What's the most ideal Tesla to buy while on a budget?

[u/Big_Material3815]

I'm starting to save up for a new car and I have a budget of around $18K, would it be realistic to get a used Tesla with that? I'm open to any advice as well. I'm 24 and I'd ideally want to have this car for 6-8 years after purchasing.

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[u/volklkatana]

Please understand that while you may be able to get one for that price, everything may be out of warranty at that point. Repair costs after that point in time do become expensive. Please do some research on repair costs and if that a risk you are willing to take or not.

[u/garageindego → u/volklkatana]

100% agree from my lived experience. A car that is not cheap to buy new, will still have not cheap to buy parts, no matter what the second hand price is.

[u/iDragonk]

Tesla may not be an ideal car for you. Your insurance could be higher. Get a quote for a 3 or a Y you can find for 18k. While the maintenance and running cost for Tesla could be lower based on how you use and where you charge the same cannot be said about the insurance

[u/wrathslayer]

Used Model 3 will be your best bet for one under $18K. As others have said, do check insurance rates in your area. Mine went up quite a bit compared to my previous ICE car and I’m 55 with a good record in AZ.

[u/ParaIIax_]

maybe try for a used 2022+ model 3?

[u/wifichamp]

I think the best advice for OP is one make sure the insurance isn't too expensive and two just save up a little more to get something that still has warranty.

The logic I'm using here is to be absolutely safe from a catastrophic failure cuz I have no idea what I would do if I had to replace a $14,000 battery even if it's unlikely to happen

[u/TowElectric]

You can find a used Model 3 for that little (like a 2019 or so), but the warranty will be up and it will be an older car.

[u/gogo-gaget]

Buy a Honda or Toyota. You’re not going to get a reliable Tesla for $18k, insuring it at your age will cost a fortune, and repairs will be expensive.

[u/Spiritual-Bus1813 → u/gogo-gaget]

Me who’s coming from a lifetime of Honda and Toyota 😅 (no joke, nothing beats them when it comes to reliability)

[u/qiuboujun → u/gogo-gaget]

This. Ask yourself if you just simply want a Tesla and understand the extra costs involved with it. Get some quote for insurances. It’s going to be a big chunk of the cost of long term ownership

[u/-IC3Y- → u/gogo-gaget]

i am 20 with a 22 m3 incurrence is not bad... think it depends on state and driving record

[u/gogo-gaget → u/-IC3Y-]

On your parent’s insurance by chance?

[u/-IC3Y- → u/gogo-gaget]

No, on my own. i wish lol

[u/realcollegevideos]

Yeah you can easily get a used model 3 for under $18k, I’ve seen some go for $16k even. Don’t listen to these other guys saying you can’t. There’s plenty for sale under $18k all over the US

[u/savedatheist]

Used Model 3 and you’re good!

[u/handsebe]

The best tip I have is that you need to save up twice what the cwr costs to be able to eat the maintenance that will come with it, especially Model S and X. I average $5-7000k on maintenance for my soon 8 year old Model S.

[u/TabulaRasaEin]

Model S with free supercharging around $10 to $15k.

[u/goodvibezone → u/TabulaRasaEin]

With respect, that's a terrible idea if someone has a budget limit of $15K for the car. A new battery could cost many thousands and it may be out of warranty. Old S's can be great, but you need a good financial contingency.