zzdcar
Home
/
Reviews
/
Automobile information
/
The Tesla Model Y is at its lowest price yet — but should you buy one?
The Tesla Model Y is at its lowest price yet — but should you buy one?-July 2024
2024-04-26 EDT 14:00:57

Despite increased competition in the space, the Tesla Model Y is still one of the best EVs out there. It has access to the best charging network, plus it offers among the best software experiences, as well as a solid range, especially in the longer-range models. And the Model Y is now down to its lowest price yet, meaning that if you were considering getting one, now is probably the time to buy.

Contents Why you should get a Tesla Model YWhy you should avoid a Tesla Model Y The base price of the Tesla Model Y is down to $42,990 at the time of this writing, which represents a pretty huge price cut. Thats before any tax incentives too and considering the car is eligible for the full $7,500 tax credit, that means you could get it for as low as $35,490.

Of course, that pricing is for the base rear-wheel drive model, but the other models have been discounted too. The long range all-wheel drive model, which is probably the model most people should get, is down to $47,990 at the time of this writing, or $40,490 after the full tax credit.

Related

  Why you should get a Tesla Model Y

As mentioned, there are plenty of reasons to get a Model Y. Most major carmakers have committed to using Teslas North American Charging Standard (NACS ) charging connector in their cars starting with the 2025 model year but those cars havent started rolling out yet, so if you want the best charging network support, youll still need a Tesla.

The Model Y also offers a solid range. The base model has a range of 260 miles, which isnt the best but if you step up to the long-range model, youll get 310 miles, which is pretty good. The Model Y can charge at up to 250 kilowatts, which is relatively fast and Tesla vehicles can charge at non-Tesla stations with an adapter. As NACS becomes more popular, charging stations will switch over to that connector too eliminating the need for an adapter.

The Tesla software experience is also much better than the vast majority of other vehicles, especially those from legacy automakers. Tesla software is known to be responsive and well-designed, meaning that drivers can access the features they need to quickly and easily.

  Why you should avoid a Tesla Model Y

The discussion around charging network support is in a bit of a weird spot. It is true that most non-Tesla electric cars cantcurrently access the Supercharger network, but thats set to change in a matter of months. Slowly, automakers will get access to Superchargers and drivers of non-Tesla vehicles will be able to use Superchargers with an adapter, even without their car having the NACS connector. Over time, its expected that all charging stations will slowly switch to NACS though, so over time, youll likely need that adapter at more and more charging stations if your vehicle has a CCS connector.

Tesla vehicles are also known to have some quality control issues. To be clear, youre usually allowed to inspect a vehicle before you accept delivery so if youre worried about panel gaps and the like, youshould be able to request that Tesla fix any issues. But beyond panel gaps, many consider the interior materials, for example, to be somewhat low in quality.

Were not going to get political here, but the other potential reason to avoid a Tesla might have to do with not wanting to give your hard-earned money to certain characters. Thats a little more subjective than the quality of car materials, though.

If youre interested in a Tesla Model Y, you can configure one for yourself straight from the Tesla website.

Comments
Welcome to zzdcar comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.
Sign up to post
Sort by
Show More Comments
Automobile information
Lexus ES (2018) Spec and Price
Lexus ES (2018) Spec and Price
The 7th generation of Lexus ES has made its way to the South African market. Here's how much this spacious and fully-equipped sedan costs. While South Africa has only received 1 generation of the Lexus ES prior to this launch, globally it has spanned 6 generations. Now in its...
Jul 25, 2026
How Manufacturers Have Weaponised Sentimentality
How Manufacturers Have Weaponised Sentimentality
From the floor of the Paris Motor Show, regular Cars.co.za contributor, Calvin Fisher, has picked up on a theme at this year's show. No, it's not new tech and electrification, in fact, it's the exact opposite. In spite of artificial intelligence, autonomy, hybridisation and off-the-wall concepts, 2 fall-back themes emerged...
Jul 25, 2026
6 Key Insights from Paris Motor Show
6 Key Insights from Paris Motor Show
Calvin Fisher spent two full days trawling the floor of the Paris Motor Show and he came away with these 6 observations. 1. You can't ignore the past Many manufacturers tapped into their reserves and brought along models from their past to add some legacy to their stands. It...
Jul 25, 2026
New BMW X5 (2018) International Launch Review
New BMW X5 (2018) International Launch Review
BMW is preparing to roll out the most technologically advanced X5 it's ever produced in the premium SUV market. The new X5 will make its public debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show and arrive on South African soil at the end of November 2018. Gero Lilleike attended the International Media Launch...
Jul 25, 2026
The new BMW M340i: Your budget-friendly M3
The new BMW M340i: Your budget-friendly M3
With the reveal of the new BMW 3 Series done and dusted, attention now turns to derivatives. While the mainstream models are of consumer interest, we found a tasty model that is sure to keep the petrolheads happy before the G20 generation BMW M3/M4 arrives. Meet the M340i. There...
Jul 25, 2026
Lexus ES (2018) Launch Review
Lexus ES (2018) Launch Review
The latest incarnation of Lexus ES has arrived in South Africa and we got a chance to sample both derivatives at its local launch in the Western Cape. Japanese brand Lexus has launched its 7th generation ES to market. South Africa only ever received the 6th generation and now this 7th. It's...
Jul 25, 2026
Copyright 2023-2026 - www.zzdcar.com All Rights Reserved