Why You Shouldn’t Buy Full Self-Driving on Your New Tesla at Purchase

Hey everyone, DennisCW here! If you're in the market for a brand new Tesla, congratulations! It's an exciting time, but before you finalize that purchase, I want to share some critical insights on why you might want to hold off on adding Full Self-Driving (FSD) to your order right away. In this post, I’ll break down the key reasons to reconsider, along with some bonus tips on must-have Tesla accessories to enhance your ownership experience. Let’s dive in!

1. Higher Registration Fees and Property Taxes

One of the biggest reasons to avoid buying FSD at the time of purchase is the impact it can have on your registration fees and taxes. When you add FSD to your Tesla order, the $8,000 cost gets tacked onto the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) or window sticker price. In many states, registration fees and property taxes (like in Virginia) are calculated based on this value. That means you could be paying more every single year just for having FSD included in the initial purchase price.

If you’ve got the cash on hand, it might be smarter to wait and add FSD later. By doing so, you avoid inflating the MSRP and keep those annual fees lower. Sure, financing FSD at a low rate like 1.99% sounds tempting, but the long-term cost of higher taxes or fees could outweigh the benefits. Do the math for your specific state to see what makes the most sense!

2. The Credit Card Hack

Here’s a little trick for those of you with cash ready to spend: why not use a credit card to purchase FSD after you’ve bought the car? Adding FSD later is as simple as linking a credit card to the Tesla app and swiping for $8,000 (plus tax). If you’re strategic, you can sign up for a new credit card with a juicy sign-up bonus and use this purchase to hit the spending requirement. Just make sure to pay off the balance immediately to avoid interest charges!

I’ve got some credit card referral links in the description of my video if you’re interested in exploring this option. It’s a great way to maximize rewards while upgrading your Tesla with FSD down the line.

3. Try Before You Buy with a Subscription

If you’re on the fence about shelling out $8,000 for FSD, Tesla offers a subscription option that lets you test the waters. For $100 a month (or even $3.33 a day in some promotions), you can experience FSD without the upfront commitment. I used to recommend this approach back when FSD wasn’t as polished, but now that it’s significantly improved, I can confidently say it’s worth trying—especially if you drive more than an hour a day.

The subscription lets you see firsthand how FSD performs and whether it’s a feature you’ll truly use. If you trust the system and love the convenience, you can always buy it outright later. This flexibility is a huge reason to skip adding it at purchase.

Final Thoughts on Full Self-Driving

At the end of the day, whether or not to buy FSD at the time of purchase comes down to your personal situation and financial priorities. Crunch the numbers for registration fees, consider the credit card hack, and think about the subscription option if you’re unsure. While FSD is an incredible feature (especially for long commutes), there’s no rush to add it right when you buy your Tesla. Make the decision that best fits your needs!

Bonus: Top 3 Must-Have Tesla Accessories

Now that we’ve covered FSD, let’s talk about the second most exciting part of owning a Tesla—accessories! There are tons of options out there, but I’ve narrowed it down to my top three recommendations to get you started:

1. All-Weather Floor Mats

My number one accessory pick is a good set of all-weather floor mats. These are essential for protecting your Tesla’s interior from dirt, spills, and wear. I’ve categorized options into three tiers:

• Good: Affordable mats from Amazon.
• Better: Mid-range options like those from Tasmanian.
• Best: My personal favorite, 3W Liners, which we use on our Model X and Model 3 Performance. They’re high-quality and priced competitively with our promo code (check the video description for details and discount links).

2. Phone Mounts

A reliable phone mount is a game-changer for easy navigation and hands-free use. I’ve tested several and have links to my favorites in the video description and on page two of our Best Deals spreadsheet.

3. Center Console Organizers

Tesla doesn’t come with a built-in center console organizer, so adding one is a must for keeping your essentials tidy. I use one from Jowua on all our Teslas, and it’s been fantastic. You’ll find a link and discount code for this in the description of my video as well.

Wrapping Up

Buying a Tesla is an exciting milestone, and I’m thrilled for everyone who’s joining the EV family! Before you hit that final purchase button, take a moment to think about whether adding Full Self-Driving at the time of purchase is the right move for you. Consider the potential extra costs, explore the subscription, and maybe even snag some credit card rewards by adding it later. And don’t forget to deck out your new ride with some essential accessories to make the experience even better.

Thanks for reading, and a huge shoutout to everyone who supports the channel by using our links and discount codes. If you’ve got questions or want to share your Tesla journey, drop a comment below. Catch you in the next post!

— DennisCW