Tesla, an electric car company run by Elon Musk, continues to make headlines in 2025 — but that doesn’t mean one of its vehicles is the right choice for every driver.
In 2024, Tesla saw its first decline in annual sales in over a decade, dropping by 1.1% compared with 2023’s sales, The New York Times reported. That slowdown, combined with rising competition and other factors, may have more buyers weighing the pros and cons.
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Is a Tesla still worth it in 2025? Here are three reasons to consider buying one, as well as three reasons you might want to hold off.
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Reason To Buy: Cost of Operation
According to Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org, more people are feeling uneasy about Tesla due to political reasons, but this also means you may find a better deal.
“Due to the controversy, you may be able to find a good deal, as there is an increased supply and lower demand,” she explained.
YouTuber Carmen Scuito compared the costs of driving 50,000 miles over two years in a 2022 Long Range Tesla Model 3 with the costs of driving a gas vehicle the same distance. After calculating charging costs and comparing it with filling up on gas between 2022 and 2024, he saved approximately $4,649. He also spent only $158 on basic maintenance. For a typical gas car, Scuito consulted ChatGPT for estimated maintenance costs. It cited maintenance costs ranging from $2,000 to $4,600 for a gas car.
Chris Pyle, an auto expert with JustAnswer, recommended setting aside the savings for future expenses.
“If you pocket your fuel savings into an account, as well as [what you] would have [spent on] oil change fees. You can have a nest egg for future parts that will wear out, like the batteries and motors. No different than buying a gas or diesel vehicle,” he explained.
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Reason To Buy: Tax Credit
While there’s still a tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of qualifying electric vehicles, it won’t be around much longer.
“You should consider purchasing a Tesla before the tax credit expires at the end of September,” Musson advised. “A $7,500 credit is a big deal, and if you’re in the market for an EV, you should take advantage of it.”
Reason To Buy: Top-of-the-Line Features
Tesla is a pioneer in the electric vehicle industry and has had more time to test technology and figure out exactly what people want.
“Then they went to work on the longevity with special technology in the batteries and motors, and left the door open for future changes to be added, like self-driving,” Pyle explained. “They are right up top in safety, and they have all the features most consumers want.”
Reason To Reconsider: Your Location
Where you live could heavily influence your decision to buy a Tesla. “You should reconsider buying a Tesla if you live in an area with harsh winters or in a rural location where charging stations are scarce and inconvenient,” Musson suggested.
Tesla vehicles can still perform well in colder climates, but lower temperatures may impact their range and performance.
During a series of winter driving tests, Consumer Reports found that when driving 70 mph, 25% of range is depleted in cold weather compared with mild weather. Shorter trips in the cold, with numerous stops and the need to reheat the cabin, reduced the range by 50%.
And if you live in an apartment or condo without a charging station, that could make owning a Tesla a little more difficult.
Reason To Reconsider: You Travel Long Distances Often
If you frequently travel long distances, it may take extra time and initial planning to map out the locations of charging stations.
According to Tesla, there are over 70,000 Tesla Superchargers, typically located on major routes near amenities, but rural areas and less-traveled routes may still have gaps in coverage. Cold weather, high traffic or unexpected detours can also make planning more important.
“If you do travel a lot, you need to plan ahead on where to stop and for how long, with a backup plan in the event you get stuck in traffic and need a charge sooner, or if the charging station is full or out of service,” Pyle recommended.
Reason To Reconsider: You Need a Vehicle To Tow With
A Tesla’s towing capacity varies by model and configuration, but it’s not the first choice for drivers who frequently tow heavy loads.
“I cannot use an EV because I tow often and too much weight,” Pyle pointed out.
According to Industry Leaders Magazine, the towing capacity of the Tesla Model 3 is 1,653 pounds, which is suitable for towing small utility trailers, bike racks or jet skis. However, it’s not meant for heavy-duty hauling.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Reasons To Buy a Tesla in 2025 — and 3 Reasons To Reconsider
