Hey everyone, DennisCW here! If you’ve been dreaming of owning a Tesla but are looking for the most affordable way to get behind the wheel, you’re in the right place. In today’s post, I’m breaking down the cheapest way to buy or lease a Tesla vehicle, from unbeatable lease deals to federal tax credit loopholes. Let’s dive in!
First off, a huge shoutout to Christopher Dungeon for highlighting the incredible Tesla Model 3 lease deal. Right now, you can lease a Model 3 with zero down payment and pay just $349 per month on a 24-month lease with a 10,000-mile limit. When you tally up the total cost—including all payments and fees—it comes out to $8,626 over two years. That’s an amazing deal for anyone looking to test the waters with a Tesla without a huge upfront cost.
I recently helped a friend in California snag this deal, and their monthly payment was even lower at $265 per month. So, if you’re curious about Tesla ownership and want to dip your toes in without a long-term commitment, this lease option is definitely worth considering.
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. If you don’t qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit because your income exceeds the limits (between $150K and $300K), leasing a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y can be a fantastic workaround. Unlike financing or paying cash, Tesla applies the $7,500 tax credit directly to the lease, which you’ll see itemized in the backend of your agreement. While you might not get the full $7,500 due to acquisition fees (closer to $6,000), it’s still a significant saving and a major reason why many people opt for leasing.
Of course, if you fall in love with the car and decide to buy it out at the end of the lease, there are additional fees to consider. But for those focused on low monthly payments, this is a fantastic loophole to take advantage of.
If you’re specifically looking for the lowest monthly payment on a Tesla, the Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive is the way to go. Previously, this model was available with a $1,000 down payment and $299 monthly payments. Now, Tesla offers it with zero down and $349 per month, which works out to about the same total cost over time. It’s an affordable entry point into the Tesla ecosystem, especially for first-time buyers.
Before you place your order, don’t forget to use a Tesla referral code (like the one I’ve linked in the video description) when ordering any Tesla vehicle, including the Model 3 or Model Y. Using a referral code gets you 3 months of Full Self-Driving added to your vehicle for free. It’s a small bonus that can enhance your Tesla experience, so make sure to take advantage of it!
After helping my friend order their Model 3, I was surprised to learn that they had to wait 2 weeks to take delivery. On my channel, we often talk about inventory vehicles being ready for immediate pickup, so I assumed it would be faster. However, it seems that these low lease payments are attracting a lot of buyers, especially for the more affordable builds like the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive. From Tesla’s perspective, this high demand for cheaper models might be pushing them to focus on developing even more budget-friendly options in the future. What are your thoughts on this trend? Let me know in the comments!
One thing to note: when you buy a Tesla, it comes with zero accessories—not even a phone mount! But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some must-have accessories for every Tesla owner. Here are my top picks, all available from my partner, Joah:
Joah doesn’t stop at the basics. They also offer unique products like a wireless game controller (perfect for glove box storage), a portable air compressor for peace of mind on road trips, and even an electric scooter to save you the walk from Superchargers or Level 2 chargers.
Use my promo code (linked in the video description) to save money on your purchase and support the channel. Plus, enjoy free shipping on orders over $120. Check out the full range of accessories via the link below and gear up your Tesla the right way. Thanks to Joah for partnering with us!
Whether you’re looking to lease a Tesla Model 3 for as low as $349/month with zero down or take advantage of the federal tax credit loophole, there are plenty of ways to get into a Tesla at the lowest cost out of pocket. Have you recently bought a Tesla, or are you planning to? I’d love to hear your thoughts on these deals and whether you’re considering a lease or purchase. Drop a comment below!
If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to check out the video for more details, use my referral code for Tesla perks, and grab some awesome accessories from Joah. Thanks for reading, and I’ll catch you in the next one!
-DennisCW
Tesla enthusiast and EV expert. Sharing tips on maximizing your Tesla ownership experience.