A new Tesla for sale can draw interest from drivers across the U.S., but the selling process should not be confused with buying something from an online retailer. The ease of the sales process and the frequent changes to inventory and the prominent placement of monthly payment estimates often lure buyers into a purchase that is much more complicated than it appears. A new Tesla is a major investment on a transportation purchase and includes a number of variables that can alter the value, such as configuration, charging, purchase incentives, insurance, and cost of finance.
The best advice for the average shopper is relatively simple: buy a new Tesla when you have finalized the costs associated with ownership, not just the cost of purchase listed on the ordering page. Although Tesla’s direct sales model has advantages and creates a number of efficiencies, EVs and other vehicles that allow for easy charging and offer real advantages in performance and software should also be considered. A low starting price does not necessarily indicate a low total cost. Without reliable home charging or affordable insurance and a proper plan for use, a buyer should consider other EVs, hybrids, or simply wait.
Start With the Right Question: Is a New Tesla for Sale Actually Right for Your Routine?
The correct question to ask is not, “Which Tesla can I afford?” The correct question to ask should be, “Which Tesla, if any, fits the way I drive and charge?” The answer to that question is more indicative of the ownership experience, as routine is a more important factor than the specs listed in the brochure.
If you can charge at home, especially overnight, buying a Tesla is considerably easier.
The Model 3 is the most popular choice for many consumers as an inexpensive, compact electric sedan. It is ideal for individuals, couples, and smaller families that care most about having a vehicle that saves them money and aids in everyday commuting. The sedan style may not be for everyone, though. If you regularly have bulky equipment, multiple pets, strollers, or passengers that take up a lot of space, saving money on the purchase may end up costing you in the long run because the vehicle will likely feel small and cramped.
When looking at crossovers, Model Y is typically the better choice for drivers looking for a taller vehicle, but practicality does not extend to a free upgrade. A large, heavy vehicle will negatively affect efficiency and impact the total cost of ownership. Drivers must ask themselves if they will really utilize the additional space instead of thinking a crossover is a smart purchase because it fits a more conventional mold.
The Model S and Model X may appeal more to buyers because of their space, design, technology, and performance. However, regardless of design or premium positioning, buyers must decide for themselves if these vehicles are actually worth the price and evaluate them in the context of their competitors. Higher range, cold weather, service access, insurance, tire coverage, and feature preferences should be taken as seriously as acceleration when shopping at higher price points.
Avoid buying a large battery or faster configuration just because you think it will last longer. Greater range has its benefits, but mostly for people who regularly drive on the highway or in cold climates. You should only purchase it if it fits in your budget based on the route you regularly take. For someone who only commutes, it probably won’t be worth the cost to upgrade, and for someone who travels long distances frequently, they will possibly regret the lowest range configuration.
Published Range Is a Planning Tool, Not a Promise
With every single Tesla, range retains its position as the most important feature. That said, range is still very easy for most people to get wrong. As far as the published range is concerned, Tesla is not promising what most people will end up achieving. You need to consider the speed of the vehicle, the air temperature, elevation changes, load, whether the wheels are covered or open, the driving style, and climate control when thinking about how much range can be expected.
Usable trip range should be considered before purchasing a Tesla. It is unreasonable to believe that you will always be travelling with an empty battery or a fully charged battery after a long series of stops. There are clear differences when considering the paper route vs the comfortable route based on unpredictable elements such as traffic and the operation of charging stations.
These figures should be used as a guide, and not as a firm range prediction.
Important to point out that when using any of the online financing tools for ordering, having to enter personal finance information for ordering makes it easy to direct your attention to a low monthly payment. This is a highly concerning matter. A low monthly payment can be achieved through a long term loan, a large down payment, or financing structures with a large finance cost.
When comparing prices, include all out-the-door costs. This price will include financing, destination fees, tax, registration, installation of the charge, options, the trade-in, any difference, and insurance. Get multiple trade-in price quotes instead of accepting the quote that is easiest for you (this may be the highest quote).
A preapproval for a loan from the bank or credit union will give what you need to determine whether the finance offer from Tesla is competitive. This should not lead to a paper trail burden. This should let you determine whether the payment fits your budget without financing it for extended periods of time.
Finally, I must say, do not let justifying a highly priced configuration sell you on the notion that fuel savings will balance out the cost of the vehicle.
Although home charging can significantly reduce the costs associated with charging an electric vehicle, this often depends on local electricity pricing, how much charging is done at home vs. in public charging infrastructure, the vehicle efficiency, and of course annual mileage. Savings are most significant when they are used to offset significant gasoline use; they are not a completely open checking account that can be used to pay for all purchasing decisions.Inventory Tesla Versus Custom Order: Convenience Has a Value
When shopping for a Tesla, customers have the option of purchasing a pre-built Tesla from inventory, or they can configure a Tesla based on their preferences, and then wait for it to be built . The more convenient option is to buy a Tesla from inventory, especially if the Tesla in inventory has what customers want. However, through configurable Tesla orders, customers have the ability to make more customization and decisions on their preferences, including color, seating, wheel options, drivetrain, and other confugrations.
Inventory is not always the best option. The Tesla in Inventory may have what the customer wants, but it is not wise to buy it based on that premise. There are a number of things customers often buy and wish they could take back. In this situation, do not buy an excessively large upgrade, fancy new wheels, or a performance upgrade. You will hate the color on a Tesla for years. Customers should not make a decision based on the configurator!
Customers do not have to use configurators to make decisions that will negatively impact their wallet and the value of their Tesla during resale. Choose what the Tesla will help you do day to day, and treat upgrades and performance gains as textbook economics. If the performance gain will help offset the cost of the upgrade, go for it. If not, leave it out. Be prepared to pay for wheel damage, alignment issues, windshield replacements, cabin air filter replacements, brake service, or unforeseen repairs. Plan accordingly for those costs.
Your choice of tires is important. Low rolling resistance or EV specific tires may positively affect miles per charge but at a cost of increased grip, decreased wear, and increased replacement and noise costs. Also, performance tires have increased grip and wear, increased replacement costs, about the same total cost of ownership, and less ride comfort. Before purchasing a wheel package, check various vendors to verify tier pricing. Lower rolling resistance and EV specific tires may impact overall cost of ownership more over the life of the car, however, better acceleration may give you a higher perceived value initially.
Depreciation can increase the value of a new car over a used car. There are lots of factors that can impact the cost of a car including reputation, model updates, manufacturer pricing, demand, incentives, etc. While there may be ways to predict the resale value, the best approach is to buy within your means, potentially keeping the same car for several years so the value of the car to you is more important than the short-term market fluctuations.
Don't Treat Software Like Future Value
One significant part of Tesla's ownership experience is the software-first approach. The features that consumers get when buying the car can be added, changed, subbed in, or updated while the car is on the road. This has been a major selling point of Tesla's, and for good reason. However, features purchased upon buying a car are features and should not constitute foreseeable future value of the car.
Driver responsibility is always on the driver at all times. The technology may be slightly different based on location and configuration. Features offered may also be dictated by subscription and software availability. Read limits and descriptions carefully.
A feature is worth a purchase when it's beneficial in the current state under the stated conditions, not with the unfounded belief that it will be beneficial in the future.A Useful Checklist When Buying a New Tesla
- Model and configurations should align with passenger and cargo volume, as well as your driving behavior.
- Consider where you will charge most the time, and what the cost for home charging might be.
- Plot your longest daily drives and evaluate the driving route, weather, and possible alternatives.
- Set aside funds for possible incentives, but only if you are sure you qualify.
- Request quotes for insurance on your selected vehicle.
- Review financing offers based on total cost and term, not monthly payment.
- Evaluate cars on the lot over custom orders based on when you will receive the car.
- Account for the costs of insurance and charging along with other regular costs and potential repairs.
- Consider included driving aids and expected functionality.
- Look at the car in detail upon delivery and understand how to note concerns with the car.
Final Remarks
Buying a new Tesla is worth it when you have access to a reliable charging system, a good fit between driving behavior and the Model selected, and when the financial plan meets the requirements for the rest of the costs. There's no 'strong case' for purchasing a Tesla because of the novelty of instant torque or a tempting price. The 'strong case' aligns with dependable charging at home or at work, a sensible Model with the correct range, verified incentives, cost-appropriate insurance, and cost-appropriate financing.
Buyers of new Teslas should remain skeptical to both extremes. The first is the perspective that buying any Tesla results in a net financial gain. The other is the perspective that owning an EV is an expensive financially irresponsible decision.
Both are lazy conclusions. A Tesla can be efficient and enjoyable for the right U.S. driver, however for a bad charging situation or budget, a Tesla can become an expensive and avoidable inconvenience. Before making a purchase, it is very important to do the unglamorous research. Only then, if it has earned its spot in the driveway, should a Tesla be ordered.