Trim	Lease	Total over 36 mo
Model 3 RWD	$419/mo	$18,084
Model 3 Premium RWD	$429/mo	$18,444
Model 3 Premium AWD	$499/mo	$20,964
Model 3 Performance	$649/mo	$26,364
Model Y RWD	$499/mo	$20,964
Model Y AWD	$549/mo	$22,764
Model Y Premium RWD	$599/mo	$24,564
Model Y Premium AWD	$699/mo	$28,164
Model Y Performance	$799/mo	$31,764

Prices for Prosper, TX 75078 (tesla.com default delivery location), $3,000 down, 36 months, 10,000 miles a year, before taxes and fees. Your ZIP changes them. Sources: Model 3 design, Model Y design, Tesla leasing support, checked 11 Oct 2026.

The appreciating asset you couldn't keep

“if you buy a Tesla today, I believe you are buying an appreciating asset – not a depreciating asset.”Elon Musk, Lex Fridman podcast, 12 Apr 2019 · Electrek

“You don't have the option of buying. We want them back.”Elon Musk, Tesla Autonomy Day, on Model 3 leases, 22 Apr 2019 · Reuters

If the car was going to gain value as a robotaxi, Tesla wanted it back. Reuters reported that Tesla ended the no-buyout policy for US leases in November 2024, and that many returned cars were resold rather than added to a robotaxi fleet. (Reuters, 15 May 2025). Tesla's leasing page now says: “Yes. You can purchase your leased vehicle at the end of the lease.”

Running the numbers on ownership? See FSD cost, Tesla insurance cost and the home charger chooser.

What Elon promised

Robotaxi $30k/year income for ownersMissed 1 million robotaxis on roads by 2020Missed $35,000 Model 3 ships 3–6 months after 5k/weekDelivered Late Cybertruck starting at $39,900Cancelled

Questions

How much is a Tesla lease?

On tesla.com (11 Oct 2026, Prosper, TX 75078 (tesla.com default delivery location)), with $3,000 down, 36 months and 10,000 miles a year: Model 3 from $419/mo and Model Y from $499/mo, before taxes and fees.

Is there a $0 down Tesla lease?

Yes. tesla.com offers to switch the lease to $0 down at a higher payment (Model 3 RWD $508/mo; Model Y RWD $591/mo on 11 Oct 2026).

Can you buy your Tesla at the end of the lease?

Today, yes. Tesla's leasing page says: "Yes. You can purchase your leased vehicle at the end of the lease." That reverses the 2019 rule Elon described as "You don't have the option of buying. We want them back."

Is it better to lease or buy a Tesla?

Lease if you want a fixed payment and the option to walk away in three years. Buy if you drive well past 10,000 miles a year (over-mileage is $0.25/mi) or plan to keep the car. Financing currently shows 1.99% APR available.

Can I transfer a Tesla lease?

Lease transfers are not available after November 27, 2024. (Tesla leasing support page).

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Independent fan project. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Tesla, Inc. or SpaceX. Figures checked on 11 Oct 2026 from the linked official pages; they change, and your address or account can change them. Not a quote. Referral links are ours: we get the referrer reward if you order.