Essential Steps to Take Before Buying Your Tesla

Hey everyone, DennisCW here! Welcome back to another blog post packed with valuable insights for all you Tesla enthusiasts out there. Today, I’m diving deep into the critical steps you need to take before placing that $250 deposit to secure your Tesla. With incentives running out by the end of the month and delivery deadlines looming, there’s no better time to get prepared. I’ve broken this down into a simple, actionable process to ensure you’re making the best decision possible. Let’s jump right in!

Why You Need to Act Now

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk timing. Many Tesla incentives, like 0% financing on the Model 3 and 1.99% on the Model Y, are set to expire in just a few days. Plus, there are additional discounts for military, students, teachers, first responders, and even Lift drivers (up to $2,000 in credits!). To take advantage, you must place your deposit, complete a credit application, and take delivery before the deadline. So, let’s ensure you’re ready with these essential steps.

Step 1: Research Tesla Incentives

First things first, familiarize yourself with all the incentives Tesla is offering. Beyond the financing deals I mentioned, there are stackable discounts like $1,000 off for America’s Heroes (verified through ID.me) and special programs for Lift drivers. Don’t miss out—pause this post if you need to jot these down or check Tesla’s website for the full list. Also, don’t forget to use a Tesla referral code (like the one in the description of my videos) to snag three months of Full Self-Driving (FSD) for free or support the channel if you’ve already got FSD.

Step 2: Check State and Local Incentives

Did you know your local utility or city might offer additional rebates for purchasing an electric vehicle (EV)? A fantastic resource to explore these is ElectricForAll.org (not sponsored). Simply enter your zip code, and it’ll show you incentives specific to your area. For example, some utility companies offer thousands of dollars for buying even a used Tesla. Layering these savings on top of Tesla’s incentives can make a huge difference.

Step 3: Explore Tesla’s Order Options (But Don’t Deposit Yet!)

Head over to Tesla’s order page to see the customization options for your Model 3, Model Y, or other models. It’s straightforward—pick your exterior color, interior color, wheels, and whether you want FSD. Tesla keeps it simple, which I love. However, do not place your $250 deposit just yet. There’s more to do before locking in. Also, keep an eye on inventory discounts—Tesla is currently waiving costs for certain paint or interior options to get you into a vehicle faster. Pro tip: On the inventory page, change your zip code filter to “All Deliverable” to see more vehicles, including those with bigger discounts.

Step 4: Get Pre-Qualified for Financing

Next, click on Tesla’s pre-qualification tool for a soft credit inquiry. If you’re confident in your credit score, you might skip this, but if you’re on the fence, this step is crucial. Aiming for a 10-20% down payment (or higher) can help if your credit isn’t stellar. Tesla’s financing team will give you a clearer picture of what you qualify for, so don’t skip this before committing. If you’ve got questions about credit or need personalized advice, drop a comment or join my Patreon for one-on-one support!

Step 5: Maximize Trade-In Value

If you’re trading in or selling your current vehicle, let’s get you the best deal. I’ve partnered with GetMeTheVin.com, a service similar to CarMax or Carvana, to help you maximize your vehicle’s value. They’re even running a $25,000 cash giveaway right now! Check the link in my video descriptions to submit your vehicle info. For those in Tennessee, reach out to Chip at Electric Vehicles and Car Sale (details also in the description) for personalized assistance.

Step 6: Secure Affordable Insurance

Insurance for a Tesla or any EV tends to be 20-30% higher than for traditional vehicles due to luxury pricing. I’ve polled my community, and the average cost for Tesla insurance is around $150-250 per month. If you’re a Costco member, their insurance program (where available) has saved people hundreds—sadly, it’s no longer in California. Alternatively, Tesla Insurance is worth a look. If neither works, fall back on standard providers like Geico or Progressive, but shop around for the best rate.

Step 7: Set Up Home Charging

Owning a Tesla without a reliable Level 2 charger at home or work can be a hassle. Relying solely on Superchargers isn’t practical for most due to time constraints, even if charging is free. I strongly recommend installing a Tesla Wall Connector. If you’re looking for a deal, I’ve got Wall Connectors available for $385 shipped—DM me on Instagram for details. For those in the Los Angeles area, connect with Smart Plug EV, owned by my friend Mario, a Tesla-authorized electrician. Mention the “Dennis Deal” for a hookup (links in the video description).

Bonus: Don’t Forget Delivery Prep

Once you’ve got these steps covered, there are still pre-delivery tasks to handle, like ensuring you’ve got the right charging adapters (e.g., J-plug) and understanding the delivery checklist. I’ll cover those in a future post or video, but for now, focus on getting these foundational steps done, especially with the end-of-month rush.

Exciting Giveaway with Mini Revs!

Before I wrap up, a quick shoutout to our sponsor, Mini Revs, the ultimate Tesla miniature company. These aren’t just toys—they’re insanely detailed replicas of Tesla models, including a black Cybertruck with a tiny ATV! Right now, Mini Revs is running a giveaway: use promo code “Dennis” for 10% off, and two lucky orders this month will win a free Cybertruck replica with their purchase. Check them out via the link in my video description and don’t miss your chance!

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a comprehensive guide to everything you need to do before buying your Tesla. With incentives expiring soon, now’s the time to act, but don’t rush without being informed. If you’ve got questions or need help with any of these steps, drop a comment below or hit me up in the live stream chat. And if you’re hunting for a deal, remember that waiting until the next quarter might bring even better offers—patience can pay off!

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to join my free email newsletter (link in the video description) for weekly updates on Tesla news and more. Hit that like button if this helped, and I’ll see you in the next post or stream. Stay charged, everyone!

— DennisCW