Hey everyone, DennisCW here! If you're eagerly awaiting your Tesla Model Y, you might have logged into your app only to see something alarming: an estimated delivery date pushed into October. I've got a screenshot from a viewer named Rick showing just that—October 1st through 10th. This is the first confirmed case I've seen of deliveries slipping past September, and it's raising some serious questions, especially around the $7,500 federal tax credit. In this post, we'll break down what this could mean, why it's happening, and some practical steps you can take to potentially snag your Model Y sooner and secure that credit.
For those new to the Tesla world, the $7,500 federal EV tax credit is a point-of-sale rebate that could vanish after September 30th. The IRS has issued guidance suggesting this deadline, and while Tesla hasn't officially commented yet, we're expecting updates from them, along with other EV makers like Lucid and Rivian. If your delivery slips into October, you might miss out on this massive discount.
Most delays I've seen before were still in September, so this October push is a new development. It's a scary moment for buyers like Rick, who reached out to me for advice. The good news? There are ways to navigate this without just crossing your fingers and hoping for a last-minute fix from Tesla or the IRS.
If you see an October date in your app, don't panic—act! Here's my top advice based on what I shared with Rick:
Instead of placing a new custom order (which might lead to more anxiety), head straight to Tesla's inventory page. Switch the filter to "All Deliverable" and enter your zip code to see available vehicles nearby. This could get you into a Model Y much faster.
Visit your local Tesla store and chat with a sales associate. Ask about inventory, demo vehicles, or anything coming off the demo fleet. These might have some miles on them (up to 1,500-2,000 in Rick's case), but think about the savings: you're not just getting a discount; you're potentially securing the full $7,500 tax credit. That's like an $8,500+ win!
If you're open to different colors, interiors, or wheels, message Tesla through the app (look for the button in the top right). Let them know you're flexible and eager for ASAP delivery. Visiting the store in person can help grab their attention too. Dates like these are fluid, so keep checking and communicating.
Remember, your situation might vary by market, so results aren't guaranteed—but it's worth trying!
While hunting for your Tesla, don't forget these tips to boost your deals:
Use a Referral Code: Grab three months of Full Self-Driving for free when you order. If you're already buying FSD, using my code (linked below) supports the channel—thanks to everyone who's used it!
Sell Your Current Vehicle Smartly: Partnered with GiveMeTheVin.com, you could get top dollar for your trade-in. One viewer scored $3,000 more than Tesla's offer. Check them out via the link below.
Planning to finance your Tesla? Safeguard your credit first. Recent breaches, like Bank of America's (where they waited a month to notify customers), highlight the risks. Companies often take 277 days on average to report issues, leaving your info exposed.
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Seeing Model Y deliveries push into October is wild, especially with the tax credit on the line. If you're in this boat, share your story in the comments—what's your delivery date looking like? Would you cancel, wait, or hunt for inventory? Let's discuss!
Stay tuned for more Tesla updates, and thanks for reading. If this helped, hit that like button on the video and subscribe for more. Links to everything mentioned are below.
Drive safe, and let's keep pushing for that EV future!
Tesla enthusiast and EV expert. Sharing tips on maximizing your Tesla ownership experience.