some software, which I purchase via one-time purchase, I do not care one bit that they also offer a subscription. If the subscription is a ripoff, then those customers are effectively subsidizing my purchase. And if it's a great deal, then maybe I should consider subscribing instead of paying a lump sum. Either way, I'm not hurt by the additional payment option existing.

[gruez]

Are you equally upset about the fact that you can get a "subscription" to a car (ie. renting or leasing it) in addition to buying it outright?

[thfuran]

That's not really the same thing, but regardless, the fact that a car can be purchased wouldn't make an expensive lease more attractive.

[gruez]

>That's not really the same thing

How so?

>the fact that a car can be purchased wouldn't make an expensive lease more attractive.

Yet plenty of people lease their cars.