I’m a Millionaire: Why I Bought the Cheapest Tesla I Could Buy
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Ashleigh Ray
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Many people assume that millionaires just spend, spend and spend some more, but that’s not always the case. Often, the rich save a lot more than they spend, making themselves even richer over time.
Brian S. makes big money as a TV producer in Los Angeles, and he’s incredibly thoughtful about how he spends his money. When he was in the market for a new car, he knew he wanted a Tesla, but also knew he didn’t want to spend a mint on it.
Instead, he chose the least expensive Tesla he could find — the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus. Here’s why.
Why He Wanted a Tesla
Brian really likes new gadgets and cars.
“I’ve been fascinated by electric cars for years,” he said. “Tesla, in particular, caught my eye because, and I know this sounds cheesy, but they’re not just making electric cars — they’re changing how we think about driving.”
Even though Brian could buy any car he wants thanks to his high net worth, he still thinks about saving money. He even wondered if an electric car could help him spend less money over time.
Picking the Cheapest One
When Brian went to buy his Tesla, he didn’t choose the most expensive one. Instead, he chose the Model 3, Tesla’s cheapest car.
“It still has all the important features, but without the extra fancy stuff that I don’t really need,” noted Brian.
According to him, sometimes having less can be better. He didn’t need a super-fast car or anything lavish or luxurious. He just wanted a good, efficient car for everyday driving.
Saving Money
You might assume that people with a lot of money always choose whatever is the most expensive. On the contrary, Brian said that isn’t true, especially not for him.
He continued, “People often think millionaires always buy the most expensive things. But, hello, many of us got rich by being smart with our money.”
Before buying the car, Brian did some math. He found out that over five years, he would save about $5,000 on gas compared to his old car. Plus, electric cars don’t need as many repairs, saving even more.
What It’s Like To Drive
Brian was curious about how the cheapest Tesla would feel to drive. Luckily, he loved it and thought the ride was just as great as the pricier versions.
“It’s smooth, quiet and feels very high-tech,” said Brian. “It’s honestly a joy to drive.”
He pointed out some of the special Tesla features, like the big touch screen in the car and the updates it gets, just like a phone. “It’s like I’m living in the future,” he added.
Charging the Car
Brian was a bit worried about how far the car could go before needing to be charged. He soon found out it wasn’t a problem.
“The range is actually better than I expected. I can go about 250 miles on a full charge, which is more than enough for my daily needs,” he explained.
He had to learn about properly charging the car, which is different from putting gas in a regular car. Now, he starts every day with a fully charged car.
What Other People Think
Brian was interested to see what his friends and family would think about his new car. He was curious if anyone would even notice that he had the cheapest Tesla.
“If any of them did, nobody said anything,” he shared. “Everyone just wants to drive in my car from the future.”
His kids love the car too — and so does his pooch. “My dog loves dog mode,” he said. “I can take him on all my errands now. I’m really living the dream!”
Learning About New Technology
For Brian, buying this car was also about learning new things. He wanted to understand how electric cars work and be part of making transportation better for the environment.
Now, he’s often the one explaining how electric cars work, encouraging his friends to buy one too.
The Money Lesson
Brian learned something important about money from buying his Tesla.
“Not to be too corny about it but being wealthy isn’t about buying the most expensive thing just because you can,” he said. “It’s about making smart choices with your money, no matter how much you have.”
Brian did his own research and discovered the cheapest Tesla model was still a great buy, especially with the added benefit of long-term savings from charging up instead of fueling up. His car is perfect for his everyday needs and helps the environment, but the best part is, he got it for a great price.
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