Buying a Tesla is a unique process because it's done almost entirely online, directly from Tesla. You'll configure your car on their website, place an order with a refundable deposit, and then manage the delivery through your Tesla account. The key steps are: researching models and pricing online, placing your order, securing financing, and finally taking delivery at a Tesla center or having it dropped at your doorstep.
The first step is to choose your model. Tesla's lineup includes the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, and the Cybertruck, each with different configurations affecting price, driving range, and performance. For example, the Long Range version of a model will always have a higher estimated range than the base version. It’s crucial to understand these options.
| Model | Starting Price (USD) | Estimated Range (EPA) | 0-60 mph Time (approx.) | Key Differentiator |
|---|
| Model 3 | ~$40,000 | 272-341 miles | 5.8-3.1 seconds | Affordable sedan |
| Model Y | ~$44,000 | 260-330 miles | 6.6-3.5 seconds | Best-selling SUV |
| Model S | ~$75,000 | 396-405 miles | 3.1-1.99 seconds (Plaid) | Luxury performance sedan |
| Model X | ~$79,000 | 348-348 miles | 3.8-2.5 seconds (Plaid) | Luxury SUV with Falcon Wings |
| Cybertruck | ~$60,000 | 250-470 miles | 6.5-2.6 seconds | All-electric pickup truck |
Once you've decided, you'll configure the car on Tesla's website, selecting options like paint color, interior, and Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities. Autopilot is standard, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping. FSD is a paid upgrade that adds features like automatic lane changes and traffic light recognition.
After configuration, you place your order with a $250 order fee, which is refundable for a period. Then, you'll work on financing through Tesla's partners, your own bank, or a cash payment. All of this is managed in your Tesla account. When your car is ready, you'll schedule delivery. The final step is a thorough inspection of the vehicle for any issues before you accept delivery and drive away.
