Advertising For many drivers I’ve spoken to, that first time behind the wheel of a Tesla tends to leave a lasting impression. The silence, the surge of acceleration, and the smooth ride are exhilarating for those just stepping into the EV world. But excitement alone doesn’t make the final decision any easier. That inner debate of whether you’re making the right move is exactly what many first-time EV shoppers go through. I saw this play out firsthand when I came across a post by Luis Angel Davila in the "Tesla Model Y" Facebook group this morning. In just a few honest sentences, Luis revealed the emotional tightrope many new EV buyers walk: liking the car, loving the idea, but unsure if the deal on the table is really the right one. And for a first-time Model Y buyer, that fear is as real as the performance stats on the spec sheet. Luis wrote: “Hello Tesla lovers, I’m considering getting an electric car for the first time. I did a test drive and I like the car but I’m a little bit scared and need some advice about the deal if it’s a good price for the model or not. Any other advice will be appreciated. Thank you.” It’s easy to understand why someone in Luis’s shoes might be unsure. A 2022 Tesla Model Y Performance is no small investment, especially for someone entering the EV world for the first time. The Model Y Performance delivers quick acceleration, dual-motor AWD, and a sportier ride than the Long-Range variant. But those upgrades come at a price, and not just at the point of purchase, but also down the road with added expenses like tire wear and higher insurance premiums. So for a potential buyer that says they like the car but they’re scared, the stakes feel high because they are. Advice From Tesla Owners Who’ve Been There That’s why what followed in the comment section of Luis’s post was so refreshing. Genuine advice from owners who’ve walked the same road poured in to help Luis make a smarter choice. The first to weigh in was Len Harrison, whose take was blunt but valuable: “Buy it preowned. Teslas depreciate like Saturns. I own one so I’m speaking from experience and not Reddit or Facebook bs. Trust me, buy a preowned one because you may even snag one that has FSD at no extra cost to you.” This is more than just budget-conscious advice. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) package, which currently sells for around $12,000 if purchased new, is sometimes baked into the value of a used Model Y at no additional cost. That alone can create massive value for used buyers, especially if the car has low miles and a clean service history. And Len’s comment about depreciation isn’t wrong. While Tesla used to defy typical used car curves, the last couple of years have brought values back down to earth. It’s a point that also came up in another story I covered about a Tesla owner who got the wrong Model Y from Carvana but used the situation to their advantage. They eventually ended up with a realistic price and saving thousands. Then there was De Hardnick, who offered a different perspective on timing: “This one is priced too high. Keep in mind that the 2026 MYP isn’t out so you can’t get $7,500 off of a new Performance model yet. I think they will release in September. Tax credit expires some time in September. Also don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t need the Performance. Performance is definitely worth it.” The Tax Credit and What’s Coming Next What De’s pointing out is crucial. Right now, Tesla’s newer 2026 Model Y variants haven’t been officially released—although Tesla is labeling the refreshed 2025 Juniper update as its 2026 model for VIN and registration purposes. But if they do release it in time and not just in its "Launch Edition," many will qualify for the federal EV tax credit again if they buy in time, shaving off up to $7,500 from the purchase price if you meet income eligibility. Plus, these refreshed versions, called the "Juniper" update, are more than just a facelift. As one owner recently pointed out in this review of the 2026 Juniper RWD, the new model is roughly 10% more efficient and dramatically more refined than older builds. For someone like Luis, waiting just a couple more months could mean access to a better car at a more favorable price. That is, of course, if his timing and financial considerations allow that possibility. Pricing Perspectives and Deal Comparisons Next came Angela Tsang, who brought some numbers to the table: “Just for reference, Tesla offered a trade-in value of $16K for my ‘21 LR with tow hitch, 63K miles.” Advertising This type of data is helpful for benchmarking. It gives Luis and other potential buyers a reference point for how Tesla appraises used vehicles, particularly if trade-in value will be part of the negotiation. Knowing what Tesla offers for older models can help buyers reverse-engineer what a fair market price for a 2022 Model Y Performance could look like. Angelo Francesco Attanasio followed with a jarring dose of sticker shock: “Terrible deal. I got a ‘23 for $34,000 with 21,000 miles.” This underscores the idea that Model Y prices, especially for used units, can swing wildly based on region, seller, and time of year. If Luis is offered a 2022 at a significantly higher price than a 2023 with fewer miles, that could very well be a red flag. It's why cross-shopping local listings and even certified pre-owned options from Tesla directly is so important. What You Can’t Afford to Overlook Then came Spencer Lopez, who offered a very different kind of warning: “Be careful with Carmax. Have the vehicle inspected by another source immediately after purchase.” This is huge. While companies like Carmax and Vroom advertise their 7-day return windows and 150-point inspections, third-party validation is critical. As one owner explained when buying a used Model Y without checking battery health, skipping this step can lead to regrets that aren’t visible on day one but will show up when charging range starts to dip. And let’s not forget the ownership reality beyond the sale. One of the most misunderstood parts of EV life is the real cost of charging. While electricity is generally cheaper than gas, the savings can quickly vanish depending on how and where you charge. One owner recently spent more than $700 in just two weeks of ownership using Superchargers, as documented in this deep dive on Tesla charging costs. For new buyers who can’t charge at home, this is something to seriously consider. Public charging can add up fast. So if you’re buying a Model Y as your first EV, it’s not just about whether the car is fast or fun, it’s about whether the entire experience fits your life. This includes charging habits, repair expectations, resale value, insurance costs, and even the quirks of software updates. Luis is doing the right thing by asking questions first, and that’s something too many people skip. In this market, patience is power. Whether it’s waiting for a tax credit, comparing listings more closely, or making sure your used EV has healthy battery life, smart buying comes from slowing down before speeding up. Key Takeaways for First-Time EV Buyers Don’t rush the deal: The market is unpredictable. Model Y prices, tax credit eligibility, and feature bundles are all changing fast. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not. Cross-shop extensively: Don’t just compare mileage and year. Compare specs, battery health, FSD inclusion, and ownership history. Even a newer car can be a worse deal than a well-priced older one. Don’t skip third-party inspections: Especially for EVs, where battery degradation and software limitations don’t show up in traditional pre-purchase checklists in a lot of cases. Think beyond the price tag: Supercharging, tire replacement (especially on Performance variants), and software subscription fees can sneak up quickly. Understand what EV ownership actually looks like for your lifestyle. Consider what’s coming: The refreshed Juniper Model Y and tax credit reactivation could make new purchases more compelling if you’re willing to time it just right. Your Turn to Share What helped you make the decision to finally go electric? And what do you wish someone had told you before you did? If you were in Luis’s shoes, would you take this deal or wait for a better offer? Don't hesitate to jump into the comments and share your thoughts. Let’s help more people make smarter EV decisions. Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars. Image Sources: The “Tesla Model Y” public Facebook group and Tesla’s gallery, respectively.