Saving & Spending Home & Auto

9 Types of People Who Should Never Buy a Tesla

A Tesla might seem like a great option for your next vehicle. But think twice before purchasing if you're this type of person.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Sept. 24, 2024

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

More drivers have been considering whether an electric vehicle might be a good fit for them. That is especially true of those looking for ways to cut the cost of gas and keep more cash in savings.

But an electric car like a Tesla is not for everyone. So, as you try to weigh the pros and cons of going electric, here are some types of drivers who should steer clear of a Tesla.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

How to become a member today:

Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

Don't like new technology

One of the great things about Teslas is their cutting-edge technology. For example, these cars come with touch screens that help you control basic functions, and the vehicles offer great navigation features.

But a Tesla may not be for you if you’re someone who has had the same smartphone for years and generally doesn’t like upgrading to the latest gadgets.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

Worried about recalls

Tesla has had a number of recalls, including seat belt and steering assist issues. There have also been some recent high-profile fires involving Teslas.

If you don’t want to worry about constant recalls, you may want to settle for a more reliable car. Check online for recalls as part of your car research to help you find the best make and model for you.

Nervous without a spare tire

Teslas do not come with a spare tire. The company skipped the spare to eliminate additional weight and create more storage space.

The prevalence of roadside assistance programs has made it easier to get help even if you don’t have a spare tire. Still, if not having a spare tire makes you uncomfortable, a Tesla might not be for you.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.¹

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Worry about finding a charging station

“Range anxiety” is a big issue for some drivers who are considering the switch to an electric vehicle. You may be concerned that you won’t get to a charging station in time and will get stuck somewhere on the open road.

More charging stations are popping up across the country, so it may be easier to find a station and charge up as needed. However, the lack of infrastructure can still be an issue for some drivers.

High electric bills

Electricity rates vary from city to city. If rates are high where you live, buying a Tesla and charging it at home might be costly.

Or, perhaps you have a large home that requires more electricity to run it, or have high-energy appliances and systems. A Tesla will cause those already high electric bills to climb even higher.

These costs can add up, so take your electric bill into consideration when buying an electric car.

Don’t like complicated repairs

Teslas can be more complicated to repair than other vehicles, making it harder than usual for you to save money on car costs when it comes to this EV.

In addition, getting parts can be difficult. Finally, not every garage has the know-how to fix a Tesla. So, if the car needs fixing, it might be a headache to get it serviced.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Live in cold climates

Research has shown that a Tesla doesn’t always perform as well in extremely low temperatures.

As the air gets colder, your range may decrease, which is a big deal when driving a car like a Tesla.

If you’re in a place where the temperatures drop steeply during the winter months, a Tesla might not be the best option for you.

Budget-conscious

A Tesla isn’t a great car to consider if you’re trying to buy a vehicle on a budget.

The base-model price of a Tesla can start at $40,630 for a Model 3 and go up from there. The Model X has the highest base price, at $77,990.

Pro tip: The cost of a Tesla can be high. One of the best ways to build wealth is to steer clear of building up debt. So, unless you have a lot of cash to burn, buying a Tesla with all the bells and whistles might not be the best choice.

Don’t believe the hype

Some drivers may appreciate the glamor of driving a Tesla or see it as a status symbol.

But there are many other drivers who just want a car that can get them to school or the office, and maybe help them run a few errands.

If you don’t buy the hype, there are still plenty of vehicle options for you in either gas or electric versions.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!²

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Bottom line

If you’re trying to save money on gas, an electric vehicle might be an option to consider. But it also needs to be a good fit for your everyday driving needs.

For example, if you are working hard to retire early, buying an expensive Tesla can set that effort back.

So, before you take the plunge, check with your local Tesla store to get more information and see if these vehicles are right for you.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Save On Your Auto Insurance

You could save up to $600 with some companies
Compare dozens of providers in under 5 minutes
Fast, free and easy way to shop for insurance
Quickly find the perfect rate for you

Get a quote now