Tesla vehicles are gorgeous looking masterpieces bound to turn heads everywhere. You're not alone in wanting one, but can you afford it?
You can afford a Tesla if you earn a six-figure annual salary. Some middle-income earners can afford the base model of the Tesla Model 3 (which is the cheapest variant they have) but with financing.
The rest of the article will look at all the important questions about affording a Tesla.
- How much do you have to make to afford and own a Tesla?
- How to budget for a Tesla
- What is the cheapest Tesla model?
- What credit score do you need to buy a Tesla?
- Can I Afford the Tesla Model 3 if I Make $12,00 an Hour?
- Is it smart to buy a used Tesla?
- Can the average person afford a Tesla?
- How to afford a Tesla as a teenager
- How to Afford a Tesla in Canada
- final Thoughts
How much do you have to make to afford and own a Tesla?
The annual salary you need to be able to afford a Tesla is at least $60.000. The exact income depends on which model you're looking at and whether you intend to pay cash or take out a loan.
You'll need to make at least double the cost of the Tesla model you're looking at (if you're planning on paying cash) to still have enough cash for your annual expenses. So for a Model 3, which sells for $43.990 (base model), you need to be making at least $80.000 a year if you're going to pay cash.
If you choose to go with a loan, you can expect to pay about $8.652 a year, assuming a monthly payment of $721 and a loan term of six years. In this scenario, you need to make at least $60.000 a year to comfortably accommodate your annual payments along with your other expenses.
The salary estimate for the loan is based on the recommendation that paying off the car should only cost about 10-15% of your income.
Below is a table showing the cost of various Tesla models, the recommended annual income to afford one in cash, the annual income to afford a six-year loan, and expected monthly payments over the loan period.
How to budget for a Tesla
Like most big purchases, you need to budget for a Tesla if you're an average income earner. Here's how you can do it:
Decide on the model you would like to choose
The first step to budgeting for a Tesla is having a model in mind. They're all gorgeous cars, so it's not always easy to choose. However, by looking at the table above, you can quickly weed out the models that aren't realistic for your income level and focus on the ones you're more likely to afford.
Pay attention to any extras you want to add to find a clear budget. At this stage, you should also decide whether you want to pay in full or go with an auto loan. The budget and timeline will vary based on which side of the division you choose to lean on.
Calculate initial and ongoing costs
When you've picked out a model and all the whistles and bells you'd like to add to it, you can head over to Tesla's website to get a definitive cost for everything. As you add any extras, you can see that the template price reflects any real-time changes.
Once you've concluded your purchase-related calculations and come up with a number, you'll need to figure out ongoing costs like car insurance, registration, maintenance fees, interest rate on the loan, etc. Don't forget to include the down payment in your calculations if you're going for a loan.
Reduce your expenses or increase your income
When you budget and save for your Tesla, you can either make more money or reduce your expenses and put the money you save toward your goal. If you're saving money, look for vehicles that can at least keep up with inflation.
You should also be wary of options that can grow your money without exposing yourself to excessive risk.
If you're looking for how to save money, you can use apps and online tools that can help you plug waste and those that will help you find cheaper alternatives to the things you usually pay for.
What is the cheapest Tesla model?
The cheapest Tesla model is the Tesla Model 3. The base variant currently costs $43.990 to purchase outright. On loan, monthly repayment over a six-year period works out to $721 a month.
However, the Tesla Model 3 can cost upwards of $60.000 if you choose to change the basic design.
For example, adding full self-driving capabilities to the vehicle can raise the price by $10.000.
What credit score do you need to buy a Tesla?
Tesla doesn't require a minimum credit score for people looking to purchase a model with a loan. However, if you have a good to excellent credit score (minimum 720), you may qualify for a lower APR loan.
Tesla's financing rates start at 2,49% apr for a loan term of 3-6 years. The exact terms of the loan are determined by your credit rating, the model you have chosen and the duration of the loan. You can check your credit score on the USA.gov website.
When looking for financing for your Tesla, don't forget to check offers from your credit union, bank and other lenders online. They may have more flexible rates than Tesla. In fact, they may even be your only option if you live in states where Tesla financing and leasing have been banned.
Can I Afford the Tesla Model 3 if I Make $12,00 an Hour?
You can't afford a Tesla Model 3 if you're making $12,00 an hour unless you already have sizable savings, a car to trade in, and few ongoing monthly expenses.
If you make $12 an hour and work 40 hours a week 50 weeks a year, you'll make about $24.000. That amount will drop about 8% after taxes are deducted to leave you with $22.000 or less.
The remaining amount will finance your lifestyle, paying for rent, food, transportation, insurance, etc.
With that in mind, it's hard to find the $44.000 needed to pay for the base Model 3 variant, which is Tesla's cheapest, unless you already have tens of thousands spared somewhere.
If you don't have any savings and a decent car to trade in, you'll need to take out a loan. Assuming a 6-year loan term, you'll still have to pay $721 a month based on our table above—a sum that only works if you qualify for Tesla's 2,49% APR. If you don't qualify, you could end up paying higher sums.
Now, your $22.000 works out to about $1,833 a month. If you add the insurance and the chargeback cost to your monthly loan repayments, you'll spend $921 on your car each month, which is a whopping 50% of your income.
Any qualified financial advisor will readily tell you that spending 50% of your income on a car is wrong. As briefly mentioned above, most recommend spending less than 10% so that maintenance costs and fees increase your car expenses to a maximum of 15% of your revenue.
Again, can you live on $912 a month after spending $921 on your car? So while it's not impossible to find someone making $12 an hour to drive a Tesla Model 3, it's a serious financial irresponsibility unless you have other sources of income beyond the hourly wage. In this scenario, you are different than the average earner of $12/hour.
Is it smart to buy a used Tesla?
It's smart to buy a used Tesla if you can get a good price on lower mileage options that are still within their warranty period. High mileage Tesla vehicles can have problems that will end up costing you more money than you would spend on a brand new model.
People are choosing to buy used Tesla vehicles because it can help them avoid the wait time between pre-ordering and delivery. You might consider potential savings on the cost of a new car as a valid reason, but that's not always the case.
Pro Tip:
If you are picking up your Tesla for the first time, you may find that some features such as “Cabin Overheat Protection”, “Dashcam Clip Save Button” and “Horn to Save Clips” don't work. The most likely case is that your new Tesla will not have been marked as delivered in the Tesla backend database. Ask your Tesla representative to contact your local delivery center to relist your car's status on both the old and new system. This will fix your problem and you will be greeted with a welcome screen when you get back to the car again.
Some used Tesla owners put their cars on the market for almost the same price as a new one or slightly higher.
- You can get a world-class electric vehicle right away. Tesla remains the leading product in the electric vehicle niche. If you want one right away, checking out the used market is a smart idea. You will get your dream car in days instead of waiting weeks. The look of the average Tesla also means it's hard to tell the difference between a well-used car and a brand-new car if both are driving your way, so you're not missing much.
- You can resell quickly. If you decide to switch from your used Tesla at any time, you can quickly find buyers because Tesla is trending right now and will likely remain a top model in the niche for a long time.
- You can get a lower monthly repayment. If you get your used car cheaper than a new one with a loan, you are sure to get lower monthly repayments. So instead of spending $900+ on your car monthly, you could end up paying around $500.
However, as with all other vehicles, buying a used Tesla isn't without risk. First, you need to find one that is reasonably priced and make sure that the battery degradation is less than 5%.
It's not always easy to find this combination. When you do find it, you may have to live with upgrades or changes made by the original owner, which are irrelevant to you and could cost you more money to maintain. You also need to trust that the owner has been honest about the use of the vehicle.
So while it makes sense to explore the used Tesla market, you need to be careful to make sure you don't end up spending more money than you would have spent if you had waited a few months for a new car to arrive.
Can the average person afford a Tesla?
The average person can afford a Tesla if they don't have significant debt and only have to worry about the rent or mortgage and other minor living expenses.
However, to qualify as an average person, you need to earn at least $53.000 a year, which is the average annual salary of a US salaried worker according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Even when you fall into this bracket, it is very likely that you can only afford a Tesla with a loan or lease agreement.
How to afford a Tesla as a teenager
Owning a Tesla as a teenager isn't easy. Not many teenagers can come up with $44.000 for a car. So what should you do if you want to live the dream?
Work and save money
If you still live with your parents, you probably don't need to worry about any overheads. You will not have any mortgage or other similar bills to pay. It's the perfect environment to work and save money for your dream car.
If you start working $10 an hour for 20 hours a week, you'll have $10.000 in savings a year. Work for 3-4 years and you may have enough to collect the Tesla of your dreams. Of course, you can look for higher-paying jobs or work longer hours if you can afford to (your academics shouldn't suffer, for example).
If you have a skill, think about improving it and charging industry-standard fees. You're likely to save enough for a Tesla faster if you have a highly marketable skill that can pay you more than minimum wage earnings.
Take part in some high-risk investments
If you look around, you're sure to find teenagers making big bucks from high-risk investment fields like cryptocurrency, options, or forex trading.
You should consider dabbling in one of these if you are able to learn how to be successful with it quickly. Remember, it's a high-risk field with a high failure rate, so don't invest too much money and time in it if you don't know what you're doing.
Ask your parents
If you have wealthy parents, you can just ask them to help finance your Tesla. Sure, many responsible parents will balk at the thought of giving a teen a $44.000+ car, but you can increase your chances of gaining their support by saving up some money first to show them you're serious.
If you've saved up the down payment for the car, they may be supporting you by paying off the car or facilitating a loan.
How to Afford a Tesla in Canada
You can afford a Tesla in Canada as you would anywhere, by saving money and paying cash or securing financing.
In Canada, banks and lenders will charge similar financing rates to what you'd get in the US, but don't forget to shop around for the best rates.
final Thoughts
Tesla remains the market leader in the electric vehicle niche.
You should also remember to look to the used vehicle market for potential bargains.
Just a few days ago, Peugeot announced the imminent launch in Europe of the 408, a new SUV. Now, the brand unveils the 408 Sedan. What model is it and where will it be sold?
In the absence of one, there will be two Peugeot 408… Yes, very different. And is that the first, that will be sold in Europe, it is an SUV which will be presented in June on EMP2 platform of the Stellantis Group, today the basis of new Peugeot 308, Opel Astra and Citroën C5 X, with the possibility of having 100% electric versions. The secondInstead, we met him today and was born from a very different project, originally exclusive to China and far less pretentious in its aspirations.
Because Peugeot has The new 408 Sedan was unveiled this morning in Asia, actually a sedan hatchback developed from the platform of the previous Peugeot 308 which is no longer sold in Europe. It has nothing to do, therefore, with the new Peugeot 408 which has already been announced to be launched in the Old Continent. Each market has its audience, and it is clear that the Asian market is far from ours.
PEUGEOT 408 SALOON 2023: JUST ONE ENGINE AND THE IMAGE OF THE NEW 308
The new Peugeot 408 that we show you today and which will therefore be marketed in China it is still the Berlina version of the 308 that is sold there, but which acquires another nomenclature to differentiate its bodywork. With new LED light clusters, a new frameless radiator grille and new lower side vents, this new model really looks good. tries to keep more similarities and resemblances to the new European 308.
With a great length, of course, 4,75 meters and a wheelbase of 2,73 meters, the new Peugeot 408 Sedan also promises a good space and trunk capacity, also in its domestic environment, for the first time in China, the i-Cockpit cab design based on our 308. The 2-spoke steering wheel flattened in its lower area and the digital display are common to both models.
At the moment, in China Peugeot announces that its 408 will only be available with a turbo petrol engine, with a displacement of 1,6 litres, 170 CV of power and 250 Nm of maximum torque. Always front-wheel drive, it will be associated with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
A few days ago, Mercedes-Benz revealed all the information of the second new generation of the GLC, one of his models SUV type most popular on the planet. The arrival on the market of this second installment is scheduled for next autumn and its range will be extended a little later with more than likely Coupe version, a variant with its own identity to have more aggressive and sporty aesthetic elements..
Just in the last hours this new Coupé version of the GLC, which will most likely come out at the end of the year and whose commercialization would not start until at least the first quarter of 2023, it was news in several digital media as the first recreations were leaked as to how the new model could be leaked.
Indeed, Autopista.es through one of its illustrators, Schulte, tells you what the new GLC could be like in the sporty AMG versions, While colleagues of the site kolesa.ru they also released several recreations of its possible final design.
As you can see in the images accompanying this article, the new GLC Coupé will inherit much of the official design already known from the GLC II, especially in its anterior area. From the B pillar, the side area of the vehicle itself and the rear area of it will be where the most aesthetic differences can be appreciated, with a sloping rear roofline and probably a small spoiler and attractive shapes which will make the big difference between the two bodies of this SUV.
Il new second generation GLC is slightly longer than its predecessor, with the same width and somewhat larger track widths. In the case of the Coupé variant, this change is also expected in the external dimensions of this second generation compared to the first.
MERCEDES GLC COUPÉ 2023: ENGINES AND INTERIORS
Like the other body variant with a more “conservative” design, it's more than that likely that most of the announced engines will also be available in the 2023 GLC Coupe version. In this way, in all cases, whether they are diesel or petrol, the propellers will have a cubicle of 2 liters and will be four cylinders in line. On the other hand, another feature common to all versions is that they will include the all-wheel drive system as standard 4Matic, while in relation to the type of exchange, in all cases the will be used Nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission with torque converter..
Digging a little deeper into the more than likely mechanical offerings of the 2023 GLC Coupe, this sporty-dyed body could offer the versioni 200 4Matic da 204 CV, 300 4Matic da 258 CV, 220d 4Matic da 197 CV e 300d 4Matic, associated in all cases with the 48V mild-hybrid technology. They will not be missing instead variants with plug-in hybrid technology: the 300 and 4Matic with 313 HP, the 400 and 4Matic with 381 HP and the 300 with 4Matic with 333 HP.
Inside of, the changes will also be evident and among the most notable are the new steering wheel designs with tactile controls, as well as new steering wheel instrumentation via a 12,3-inch diameter digital screen. There second generation of the MBUX multimedia system is another of the great novelties in the cabin (on this occasion, it is offered with an 11,9-inch vertical touch screen, digital, which practically extends to the base of the center console itself).
Renault continues to take important and decisive steps towards its near future. Within its new line of vehicles, one of the key models will be the return of the new purely electric R5, a car whose arrival on the market is scheduled for autumn 2024. Well, a little later, in 2026, the French firm has just confirmed the launch of the sixth and new generation of the Clio, one of the most popular cars in Europe in the B-segment of commercial vehicles.
Check out the best offers on new renaultini vehicles and save just over 5.000 euros on average
What will become of the Renault Clio after confirmation of the return of the R5? This has been one of the questions that has been asked the most by both car enthusiasts and within the entrepreneurial fabric of the automotive industry itself in recent months. However, with the official announcement made by the signature of the rhombus itself, doubts were dispelled and at least for a few years the 5st century RXNUMX and the upcoming sixth generation Clio will coexist.
With the staging of the new purely electric R5, Renault intends to launch on the market a vehicle with which the French firm would lay the foundations of the new and desirable “democratization of the electric car”, that is, vehicles with a more accessible price and in a figure that can be "assumed" by a large part of the public (in the case of the next R5, rates between approximately 22.000 and 24.000 euros are envisaged). However, the total transition from industry and the market to purely electric technology will not be as fast as some somewhat uninformed and out of touch leaders and politicians intended, since there are still many challenges to overcome.
One of them is undoubtedly the still insufficient charging infrastructure at the level of the whole European territory, although it is true that some countries have a good number of charging stations for purely electric vehicles, although countries such as Spain, Spain or France itself are still very far from the leading countries in this field, as in the surprising case of Norway . For this reason and for continuity of the current chip/semiconductor shortage crisis, it all points to that the authentic democratization of the battery electric vehicle will still take a few years, so cars with hybrids and with some versions with combustion engines should still have some validity in the coming years.
Therefore, the promise that some have made from the price of an electric car to one with a heat engine is, for the moment, unforgivable and out of touch with the current context (and, at least, in the short-term context). Indeed, sources close to Renault itself have already predicted that the level of sales of the next R5 may not reach the numbers recorded by the Clio, from here the need for both models to coexist for a certain period of time.
RENAULT CLIO 2026: FIRST DATA
The current fifth generation Clio will receive a small update in terms of aesthetics and equipment throughout 2023 and will be in 2026, as we anticipated earlier, the moment of the premiere of the sixth new generation.
On a technical and structural level, everything indicates that the Clio VI it will not present news of great importance, if not for a more than probable natural evolution of its current technical platform. Thanks to the adoption of this architecture update, the Clio 6 should benefit of a new version of the E-Tech hybrid system, in which the petrol engine will increase its displacement to 1,8 liters (instead of the current 1,6-litre), while the electric motor itself will be totally new. In addition to this new 1.8 E-Tech hybrid version, it is more than probable that the mechanical range of the French firm's utility will be extended mild hybrid technology with a 48 V system combined with a 1,2-litre petrol engine.
Teslas use two types of heaters. A heater used in pre-2020 models uses electrical resistance. This is a high quality filament through which hot air passes. The other is a heat pump used in all current models. It uses a coolant that heats up when exposed to cold temperatures.
Tesla uses a new approach to heating cars
Many conventional cars use the heat from the engine to heat the cabin. This is an efficient system because the motor uses its own heat and fan to do all the work. All you need to do is point it in the right direction and you're good to go.
Instead, Tesla uses an electric resistance heater or heat pump to heat the air as it circulates through the cabin.
How each of the tesla heaters works
The electric resistance heater is basically a high quality filament. When electricity flows through the filament, it heats up quite quickly. The air collects heat as it passes through the hot filament and is distributed throughout the cabin.
The electric resistance heater can heat the cabin to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) in 5 minutes. This is because it can generate a lot of heat very quickly.
On the other hand, the heat pump consumes a negligible amount of electricity to pass the heat from one place to another. It uses a coolant that heats up when exposed to cold temperatures. This heat is then distributed throughout the cabin by a fan. In the summer, it reverses and takes the heat out of the car's interior.
This table shows the two heaters Tesla has used in its cars and how they compare to each other.
For example, the electric resistance heater uses only enough power to heat the cab to the desired temperature. This means that it will not use any resources while in standby state. This allows you to save the juice and use it for other important things like range.
The heat pump is more effective than the filament method because it consumes even less energy. It is also very effective in heating and cooling the cabin.
In freezing weather, the heater can use so much energy that the car's range will be significantly reduced. This isn't a big deal in range plus vehicles, but it's something to be aware of.
Random fun fact:
Nissan started using heat pumps long before Tesla in 2013. While this heating system isn't used in all Leaf models, the Leaf was the first large electric or hybrid vehicle to use this type of heating system.
The maximum heat a Tesla can push out
Tesla can push out the heat needed to keep the vehicle in the desired climate, but the maximum power the heater can use is 1,6 kWh.
However, it will only use that much power when it first turns on. After that, he'll only use what's necessary to keep you nice and warm.
Some people find Tesla's heating solution too strenuous
The main complaint I've seen about Tesla's heating solution is that it's too power hungry, especially the filament one. This is fair criticism because the system can actually eat up your reach.
Random stats:
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, with Tesla leading the way. In 2017, they sold over 100.000 vehicles and their Model 3 was the best-selling luxury car in the United States.
FAQ
With the self-driving capabilities of vehicles having improved tremendously over the past decade, and the captivating flood of news about the EV maker's growing success in using more complex cameras and sensors in their cars, one would naturally imagine that sleeping in these cars is within the realm of possibility. So, is it illegal to sleep on autopilot?
Tesla's self-driving capabilities have not reached such a degree that you can sleep in your car during a cruise. Indeed, Tesla's engineers seem to be more vigilant in this regard, introducing different protections to prevent you from sleeping.
Find out what safeguards Tesla has in place and why exactly you shouldn't try to turn a blind eye to your way to work or play sports. People seem to be confused about what is and isn't allowed by law and by Tesla respectively.
- Tesla protects against sleep with Autopilot
- Did you know that?
- Other safety measures to prevent drivers from sleeping
- Your passengers or kids can rest assured, relax
- Impact of Tesla Autopilot on crashes and accidents
- Why you shouldn't sleep when Tesla goes into Autopilot
- FAQ
- Is Tesla making it quite clear that sleeping on Autopilot isn't allowed?
- Does autopilot have limitations?
Tesla protects against sleep with Autopilot
Before delving into Tesla's protections on Autopilot, take a look at this stat.
Safeguards against sleep
Nash of “Tesla in the Gong” reassures Tesla drivers that it is not possible to sleep while the vehicle is on Autopilot. First, you get a nuisance if you take your hands off the wheel, which is, in essence, your car reminding you to put your hands back on the wheel.
If you don't put your hands on the wheel, your vehicle will flash an alarm on the touchscreen, followed by a loud beep to wake you up.
Did you know that?
Tesla came under fire in 2019 following several viral videos showing drivers and even passengers sleeping while cars were on autopilot, against the company's terms of use when using this technology.
These videos stoked and stoked the flames of rumors that the Autopilot feature was inherently dangerous. These were mostly dismissed as hoaxes by perhaps youthfully exuberant drivers.
Random stats:
In 2019, drowsy or asleep drivers were estimated to cause up to 72.000 crashes each year, over 40.000 injuries and over 800 deaths. The Tesla Autopilot function was therefore seen as a welcome solution to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities.
Other safety measures to prevent drivers from sleeping
Tesla is introducing cockpit cameras in its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in 2021 as an extra precaution to prevent drivers from sleeping on the wheel on Autopilot. The cockpit camera is a front-facing camera that scans your facial expressions to make sure you're paying attention to the road when using autopilot.
One thing is certain: Tesla quietly listens to consumer criticisms and concerns and diligently implements patches to address these issues, even if sometimes too quietly.
The introduction of the cockpit camera represents the company's transition to a camera-based autopilot system known as Tesla Vision. As a result, your vehicle's camera will determine whether or not you are alert and will send alerts to the touchscreen if autopilot is engaged.
But what about your family or others in the passenger seat? Does this mean they can't even sleep in the car while you're driving?
Random fun fact:
In 2019, a US Senator moved to force Tesla to disable the Autopilot feature to make sure drivers didn't lose focus amid claims that drivers were sleeping. Clearly, 2019 hasn't been the best year for Tesla. However, further tests to try and replicate the viral videos posted on Consumer Reports show that these videos were in fact fake, as shown in the video below.
Your passengers or kids can rest assured, relax
Both the Tesla Vision safeguard and traditional Autopilot safeguard against drowsiness or drowsiness when the driver's focus is on driving. The Tesla Vision cabin camera scans the driver's facial expressions, not those of other passengers.
Traditional guards focus on several key areas, the most significant of which is ensuring your hands are on the wheel on autopilot. As long as your hands are always on the wheel and you're in control, other passengers in your car can sleep without you getting any alerts.
Impact of Tesla Autopilot on crashes and accidents
With Tesla and its loyal following lauding Autopilot features for their positive impact on enhancing safety, one might wonder if this feature has actually reduced the number of crashes on American roads.
Let's look at the numbers.
Let's compare the above data for the same period for non-autopilot cars.
It is evident from the above data that vehicles that use the tesla Autopilot capabilities have a much lower crash rate per number of miles traveled than those that do not.
This shows that, in many ways, the EV maker has been accurate about the potential this technology promises for increased safety.
Why you shouldn't sleep when Tesla goes into Autopilot
Making sure you are in control of your car by staying alert with your hands on the wheel is a matter of safety, both for yourself and for others.
If you sleep on autopilot, you risk being involved in a serious auto accident that could result in serious injury, death, or significant damage to property or your car.
In Canada, a Tesla driver was arrested and charged with dangerous driving after allegations he was caught sleeping in a self-driving Tesla vehicle on the highway in 2021. Due to the safety implications of falling asleep at the wheel, no Surprisingly, any action perceived as abusing the driver assist system can land you in hot water.
Similar incidents have also occurred in the United States, where police officers have stopped drivers on several occasions for allegedly sleeping while behind the wheel on Tesla Autopilot.
Naturally, law enforcement agencies will take the necessary steps to prevent accidents involving autonomous cars, and Teslas are no exception. If you own a Tesla, keep in mind that sleeping behind the wheel in your car on Autopilot is not only reckless, it could earn you an appointment with law enforcement.
FAQ
As with most car brands, interior quality decreases with lower-end models. During the cost cutting process, internals also often fall victim to this process. So, do Teslas have good overall interior quality?
Tesla owners are mostly satisfied with the good and minimalistic quality of the interior. The quality of the interior of the Tesla Model 3 and Y cannot be compared to that of established luxury brands. Tesla is still somewhat new to the game and improving its internal quality control. The seats are made of vegan leather and are fully functional.
I compared all the interiors of Tesla models and went deep into determining the quality of a car's interior. Then, sit back and relax; this could get interesting.
Contents
- Interior comparison of Tesla other car brands
- What is needed to determine the quality of a car interior
- How Tesla's internal quality is measured
- Where Tesla needs to up their inside game
- Things I use to add more functionality to my Model 3's interior
- Parts of the Tesla interior that Tesla produces in-house
- What to expect from inside the Cybertruck
- FAQ
- Which Tesla interior is the best?
- How to clean a white Tesla interior?
Interior comparison of Tesla other car brands
Ask any Tesla owner what they think of their car and they'll tell you it's the coolest piece of technology they own. However, if the conversation veers towards the quality of the car's interior, you may get a less enthusiastic response.
Here's the thing:
While Tesla's cars are getting better, there are still some rough edges when it comes to the quality of their interiors. This is especially true when comparing Tesla's interiors to those of more established luxury car brands.
Take Audi S4 vs your Tesla Model Y as an example:
Now take your first generation Tesla. It may have the best infotainment system on the market and be packed with features, but the overall quality doesn't match Audi's level. The plastics are cheaper, the leather is of lower quality, and there are more visible flaws in the build quality.
What is needed to determine the quality of a car interior
There are a few factors that determine the quality of a car's interior. They include:
- Materials used: These play a significant role in the overall quality of the interior. For example, if a car has a lot of plastic parts, it will feel cheaper than one with more metal or wood.
- Physical traits: Features also play a role in the overall quality of a car. If it has a lot of high-end features like heated seats and a premium sound system, it will generally feel higher quality than one without those features.
- Fit and finish: If there are gaps between the parts or uneven seams, it will feel lower quality than a car that has been put together perfectly.
- Ergonomics: If the controls are easy to use and everything is at your fingertips, it will feel higher quality than an under-engineered car.
- Visual appeal: The visual aspect of the interior also plays a role in the quality. If the interior is elegant and well designed, it will feel higher quality than one that is too plain or has a lot of clutter.
How Tesla's internal quality is measured
Now that we've looked at the factors that determine the quality of a car's interior, let's look at how Teslas measure up.
Model S
The Tesla Model S is a high-end car and it shows in the quality of its interior. The materials used are top notch and the fit and finish are perfect. The ergonomics are excellent and the overall visual appearance is stunning.
I also like that the Model S got an update in 2021 that included the button release door, pockets on each door, and an upright center console. These are small touches, but they make a big difference in the overall quality of the interior.
The dashboard display is also an excellent addition. I know people liked the design of the 3/Y model, but I think the S looks nicer.
My biggest gripe with Model S is the faulty door handles. They can lock you out of the car in the most premature way. The touchscreen can also become unresponsive at times. Other than that, the Model S has one of the best interiors in the business.
Model X
The Tesla Model X is another high-end car, and they haven't skimped on the quality of its interior. Everything about this ride exudes luxury, from the leather seats to the huge touchscreen display.
Model X is packed with high-tech features, including autonomous driving and a premium audio system like the Model S. But its unique design sets this SUV apart from the competition.
The Tesla Model X has hawk-wing doors that swing open and open, making it easier to get in and out of the car, even in tight spaces. With all that glass, you'll have a great view no matter where you're sitting.
But this car is not without its problems. For example, the older model's center console freezes more often than most owners would like. And newer versions have had some issues with faulty falcon doors.
Then there's the steering issue. Some people have complained that the Model X's Autopilot feature makes it difficult to control the car. If you're looking for a Tesla, make sure you're comfortable with all of its features before you take the plunge.
Random fun fact:
The Tesla Model X has one of the largest interiors of any SUV on the market. It can comfortably accommodate up to 7 adults.
3/Y model
The Tesla Model 3 and Y have a high-quality interior, but it's not quite like the Model S or X. The materials used are still top-notch, but the fit and finish aren't quite as perfect. The ergonomics are also excellent, but the visual aspect is only a step below the other two models.
The Model 3/Y doesn't have an in-dash display, but I think the center console looks nicer than the Model S's. The door handles are also a little different and work well.
Also, touchscreen issues persist in the Model 3/Y, making it my biggest gripe with Tesla cars. I think the software is not yet where it needs to be.
The good news is that Tesla is constantly making improvements to its cars, so hopefully these issues will be fixed in time.
Did you know that:
The Tesla Model 3 has one of the simplest and most minimalistic interiors of any car on the market. This has been done deliberately to minimize distractions while driving.
Where Tesla needs to up their inside game
I understand. Tesla is a forward-thinking company and is constantly pushing the envelope. But there are some things they need to improve when it comes to their inner game.
Tesla also needs to improve the quality of its carpets. I've had my Model 3 for about a year and the carpets are already starting to look worn. I know they aren't expensive to replace, but it would be nice if they lasted longer.
Things I use to add more functionality to my Model 3's interior
Functionality is a top priority for me when it comes to my car interior. I want everything to have a purpose and I want to use everything easily.
To that end, here are a few things I've added to my Model 3 to make it more functional:
- Center console organizer: I bought an XTAUTO Center Console Organizer on Amazon.com, and it was a game changer. It has a place for my sunglasses, wallet and other miscellaneous things that I need to keep in the car. It also leaves room for other not-so-nice things, like a microfiber cloth.
- Phone support: I bought a KFZMAN car phone holder from Amazon.com for my car, and it has been a lifesaver. I used to put my phone in the awkward charging port position, but now I can keep it right in front of me where it's easy to see and use.
- A secret compartment: The armrest has a gap that's the perfect size to hide things like a spare key or credit card. I also found a basenor Armrest Hidden Storage Box (on Amazon.com) which is a nice little box that fits into that space, making it usable.
Parts of the Tesla interior that Tesla produces in-house
Tesla outsources most of the interior parts, but there are some that they manufacture in-house.
The seats are an example of this. Tesla designs and manufactures the seats for all of its cars in-house. This has allowed them to create comfortable and elegant chairs. I especially like the Model S and X seats, which are some of the best seats I've ever seen in a car.
Another example is the center console. Tesla designs and builds the center console with functionality and simplicity in mind. It's one of the most user-friendly consoles I've ever used, and it looks great too.
They also make the steering wheels in-house. These wheels are some of the best in the business and are a big reason I think Tesla's cars are so much fun to drive.
What to expect from inside the Cybertruck
The 2022 Tesla Cybertruck will have an interior unlike any other truck on the market.
The most notable feature of the Cybertruck's interior is its massive center console. Tesla says the console was designed to be "utilitarian" and can accommodate a variety of items, including a laptop, tools and more.
The Cybertruck will also have a yoke steering wheel, which I like. Tesla says the steering wheel was inspired by racing cars and is made from lightweight aluminum.
The seats in the Cybertruck are also unique. They're made from a material Tesla calls "ultra-strong" and are designed to be comfortable even when wearing heavy work clothes. It comfortably fits six adults on the available bench seat, both front and rear.
Overall, the Cybertruck's interior is unlike anything else on the market. I think it's going to be one of the best EV trucks we've seen so far.
FAQ
With Tesla's ever-rising prices, we definitely want to try any method to save money when buying a new Tesla. We're so used to automakers giving us some wiggle room to haggle fair prices when buying a new car. So, can you get a discount on a new Tesla?
Tesla does not offer any price negotiations, because prices are set by the manufacturer. This includes any additional costs. You could negotiate the listed prices of used Teslas, trade-ins, inventory cars, or lenders that have a few thousand miles on them.
- Why Tesla does not negotiate
- The cost of a Tesla
- Buying a Tesla
- Check out a service center
- Go to the Tesla website
- Choose your financing
- Request your car
- Save on your Tesla
- Purchase an “Inventory” template
- Exchange
- Buy used
- More ways to save money on a Tesla
- FAQ
- How do I get a discount on a new Tesla?
- Will my Tesla retain its value?
Why Tesla does not negotiate
We usually assume that negotiations are an exciting and necessary part of the car buying process, so why is Tesla depriving us of the thrill of bargaining?
Tesla doesn't negotiate because they sell their cars, accessories, and add-ons directly instead of through dealerships.
The upside of this sales method is that Tesla's sales are fast, easy, and certain. Tesla stores aren't really for making a purchase.
The cost of a Tesla
Initially, not having to negotiate probably feels like a gift. However, seeing the price of a Tesla can make you reconsider your preconceived biases against bargaining.
1. You can make your Tesla faster
While Model S is much faster than Model Y in terms of top speed and acceleration, you can make your Model Y faster by turning on Ludicrous Mode.
This mode allows you to increase acceleration by 10%. While 10% doesn't sound like a lot, when you factor in current acceleration, it means your car can go from 0-60 mph in 2,3 seconds. It's faster than many Ferrari models!
While it's unlikely you'll ever need this feature, it puts your EV on par with many faster gas guzzlers. Ludicrous mode allows you to accelerate faster by pressing the brake and accelerator simultaneously and then releasing them simultaneously. This activates maximum battery power and gives the Tesla a massive acceleration boost.
While you're probably aware that the Tesla Model Y is on par with most cars in terms of speed, very few people think of EVs as race cars. However, with Ludicrous and Ludicrous+ modes, you can convert your Tesla for drag racing.
2. Multiple driver profiles can be activated
Everyone has their own driving preferences depending on their temperament and driving experience. If you plan on sharing your vehicle, you can save multiple driver profiles to your Tesla Model Y. While you may want to drive faster, your partner may not, which is where multiple driver profiles come in handy.
A driver profile will contain the following:
- Browsing history and preferences.
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- Temperature and light settings.
- Autopilot history and other driving preferences.
Your driver profile will save data about your navigation and driving preferences, which will give you access to saved routes and other time-saving data. By activating different driver profiles, navigation data can be saved for different users, making it easier to access frequented routes.
Random fun fact:
You can link up to 10 driver profiles in the Tesla Model Y! However, each profile should have a different key, making multiple profiles difficult to manage.
You can create different profiles even if you don't intend to car share. Create a “work” profile, a “holiday” profile or other profiles based on your mood or driving preferences. With Tesla's driver profiling, you can automate your journeys every day of the week!
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3. Prevent rolling accidents with Creep mode
Do you live in a hilly area or is your driveway on an elevated surface? If so, creep mode might save your car! Creep mode is featured in the Tesla Model Y and will ensure that the car applies torque when in drive mode. This will allow your car to roll slowly forward or backward and may prevent accidents most people have when they forget to put their vehicles into park mode.
While this feature is useful if you live in hilly areas, it won't stop your Tesla from rolling downhill, and you'll need to keep your foot on the brakes or put it into park mode to avoid an accident.
Creep mode is not automatically activated in Model Y and is recommended only for experienced drivers. Get used to driving your Tesla regularly and try to activate creep mode only when you understand all the features of your vehicle.
Did you know that:
The Tesla Model Y excels in all safety categories. It won the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and earned 5 stars in every category measured by NHTSA.
4. The height of the Model Y tailgate can be adjusted
There is nothing worse than hitting the tailgate on the garage door. Teslas aren't cheap to fix, and even a paint job or dent repair can be expensive. Fortunately, Tesla's Model Y has a solution to this problem.
You can adjust the height of the tailgate on your Tesla Model Y to prevent the tailgate from hitting the garage door or ceiling. Just open the trunk using the usual settings and manually adjust the height of the trunk. Press and hold the button on the underside of the lift gate for a few seconds until you receive a confirmation notification.
Release the button and close the truck. Open it using the automatic settings and check if the settings have been saved. This feature can be very useful if your garage has a lower ceiling and you prefer to open your trunk inside the garage.
5. Limit the maximum speed of the Tesla
If your Tesla is used regularly by others, you can limit the maximum speed to avoid speeding tickets. This feature also helps reduce battery production and puts the vehicle into a kind of energy saving mode. (This mode is also useful if you have a habit of pushing the speed limits!)
When limiting the maximum speed of the vehicle, the maximum speed can be set as low as 50 Mph. This is great for novice or teenage drivers and can be used to teach student drivers. When limiting the speed of the Tesla, horsepower and acceleration are also limited to 25%.
While this can be a useful feature when leaving your vehicle in the hands of your child, it is only available on Teslas with a software version of 2018.24 or higher and may not be applicable in older Tesla vehicles. However, you can always set a speed limit with the valet function in older models.
6. Enable Valet Mode when you lend your Tesla
Valet mode is a lifesaver. It allows you to limit access to the trunk, maximum speed, personal information and many other features of the car. Valet mode is useful when attending functions, lending your car to someone you don't trust with your personal information, or when letting teenagers drive your prized vehicle.
Valet mode has the following features:
- Disable your browsing history so no one can see where you've been.
- Limit your top speed, horsepower and acceleration so you don't have to worry about getting a speeding ticket when you're not driving.
- The glove box and front trunk are locked, so you won't have to worry about missing items when your car is valet.
- Access to driver profiles is disabled. The valet will have to drive the car in a neutral profile.
- Keys, personal information and HomeLink are disabled.
To access valet mode on your Tesla, you will need to create a 4 digit which will help you lock and unlock valet mode. You can also set up valet mode from your Tesla mobile app if you forget your pin. However, be careful to set up valet mode before you lend your car as you can only enter valet mode when the Tesla is parked.
Random stats:
All Tesla owners are careful not to leave their car in the wrong hands. However, the statistics are in your favor as a Tesla owner: Teslas are 90% less likely to be stolen than other cars. Tesla's array of safety features no doubt play a part in that.
7. Turn on Pet Dog Mode
Tesla is not only comfortable around humans; he is also comfortable for your pets. One of the best features of Tesla cars is dog mode. This mode allows you to set a comfortable temperature inside the car for your pets when you are gone. The temperature can be controlled from your Tesla app and you won't have to leave your furry friend in an overheating car.
Dog mode can be activated with a simple tap from your phone and will display the temperature on the home screen. This helps dissuade someone walking in front of your car from thinking your pets are in danger of overheating.
An alternative to dog mode is camping mode. This is very similar to dog mode and allows you to set the interior temperature to a comfortable level when the car is parked. Your Tesla will only activate the air conditioning system and the batteries will not be used for any other function.
This is handy if you're on a long road trip and want to take a nap by the side of the road, or if you just want to relax in your car when your home's AC system isn't working. Tesla's air conditioning system not only cools the air inside the car, it purifies it, allowing you to take a nap without stress.
8. Use Tesla's voice commands effectively
All Tesla models have voice command controls, and the Model Y is no different. While these voice controls are quite effective, it's surprising that most people don't use them on a regular basis. Here are some useful voice commands on the Tesla Model Y:
Voice navigation system
Do you spend a few minutes looking up your destination on Maps and then transferring the data to your Tesla? With Tesla's voice commands, you can set the navigation route on the GPS without even touching the screen or the app.
Just say the name of the destination and the navigation system will detect the position. It's best to be specific when describing your destination, but really, all you need to say is the location, house number, and city.
Close your Google
If you've already gotten used to Siri and Alexa for Google searches, it's time to start using Tesla's voice system to do the same. You can search Google while driving or when the car is on autopilot by saying “search Google”. This feature works best when you're looking for a definitive answer to a common question. If you want to research, use your phone instead.
Mute the GPS voice
There's nothing more irritating than the GPS voice over a route you're used to. While you don't have to set up GPS if you don't want to, sometimes you can set it up out of habit. Instead of canceling the GPS route while driving, you can use voice commands to mute the GPS.
Just say “Mute voice guidance” and the car will turn it off. You can still check the GPS route, but you won't have to deal with the annoying voice guidance.
Set temperature
There's nothing easier than setting the temperature using voice commands on your Tesla. Just say “set temperature to” and mention the temperature you want the AC to run at. While it doesn't take long to touch the temperature controls, you can set the temperature without taking your hands off the wheel while driving.
9. You can easily improve the range of your Model Y
The range of the Tesla Model Y is approximately 303 miles for the Performance model and 330 miles for the Long Range trim. While this may suffice for a full week's commute, you also need to factor in charging time.
This table shows estimated charging times based on the charger you're using:
| loader | Casa Outlet (120v) | Level 2 (240v) | Compressor (480v) |
| Estimated charging time | 15-24 hours | 8-12 hours | 15 20-minute |
- Use the seat heater to save energy. When heating your car in cold weather, the seat heater in your Tesla is more efficient than the heating system. Try to prioritize the seat heater in the winter and use the heating system only when needed.
- Remove snow from your vehicle. If you live in an area where snowfall can bog down your car, remove all snow before driving. Teslas are designed with state-of-the-art aerodynamics, and snow on the car's surface will affect their range.
- Drive slightly slower. While there's nothing wrong with testing your car's limits, driving slightly slower than the maximum speed limit can increase your car's range and translate into fewer charge points. The Model Y is most efficient at 50 mph, but going 60 or 65 won't cause a big drop in efficiency.
- Use cruise control. Cruise control will help you significantly increase the range of your Tesla vehicle. Cruise control can minimize acceleration if you're on the highway, improving range.
FAQ
Is the Tesla Model Y a self-driving car?
While Model Y has an autopilot option with cruise control and limited self-steering, it's not a fully self-driving model. However, self-driving capabilities can be added when ordering a new vehicle.
