Is a Tesla Worth it?

Owning a Tesla is up to a consumer’s preferences since there are numerous pros and cons to the EV.
Written by Serena Aburahma
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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red tesla with silver logo
Tesla
is one of the most well-known automakers in America, and Tesla only makes a handful of cars. The Tesla Model 3 is one of Tesla's most popular cars, and it's a relatively affordable option for anyone who wants to get an EV. That being said, a Model 3 is still more expensive than something basic like a Toyota Camry, so many drivers wonder, is a Tesla worth it?

Is a Tesla worth its high price tag?

EVs are generally more expensive than regular cars, but even compared to other EVs, a Tesla is actually quite expensive. 
This is largely because Teslas no longer qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. That could change in the future if the new infrastructure bill becomes law. Right now, the cheapest brand-new Tesla that drivers can buy is a Model 3, and it'll start at about $45,000. 
The price of owning a Tesla can also be pretty high. Owners won't have to pay for gas anymore, but electricity isn't free. If you want fast charging at home, then you'll probably have to spend a few hundred bucks on a home charging station.
Insurance is also going to be a significant expense for Tesla owners. According to
Yahoo
, a Model 3, on average, will cost about $2,200 a year to insure. That's about $1,000 more than compared to a regular car. 
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The pros and cons of a Tesla

MORE: Tesla Model S vs. Model 3: There Is a Hidden Factor To Consider Before You Buy
The biggest pro of owning a Tesla is also its most obvious pro. A Tesla is an EV, and it's not going to be emitting anything a regular gas-powered car would be. This was a very convincing argument a couple of years ago, but nowadays there are plenty of other EVs on the market.
Another major pro about a Tesla is its tech. Tesla's Full Self-Driving tech is currently not actually autonomous, but it's still a cool glimpse at the future. Tesla has a strong argument in terms of specs, however. If owners get Tesla's battery upgrade options, then their Tesla will have some of the longest ranges on the market.
Tesla has issues though, and they are in addition to its high price tag. Tesla, like other EVs, are expensive to repair if they ever break down. If you need to replace the battery, then that's a massive extra cost. 

Is a Tesla worth it?

MORE: Why the 2021 Infrastructure Bill Means It's Finally Time To Buy That Tesla
Ultimately, whether a Tesla is worth it or not is up to you and your preferences. If you don't care about the environment, then a Tesla wouldn't be worth it. If you do care, then it's a matter of what you like about a Tesla versus what you like about another EV.
Compared to other EVs, Tesla certainly has some advantages. Tesla's best advantage, however, has to do with its more expensive options. There simply aren't many EVs on the market that can go as fast and as far as a top-end Tesla can. Drivers who want that will almost certainly think that a Tesla is worth it.

Save money on your car insurance

The price tag of a Tesla won't change much, but you can still save money every year by picking the right car insurance policy.
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