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Tesla Subscription vs. Leasing a Tesla: Pros and Cons of Subscribing to a Tesla

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August 3, 2022

Tesla Subscription vs. Leasing a Tesla: Pros and Cons of Subscribing to a Tesla

Can you lease a Tesla? Yes, but you’ve got more options.

Leasing a Tesla is a tried- and- true option that offers a lower monthly payment over a three-year term, and for many, can make more sense than traditional financing. Now, drivers have more options that can reduce costs even further while offering more flexibility. Here’s what you need to know about Tesla subscriptions versus leasing a Tesla.

Can You Subscribe to a Tesla Month-to-Month?

Until recently, the only way to get a car was to finance, lease, or rent. Today, you can subscribe to a Tesla through Autonomy. We own the car, while you pay monthly and drive it for as long as you’d like. There’s no long-term commitment, either. When you’re done, simply give it back any time after three months with a 28 -day’s notice.

Autonomy is currently available in California for iOS and Android devices. You can pick up your vehicle for free at one of our delivery centers —, or for a limited time, get it delivered anywhere in the state for just $100. We’ll be expanding to new locations d soon. 

How Much to Lease a Tesla vs. a Tesla Subscription

So, how much does it cost to lease a Tesla Model 3? At the date of publication, according to the Tesla payment calculator, a three3-year lease requires a $250 order payment, $5,714 due at signing, and a $519 monthly payment. That comes out to a total of $24,129 over three years. You won’t be able to return the vehicle early, or go month -to -a month after your contract is up.

On the other hand, an Autonomy subscription costs $490 a month plus a $5,900 start fee. Your total after three years would be only $23,540, making it the cheapest way to get into a Tesla. Subscription pricing for a Model Y is higher, but you’ll still save money in the long run.

When you subscribe to a Tesla through Autonomy, you won’t have to worry about expenses such as routine maintenance, annual registration fees, or roadside assistance. There’s also no need to consider interest rates or depreciation. Just enjoy a lower monthly payment that you could even put on your credit card. 

Mileage Limits of Leasing a Tesla vs. a Tesla subscription

Both leasing and subscribing have annual mileage limits. The limit for a Tesla Model 3 lease starts at 10,000 miles a year. You can increase this to 12,000 or 15,000 by purchasing additional miles upfront, but your monthly payment will then also increase in turn. You could end up paying anywhere from an additional $900 to $1,836 over a three3-year lease.

A Tesla subscription with Autonomy is not only less expensive than a lease, but also, it includes 1,000 miles a month. That’s equivalent to 12,000 miles a year, or 20% more than you’d get with the lowest-cost lease option. Additional miles are $0.25 each. That way, if you go over your limit, you’ll pay only for what you drive. 

How Does Insurance Work for a Tesla Subscription?

With an Autonomy subscription, insurance works just like it does with any other vehicle you finance or lease. Simply list Autonomy as the “Additional Insured/Loss Payee” on your policy. Keep in mind that coverage meets the minimum liability insurance requirements for your state, as well as our required maximum deductible of $1,000 for comprehensive and collision.

Where to Lease or Subscribe to a Tesla 

You can lease a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y by visiting Tesla.com. But with Tesla’s limited inventory, the current wait can be as long as several months. Alternatively, you can subscribe to a Tesla using Autonomy. It’s like a lease, except you can get a lower monthly payment and aren’t locked into a long-term contract.

There are lots of reasons to try an Autonomy subscription. And if you need a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y sooner, an Autonomy subscription can help you get an electric vehicle in less time than it would take with a loan or a lease. Plus, it’s easy to secure your place in line. All it takes is a $100 refundable deposit to get started with Autonomy

Picture of Michael Chen

Michael Chen

Michael writes about the automotive industry and sustainability. He has also worked with brands like Acura, Honda, Kawasaki, Toyota and TrueCar.

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