When talking about electric vehicles, there’s almost nothing we know that can outvalue a Tesla. Elon Musk’s Tesla is one of the best, if not the best, electric cars on the market today. Even then, every model has its use, depending on the person. Depending on your lifestyle, you can find the right Tesla model for you.
For people who want more space and have a big family, the Tesla Model X is an excellent pick. Get the Model 3 if you’re looking for a fun time driving around with your electric car. If you want a good mid-range of either, the Model S is your all-electric car of choice.
Before you go out and buy a Tesla, read this article. Find out which model is right for you and see if you agree. We’re sure this can help you decide if you’re not yet sure which one to buy. We’ll even give you a preview of the Model Y and Roadster.
Let’s see which one’s for you.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Tesla
Before we look at each of the Tesla models, we need to look at the criteria that we will use. There are different scenarios, budget ranges, and factors that you would want before getting these cars. Why?
Let’s admit it – the Tesla is expensive. To some people, it can be prohibitive to their budget, and they would only have enough for a single purchase. You would want to get it right the first time; otherwise, that’s going to be a big buyer’s remorse.
The factors for consideration we use for the right Tesla for you are:
- How do you use your car?
- How many passengers do you need?
- What performance are you looking for?
- How often will you use it?
- What’s your budget?
- What features do you care about?
Why should any of these be important to you? Let’s take a look.
Why Use These Criteria for Buying a Tesla All-Electric
How people use their cars, known as use cases, vary per person. Many users have activities that tend to overlap with each other. Some do one activity more, so you can expect to value one over the other.
Do you plan on using your Tesla as a daily driver to work and within the city? Are you going to use it as a family car and move different people around? Are you buying it for fun and as your luxury sports car?
Depending on your use, you would need a different Tesla for each. Every activity would need different passenger needs.
Are you single and want something that fits your lifestyle? Do you have family or lots of friends that you want to ride around? Are you looking for a good, high-speed sports car to use as a status symbol?
As you can see, any of these can change the model of Tesla you need. To some, seating capacity and storage can be a deal-breaker for their vehicle. The right Tesla should fit the lifestyle you have.
The most important question of all, however, is the budget. How much are you willing to pay for a high-performance electric vehicle? What kind of performance to price ratio are you ready to work out? What bells and whistles do you want that you think will satisfy you?
Remember that all Teslas should qualify for Federal Tax Credit when you buy them. They will also use the Tesla Superchargers that you can find all over the country.
Let’s take a look at every Tesla model available and see which one is right for you.
The Tesla Model 3
When Elon Musk announced the Tesla Model 3, everyone who dreamed of buying a Tesla was ecstatic. News of the least-expensive Tesla model was a welcome note, and people met it with pre-orders. Now, the Model 3 is Tesla’s most popular lineup.
Today’s Model 3 has the Standard Plus as the base option, which starts at $39,900. It uses a single motor RWD with a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h) with a 0-60 acceleration of 5.3 seconds.
The Model 3 Standard Plus can go as far as 240 miles (386 km) on a single charge. If you go up with the higher configurations, you can go as far as 300 miles (480 km) on the Performance trim. You will also get a dual-motor AWD and a top speed of 162 mph (260 km/h). These specs are superb for a Tesla Model 3 Performance at $54,990.
The best configuration for the Tesla Model 3 depends on your needs. For starters, 240 miles (386 km) on the Standard Plus should be enough for daily driving. It’s not going to get you too far for interstate driving, but it’s going to work in many situations.
The Model 3 will have Autopilot as standard in all trims, which is different from the full self-driving option. It’s an SAE Level 2 system that needs hands-on work. You would still need to pay an extra $8,000 for a full self-driving system upgrade.
Tesla’s Model 3 has enough seating for five people and a cargo hold of 15 cubic ft (424 L). The all-black base interior is beautiful enough, but you can opt for multi-color interior trims. You can also get the superior 19-inch (48 cm) Sports Wheels vs. the 18-inch (45.5 cm) Aero Wheels.
If you want to use your Model 3 during the winter, anything is better than the Standard Plus.
| Standard Plus | Long Range | Performance | |
| Acceleration | 5.3 s (0-60 mph) | 4.4 s (0-60 mph) | 3.2 s (0-60 mph) |
| Range | 250 mi (400 km) | 322 mi (520 km) | 299 mi (480 km) |
| Top Speed | 140 mph (225 km/h) | 145 mph (230 km/h) | 145 mph (230 km/h) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel RWD | Dual Motor AWD | Dual Motor AWD |
| Interior | Partial Premium | Premium | Premium |
| Warranty | Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 100,000 miles | Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 120,000 miles | Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 120,000 miles |
| Price | $37,990 | $46,990 | $54,990 |
Is the Tesla Model 3 Right for You?
Who needs the Model 3? Tesla’s Model 3 is for someone who wants a luxury compact sedan. It’s a fun daily and leisure driver, though it can run short in long-range situations. It can give other luxury sedans like the Audi and BMW a run for their money.
If you have a small family, the Model 3 can be a great family car. It’s a superb car if you are looking to go electric and want a fun, easy-to-use electric vehicle.
The Tesla Model S
If you’re looking at classic Tesla, there’s nothing more classic than the Model S. When Elon showed the Tesla Model S in 2012, it was a game-changer. It signaled to the entire world that electric cars are going to change the automobile landscape.
Jump to 2019, and the Model S is much better than before. Its aesthetics updated for the more modern driver, but it now needs another redesign. Tesla is still in the middle of working out the curveballs they’re experiencing with the Model 3, though.
The Model S is a simpler lineup of trims meant to be the middle child amongst the Tesla models. This dual motor AWD has a top speed of 155 – 163 mph (250 – 262 km/h) depending on the model. It can have a range of up to 400 miles (650 km) on a single charge, which is more than enough for most.
Depending on your budget, the best configuration for you can vary on your needs. The Long Range Plus starts at $74,990, which can be what most people have as a budget. The problem comes with the interior, which is not enough for the price.
You can upgrade the interior for an extra $1,500, but the features should be the same. It uses the same HEPA clean air filters, superb HVAC, and an Autopilot feature. If you want the full self-driving capability, you would need to shell out an extra $8,000.
The Model S comes with 28 cubic feet (792 L), which is a good chunk of cargo. This five-seater comes with four years or first 50,000 miles (80,467 km) warranty for the car. The battery and drive unit comes with a separate 8-year warranty.
| Long Range Plus | Performance | |
| Acceleration | 3.7 s (0-60 mph) | 2.3 s (0-60 mph) |
| Range | 402 mi (647 km) | 348 mi (560 km) |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (250 km/h) | 163 mph (262 km/h) |
| Drivetrain | Dual Motor AWD | Dual Motor AWD |
| Interior | Premium | Premium |
| Warranty | Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 150,000 miles | Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 150,000 miles |
| Price | $74.990 | $94.990 |
Is the Tesla Model S Right for You?
So, who needs the Model S? The Model S is a practical all-rounder that you can use as a daily driver or a travel vehicle. Its five-seater capacity comes with two optional rear-facing child seats for bigger families.
Interstate travel can add an hour or two to your travel time unless you have the Long Range Plus trim. The Model S is not the most luxurious of all Tesla models, but it’s excellent as an all-rounder. It has the capacity for bigger families and cargo, but it’s not as cost-prohibitive as higher models.
All in all, the Tesla Model S is the mid-range Tesla that checks all the marks. It’s a great daily driver, and you would have fun riding it for sure.
The Tesla Model X
For people who are looking for a full-powered SUV, the Tesla Model X is for you. The Model X is not your simple run of the mill premium electric vehicle but rather a souped-up, feature-rich SUV.
First, it uses Falcon Wing doors to comfortably accommodate up to 7 passengers — great for a big family. It has a 5,000 lb (2268 kg) towing capacity, which makes it excellent for family outings. If you have a compact trailer, this would be superb.
The Model X starts at $79,990 for a Long Range Plus, with a 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed. This dual-motor AWD SUV has a range of 350 miles (565 km). Performance trim has a slightly lower range at 305 miles (490 km) but a top speed of 163 mph (262 km/h).
It’s easy to burn a lot of money when picking the best config for the Model X. The best combination of trims and features can set you back as much as $123,990 in cash. Because of that, let’s find a good trim that won’t cost you a fortune.
The Long Range Plus model is the best trim for its price, considering Performance is only 7 mph (11 km/h) faster, and the Long Range Plus has an extra 46 miles (74 km) range.
As for the interior, you have an option to add a premium black/white or cream interior for $1,500 extra. Since you’re paying this much for your electric car, this doesn’t move the needle too much. You get all the standard features that everyone gets with the other Teslas, including HEPA filters, premium audio, satellite radio, and heated seating.
Add $3,500 for the seven-seat option and $8,000 for Full Self-Driving Capability. These bells and whistles should be good enough for someone who wants a Model X.
| Long Range Plus | Performance | |
| Acceleration | 4.4 s (0-60 mph) | 2.6 s (0-60 mph) |
| Range | 351 mi (565 km) | 305 mi (490 km) |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (250 km/h) | 163 mph (262 km/h) |
| Drivetrain | Dual Motor AWD | Dual Motor AWD |
| Interior | Premium | Premium |
| Warranty | Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 150,000 miles | Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 150,000 miles |
| Price | $79.990 | $99.990 |
Is the Tesla Model X Right for You?
Now for the question we need to pop, who needs the Tesla Model X? The simple answer to this is anyone who can afford it. The long answer is somehow more complicated.
The Tesla Model X is an excellent SUV for a large family or someone who hosts a lot of people. Its 7-seater capacity plus spacious 88 cubic ft (2491 L) of storage is matchless. You can use it for any activity, from long-range interstate travel or as a daily driver. It would even work as your leisure SUV when you travel out.
While it’s not as robust as your typical SUV in off-road situations, it can still handle a good tow. Someone who wants a good command of the road from a superb vantage point will enjoy this EV.
If you don’t need all the extra room it affords, the Model X is not for you. The entire design of this electric car hinges on your need to move around and travel. This is the best and most powerful all-electric SUV money can buy.
The Upcoming Tesla Models: Are They Right for You?
Now that we talked about the Tesla models that are available, let’s talk about the upcoming 2020 Tesla models. We’re talking about the Model Y and the Roadster (2020 edition), which are unique in their own right. These future Tesla models have people waiting for a variety of reasons.
The Model Y and the Roadster are at opposite ends of the spectrum for electric cars. The Model Y is a very affordable compact SUV that gives you more space. The Roadster, on the other hand, is an all-electric supercar that tops all the marks in performance for a Tesla.
Would you rather wait for the Model Y or Roadster to be available? Here’s what you can expect.
The Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is the new Tesla range that fills the gap between the Model 3 and Model X. The Model Y is a compact SUV comparable in performance to the Model 3 but with some of the spaciousness of a Model X. If you’re looking for something affordable and unwilling to shell out for a Model X, the Y is for you.
The Model Y’s compact SUV model seats seven people and comes with two base trims. It will have the Long Range AWD, and the Performance models. Each offers something different for you.
The Long Range AWD will have a range of 316 miles (510 km) at a 135 mph (217 km/h) top speed. This trim also has a 66 cu ft (1869 L) of cargo space, making it great for long-distance travel. The Performance model will have a 291-mile range (468 km).
We’re not yet sure what configurations will be available to you. At around $50,000, however, the Model Y will sell like hotcakes. It has cargo space, performance, and affordability that many Tesla users will enjoy.
| Long Range AWD | Performance | |
| Acceleration | 4.8 s (0-60 mph) | 3.5 s (0-60 mph) |
| Range | 316 mi (508 km) | 291 mi (468 km) |
| Top Speed | 135 mph (217 km/h) | 155 mph (250 km/h) |
| Drivetrain | Dual Motor AWD | Dual Motor AWD |
| Interior | Premium | Premium |
| Warranty | Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 120,000 miles | Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 120,000 miles |
| Price | $49.990 | $59.990 |
The Tesla Roadster
Let’s preface this by saying that the Tesla Roadster is for someone who is looking for a supercar. It’s an all-electric supercar and a ludicrous status symbol. This four-seater convertible is nothing short of amazing, and it’s about to come in 2020.
The Tesla Roadster checks all the boxes in everything we measure about Teslas. We’re talking about a 250+ mph (402+ km/h) top speed. We’re talking about 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 1.9 seconds of acceleration. We’re talking about a top of the line 620 mile (1000 km) range in a single charge.
The Roadster is among the best examples of superior aerodynamics in the world. The interior is super luxurious, and we’re still waiting for more details on the configuration. The Roadster comes in a base model and a Founder’s Edition, marking a $50k price difference. It’s a luxury car, and something people everywhere will envy you for.
Do you think the Roadster is for you?
Conclusion
Buying a Tesla is one of the most significant investments you can do in your life. These vehicles are among the best and most potent all-electric cars in the world. Finding the right one for you is a crucial decision.
Go with a Model 3 if you want an affordable sedan that will be fun to drive if you go around. The Model S is a reliable mid-range electric car that gives you a good middle ground for speed, range, and cargo hold between the Model 3 and the Model X. The Tesla Model X is a powerful SUV that is great for long-distance trips with your family and friends.
The upcoming Tesla Model Y will be a compact SUV that gives you the cargo hold of the Model X for the affordability of a Model 3. The Tesla Roadster is the supercar of your dreams.
Which Tesla are you planning to buy? Whatever model you’re looking at right now, we’re sure it’s going to be a fun drive. Give it a look now.
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