Do This Now Before Buying Your Tesla: Essential Steps to Save Money and Prepare
Hey everyone, DennisCW here! If you're thinking about buying a Tesla, there are some crucial steps you need to take before placing that $250 deposit to secure your vehicle. In this blog post, I'm breaking down a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure you're fully prepared for the delivery process and can take advantage of every possible incentive. With many Tesla incentives expiring by the end of the month, time is of the essence—let’s dive into everything you need to do now before buying your Tesla!
Step 1: Research All Available Incentives
First things first, make sure you’re aware of all the incentives that could save you money. Right now, Tesla is offering incredible deals like 0% financing on Model 3 and 1.99% on Model Y, but these offers are time-sensitive and may end within days. On top of that, there are additional discounts for specific groups:
- America’s Heroes Program: Get $1,000 off if you’re in the military, a student, teacher, or first responder (verified through ID.me).
- Lyft Driver Program: Earn $1,000 in credits right away, or up to $2,000 after completing 100 drives.
There are more offers out there, so take a moment to explore them. Check out the details on Tesla’s website or hit pause on my video to see the full list of incentives. Don’t miss out—these can stack up to significant savings!
Step 2: Check State and Local Incentives
Beyond Tesla’s offers, your state or local utility might provide additional incentives for purchasing an electric vehicle (EV). A fantastic resource to find these is the website Electric For All (not sponsored). Simply enter your zip code, and it will display local rebates and discounts. For example, some utility companies offer thousands of dollars for buying a used Tesla. Layering these savings on top of Tesla’s incentives can make a huge difference, so do your homework!
Quick Tip: Don’t forget to use a Tesla referral code (like mine in the description of my video) to get perks like three months of Full Self-Driving (FSD) for free or credits if you’re already opting for FSD. Thanks to everyone who has used my code in the past—it means a lot!
Step 3: Explore Tesla Order Options
Head over to Tesla’s order page to customize your vehicle. The process is straightforward—choose your exterior color, interior color, wheels, and decide if you want to add Full Self-Driving. Whether it’s a Model 3, Model Y, or a higher-end package, Tesla keeps the options simple, which I love. Take your time to explore what suits your needs and budget.
Important: Do not place your $250 deposit on this page just yet. There’s another critical step to complete first.
Step 4: Get Pre-Qualified for Financing
Before committing, go to Tesla’s pre-qualification page for a soft credit inquiry. If you’re confident about your credit score, you can skip this step. However, if you’re unsure, this is a must to ensure you’re approved for financing. If your credit isn’t stellar, consider a larger down payment (10-20% or more) to improve your chances. Knowing your financing status early helps avoid surprises later.
Bonus Tip: Tesla is currently waiving costs on certain options like paint or interior colors to get you into a vehicle faster. Be flexible with your choices! Head to the New Inventory Page, adjust the filter to “All Deliverable” by entering your zip code, and you might find discounted vehicles or quicker delivery options. Alternatively, order a base model and speak with a Tesla advisor to see if they can switch you to a discounted inventory vehicle.
Step 5: Handle Your Trade-In or Vehicle Sale
If you’re trading in or selling your current vehicle, maximize its value. I’ve partnered with GetMeTheVin.com (link in my video description), a platform similar to CarMax or Carvana, to help you get the best offer. They’re also running a $25,000 cash giveaway right now, so it’s worth checking out. If you’re in Tennessee, connect with Chip at Electric Vehicles and Car Sale (details in the video) for personalized assistance. Getting the most out of your trade-in can significantly offset your Tesla purchase cost.
Step 6: Secure Affordable Insurance
Insurance for a Tesla or any EV is typically 20-30% higher than for a regular vehicle due to luxury pricing. Based on polls from my channel, the average monthly cost for Tesla insurance ranges from $150 to $250. Here are some low-cost options to consider:
- Costco Insurance: Highly recommended if available in your area (sadly, not in California anymore). Many have saved hundreds by switching.
- Tesla Insurance: A solid alternative if Costco isn’t an option.
- Traditional Providers: If neither works, try Geico, Progressive, or State Farm, though costs can vary widely.
Start shopping for quotes early to budget accurately for this added expense.
Step 7: Set Up a Home Charging Solution
Owning a Tesla without a reliable Level 2 charger at home or work can be a hassle. Relying on Tesla Superchargers isn’t practical for daily use—even if they’re free, the time investment isn’t worth it. I strongly recommend installing a Tesla Wall Connector at home. If you’re looking for a deal, I can help you get one for $385 shipped—DM me on Instagram for details. For those in the Los Angeles area, reach out to my friend Mario at Smart Plug EV (a Tesla-authorized electrician). Mention the “Dennis Deal” for special pricing—his contact info is in my video description.
Final Thoughts: Act Fast!
With incentives expiring by the end of the month, there’s a rush to secure your Tesla. These steps are just the beginning—there are pre-delivery tasks and accessories (like a J-plug) to consider as well. Hopefully, this guide gives you a solid starting point to save money and prepare for Tesla ownership. If you’ve got questions or need help, drop a comment below or join the livestream chat on my channel.
Bonus: Win a Mini Tesla Cybertruck!
While you’re hunting for a deal on a real Tesla, how about a chance to win a mini one? I’ve partnered with Mini Revs, a company making insanely accurate Tesla miniature replicas. They’ve got an epic black Cybertruck (complete with a tiny ATV!), and right now, they’re running a giveaway. Use promo code DENNIS for 10% off your order, and two random orders this month will win a free Cybertruck replica with their purchase. Check out Mini Revs via the link in my video description—don’t miss out! Big thanks to Mini Revs for partnering with me.
Thanks for reading, everyone! Let me know your thoughts or any additional tips you’ve discovered while preparing to buy a Tesla. Stay tuned for more content, and I’ll see you in the next post or video!
- DennisCW
