Want to know more about how Autonomy works? We’ve done all the research so you don’t have to. Read on for information on vehicle range, what’s included, terms and conditions and more. And if you want to shop around, you’ll be able to check out our other articles so you can compare how Autonomy stacks up against other car subscription companies out there too!

By: Simon Richardson
Last update 2023-02-28 Reading time 2:19 min

About Autonomy

Autonomy is a subscription service for the Tesla Models 3, with a 30-day rolling contract following the initial 3-month terms. The service is available across California, with pick-up or delivery and the option to increase or decrease the initial down payment to change the monthly contract amount. Autonomy operate exclusively on their app, which works on iOS, and customers will need to add their subscription vehicle to their insurance policy in line with Autonomy’s minimum requirements. Currently, all the Teslas provided by Autonomy are either new or have done under 500 miles.

How it works

Autonomy’s subscription service is based entirely on their iOS app.

  • Download the app and upload your driver’s license to start the ID verification and checking service
  • Decide on your preferred start fee and monthly payment amount
  • Receive your contract and sign digitally through the app
  • Pay your refundable security deposit and start fee
  • Drive the car for 3 months and then either extend or cancel at 14 days’ notice

Cost and fees

Prices start at $1000 a month with a $1000 down payment, but the down payment amount can be customized, which in turn affects the price. There is also a refundable deposit to pay.The mileage limit for Autonomy’s vehicles is 1000 per month, with every additional mile charged at $0.25.
For insurance, customers must choose a policy add-on that meets all the minimum criteria for California.

Brands and models

Autonomy offers the Tesla Model 3 in a choice of five colors.

Notice periods

The initial contract lasts for 3 months, reverting to a 30-day rolling contract thereafter. For extension or cancellation, customers must give 14 days’ notice.

What’s Special about Autonomy?

With Teslas being in demand and quite pricey, the chance to get hold of a recent model on subscription is still quite rare. And by offering monthly pricing and the initial down payment on a sliding scale, Autonomy have made a big effort to appeal to different demographics and budgets. The rolling contract also means that there is a high level of flexibility, and the interfacing is done entirely through the iOS app, meaning that the company is both electric and paper-free. Autonomy also offer delivery, which adds an extra layer of flexibility.

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Social media

Autonomy uses Facebook and Instagram for promotions and updates.

FAQs

How much does an Autonomy car subscription cost?
The cost depends on the vehicle you want to subscribe to, and the down payment amount you’re willing to pay. For example, you could get a Tesla Model 3 for $450 a month if you pay a $3000 start fee.

Where is Autonomy available?
Autonomy is available in California, Florida, Texas, and Washington DC. If you live in one of those areas, you just need an Android or iOS phone to access their online services.

Is the Autonomy down payment refundable?
Yes. Your security deposit will be refunded at the end of your subscription period, less any amounts due for damage or penalties.

Does Autonomy do a credit check?
Autonomy runs a liquidity check. Rather than checking your credit score or history, they simply want to ensure that you have the means to pay the deposit and the monthly term. You can even use a credit card.

How long can I keep the car?
Your minimum term is one month. After that, you can continue to extend for as long as you like and cancel at any time with 2 weeks’ notice.

Conclusion

Autonomy is a Tesla-exclusive subscription service that works on a 30-day rolling contract following the initial 3-month term. The entirely app-based service is easy to use but currently only available on iOS, and the company themselves are only running in California at this time. Customers can change their monthly payment amount and increase the down payment or vice versa, and the mileage limit is generous but extendable for a fee. Unlike most other car subscription services, Autonomy does not cover insurance.

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Autonomy Reviews

2.8
2.8 of 5 stars
17 Reviews
2.8 of 5 stars
0.5
0.5 of 5 stars
1 Reviews In the last 12 months
0.5 of 5 stars
1 Reviews In the last 12 months
3.1
3.1 of 5 stars
5 Reviews 2023
3.1 of 5 stars
2.6
2.6 of 5 stars
12 Reviews 2022
2.6 of 5 stars

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  1. Buyer beware: at the end of your subscription, they will continue to charge you the monthly fee. They say it’s a “mistake” but you may have to cancel your credit card or checking account to get it to stop. This company is committing credit card fraud. Look around at reviews; I am not the only one who has had this experience. Don’t expect to get your deposit back either, they find anything possible to charge you that isn’t “normal wear and tear”. - from Don Stouder | 2023-12-31
  2. The free month provided was icing on the cake (use code DriveFree28R6 if you decide to sign-up). My car was delivered free to my home in FL direct from California with only 4 mi. on the odometer. I took advantage of the Black Friday deal to get the car at 450/month so the price was right for me. I wanted a way to test an electric car long term to see how well I adapted and how charging worked out at my home. So far, everything has been working great. I use the regular 120V outlet to charge overnight, gaining around 20% charge/night. Weekends, I leave it charging in the daytime as well, while it's not in use so it usually charges up to 100% by the beginning of the week; I'm not a heavy driver and mainly use it for commuting so I've seen that this works well for me. I've also taken it to a few long trips where I've had to use the superchargers, and in all instances, the process has been seamless, pain-free, and cheaper than what we would have paid to fill up a gasoline car; the car charged up while we took a bathroom/snack break at the rest stops so we did not really waste any time charging. All in all, I'm happy for this "extended test drive". I really like the Tesla, but look forward to trying out other electric cars next year as they become more mainstream. Thanks to Autonomy, I've been able to see exactly how an electric car fits into our family, without the long-term commitment. - from Alex | 2023-05-19
  3. All, the naysayers above have it wrong. My experience has been flawless. - from Mark E Fidelman | 2023-05-08
  4. I was one of the first members from Florida process was very easy efficient and have no complaints so far I believe I got a very good price even though it was before the Tesla price drop. Shane R - from Shane Ruckle | 2023-01-29
  5. I would give 0 star if I could. At first, their employee promised that as long as I put a down payment, I will get my brand new Tesla model Y next week. Then, the moment I put the money down, they said that they don’t have any model Y car in stock and I have to get the used model 3 car. The worst part is that they sent me the broken charger with the used model 3 car. I ended up paying a lot for using super charger ( as much as paying for the gasoline). I followed up on the replacement after a weekend, and Louis, one of their employee told me that it’s not his department and he doesn’t know. He finished his job forwarding my request. I called customer services and no one picked up. It’s a straight up scam. Like they told you that they will cover registration / repair / services fee. Wait until you run into repair issue and they will make you wait forever. - from Linh Ng | 2023-01-17
  6. Couldn't be happier with Autonomy. Process was super fast, the Tesla 3 is beautiful, and Autonomy even paid for a flat tire. Will absolutely get another car through them. - from Kyle | 2022-12-27
  7. I'm a subscriber of Autonomy Tesla Model 3, and I couldn't be more satisfied. The user experience is amazing, the end-to-end process took less than a day a half between registration on the app to me seating in a brand new Tesla. Customer service is fantastic, easily reachable, on top of every questions and aspects of the subscription. This is in sharp contrast with other subscription services which are either more expensive, or out of stock, or have a terrible user experience (I've compared all offers available in Los Angeles and actually tried Kyte, they are terrible, so I talk from experience) Couldn't recommend Autonomy more! - from Lucas F | 2022-12-16
  8. Process was quick and simple. I originally submitted my deposit in November, but was personally not ready for pickup or delivery until after my vacation. Picked up where I left off a few weeks later when I got back, added my payment and the next day I was picking up my Model 3. They indicate that pick up process would take 30 minutes, literally took 5 minutes! Scanned a QR code, took a few photos of the vehicle that were added to the app, rep handed me the card keys, set phone access & was ready to go! At the time mats and hub caps were back ordered but were mailed to me within a few days. They’ve also accommodated my request for a level 2 adapter, have yet to receive due to back ordered. Not their fault. In my experience, the communication I had with Autonomy was outstanding. Via text, email, phone call, everyone was a pleasure to speak to. I plan to keep the model 3 well past the 3 month commitment and look forward to other vehicles, promotions in the pipeline. The beauty of this “subscription” is that you’re not locked into a financial commitment for 3-5 years depending if you’re leasing or financing. Everyone’s financial situation is different, this allows you to make adjustments without any impact to your credit should you need to return the vehicle after your 3 month commitment to prioritize your income elsewhere. So far I please with the process from A-Z! Well done Autonomy! - from FP | 2022-12-16
  9. They accept every bank in the world but Wells Fargo! Unbelievable and unprofessional. - from Dr joe | 2022-12-06
  10. Got my car and absolutely loved it! It was a brand new model 3. It was awesome. My review is mainly for the process after. I had to chase them down to credit me for a month that I did not use, my deposit, and my security deposit. I gave them about a month to do it on their own but when I saw no traction I decided to email and figure it out. I sent an email and received no response. 9 Days later I sent another email, and finally heard that its being credited (still waiting to see if they credit). Dumbfounded how responsive they were when I was getting the car but the post customer service is terrible. - from Pete | 2022-12-01
  11. If something is too good to be true it usually is…they refuse to tell me how much insurance will cost unless I put down money first. Why would I invest into something I’m not sure I can afford…hidden fees give me the creeps…no thanks - from Zhanai | 2022-11-03
  12. I downloaded the app Monday night and signed up. Tuesday morning at 8am I received a call that I was approved and my Tesla Model 3 was ready. They helped me complete the registration, which took 15 minutes. Wednesday, I picked up the car. Very easy and fast. Super simple. I had some questions and submitted it via chat on the app. Somebody responded within a couple minutes and then they sent a transcript of the chat in an email. I've only had the car for a few hours, but I'm very happy with the process. - from Hank | 2022-10-27
  13. Unfortunately, very disappointing: many calls to reassure that the car is coming. over many many weeks, but nothing is happening. Not something I would rely on. - from Andy | 2022-10-08
  14. Would give 0 stars if possible. I have a perfect driving record, all the money saved, a great job, and still they denied me. But yet Tesla can give me a lease for cheaper monthly? I feel like Autonomy is a scam. I do not recommend this company at all. - from Nathan Falco | 2022-08-23
  15. Was rejected with no reason given. I have a perfect driving record. - from lance | 2022-08-11
  16. The process was quick and straightforward. The people who work for Autonomy are amiable and make themselves readily available if a person has any questions. I am so happy I found this company. I have wanted to drive a Tesla for a while due to gas prices and the environment, and this company makes it possible for people to get in the car of their dreams. - from Tamara Harris | 2022-08-03
  17. Got rejected by them and was given no reason. Was ready to put $4900 down. Pretty unhappy with this company. - from Brendan McGill | 2022-07-20

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