Managing Money In A Crisis
Weekly tips sent straight to your inbox
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn how we make money.
How to finance a Tesla
Compare options to get behind the wheel of the world's most well-known electric car brand.
Since Tesla doesn’t work with dealerships, you won’t have to worry about an interest rate markup if you decide to finance directly with the company. But you might still want to compare your other car loan options from third-party lenders to ensure you’re getting the best deal available to you.
How can I finance a Tesla?
If you’re looking to finance a car directly through Tesla’s in-house financing division, you won’t have to worry about dealership markup since it’s a direct-to-consumer car brand. You actually have to order your car on Tesla’s website before you can even apply for financing. Then within one month of your car’s delivery date, you can fill out a Tesla Financing application through your online account.
Since you have to wait anyway, you might want to take the time to compare car loans from banks, credit unions and online lenders as well. Prequalifying with a few different lenders can help you find the most competitive rate available to you. Tesla Financing may even be willing to beat the lowest rate you qualify for with a third-party lender.
Read our review of Tesla Financing
Compare car loans to finance a Tesla
{"niche":"USFCL"}
What will a new Tesla cost me?
A new Tesla will cost upwards of $35,000 — although you can expect to pay over double that for the Model S and Model X. How much you ultimately pay will depend on the model and trim you select, as well as any upgrades you want to include.
2019 Tesla Model 3
- MSRP: $35,000
- Build: Sedan
- City/highway MPGe: 128/117
- Range: Up to 332 miles
Tesla Cybertruck
- MSRP: $39,900
- Build: Truck
- City/highway MPGe: Not available
- Range: Up to 250 miles
2020 Tesla Long-Range Model Y
- MSRP: $47,000
- Build: SUV
- City/highway MPGe: Not available
- Range: Up to 300 miles
2019 Tesla Model S
- MSRP: $70,115
- Build: Sedan
- City/highway MPGe: 102/105
- Range: Up to 373 miles
2019 Tesla Model X
- MSRP: $81,000
- Build: Hatchback
- City/highway MPGe: 91/95
- Range: Up to 328 miles
Tesla Roadster
- MSRP: $200,000
- Build: Coupe
- City/highway MPGe: Not available
- Range: Up to 620 miles
Car insurance costs that come with driving a Tesla
Does a new Tesla come with a warranty?
Yes, all new Teslas are protected under a four-year, 50,000-mile limited warranty. However, the Battery and Drive Unit will have different coverage depending on your model.
- Model S and Model X — covered for 8 years
- Model 3 — covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first
- Model 3 with long-range battery — covered for 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first
Used vehicles don’t have their own warranty, but the original vehicle warranty may still be in place. You can also purchase an extended warranty that covers your Tesla for two years or 100,000 miles — whichever comes first.
Bottom line
With the cheapest Tesla ringing in at around $35,000, getting behind the wheel of this electric car brand isn’t as expensive as you might have thought. Applying for financing through Tesla Financing and a few other third-party lenders can help you find the most competitive deal out there.
Not sure what type of Tesla you want? Check out our guide to buying a Tesla to compare models, customization packages and more.
Frequently asked questions
Ask an Expert