A Cheaper Way to Drive Tesla
Tesla just rolled out its cheapest way to get behind the wheel yet. The company quietly rolled out a pre-owned leasing program for the Model 3 and Model Y in the U.S. The offer starts at just $225 per month with $0 down, making it the lowest monthly payment Tesla has ever advertised.
Right now, the program is limited to California and Texas, Tesla’s two biggest markets. If demand is strong, industry watchers expect the automaker to expand the option to more states in the near future.
What the Lease Includes
The leases apply only to certified pre-owned inventory and are designed to be flexible. Customers can select 12- or 24-month terms and choose from annual mileage caps of 10,000, 12,000, or 15,000 miles.
Key details include:
- Monthly payments beginning at $225
- Zero down payment by default
- Available exclusively on pre-owned Model 3 and Model Y
- Option to purchase the vehicle when the lease ends
For many, this represents a low-risk way to test the Tesla ownership experience without making a long-term financial commitment.
Why Tesla Is Doing It
The program arrives shortly after Tesla raised lease prices for the Model Y Long Range. It reflects the company’s strategy of using pricing flexibility to balance demand with inventory. Pre-owned leases help Tesla move vehicles while also appealing to cost-conscious shoppers.
By offering short, affordable leases, Tesla is lowering the barrier for first-time buyers. It also keeps customers within Tesla’s ecosystem, giving them a taste of its software, charging network, and over-the-air updates. If satisfied, many lessees may choose to buy the vehicle outright or upgrade to a new model later.
Who Stands to Benefit
This program is tailor-made for newcomers to EVs or drivers curious about Tesla but reluctant to purchase. It also works for those seeking a short-term car without heavy upfront costs. With $0 down, low payments, and a buyout option, the program makes Tesla ownership more accessible than ever.
Currently limited in scope, the program has the potential to reshape how people get their first EV if it gains traction.
