This Tesla review dives deep into how I reduced my annual driving costs and why I’ll never go back to a traditional gas vehicle again. Switching from a gas-powered car to a Tesla wasn’t just a tech-savvy move or an environmental decision.
For me, it was about reclaiming my monthly budget, cutting ongoing expenses, and avoiding the stress of unpredictable car repairs.
In just a few short years, the savings have been staggering — and I’m here to break them down.
Tesla Review
Before Tesla, my vehicle costs seemed endless. My gas car constantly needed fuel, repairs, and regular service appointments that added up fast.
Every oil change, belt replacement, or engine hiccup chipped away at my wallet. After hearing enough buzz about electric cars — and running some numbers — I finally gave in and made the leap to a Tesla.
And what a leap it was. From the first day, I noticed the change: no trips to gas stations, no oil spills, and no dealing with mechanics for things I barely understood.
Even my finance options were ridiculously affordable. I even saved $7,500 using California's tax rebate that awards new electric vehicle (EV) owners!
The shift wasn’t just seamless — it was incredibly rewarding.
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What I Used to Spend on My Gas Car
My gas-powered vehicle was reliable, sure, but maintaining it came with constant costs. Over the years, I accepted them as just part of owning a car.
I spent around $2,500 annually on gas, thanks to a long commute and rising prices at the pump.
Regular oil changes added about $300 each year, while unexpected repairs like replacing timing belts or fixing leaks could total $1,200 or more.
Even routine services such as brake replacements brought in another $400 every year.
Combined, I was easily spending over $4,000 annually, and that didn’t include the time or energy lost arranging these services.
What I Spend Now Owning a Tesla
The difference in yearly expenses after switching to a Tesla was immediate. Charging at home costs me about $40 a month — roughly $500 annually.
With no internal combustion engine, there's no need for oil changes or fluid top-ups. Maintenance has become nearly nonexistent.
The only services I’ve paid for were optional check-ups and software upgrades, adding maybe another $100 to $200 a year.
Add it up, and my annual cost is under $700 — an incredible drop from the $4,000 I used to shell out.
Without exaggeration, I’m saving more than $3,000 every year, and I haven’t sacrificed anything in return.
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No More Oil Changes, Ever Again
One of the most satisfying changes since switching is never needing to book an oil change again. No more appointments, messy garages, or forgetting to change it on time.
Teslas are fully electric, which means no motor oil, no engine filters, and no spark plugs to replace. It’s a whole category of car ownership that simply disappears.
And when something disappears from your car, it disappears from your budget too. This alone has saved me hundreds of dollars and countless hours over the years — and honestly, I don’t miss it one bit.
No Emissions Testing, No Engine Issues
Another perk I didn’t consider before switching was the complete elimination of emissions testing.
In many states, gas vehicles must undergo yearly or biannual inspections, not just for safety but to meet environmental standards.
That’s time, money, and hassle. Tesla? It doesn’t have an exhaust system. There’s nothing to test. And engine issues? There’s no engine to begin with.
That means no more check engine lights causing panic, no diagnostics, and no expensive repairs. It’s liberating knowing my vehicle has fewer moving parts and fewer opportunities for failure.
Charging Is Simple — And Way Cheaper
I thought charging an EV might be inconvenient. Turns out, it's the opposite. I had a charger installed at home, and now I plug in at night just like I charge my phone.
By morning, I have a full “tank.” Since I charge during off-peak electricity hours, I’ve optimized my monthly cost. My bill went up slightly, but it’s still nowhere near what I used to spend on fuel.
Even at Tesla's superchargers, I have no issues because my Tesla can charge to 100% in 30 minutes or less.
Compared to the unpredictable and ever-rising cost of gas, charging a Tesla feels like a hack that just keeps paying off.
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Tesla Service: Mobile, Efficient, and Rarely Needed
In the past, dealing with vehicle maintenance meant dropping my car off, arranging rides, and waiting days to get it back. With Tesla, most problems are solved remotely or through mobile service.
If you ever have any issues, Tesla will send someone to your driveway to fix it. That level of convenience still shocks me. Most updates are software-based, and delivered over the air.
It’s like waking up to find your car’s performance has improved overnight. This experience has redefined what I expect from vehicle service — and frankly, other car brands can’t keep up.
Brake Savings Thanks to Regenerative Braking
Brake replacements used to be a regular expense for me. With a Tesla, regenerative braking takes the load off the traditional braking system.
Every time I slow down, the motor captures that energy and sends it back to the battery. It’s smoother, more efficient, and extends the life of my brake pads by years.
I’ve driven tens of thousands of miles and haven’t replaced the brakes once.
The wear is minimal, and Tesla even alerts you when it’s time for attention — but so far, there’s been no need. Another unexpected but welcome way to save.
Financial Breakdown: How I Saved Over $15,000 in 5 Years
Let’s break it down by the numbers and see what the real impact has been over time:
Old Gas Car (5 Years):
- Gas: $2,500 per year × 5 = $12,500
- Repairs: $1,200 per year × 5 = $6,000
- Oil changes: $300 per year × 5 = $1,500
- Miscellaneous maintenance: ~$2,000
Total Spent: ~$22,000
Tesla (5 Years):
- Electricity: $500 per year × 5 = $2,500
- Maintenance: $200 per year × 5 = $1,000
Total Spent: ~$3,500
Total Savings: Over $18,000
These savings don’t even include available tax incentives, rebates, or occasional free Supercharging perks. For me, the math made itself.
Suggested reading: How To Save Money For A Car Quickly & Get The best prices
Would I Go Back to Gas? Not a Chance
Once you drive electric, going back feels like a step into the past. Beyond the savings, the Tesla driving experience is smooth, fast, and responsive.
The quiet cabin, the instant acceleration, the tech features — everything about it feels elevated. But financially, it’s a no-brainer.
I’m saving thousands every year, reducing my environmental impact, and enjoying the ride more than ever. It’s rare to find a product that checks every box, but Tesla has done it for me.
Tesla Review – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about my Tesla review:
Do Teslas really save that much on maintenance?
Yes. Since they have fewer moving parts, there’s far less that can break down — which leads to big savings.
Suggested reading: How to Manage Money: The Ultimate Guide to Saving
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla at home?
Typically $10–$15 per full charge, depending on electricity rates. That’s far less than filling up at the pump.
Is Tesla service expensive?
Not at all. Most issues can be handled remotely or with mobile service. You’re not paying for routine engine work.
How long do Tesla brakes last?
Thanks to regenerative braking, brake pads can last over 100,000 miles in many cases.
Are Teslas good in winter?
Yes. AWD models perform well in snow and have features like battery preconditioning to help with cold starts.
Do I need to install a home charger?
It’s not required, but it’s highly recommended. It makes owning a Tesla even more convenient and cost-efficient.
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Tesla Review Overall Final Thoughts
Tesla has redefined what I expect from a vehicle. No more filling up, random repair bills, or dealing with messy oil changes.
Just pure, efficient driving with savings that continue to grow year after year. I’ve saved thousands already — and I’ll keep saving thousands more in the years to come.
I created this Tesla review as a way to show you how much you can save year to year. For me, it was a game changer and I believe it will be the same for you too.
If you're even slightly considering switching to electric, take it from someone who's made the jump: you won’t regret it.
