Hey everyone, DennisCW here! If you’ve been dreaming of getting behind the wheel of a Tesla but are worried about the cost, I’ve got some fantastic news for you. In today’s post, I’m breaking down the cheapest way to buy or lease a Tesla vehicle, with insider tips on incentives, inventory deals, and a sneaky loophole for those who don’t qualify for the federal tax credit. Let’s dive right in!
One of the best ways to get into a Tesla at the lowest out-of-pocket cost is through a lease. Right now, you can lease a Tesla Model 3 with zero down payment and pay just $349 a month for a 24-month lease with a 10,000-mile limit. When you add up all the payments and fees, the total cost over two years comes to about $8,626—which is an incredible deal for a car of this caliber.
I recently helped a friend in California snag this deal, and their monthly payment was even lower at $265 a month! So, if you’re just testing the waters with Tesla and don’t want a long-term commitment, leasing is a fantastic option to get your feet wet without breaking the bank.
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. If you don’t qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit due to income limits (between $150,000 and $300,000), leasing offers a brilliant workaround. When you lease a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y, the $7,500 credit is applied directly to the lease as an itemized deduction. While you might not get the full amount (it often comes down to about $6,000 after acquisition fees), it’s still a significant saving and a major reason why many people opt for leasing over financing or paying cash.
Of course, if you fall in love with the car and want to buy it out at the end of the lease, you can do that too—just be aware of the additional fees involved.
If you’re 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 $1,000 down and $299 a month, but now it’s zero down at $349 a month. The total cost over the lease term is roughly the same, but eliminating the upfront payment makes it even more accessible.
From Tesla’s perspective, it seems they’ve noticed how many people are gravitating toward these more affordable builds. This trend might be why they’re reportedly working on an even more budget-friendly vehicle in the future. What do you think about this shift? Let me know in the comments!
Before you place your order for a Model 3, Model Y, or any Tesla vehicle, make sure to use a Tesla referral code (like the one I’ve linked below) to get 3 months of Full Self-Driving added to your vehicle for free. It’s a small perk, but every little bit helps when you’re trying to save on costs!
One thing I found surprising while helping my friend order their Model 3 was the delivery timeline. With so many inventory vehicles ready for immediate pickup (as we often discuss on my channel and live streams), I assumed they’d get their car right away. However, they ended up waiting about 2 weeks to take delivery. It seems the low lease payments are attracting a lot of buyers, and Tesla is working to keep up with the demand for these cheaper builds.
Have you recently ordered a Tesla or are planning to? How long did you have to wait for delivery? Drop your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
Now, once you’ve got your Tesla, you might be surprised to learn that it comes with zero accessories. Not even a phone mount! But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some must-have accessories to enhance your Tesla experience. Here are a few of my favorites:
I’ve partnered with Jowua, a fantastic company that offers these accessories and more. I personally use their products, so I can vouch for their quality. They’ve also got cool extras like a wireless game controller that fits perfectly in the glove box, a portable air compressor for peace of mind on road trips, and even an electric scooter for those times you don’t want to walk from a Supercharger or Level 2 charger.
Use my promo code (linked below) to save some money on your Jowua order and support the channel. Plus, you can get free shipping on orders over $120. Check out their full range of Tesla accessories via the link below!
Leasing a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y is hands-down the cheapest way to get into a Tesla right now, especially with zero-down options and the federal tax credit loophole. Whether you’re just testing the waters or looking for a long-term solution, this approach can save you thousands. And don’t forget to accessorize your new ride with must-haves from Jowua to make the experience even better.
What are your thoughts on leasing a Tesla? Have you taken advantage of these deals, or are you waiting for an even cheaper model from Tesla in the future? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to use my referral code and Jowua promo code to save some extra cash.
Thanks for reading, and I’ll catch you in the next post!
-DennisCW
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Tesla enthusiast and EV expert. Sharing tips on maximizing your Tesla ownership experience.