As a Tesla enthusiast and content creator, I've been diving deep into the world of Full Self-Driving (FSD) lately. What started as curiosity has turned into genuine appreciation—FSD is incredibly useful for everyday driving, from highway commutes to navigating busy city streets. But let's be real: the cost can be a sticking point. In this post, I'll break down the payment options, share a clever way to save money, and pitch some ideas for how Tesla could improve their pricing. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Over the past few days, I've put FSD through its paces, and it's clear why it's gaining traction. It handles routine drives with ease, reducing fatigue and making long trips more enjoyable. However, not everyone wants to shell out for it upfront, especially with financing rates hovering around 5-6%. If you're like me, you want to make smart financial decisions without sacrificing the tech you love. That's why I'm exploring all the angles, from trials to subscriptions, to help you decide what's best.
Tesla offers a few ways to access Full Self-Driving, each with its pros and cons:
Trial Period via Referral: If you're new to FSD or just want to test the waters, you can snag three months for free by using a Tesla referral code. That's about $100 in value! Check the description in my videos for a link—it's a no-brainer for first-timers.
Monthly Subscription: Once your vehicle is home, you can opt for a $100/month subscription. This is flexible if you're not ready to commit long-term, but remember, you never truly own the feature this way.
Upfront Purchase: For $8,000, you get permanent access. You can finance it through your vehicle loan or lease, which might increase your monthly payments, or pay out of pocket via the Tesla app. It's a big chunk of change, but it could be worth it if you drive a lot.
The key is to weigh these against your budget and driving habits. Financing might seem convenient, but high interest rates could make it less appealing.
Here's where things get exciting—my passion for credit cards and points comes into play. If you're planning to buy FSD outright, you can turn that expense into a win. Right now, there's a promotion where spending $5,000 (like on FSD) through certain portals can net you 100,000 points. These aren't just any points; they're worth serious value.
According to experts like The Points Guy, these points could be redeemed for $1,500 to $2,000 in travel or cash, depending on how you use them. Even at a conservative 1 cent per point, that's $1,000 back in your pocket. To get started, check out the referral links in my video descriptions. It's a simple hack that combines my love for Tesla with my credit card obsession—win-win!
Of course, if points aren't your thing, some cashback cards offer $250-$500 back, but that's peanuts compared to what you can get with strategic redemptions.
Tesla has built an amazing ecosystem, but I think there's room for improvement in how they handle FSD payments. For instance, why not partner with financing options like Affirm or Chase after you've already bought your car? This would give owners more flexibility down the line, especially if they're upgrading or adding features later.
Tesla already works with these partners for accessories, so expanding to FSD makes sense. It could make the feature more accessible and encourage more people to try it. What do you think? Would you like to see Tesla offer post-purchase financing? Drop your ideas in the comments—I might even share them in a future video.
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Full Self-Driving is a game-changer, but it doesn't have to break the bank. By exploring payment options, leveraging points, and advocating for better policies, you can make FSD work for you. If you've got tips or experiences to share, let's discuss them below. Safe driving, everyone, and thanks for reading!
Disclaimer: Always consult with financial experts before making decisions, and terms for promotions may vary.
Tesla enthusiast and EV expert. Sharing tips on maximizing your Tesla ownership experience.