Starting to do research on a new lease and was looking into Tesla’s and on their website I saw that I can get a RWD Model 3 for $389/month. This is for Southern California
$0 down
24 months
10k annual miles
$2584 due at signing
The $2584 is comprised of:
Is this considered a good deal at all?
Its a tesla. It is what it is.
Right now is probably a much better time to buy a used one than lease a new one anyway.
Do you already own a Tesla? If so, you can apply both a $1000 loyalty bonus and referral credits (up to $10K). If you are not a previous owner, you should be purchasing using a referral link, like mine, to get a 3 months free FSD referral bonus. You can also look for inventory vehicles, which often have additional discount. One M3 demo near me has a $1940 discount. Tesla’s best pricing is usually at the end of the quarter, but who knows these days.
Plenty of people selling at a loss and they make great used cars.
A lot of you are saying to buy used: why?
And what should I be looking for if I buy used? Like what price point etc
My Model 3 is in excellent condition, done 10k miles or so, a couple of years old, its worth <20k
Id hope in another 2 years it would be worth north of 10K, therefore without doubt a better total cost of ownership. You wont have ventilated seats mind.
You will have proper blinkers though and be able to wear a “I bought this before I knew he was a Dick sign” without people calling you out.
How do you like driving the Model 3? Do you like it? Any downsides/negatives?
You should lease it not buy… unless they roll out the 0% deals again.
The Model 3 is very nimble, since it’s low to the ground, corners very well, don’t think there would be any downside per se unless you’re over 6’ tall then maybe getting used to getting in and out, but it’s doable. I had a 2020 Model 3 and swapped out for a Model Y in 2022, much better for us taller folks, now I swapped that one for the clearance 2025 Y Performance they had in March… IDK but I liked the Y since it came out and that was the car I wanted, even though it cost me quite a bit-still enjoyed it. The 2025 was a great discount car and my referral credits made it a no brainer decision.
For the 3 your cost is $11K+ for 24/10K if you really want to save more $$ then choose another EV if you don’t care what you drive… like a Ioniq 5 or 6 (6 comes with FREE charging still) or even some of the GM line ups, Acura ZDX etc… but the Model 3 is a great overall sedan, charging is great and range is perfect for the price point, less than $500/mo
Not anymore unfortunately but still a significantly better range and lower cost. We are doing $2799 out of pocket including our broker fee & $229 a month including LA tax. Saves @californialiving1 about $100 a month on a 24mo lease with 12K miles per year.
Browse used Tesla listings and check out the prices. That’s why. Why pay almost $12k on a 2 year lease when you can buy a gently used example for $20-25k? Or less if you go a few years older. And aside from some refreshes over the years, you’re going to be getting mostly the same car no matter the year.
But if you are set on getting new, try to find a discounted demo and make sure you utilize any available rebates or incentives. But as it stands at an effective payment of almost $500, it’s too much.
I bought a 2023 Model 3 LFP rear wheel drive last december and sold it after 4 months. Tech is awesome but if you want something a bit more refined get another brand. Plenty of cars to consider in that price range. Also insurance was very expensive.
Look at the Marketplace
You might be surprised at how much cheaper other EVs are or how much more quality you can get for the same price
It’s been great to be honest, a bit of a stiff ride but that’s half the fun.
We’ve got the cheapest version and its still quick as you like, software is great, the only thing its really missing is cooled seats in the summer.
The one downside to the product, I would say where it was lacking, is strangely on the self driving front, where the base pilot assist features are not as good as those I’ve experienced on other brands.
Iried the FSD when that was avaialbe and that was much better (esp the auto parking), not worth $99/ month though
imo if you are going Tesla snag used, if lease was like effective 300-350 maybe but since it is closer to 500 nah (not including rising insurance premiums due to vandalism). Also, only S, X and CT get free supercharging. An i4 feels a helluva lot better than a model 3 for that money. Really only benefit going with a Tesla is charging network if you do roadtrips and sentry mode/dashcam.
My family have been Tesla people for a while now. I didn’t like em, felt cheap and gimmicky. a few months ago I snagged a Model S “raven” Performance with 45k on it for $25k (not including tax, -$5k rebate, eff 20k pre-tax) from a family friend. very fun 0-60 in 2.x car. Very stealthy. Would not have purchased without the free supercharging and work charging.
Check Tesla forums classifieds. Hell, you’re in SoCal start knocking doors, I can imagine plenty are willing to get rid of theirs to separate themselves from Musk. Beat lowball offers from CarMax/Carvana and go thru keysavvy. just my $.02.
Check the used market there’s a lot out there with PPF and FSD paid for. If you can’t find one you like then lease because I think used pricing is more closely aligned with where the market will be in a few years on these. Like all manufactures pricing went crazy during Covid, they are coming back to earth now.
I would not buy anything else in the segment, only lease.
I’m in San Diego, and I’ll sell you my 2023 Model 3. It has 27k miles. Let me know if interested.
That’s a great deal for a new model 3
This is for an ioniq 6.
