Want to know more about how Carly 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 Carly stacks up against other car subscription companies out there too!
Simon Richardson
Last update 1. March 2023 Reading time 2:37 min
About Carly
Carly is a car subscription company that operates in Melbourne and Sydney. As a specialist subscription firm, rather than a car sales company with a subscription arm, Carly offer several features that its competitors don’t, including the option to pause and restart your subscription at any time. Their fleet includes a range of new and used vehicles, with entry level vehicles priced at an accessible level for customers on a budget. There is no deposit and insurance excess is also set at an affordable level.
How it works
The Carly sign-up process is simple:
- Provide the necessary ID and credit documents
- Pass the relevant checks, then choose a subscription level
- Arrange delivery or collection of your first vehicle
- Pay for the first 15 days up front
- Swap, pause, restart or cancel by contacting Carly
Carly’s service includes picking up an old vehicle and replacing it with a new one when you’re ready to swap. Depending on the level of service you have subscribed to, you can either swap once per month (Entry, Medium), or twice (Ultimate).
Costs and fees
Carly offers three different tiers of subscription, with the following associated costs:
Entry: From $203 a week. Includes $3000 damage liability, 1000km per month and 30 cents per kilometre for excess mileage.
Medium: From $231 a week. Includes $2000 damage liability, 2000km per month and 20 cents per kilometre for excess mileage.
Large: From $259 a week. Includes $1000 damage liability, 2800km per month and 10 cents per kilometre for excess mileage.
Payments are taken every 15 days to keep individual charged amounts low, and there is no deposit to pay.
Brands and models
Carly offer a wide range of vehicles, including models from different years – both new and second hand. While they keep several varieties of Kia, Nissan and Hyundai as part of their fleet, there are higher end models available, with brands such as Mercedes and Audi also represented.
Notice periods
The notice period is 30 days and notice can be given at any time.
What is special about Carly?
Carly have positioned themselves at the affordable and flexible end of the market. The lack of deposit, combined with a lower end price of $115 per month, makes their service accessible to most budgets. Their top tier, while not much more expensive than the lower tiers, offers the benefit of two free swaps per month and a lower excess liability, as well as better mileage package.
Perhaps the main selling point though, is that Carly allow customers to pause and restart their subscription at any point, which allows for even more savings. This isn’t something that their main competitors offer.
FAQs
How is a Carly subscription different to renting?
With a subscription, you’re paying a recurring fee to use a vehicle for a 30-day minimum term, but with the flexibility to cancel. Rentals tend to be shorter-term and would be more expensive if you were to use that type of service for, say, three months. Leases, meanwhile, are longer term but much less flexible. It is this flexibility to use long or short term, and to change your mind if your circumstances change, that sets subscriptions apart.
Can I use Carly as a business customer?
Yes, Carly has a separate arm of the business dedicated to corporate customers. You can email subscribe@carly.co for details.
What’s the lead time on Carly’s vehicles?
Most of the time, Carly will have your vehicle ready for you within 48 hours of your application being approved.
What fees do I have to pay?
Carly does not charge any joining or upfront fees. The price you see on the site is the price you will pay for your vehicle, with no hidden charges.
How many kilometres can I drive?
This depends on your level of subscription. Entry = 1000km, Medium = 2000km, and Large = 2800 km.
Conclusion
Carly offer a large fleet of vehicles with their main focus on the lower end of the market. With second-hand and new options available, as well as flexible mileage plans and relatively low excess liability, customers on a budget will be attracted to their simple, flexible service. The option to have cars delivered and collected is also a plus point, as is the lack of deposit. With availability in both Melbourne and Sydney, Carly also cover a large part of the country’s main urban areas.
Australia - English
Brasil - Portuguese
Canada - English
Deutschland - Deutsch
España - Español
France - Français
India - English
Italia - Italiano
Nederland - Nederlands
Norsk - Bokmål
Sweden - Svenska
UK - English
US - English
Österreich - Deutsch
Social media
Carly uses its Facebook to update customers on new vehicles and recent offers.