Tesla buying guide

Teslas are exciting cars, and some of the highest performing electric vehicles to ever hit the roads. The biggest advantage is that you don’t need petrol and can wake up to a full tank every day, but they’re also packed with advanced features and the latest driver assistance technology. This guide will show you how you can get in a Tesla driver’s seat.

Choosing your Tesla model

When you buy a new Tesla you can customise it to near-perfection. Choose your model and then add your extras. All of them come with the Tesla Autopilot system and know how to steer within a lane, change lanes automatically with just a tap of the turn signal, self-manage speed with adaptive cruise control, and scan for free spots and parallel park themselves on demand. Meanwhile, front and side collision avoidance systems and digital control of the brakes, motor and steering help keep you safe and prevent the car from wandering across lanes.

At the moment your options are the high-performance Model S sedan, or the equally high performing model X SUV. The Model 3 sedan is due to be released in 2017 as a less powerful but more pragmatic and cost-effective alternative to the Model S.

Model S Sedan

First introduced in 2012, the sedan offers many of Tesla's innovative features without compromising on speed. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 in 2.7 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating car currently in production. Automatic features of the Model S Sedan include auto steering, lane changing and auto park. Sleek design coupled with safety makes for an impressive vehicle.

• Performance

  The Model S favours a low centre of gravity to improve performance, while its dual motor system is a categorical step up from conventional all-wheel drive. Independent front and rear motors individually control torque to front and rear wheels for peerless traction in all conditions.

  • 0 to 100 in as little as 2.7 seconds
  • Dual motor system that marries high performance with high efficiency

• Safety

  The electric battery is positioned in its own underfloor subframe, reducing the centre of gravity and improving handling, while the engine block has been replaced with boron steel rails to absorb impacts and protect occupants. In the event of an accident the high-voltage power source is automatically disconnected and passengers in both the front and rear are protected by six airbags.

  Other safety features include:

  • Daytime running lights
  • Electronic stability and traction control
  • Four-wheel antilock disc brakes and electronic parking brake
  • Blind spot and lane departure warning systems
  • Digital speed limit display
  • Three ISOFIX child seat attachments
  • High definition reverse camera

• Utility

  A range of included features lets you get more usability out of your Tesla, starting with the Model S 17-inch touchscreen control panel that you can use to open the roof, adjust climate control, check the map, change the radio station, make hands-free phone calls and personalise your driving experience, all seamlessly integrated alongside essential vehicle data and control systems.

  • On-demand Internet radio, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity
  • Real-time traffic information through Google Maps
  • Smart navigation and routing which adjusts to traffic conditions
  • Retracting interior door handles
  • Voice-activated controls
  • Electrochromatic mirrors
  • Power-adjustable driver’s seat and mirrors with memory
  • Front trunk, rear trunk and 60/40 folding rear seats for 894 litres of storage

Model X SUV

The Tesla Model X is one of the safest, fastest and capable SUVs ever made. Able to accelerate from 0 to 100 in 3.1 seconds, but also able to seat up to seven people with enough room left over for all their gear, it delivers an uncompromising blend of safety, utility and performance. With the addition of Tesla’s cutting-edge autopilot features and the incredible benefits of driving a powerful electric vehicle, it leaves other SUV drivers envious wherever it goes.

• Performance

  A lightweight SUV, the Tesla Model X weighs only a fraction more than the Model S sedan. The Model X likewise favours a low centre of gravity achieved with a floor-mounted battery, and enjoys a rollover risk of about half that of other vehicles in its class. It’s also the number one most aerodynamic SUV currently in production, with a drag coefficient 20% lower than the number two, and an active spoiler which deploys from the gear liftgate for optimum stability and efficiency at high speeds.

  • 0 to 100 in as little as 3.1 seconds
  • Drag coefficient of 0.24
  • Electric all-wheel drive for maximum efficiency and traction
  • 186mm clearance (137mm to 211mm with optional air suspension)
  • 5,000 pound towing capacity

• Safety

  SUVs have typically had issues with safety, but Teslas aren’t typical cars. The Model X is on track to be the first SUV to ever achieve the highest safety rating in every category, largely thanks to its ingenious construction which takes full advantage of the space freed up by the electric motor. The entire front trunk in the Model X is turned into an impact-absorbing crumple zone for a new level of protection in head-on collisions, while the autopilot features and other onboard safety systems mean the Model X is simply safer than other cars.

  • Active side collision avoidance systems and automatic emergency braking, even at highway speeds
  • Parking sensors and blind-spot warnings
  • Full LED headlights
  • Four LATCH child seat attachments
  • Medical-grade HEPA-filtered cabin air system
  • Extreme side impact protection with the battery support structure

• Utility

  The Model X is a fun car, featuring the largest all-glass panoramic windscreen in production with optimised solar tinting and visibility-focused design principles, so driver and passenger alike can enjoy an unparalleled view of the road, their surroundings and the sky above.

  • Seating for up to seven people
  • Independently reclining mid-row seats and flat folding third row seats that let you optimise the car for comfort and space
  • Automatic keyless entry
  • Largest interior storage capacity of its class: 2,180 litres with a six-seat configuration
  • Falcon-wing doors that open upwards with only a foot of clearance
  • Front trunk for extra storage space

Model 3

The Tesla Model 3, available in 2017, is a premium sedan for real world driving, blending performance, safety and spaciousness with affordability. In fact, it’s the most affordable Tesla ever made, with a rough starting price of USD$35,000 before incentives.

• Details

  • Due for release in 2017
  • 345km per charge
  • 0 to 100 in under 6 seconds
  • Seats 5
  • Comes with Tesla autopilot hardware
  • Designed to achieve the same 5-star safety standards as other Tesla vehicles

You can reserve a Model 3 today for $1,500, or can keep an eye on further developments to learn more about it.

Customising your new Tesla

You have a lot of choice, and can tailor everything from the battery to bonus features, and through these, the total cost.

Choose your engine power:

And choose your advanced features:

What Tesla drivers wish they knew before buying

Teslas are different. A lot of drivers report that it takes a bit of time to adapt to the features, but once you do it’s easy and intuitive, and it’s hard to go back.

Here’s what Tesla drivers say they wish they knew before buying. Remember that these are just suggestions from Tesla drivers around the world, and that your own experience may vary.

• Have a qualified electrician install upgraded power points in your garage before you get the car. Typical wall outlets can charge the car, but may be frustratingly slow.
• The supercharger routing algorithms, by which Tesla vehicles navigate between supercharger stations, are geared to be conservative so you don’t find yourself stranded. Once you get a good sense of the car’s actual battery life you can rely less on the computer and more on your own intuition.
• The charge indicator on a Tesla is, on the whole, considerably more accurate than a fuel gauge.
• The Tesla Model S is a low, sporty and aerodynamic car. If you’re a big or tall person, have a bad back or otherwise aren’t sure you’ll be willing and able to keep squeezing into a low car, it may be worth getting the Smart Air Suspension system. Raising the car with this can make it a lot easier to get in and out.
• It’s worth getting used to using your smartphone to control car features from a distance, like pre-cooling or pre-heating it.
• Car insurance costs will vary depending on your chosen performance options. Selecting the most powerful of everything will push your vehicle a lot closer to supercar territory, driving insurance premiums right up.
• Remember to charge your car overnight, so you can wake up every morning with a full tank.
• It’s not a cheap car. Both the Model S and Model X are truly outstanding vehicles, but they don’t come cheap. The unique benefits of Teslas can make it easier to find financing options, but remember to keep a cool head.
• Expect to spend more on tyres than with other cars. The rapid acceleration found in the Model S and Model X wear down tyres quickly, especially if you choose the larger 21” option. Not only will they wear out more quickly than on standard cars, but they also need more frequent rotation, and as high performance tires are more costly to replace.

How much do the Model S and the Model X cost?

The cost of a Tesla car depends largely on your chosen engine power and extra features. Here’s about how much you should expect to pay for the Model S and Model X brand new, with different engines and without extra features.

Tesla Model S

• Prices for the 60 and 75 are for rear-wheel-drive only, while 90D and P100D are for all-wheel dual motor drive.
• Prices include $2,300 estimated petrol savings over five years.
• Prices do not include stamp duty, vehicle registration costs, luxury car tax or CTP insurance.

Tesla Model X

• Prices include $4,200 in estimated petrol savings over five years.
• Prices do not include stamp duty, vehicle registration costs, luxury car tax or CTP insurance.

How you can finance a Tesla

Tesla vehicles are extremely safe vehicles. Unlike many other high-powered or luxury cars, there are a lot of sensible, practical reasons to get a Tesla. Lenders and car finance groups can recognise the swiftly growing popularity of these unique vehicles, and may be more likely to approve tesla loans than less-practical but similarly priced equivalents.

This means you may be able to enjoy more favourable rates and better terms when financing a Tesla than other vehicles. Because they are demonstrably safer than many other cars, some insurers also recognise the benefits with lower car insurance premiums. This means that while Teslas are inherently expensive, high-end vehicles, they can continually save you money as you drive, not only by not needing to pay for petrol and because you can get government rebates for these eco-friendly cars, but also in countless other more subtle ways.

Luxury car loans are designed for cars like Teslas. You’re paying for safety, convenience, environmental friendliness and versatility, not just speed and power. Compare your finance options to see if any are suitable for you.

Loans you can use to finance a Tesla

Loan amount

$

Loan term

1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 6 years 7 years

Calculate

Sort by:

Name	Product	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Comparison Rate (p.a.)	Min Loan Amount	Loan Term	Application Fee	Monthly Service Fee	Monthly Repayment
Loans.com.au - New and Dealer Used Car Loan		From 4.67% (fixed)	5.22%	$5,000	3 to 5 years	$400	$0		You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.67% p.a. based on your risk profile Finance a new car and benefit from features such as fast approval, no ongoing fees and an optional balloon payment. Settle the loan before 30 November 2021 and enter the draw to win a $1,000 fuel gift voucher. T&Cs apply.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
IMB New Car Loan		4.99% (fixed)	5.34%	$2,000	1 to 7 years	$275.12 ($250 Application fee + $25.12 PPS registration fee)	$0		You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.99% p.a. A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one that's up to two years old.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Latitude Personal Loan (Secured)		From 5.99% (fixed)	7.26%	$3,000	1 to 7 years	Loans under $5000 - $140	$13		You'll receive a fixed rate between 5.99% p.a. and 21.99% p.a. based on your risk profile Lock in a competitive fixed rate when you offer security. Loan can be used for any purpose and repayments are flexible. You can check your interest rate before applying with no impact to your credit score.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Wisr Secured Car Loan		From 5.19% (fixed)	5.46%	$5,000	3 to 7 years	$195 (Includes PPSR registration and private sale fee, if applicable)	$0		You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 5.19% p.a. to 17.69% p.a. based on your risk profile A flexible car loan from $5,000 - $50,000 with personalised rates and rewards for strong credit customers.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Plenti Car Loan		From 4.89% (fixed)	5.44%	$2,000	3 to 7 years	from $249 to $799	$0		You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.89% p.a. Borrow up to $100,000 with a Plenti Car Loan and benefit from no early repayment or exit fees.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Credit Concierge Car Loan		From 3.99% (fixed)	5.08%	$10,000	1 to 7 years	$350	$8.50		You'll receive a fixed rate of 3.99% p.a. with a comparison rate of 5.08% p.a. Get access to over 20 providers to fund a new or used car.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NRMA New Car Loan		From 4.99% (fixed)	5.69%	$5,000	1 to 7 years	$499	$0		You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p. a. Purchase a new or used car up to 2 years old and benefit from a fixed rate and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Stratton Finance New Car Loan		From 4.05% (fixed)	5.63%	$10,000	3 to 7 years	$700	$8.25		You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.05% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with Apply for up to $250,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed		From 9.99% (fixed)	10.88%	$5,000	1 to 7 years	$150	$10		You'll receive a fixed rate between 9.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. ( 10.88% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile An unsecured loan up to $55,000 you can use for a range of purposes and pay off over up to 7 years. Note: Majority of customers will get the headline rate of 12.69% (13.56% comparison rate) or less. See Comparison rate warning in (i) above.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
SocietyOne Car Loan		From 6.99% (fixed)	6.99%	$5,000	2 to 5 years	from 0% to 5% of the total loan amount	$0		You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 20.49% p.a. based on your risk profile A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Benefit from no ongoing fees and no early repayment fee.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Driva Car Loan		From 3.95% (fixed)	5.1%	$2,000	1 to 7 years	$295 (Varies by lender, starting from $295)	$10		You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.95% p.a. Borrow up to $250,000 with loan terms from 1 to 7 years. Get access to a range of lenders.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Symple Loans Personal Loan		From 5.75% (variable)	6.47%	$5,000	1 to 7 years	from 0% to 5% of the loan amount	$10		You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 5.75% p.a. to 25.99% p.a. based on your risk profile Borrow up to $50,000 to pay for what you need.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Macquarie Car Loan (For		From 7.17% (variable)	8.47%	$10,000	1 year to 35 months	$520 + $6 PPSR	$8.25		You'll receive a fixed rate from 7.17% p.a. based on your risk profile. Get funding for a new or used car and access to Macquarie’s car-buying service. Click the information symbol for important disclaimers.	More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Macquarie Car Loan (For > 60 months)		7.42% (variable)	8.72%	$10,000	5 to 7 years	$520 + $6 PPSR	$8.25		You'll receive a fixed rate from 7.42% p.a. based on your risk profile. Get funding for a new or used car and access to Macquarie’s car-buying service. Click the information symbol for important disclaimers.	More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Clear selection

Compare

Images

Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com
JPstock / Shutterstock.com
Jag_cz / Shutterstock.com