[NA] Since 182 buy fell through, ordered a Tesla Y

Mahneuvers

Mahneuvers

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Mahneuvers
We'll see if this works out. All that money I didn't spend on a 182 I used to order a Y expecting to take advantage of the "lease loophole", yet, there's a lot of confusion as to its applicability. 50/50 at this point if I can still get $7,500 tax credit.
 
Mahneuvers said:
We'll see if this works out. All that money I didn't spend on a 182 I used to order a Y expecting to take advantage of the "lease loophole", yet, there's a lot of confusion as to its applicability. 50/50 at this point if I can still get $7,500 tax credit.
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If you don’t meet the income requirements to qualify for the tax rebate you can lease the vehicle from Tesla and they will apply the credit towards the lease to lower the payments regardless of income.

Disclaimer: I’m not a tax person. I did a bit of internet checking as I was considering taking advantage of the tax rebate but would not qualify for a direct rebate. I believe the lease is a legal loophole, but check with your CPA or tax guy. I am not a reliable source of info.
 
szwinger said:
...you can lease the vehicle from Tesla and they will apply the credit towards the lease to lower the payments regardless of income...
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Correct. That's the loophole. The question regards the credit expiration. It's unclear if Tesla or the leasing company has title at expiration date, and how/if the credit gets to me.

Worst case, I eat the $250 application fee. The salesman told me he'll let me have a Cybertruck for a weekend if it comes to that.
 
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In the end, I expect the government screwing to continue. In 2007 I bought a hybrid expecting a tax credit only to get screwed. This might be my last car in which case the government will have gotten the last laugh.
 
NealRomeoGolf said:
I still think I prefer a Lucid, but enjoy the new car smell.
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Lucid makes great cars. Significantly more expensive than the Model Y.

A Long-range, rear-wheel drive Model starts at $37,490 with rebate, $44.990 without. Unlike many manufacturers, there aren't any package upgrades that most will want. Upgrades would be other colors, white interior, larger wheels, Tow package, or FSD. Average price of a new car in the US is currently just under $49,000.
 
I'm not getting my first color choice, but, I pick up my Model Y on Friday! It was a very confusing process which Tesla cleared up yesterday.
 
Mahneuvers said:
I'm not getting my first color choice, but, I pick up my Model Y on Friday! It was a very confusing process which Tesla cleared up yesterday.
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dumb question: why can't you get your choice of color?
 
So, what color did you want and what color are you getting?

I have blue with black interior. I really like the red, too. I've had too many black or white cars already. I've seen some really good wraps with unique colors. I did full-front ppf but didn't want to pay for a full wrap.
 
My original order was Quicksilver (light gray) with white interior. I was torn on the white interior (avoiding southern heat versus keeping it clean). The 1st car to come up was the blue which my wife immediately rejected. The car I'm scheduled to take delivery of is a red/black. Three red Y's passed me while biking home from work yesterday and I'm warming to the color. W/ the two red votes above, I'm feeling even better.

My wife has a lead foot and has amassed quite a few tickets over the years. One of my sons pointed out red cars are more likely to get pulled over. I think I need to set aside some reserves for tickets and increased insurance premiums :)
 
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Mahneuvers said:
My original order was Quicksilver (light gray) with white interior.
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Quicksilver isn't a color I'd buy but it looks good. Really stands out. I like seeing them on the road.

The white interior is very popular. Lots of reports that you can keep it clean but it does take some effort. I know I wouldn't do a good job of that so I stuck with the black.

Red looks really good, especially on the updated Y design. It would be my second choice behind my blue.

If you have any questions about how it all works, feel free to ask. EVs, and Teslas, are different. Once you learn the differences, it is much easier but, if you don't, it will be frustrating.

Did you use a referral link to get the 3-months of free FSD?
 
Larry in TN said:
...Did you use a referral link to get the 3-months of free FSD?
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I'll look into that. This is the first I've heard of a referral promotion.

I haven't put much time looking into FSD b/c of the 8K price tag. The dealership told me if, for example, I'm going on a long trip I could pay for 1 month for $100. I'm guessing that's a one time or otherwise limited promotion otherwise no one would pay the 8K.
 
Mahneuvers said:
The dealership told me if, for example, I'm going on a long trip I could pay for 1 month for $100. I'm guessing that's a one time or otherwise limited promotion otherwise no one would pay the 8K.
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Nope, that’s the current monthly subscription price with no limitations. Not to say Tesla isn’t free to up the price or add conditions at some future date.
 
I bought a 2025 model Y in Dec 2024 (not Juniper) I had to do some tax planning to get under the limit, but I'm an accountant so I was able to do it and have the documents to back up my position. Between Fed and State I got $12,500 in rebates. Thank you everyone for subsidizing my car, I really appreciate it. Helped offset my flight lessons best part is my wife's company has free charging. Sweet!

Don't hate the player, hate the game
 
Mahneuvers said:
I'll look into that. This is the first I've heard of a referral promotion.
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If you're already ordered, it's too late. They don't let you apply it retroactively.

I haven't put much time looking into FSD b/c of the 8K price tag. The dealership told me if, for example, I'm going on a long trip I could pay for 1 month for $100. I'm guessing that's a one time or otherwise limited promotion otherwise no one would pay the 8K.
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It's $99/mo plus tax or a one-time fee of $8,000. Since you're leasing, it wouldn't make sense to buy it outright as the breakeven point would be beyond the scope of your lease. Of course, that assumes that the lease price remains the same. You can subscribe, and unsubscribe, one month at a time anytime you like.

It will take a few days to get used to FSD. At first, you won't be comfortable enough to trust it and will be disconnecting it when it was unnecessary. Don't give up. Once your comfort level increases, disengagements are rare.

Like I said, if something doesn't seem to be working right, just ask. Lots of YouTube videos out there to show you the ins and outs, too.
 
@Larry in TN, I'm a bring my lunch to work kind of guy. I really don't see 100/month for FSD ever being worth it. Is it really that compelling?
 
Mahneuvers said:
@Larry in TN, I'm a bring my lunch to work kind of guy. I really don't see 100/month for FSD ever being worth it. Is it really that compelling?
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I bought it. I keep cars for a long time so that made sense to me. I also don't lease or finance cars. YMMV

I use FSD almost exclusively.

I have a HW3 car, on v12.6.4, so it's a bit slow in parking lots so I usually drive then. You'll have AI4 with v.13.2.9, and likely v14 within a few weeks, so it may do significantly better in parking lots. I drove a AI4 Model 3 with v13.2.9 a couple of months ago and it was noticeably better than mine. It's not perfect yet, but it's very good. I've had FSD for over two years and the improvements over that time have been dramatic. It is believed that the Robotaxis are running v14 though Tesla hasn't said.

For me, FSD is a much nicer driving experience than manually driving. This is especially true in heavy traffic, busy downtown areas, or when driving in an unfamiliar area. I wouldn't want to be without it.

I would suggest subscribing for a month or two. Whatever it takes for you to get a good understanding of what it does. Then turn it on/off as needed. Maybe wait a month so you can learn the car first and will be able to concentrate on FSD while you have it.
 
Larry in TN said:
If you're already ordered, it's too late. They don't let you apply it retroactively.


It's $99/mo plus tax or a one-time fee of $8,000. Since you're leasing, it wouldn't make sense to buy it outright as the breakeven point would be beyond the scope of your lease. Of course, that assumes that the lease price remains the same. You can subscribe, and unsubscribe, one month at a time anytime you like.

It will take a few days to get used to FSD. At first, you won't be comfortable enough to trust it and will be disconnecting it when it was unnecessary. Don't give up. Once your comfort level increases, disengagements are rare.

Like I said, if something doesn't seem to be working right, just ask. Lots of YouTube videos out there to show you the ins and outs, too.
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Yea, the problem I have is going back to a none self driving car. It's easy to become complacent. I love the fsd.
 
I bought a used Tesla last month to make use of the tax credit for used EVs before it expires next week. I just got big time FOMO lol. Got a model S. I love my Mercedes GLE, definitely my dream car but since I got the Tesla (been exactly a month), I tend to use the Tesla for the vast majority of my drives, especially the daily runs or drives to the airport. It's fun to drive, feels like a sports car (supposedly it has over 400 horse power) and according to the app, I saved $120 on gas. I'd never use it for anything long distance as I like the convenience of just being able to put gas in the tank within 5 minutes vs. super charging for an hour. But then again, if I really have to go the distance, I'd take the plane lol. So, the Mercedes is just pretty to look at, sitting in the garage for now.
 
Chrisgoesflying said:
I'd never use it for anything long distance as I like the convenience of just being able to put gas in the tank within 5 minutes vs. super charging for an hour.
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A whole bunch of the 83,000 miles we have on our 2022 Model 3 Long Range have been on road trips, as far north as Ottawa and as far south as Key West from our home in E TN. Our typical charge times are 20 to 30 minutes. Charge rates can start out near 1,000 miles of range per hour, meaning it’s possible to pick up 250 miles or so in around 15 minutes. That may not work for everyone, but for us we’re ready to stop every 2 or 3 hours anyway so it’s really not an inconvenience.

Sample trip planning to Jacksonville:

53471917003_f5ea1d2697_z.jpg


Added perk: Fort Valley, GA is a Buc-ees!
 
Chrisgoesflying said:
I like the convenience of just being able to put gas in the tank within 5 minutes vs. super charging for an hour.
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Yeah, no where near an hour. You don't "top it off", you charge like you flight plan, fuel burn plus reserve. 10 to 25 minutes for most stops. Give it a try sometime, once you've had the car a little while, and I think you'll be surprised that it isn't what you might be imagining. Assuming it isn't one of the earliest Model Ss, you'll appreciate autopilot on the trip.
 
Mahneuvers said:
@Larry in TN, I'm a bring my lunch to work kind of guy. I really don't see 100/month for FSD ever being worth it. Is it really that compelling?
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Saw a good clip last night showing what FSD can do. It's from Australia, which just got FSD a few weeks ago. It's the first right-drive control with FSD. It's just the first 30 seconds of this clip. Watch how FSD slows down to stay behind the bicycle until it has enough visibility to pull around him.

 
Larry in TN said:
Yeah, no where near an hour. You don't "top it off", you charge like you flight plan, fuel burn plus reserve. 10 to 25 minutes for most stops. Give it a try sometime, once you've had the car a little while, and I think you'll be surprised that it isn't what you might be imagining. Assuming it isn't one of the earliest Model Ss, you'll appreciate autopilot on the trip.
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But how do I come up with an excuse to drive the Mercedes every now and then?
 
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