Tesla Lease vs. Finance: 0.99% APR Breakdown for Model 3 & Y + Used Market Surge
Hey everyone, Dennis here from DennisCW! If you're in the market for a new Tesla, you're probably staring at the screen wondering: should I lease or finance? With Tesla's killer 0.99% APR financing deal, it's a hot topic right now. In this post, I'll break down the pros, cons, and real numbers for the Model 3 and Model Y, plus cover surging used Tesla prices, a common tire issue, and more from my latest stream. Let's dive in!
Lease vs. Finance: Making the Smart Choice
Saw a great Reddit post sparking debate: With 0.99% APR, lease or finance? Here's the TL;DR:
Model 3: Lease Wins for Low Payments
- RWD Model 3: As low as $399/month.
- Premium RWD: Recently dropped to $449/month.
- Leasing locks in payments and protects against depreciation. At lease end (3 years), buyout is around $30K. If it's worth more, profit! If less, hand it back to Tesla.
Model Y: Finance Makes More Sense
- Premium RWD Model Y: $569/month lease – not great.
- Finance at 0.99% if you keep it 5-10 years. Perfect for long-term owners.
Pro Tip: Place a $250 deposit (use my referral code for up to $1,000 off!), then play with real numbers in the Tesla app. Switch between lease/finance to see your exact payments.
Lease Drawbacks:
- Higher interest (4-7% money factor).
- Acquisition fees upfront + $350 disposition fee at end (waived if leasing another Tesla).
Finance Perks: Ultra-low 0.99% rate – unbeatable for keepers.
My Advice: Model 3? Lease. Model Y? Finance. Chat below: Lease or buy?
Used Tesla Prices Are Skyrocketing
Used EV sales jumped 10.2% YoY in January, despite ending federal credits. Tax refunds are fueling demand – Tesla used prices are trending up while overall cars dip.
- Selling? Now's prime time. Check Plug – they're offering $3K-$5K over Tesla/others.
- Buying? Competition is fierce; prices rising.
Doug DeMuro Crowns Model S "Most Important Car of Last 30 Years"
Doug says the Model S reset EV perceptions: cool, fast, luxurious. No compromises needed. Elon agrees – but orders end by June (Model S/X sunsetting?).
Note: Lux package FSD doesn't transfer on sale. Subscription era incoming?
PSA: Fix That Tesla Tire Vibration (Get Free Tires!)
Heard vibrations while driving? Common issue: Foam inside EV tires (for noise reduction) separates from sidewalls.
- Happened to my old Model Y.
- File a claim with Goodyear via Discount Tire – one owner got $1,100 credit for 4 new tires (even if only 2 affected).
Can't fix with balance/alignment? This is it. Follow the guide here.
Protect Your Credit Before Financing
Before applying, safeguard your score. Bank of America delayed breach alerts by a month. Use Aura (sponsor): Dark web scans, spam blocker, data removal, $5M insurance. 14-day free trial – link in bio.
Quick Hits from the Stream
- Giveaway Winner: Todd Barlay snagged the Lunar New Year Tesla Bot action figure! Daily giveaways – like & chat next time.
- Delivery Checklist: Grab my new one here for inspections.
- Accessories: Joah phone mount (code: Dennis), 3W mats (code: Dennis35 for 35% off).
- Events: Join me at Tesla Corsa (Feb 28, Buttonwillow) – code Dennis for discount.
Final Thoughts
0.99% is game-changing – but match it to your style. Short-term? Lease. Long-haul? Finance. Used market's hot for sellers!
Drop your lease/finance plans below. Use my referral for deals, sub for more Tesla hacks. See you next time!
DennisCW – Tesla Deal Hacking Expert
