One of the greatest feelings in the world is getting your driver’s license and owning your first car. However, picking the first car is never easy as there are many factors to consider. So, does a Tesla make an excellent first car?
Not really. Buying a Tesla as a first car is an expensive endeavor that you wouldn’t want to be part of. To begin with, the initial cost of buying a Tesla is very high. Secondly, Tesla is a luxury brand that will attract high insurance rates. Finally, the cost of repairs is very high.
Having a Tesla as a first car is not a good investment. Of course, this is unless you’re from a wealthy family and don’t mind the cost that comes with it.
A couple reasons Tesla cars are good for new drivers is that they are simple to operate and easy to take care of. So, if you can afford it and have fallen in love with a Tesla, don’t be afraid to get one as a first car.
What makes a Tesla a good first car?
Easy to maintain
The first reason why you should get a Tesla as your first car is because of its ease of maintenance. Unlike regular gas cars, EVs are easy to maintain since they don’t have many parts that can break down. So, if you’re a first-time car owner, you won’t have a lot to worry about.
Straightforward to drive
Tesla is a perfect car for first car owners as it’s easy to drive. It has an autopilot system that can save you from crashing if you fall asleep at the wheel, and Tesla only comes with two pedals. The only challenge that the driver will face is learning how to drive the car.
What makes Tesla a bad first car?
High initial cost
Tesla is a luxurious car brand. Because of this, these cars are very expensive and not a viable option for most first-time car buyers. If you crash or hit someone, you may also end up having high repair costs, which could hurt you in the long run.
Another reason why Tesla is not fantastic as a first car is due to the high premiums. Insurance companies normally charge higher insurance rates on luxury cars. Since Tesla is a luxury car and you’re a new driver, you should expect to pay even higher insurance rates.
Increased electric bill
When you decide to buy a Tesla, you should also be ready to incur additional electric charges. This means your electric bill may increase by over $30 a month. And if you don’t have a charger or suitable outlet in place, you may have to spend even more to have one fitted.
Expensive repairs
Overall, maintaining a Tesla is cheap compared to standard vehicles. However, you may undergo some expensive repairs such as window motor regular replacement and brake caliper replacement. New drivers with a lack of experience on the road are more prone to making mistakes which may lead to costly repairs.
Extremely fast
One of the major causes of accidents on roads is over-speeding. When it comes to Tesla, this is one of their best-selling points. All Tesla vehicles are fast, which is not good for first-time car owners. This is because they may be attempted to drive faster and wreak havoc on the roads.
Quite challenging to park
Most Tesla models are big, which may be a problem in terms of parking. First-time car owners are better off with smaller cars that they can park easily. But with a Tesla, they may end up scratching the next car as they try to enter or leave a parking space.
Are you considering a Tesla? Tesla lease vs buy
FAQ
What Tesla model should I get as a first car?
If you must buy a Tesla as your first car, consider purchasing the Tesla Model 3. Not only is this vehicle affordable, but it’s also safe and performs at a high level. It also uses less electricity to charge than all other Tesla models.
Is it okay to buy a Tesla for a teenager?
Yes, it is. If the teenager is responsible with good driving skills, then you could consider buying them a Tesla. However, if your teenage son or daughter is not experienced or lacks good driving skills, then you should probably consider buying them another car as a starter car.
Otherwise, you should be ready to deal with high repair costs if your teenager crashes the car. Also, you should be ready to pay high insurance premiums for a new, inexperienced driver. Overall, Tesla is probably not the best choice for a new teen driver.
What are some of the disadvantages of owning a Tesla?
Tesla may be a beautiful and advanced electric vehicle, but it has several setbacks that you should know about. First and foremost, Tesla are not good for long-distance traveling. Secondly, maintaining a Tesla is a hassle, and finally, your Tesla may not perform well in cold climates.
Is Tesla a reliable car?
When it comes to reliability, Tesla is one of the least reliable luxurious vehicles on the market. This is because these cars usually come with quality issues. However, most Tesla owners love their cars regardless of the problems that they come with.
Is Tesla expensive to maintain?
No, Tesla vehicles are not expensive to maintain. On average, you should expect to spend at least $300 every year to maintain your Tesla. This is thanks to the fact that there are fewer parts found in Tesla’s drivetrain compared to standard ICE vehicles.
However, it’s important to note that Tesla’s maintenance cost can increase or decrease at any given time. Also, if you want to make serious repairs, you may have to wait a while. Maintenance service may take longer and keep you waiting for several days before getting your car back, due to limited parts and repair locations.
Pick something else
Generally, a Tesla is not a good first car. Not only are Tesla vehicles expensive to buy, but they also attract high insurance rates. On top of that, they will make your electricity bill shoot up and are very fast, which is not good for a first-time driver.
However, if you’re a keen and skilled driver, Tesla can still make a good first car. Just avoid crashing your car as it can drive up the maintenance costs.
