Tesla Option Credits: How to Score Big Discounts on Inventory Vehicles
Hey everyone, DennisCW here with some exciting news for Tesla enthusiasts and potential buyers! If you're in the market for a Tesla, you might be able to take advantage of Option Credits—a fantastic deal that can save you a significant amount of money on inventory vehicles. In this blog post, I’ll break down what Option Credits are, how they work, and how you can potentially snag a deal like this before the end of the quarter. Let’s dive in!
What Are Tesla Option Credits?
Option Credits are a special incentive that Tesla rolls out periodically, often towards the end of a quarter or month. This deal allows buyers with a pending order or delivery to switch to an inventory vehicle and receive credits for certain upgrades or options that differ from their original build. This could mean savings on things like paint color, interior upgrades, wheels, tow hitches, and more.
For example, if you ordered a base Model Y in Stealth Gray with no extra options, but you find an inventory Model Y in Pearl White (a $1,000 upgrade), Tesla might waive that cost through an Option Credit to encourage you to switch. The credits we’ve seen typically range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the options.
Real-Life Example: Maxwell’s Insane Deal
Shout out to Maxwell from our super-secret Discord group (link in the description of my video if you want to join!). Maxwell recently took advantage of this deal and scored an incredible discount on a Model Y Rear Wheel Drive for just $21,990. Here’s how his savings broke down:
- $1,000 Option Credit for Pearl White Paint (originally not in his build)
- $1,000 America’s Heroes Discount
- $500 Loyalty Credit
- $2,500 Sales Incentive
- $4,000 Charge Up Incentive (New Jersey-specific)
- $7,500 Federal Tax Credit
- $10,000 Referral Credit (from referring 10 people in December)
On top of this, Maxwell locked in a fantastic 1.99% financing rate. While not everyone will be able to replicate this exact deal (your mileage may vary, or YMMV), it shows the potential savings if you’re in the right scenario and act quickly.
How to Take Advantage of Option Credits
Here are the steps to potentially score an Option Credit deal on a Tesla inventory vehicle:
- Check for Pending Orders: If you have a pending Tesla order or delivery, you’re in a prime position to take advantage of this incentive.
- Browse Inventory Vehicles: Look for inventory vehicles on Tesla’s website that might have quicker delivery times or upgraded options that catch your eye.
- Contact Tesla: Reach out to a Tesla sales representative via phone or visit your local Tesla store. Discuss the possibility of switching to an inventory vehicle and ask about Option Credits. Personal interaction often yields better results!
- Act Fast: These deals are time-sensitive, often expiring at the end of the month or quarter. For instance, many current Tesla incentives end on June 30th, so don’t delay.
This deal isn’t limited to the Model Y—it can potentially apply to the Model 3, Model S, Model X, and even the Cybertruck. It really depends on the inventory available and your specific situation.
Additional Tips for Tesla Buyers
- Protect Your Tesla: If you’re getting a Tesla, consider protecting both the interior and exterior. I highly recommend a ceramic coating like Gyeon for your seats and paint. If you’re in Southern California, hit up my friend Andre at 24K Shine (find him on Yelp or Instagram). Mention the “Dennis Deal” for a special hook-up on ceramic coating, paint protection, and more.
- Protect Your Credit: Before financing your Tesla, safeguard your personal information. With recent data breaches like the one at Bank of America (where customers weren’t notified for a month), it’s critical to stay ahead of identity theft. I use Aura, today’s sponsor, to monitor the dark web for my personal info, reduce spam calls, and remove my data from sketchy broker sites. Aura also offers $5 million in identity theft insurance. Try it free for 14 days at aura.com/denniscw (link in the video description). Don’t wait until it’s too late—protect your credit before applying for financing!
A Word of Caution: White Seats and Ventilated Seats
On a side note, I recently saw a video by Omid where he spilled white wine on Tesla’s white seats to demonstrate their durability. While Tesla’s vegan leather is indeed easy to clean (we use baby wipes in our car), I’d be cautious with ventilated seats due to their perforated holes. Spills could seep through, so maybe skip the wine test on those! Again, a ceramic coating on the interior can add an extra layer of protection.
Final Thoughts
Option Credits are a fantastic opportunity to save on a Tesla if you’re in the right position to switch to an inventory vehicle. Whether you’re eyeing a quicker delivery or just want to upgrade your build without the extra cost, now’s the time to act—especially with many incentives expiring soon. Have you scored a deal like this, or are you planning to reach out to Tesla? Let me know your thoughts in the comments of my video or in our Discord group!
If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out the full video on my YouTube channel for more details and visuals. Stay tuned for more Tesla tips, tricks, and deals. Until next time, this is DennisCW signing off!
Disclaimer: Deals and incentives like Option Credits are subject to availability and may vary based on location, timing, and individual circumstances. Always confirm with Tesla directly for the most up-to-date information.
