Tesla is more than just a car company. It is a leader in electric mobility, clean energy, and innovation. Tesla’s vehicles are not only sleek and powerful but also eco-friendly and smart.
However, owning a Tesla can be a costly endeavor, as the prices of its models range from $39,990 to $149,990.
If you are looking for ways to get a Tesla for less, you are not alone.
In this article, we will share some creative and legal strategies that could help you acquire your dream car with little to no money down.
How To Buy a Tesla With No Money?
#1. Utilize Referral Programs
Tesla has a referral program that rewards both the referrer and the buyer with credits that can be used for various benefits, such as free Supercharging, discounts on accessories, or even a chance to win a new Tesla.
All you need is a referral link or code from an existing Tesla owner, which you can find online or through your social network. You can use the referral link or code when you order your Tesla online or at a store.
By doing so, you will receive buyer benefits that vary depending on the model and time of purchase.
For example, as of June 2021, buyers of Model 3 or Model Y can get 1,500 points (equivalent to $150), while buyers of Model S or Model X can get $1,000 off plus three months of free Full Self-Driving.
#2. Crowdfunding and Peer-to-Peer Lending
If you don’t have enough savings or credit to buy a Tesla, you can try raising funds from other people who support your cause.
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, or Indiegogo allow you to create a campaign and ask for donations from the public. You can explain why you want a Tesla and how it will benefit you and the environment.
You can also offer rewards or perks to your backers, such as thank-you notes, shout-outs, or updates on your progress.
Alternatively, you can use peer-to-peer lending platforms like LendingClub, Prosper, or Upstart to borrow money from individual investors at competitive interest rates.
You can apply for a loan online and get funded within days.
However, you will need to have a good credit score and income to qualify for these platforms.
#3. Leasing and Ride-Sharing
Another option to get a Tesla for less is to lease it instead of buying it. Leasing allows you to pay a lower monthly fee and drive a new car every few years.
You also don’t have to worry about maintenance, depreciation, or resale value.
Tesla offers leasing options for Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. The lease terms vary depending on the model, mileage, and duration.
For example, as of June 2021, you can lease a Model 3 Standard Range Plus for $371 per month with $4,500 down for 36 months and 10,000 miles per year.
However, unlike other car leases, Tesla does not allow you to buy the car at the end of the lease term.
This is because Tesla plans to use those vehicles in its future ride-hailing network.
This means that you can potentially make money by letting your leased Tesla join the network when you are not using it.
You can also earn extra income by joining existing ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft and driving your leased Tesla for them.
#4. Sponsorships and Partnerships
If you have a large following or influence on social media, blogs, podcasts, or other platforms, you can leverage that to get a Tesla for less or even for free.
You can reach out to companies or brands that share Tesla’s vision of sustainability and innovation and propose a sponsorship or partnership deal.
For example, you can offer to promote their products or services in exchange for covering part or all of the cost of your Tesla.
You can also create content that showcases your Tesla experience and attracts more customers for them.
Some examples of companies or brands that might be interested in sponsoring or partnering with you are solar panel providers, green energy suppliers, smart home devices makers, or tech gadgets retailers.
#5. Contests and Competitions
If you are feeling lucky, you can try your hand at contests or competitions that offer a Tesla as a prize.
There are many organizations that run such events to raise awareness or funds for various causes.
For instance, Climate XChange, a nonprofit that advocates for climate action, organizes an annual raffle that gives away a customized Tesla of your choice plus up to $85,000 in taxes. The tickets cost $250 each and are limited to 5,000.
Another example is Lidl, a grocery store chain, that partnered with Avocados from Peru to give away a 2023 Tesla Model 3 plus other prizes.
The contest required participants to join Lidl’s loyalty program, follow their Instagram accounts, and post a picture or video of their favorite way to eat avocados.
These are just some of the examples of contests or competitions that you can find online or in your local area.
#6. Utilize Cash Back and Rewards Programs
A simple way to save money on a Tesla is to use cashback and rewards programs that you already have or can sign up for.
For example, you can use a credit card that offers cash back or rewards points on every purchase.
You can then use the cash back or redeem the points for gift cards, travel, or other benefits that can help you pay for your Tesla.
Some credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses or referral bonuses that can boost your earnings.
Another example is to use a shopping portal or app that gives you cash back or rewards for shopping at certain online or offline stores.
You can then use the cash back or rewards to buy Tesla accessories, merchandise, or services.
#7. Negotiate and Trade Skills
Finally, you can use your skills and talents to get a Tesla for less or even for free.
You can negotiate with Tesla dealerships or Tesla-related businesses and offer your services in exchange for a discount or a free car.
For example, if you are good at web design, marketing, or content creation, you can help them improve their online presence and reach more customers.
If you are good at photography, videography, or graphic design, you can help them create stunning visuals and ads for their products or services.
If you are good at coding, hacking, or engineering, you can help them test and improve their software or hardware.
The possibilities are endless, as long as you have something valuable to offer and are willing to negotiate.
Conclusion
Getting a Tesla doesn’t have to be an impossible dream because of the high price tag.
There are many creative ways to save money on your dream car, from using referral programs and crowdfunding platforms to joining contests and competitions.
With some research, planning, and determination, you can make your Tesla ownership a reality without breaking the bank. Remember, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
