I want a primary car which I would want to keep it for 5-6 years (until it's paid off). I am in F1 OPT visa. Just starting my career. I'd like it to be electric. Just like most techies, heart inches towards tesla model 3. I want to go for SR+ without FSD. But I am also looking at Kona and Leaf plus. I can't charge at home, but my workplace has superchargers and a lot of ChargePoint zones. My commute is about 2 miles. I also don't drive much. Will probably be driving around 6-7k miles per year. I bike to work, few times a week. I just need it for occasional travel. I don't do long trips much. Assuming payments around 750-800$ including insurance is doable, is it okay going with tesla or something less fancy? Is there anything else I need to consider? Should I wait till H1B? Is this a potential financial mistake ( apart from things like financing a depreciating asset etc.) TC 137K
Get tesla 3
Which one would you rather pick? 137k TC or 127k TC and a Tesla 3?
It’d look uglier if you take additional insurance premium and income tax into consideration.
Chevrolet Bolt; lease 3 years then decide what you want. Gives you 240 miles (actually more) on full charge and it’s just awesome. Have one which my wife drives and it’s been great for 1 year now.
Gross
Rent a car when you need it instead?
That's what I have been doing now. But a valid point. I can probably continue doing it.
Bolt hands down. Model 3 is expensive. You can lease a bolt for 230$ / month. Excellent range.
Good luck getting women with that
Thanks. That seems to be like a good deal. I will check it out
How are you gonna road trip? Sure it'll self drive, but now you gotta stop and wait for charges
You clearly stated that it is more of a want than a need. With that said, you are young, full of energy, I assume single with no big priorities yet, so taking on that kind of liability doesn’t sound bad to you yet. If all the reasons you stated above are the only reasons, Im sure you will either keep digging yourself more into the hole, or you will look at yourself back in the mirror and laugh at younger version of yourself. Now talking you out of getting it doesn’t really make sense, just because you asked, deep inside you probably already know that you might regret it. If I was in your shoes, which I was years ago, (still trying to decide which tesla I want, kinda tracking the Y now), i would not get it. I think there is way better use for my money instead of throwing it at a car every month. Save for a house instead. If you play the game smart enough, in couple years, you’ll be able to afford many of your dream cars, probably pay cash for them, and still have left overs. Focus on advancing your career now. Good luck
Thank you. Yes. One of the main reasons I asked this question was, something did not feel right deep inside. I will think about it.
TC is too low, don’t live paycheck to paycheck. Save up for a house like the comment above suggests
Buy a Tesla model 3! YOLO. But maybe wait till you get your h1
How old are you? And what city are you in?
24. San Diego
Well you aren't that old so you wouldn't be needing savings soon. I'd still personally not buy the car if I were in your shoes. Reasons: 1. If my first car is a Tesla, subsequent ones would have to be even better to give me satisfaction and a feel of growth. Huge financial burden down the line. 2. I'd rather save money for rainy days / better house / investment / peace of mind. 3. The insurance would cost a bomb! That alone makes it a big NO for me. (I'm guessing north of $400) 4. Not having a secure visa and buying a liability is a mistake that can give you more pain than pleasure. The risk to rewards ratio isn't in your favor.