The 10 mistakes people make when buying a Tesla

A Tesla and technology expert has revealed the mistakes people make when buying a Tesla – that could help people buy an electric car.

Ryan Shaw, from California, is a superfan, who has made tons of videos about the brand’s cars and a video about buying a Tesla on YouTube to explain the most common problems faced by new buyers.

He explained that buying a Tesla is different from many other car brands – with no dealers to visit and orders online for delivery at a later date – buying one of its models takes a lot of research to find out to find what is right for you.

With a slew of options to choose from for Tesla buyers, common pitfalls Ryan highlights are buying too much range, too many or not enough extra accessories, and not getting white seats.

Here’s the full list of tips you’ll need to buy your first Tesla – and some of them will be useful for other EV purchases as well.

Failing to inspect a Tesla upon arrival

First on Ryan’s list is forgetting to properly inspect your Tesla when it arrives at your doorstep.

The electric vehicle expert says Tesla makes great vehicles, “but they are a newer company and still have growing pains with quality control.”

He says you should write down even the smallest issues so you can claim repairs later through your warranty.

Get the right insurance for your Tesla

Ryan explains how easy it is to assume that whatever insurance policy you had on your old car is the best one for your Tesla.

But that’s not the case and they can be more expensive to insure.

Tesla models are very expensive which is why you should triple check which insurance plan is best for you.

> Read our guide to getting cheaper car insurance

Buy black chairs

Perhaps this issue may not be such a big deal in the UK – where the weather is certainly not as nice as in California – but Ryan makes a valid point when temperatures start to warm up.

The vehicle expert says that black seats can get very hot in the sun and white seats are much more comfortable.

Don’t get enough accessories for your Tesla

While it can be all too easy to splurge on unnecessary accessories, Ryan actually says it’s a common problem that new Tesla buyers can’t get enough of them.

The Californian explains that “many accessories can greatly enhance your experience as a Tesla owner.”

This includes his recommended screen protector, which he describes as “essential,” along with additional under-seat storage.

Rush to buy what Tesla is available

We all know that feeling when you’re desperate to drive your new car – but Ryan says it might be best to be patient and go on a waiting list for the right model.

With high demand for Teslas, many people find themselves in a situation where there may be a more expensive model available now, but you will have to wait several months for the original model.

Ryan says it’s worth the wait, as “performance models” aren’t worth the extra money.

Postpone your order

On the other hand, Ryan says if the right model is in stock for you, don’t delay ordering, as prices and wait times can add up.

The electric car expert says if you can afford the Tesla, go for it.

Whatever you do, keep in mind that Tesla has also made big price cuts in the past, which has left some recent buyers irked.

A fully autopilot Tesla may not be worth it

While it may be tempting, Ryan says he doesn’t recommend the full autopilot feature on a Tesla.

He explained that the only real functional use of the autopilot is the automatic lane change function. So until the technology is fully ready for autopilot, keep it up.

> First ‘hands-free’ driving car ever given green light on UK roads

Changing stock of Tesla wheels

Another example of where buying the more expensive option doesn’t really help is in the wheel department.

Ryan explains that the original stock wheels actually ride much smoother than the sportier option. Save your money, he says.

Buying too much variety

Contrary to what you might think – Ryan says buying more range on a Tesla, which determines how far you can drive on a full charge, isn’t always a good idea.

The expert explains how ‘more range equals more batteries, which equals more cost’. He also said it “adds weight to the car.”

Consider whether you’ll really need all that assortment before you buy.

Getting too little coverage

Alternatively, not buying enough range can be very annoying for your first Tesla.

Ryan says you should go for a range that’s higher than what you expect to use.

This means you don’t have to charge your vehicle when you’re on the road.

> The electric cars with the longest range revealed