New buyer - order now or wait until September?

[cybertruck612]

Decided on ordering a Cybertruck after numerous test drives. However availability for the order page now shows 8-10 weeks. Looking at purchasing with the 2.49% finance rate (not buying FSD or an inventory truck).

What are the thoughts on end of quarter specials in the month of September? Or is it better to order now for the 2.49%? Not qualified for the $7500 tax credit so that doesn’t matter much anyway. Tesla sales rep couldn’t give a straight answer if the 2.49% applies to the order date or actual delivery date, which would be well beyond September if 8-10 weeks holds true.

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[Galvatron]

Survey of one here...

They have been more aggressive at end of the past few quarters so they might do something again this time. There should be plenty of inventory trucks. I placed the order and picked up same day at the end of June. The VIN was built in April so same as if I ordered new in April and waited 8 weeks for June delivery.
Maybe you already did the math on paying interest versus paying for FSD. I'm glad I chose FSD & 0%.

Dirty Harry said it best; 'You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?'

Here's my referral link. If you use it to place your order, the current referral promotion will give you 3 months of free full self-driving.
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[YDR37]

Decided on ordering a Cybertruck after numerous test drives. However availability for the order page now shows 8-10 weeks. Looking at purchasing with the 2.49% finance rate (not buying FSD or an inventory truck).

What are the thoughts on end of quarter specials in the month of September? Or is it better to order now for the 2.49%? Not qualified for the $7500 tax credit so that doesn’t matter much anyway. Tesla sales rep couldn’t give a straight answer if the 2.49% applies to the order date or actual delivery date, which would be well beyond September if 8-10 weeks holds true.

Tesla, like other publicly traded companies, has to provide quarterly financial statements. Sometimes, as the end of the quarter approaches, Tesla will look at the numbers and decide that sales seem too low. And in that case, they may offer special end-of-quarter deals, in order to boost the sales numbers so they look better for the quarterly financial report. Of course, other companies do exactly the same thing.

However, it's widely assumed that 3Q 2025 should be a pretty good quarter for Tesla sales, because customers will be rushing to buy vehicles before the tax credit expires on Sept. 30. But if this is true, and 3Q 2025 sales are strong, this means that there will be less need for end-of-quarter deals. Why offer incentives, if people are already rushing to buy?

A related question is: what happens after Sept. 30? Since the tax credit will evaporate, most Teslas will instantly become $7,500 more expensive for most people. This is obviously a significant price shock that could hurt demand. And it's widely assumed that Tesla will try to reduce the shock by cutting prices in response -- maybe by $7,500 (to fully compensate for the loss of the tax credit), or maybe less (to partially compensate).

For most people, the best time to buy an AWD/RWD Cybertruck is before Sept. 30, so they get the tax credit. But if you aren't eligible for the credit, then the best time to buy might be after Sept. 30. There's a good chance that Tesla will cut prices at that point, to prevent a collapse in demand.

If you are looking at a Cyberbeast, then the logic is different. Cyberbeasts were never eligible for the tax credit anyway (because they cost more than $80,000). So the loss of the credit should make no difference to their pricing or demand.

 

[hemiarch]

I agree with both of the above recommendations
1) consider buying FSD since it’s pretty close to the price of interest. Not that you’re asking, but it’s also awesome and one of the best parts of the Cybertruck. For the CT specifically I think it’s a must have since standard autopilot is basically non-existent. Also, if you get the 0% deal you’re financing that for free so why pay $100 a month for temporary access?
2) if you’re not and not eligible for the tax credit then wait till after they react to that loss of federal help. They may in fact offer zero percent or free options as a way to offset that rather than drop the advertised price and hurt the trade in values of already sold cars.

 

[Beetlebug62]

Decided on ordering a Cybertruck after numerous test drives. However availability for the order page now shows 8-10 weeks. Looking at purchasing with the 2.49% finance rate (not buying FSD or an inventory truck).

What are the thoughts on end of quarter specials in the month of September? Or is it better to order now for the 2.49%? Not qualified for the $7500 tax credit so that doesn’t matter much anyway. Tesla sales rep couldn’t give a straight answer if the 2.49% applies to the order date or actual delivery date, which would be well beyond September if 8-10 weeks holds true.

My impression is that incentives apply to delivery date, since that's what Tesla is offering the incentives for. They want to goose 3rdQ sales, so incentives are for 3rdQ deliveries.

Of course, if you read the threads, you'll see people who get delivered after quarter-end, sometimes get the promotional rate, honored. Generally due to extenuating circumstances.

Just keep in mind, you can get 2.49% financing for 60months for no-FSD; and 0% financing for 60months for FSD. That's $1367/mo vs $1416. In other words, ~$3k for FSD. I don't know about you, but I think $3k is a good price for it.

Afterward? I think offering promotional rates of about 2% may become more common. Back in March, that saved me ~$7400. That may be more palatable than dropping the price since existing owners seem to feel put out when the MSRP drops, as that pushes down resale value.

 

[cybertruck612]

Thanks all. Definitely a tough consideration but I think waiting until Q4 might be the best option overall since I don't qualify for the $7500 tax credit.

It is interesting though with the 0% w/ FSD, that's a decent value mentioned above when considering the interest saved if financing.

Another thought was build quality may improve overall in the next few months by waiting until Q4. Even if it's minor improvements.

Certainly seems like there's not many downsides in waiting until this fall to order (unless claiming the tax credit).

 

[YDR37]

a tough consideration but I think waiting until Q4 might be the best option overall since I don't qualify for the $7500 tax credit. ...

Certainly seems like there's not many downsides in waiting until this fall to order (unless claiming the tax credit).

Elon Musk is known for making optimistic forecasts. Yet in the July earnings call, he stated that "we probably could have a few rough quarters." And the timing is no secret -- the era of "rough quarters" will begin on October 1, 2025, when most Teslas will become $7,500 less affordable for most Americans.

Tesla should have plenty of customers through September 30. But demand is going to tank on October 1 -- unless Tesla bites the bullet and offers discounts or incentives to compensate for the loss of that sweet tax credit. And while you may not qualify for the tax credit, you should qualify for any Tesla discounts/incentives.

So yeah, you might want to wait and see how it plays out in 4Q.

 

[HaulingAss]

Just keep in mind, you can get 2.49% financing for 60months for no-FSD; and 0% financing for 60months for FSD. That's $1367/mo vs $1416. In other words, ~$3k for FSD. I don't know about you, but I think $3k is a good price for it.

$3K equivalent price for FSD is a screaming deal considering that once it can actually drive unsupervised you will still own it! Buying now (as opposed to a subscription) locks you in for the life of the vehicle at no extra charge.

 

[Mini2nut]

I’m still sitting on the sidelines and waiting until early 2026.

My gut tells me that lower Cybertruck pricing is on the horizon. I’ve been waiting since I left my deposit on November 23rd, 2019. Not in a rush and the truck keeps more refined.

 

[Beetlebug62]

Just remember a bird-in-the-hand is worth two-in-the-bush.

Back in March, I was waiting for free FSD transfer, but it never came. I was worried that any tax policy change would be retroactive, and not have any time lag for implementation, so I ordered. No regrets.

The truck is great, amazing, and will only get better. I got $25,500 in incentives because I also got a state rebate, tied to the federal one, so I had more at stake if the federal tax credit was rescinded.

I usually make the wrong decision when it comes to purchase timing, but in this case, I'm satisfied. My truck is good. I've had time to install an inexpensive interlock and provide backup power to my house, which saves thousands if not over $10k. My nephew just bought my old 2018 Model 3, on Saturday, and drove it home 2200 miles to Colorado in less than 2 ½ days. What a road warrior!

Sorry to see it go, but I would never sell it for the used market price to just anyone. It's far too valuable to me to let go, unless it was to family.

 

[cybertruck612]

Thanks for the input. Yeah unfortunately I don't qualify for the tax credit. So it seems like the best course of action is to wait until September or even October to see what happens with cybertruck pricing and financing specials.

Although the 0% w/ FSD is really hard to pass on right now. It's interesting though, the online ordering website shows 8-10 weeks for availability still. Is that the case for anyone else? Suppose I could order and wait to see if it truly takes 8-10 weeks, and if a better deal arises then cancel the order. Only downside is then I'm out the $250 order fee.

 

[TTP222]

Thanks for the input. Yeah unfortunately I don't qualify for the tax credit. So it seems like the best course of action is to wait until September or even October to see what happens with cybertruck pricing and financing specials.

Although the 0% w/ FSD is really hard to pass on right now. It's interesting though, the online ordering website shows 8-10 weeks for availability still. Is that the case for anyone else? Suppose I could order and wait to see if it truly takes 8-10 weeks, and if a better deal arises then cancel the order. Only downside is then I'm out the $250 order fee.

Not sure where you are located but I would not take that 8-10 week timeframe seriously. It said 3-4 weeks when I placed the order and then a day later Tesla assigned me a VIN and told me I could pick it up locally (Tampa) soon as my paperwork was done. Ordered late on Tuesday night and was driving it on Saturday night (end of June). There seems to be plenty of Cybertruck inventory.

Also, not to pile on here but I think at this point ordering a new Tesla without FSD is a mistake. I was a skeptic but FSD is so good now that it makes you realize this is quickly becoming the method of transportation. Who knows what Tesla plans to do with FSD subscriptions in the future so lock it in at 0% and make your truck more valuable for resale down the line.

Good luck, you will love it!

 

[cybertruck612]

Not sure where you are located but I would not take that 8-10 week timeframe seriously. It said 3-4 weeks when I placed the order and then a day later Tesla assigned me a VIN and told me I could pick it up locally (Tampa) soon as my paperwork was done. Ordered late on Tuesday night and was driving it on Saturday night (end of June). There seems to be plenty of Cybertruck inventory.

Also, not to pile on here but I think at this point ordering a new Tesla without FSD is a mistake. I was a skeptic but FSD is so good now that it makes you realize this is quickly becoming the method of transportation. Who knows what Tesla plans to do with FSD subscriptions in the future so lock it in at 0% and make your truck more valuable for resale down the line.

Good luck, you will love it!

Thanks for the report! I searched inventory but wasn't seeing anything within 100 miles that had cyber wheels and grey interior.

Good info about ordering with FSD. Seems like with 0% financing it's a great deal honestly. But I would hate for October to roll around and Tesla offer 0% without FSD, or drop FSD price and still offer 0% (seems unlikely but Tesla is unpredictable with pricing)

 

[SCTesla]

Thanks for the report! I searched inventory but wasn't seeing anything within 100 miles that had cyber wheels and grey interior.

Good info about ordering with FSD. Seems like with 0% financing it's a great deal honestly. But I would hate for October to roll around and Tesla offer 0% without FSD, or drop FSD price and still offer 0% (seems unlikely but Tesla is unpredictable with pricing)

There's no cruise control with lane assist (AutoPilot with AutoSteer) coming to the CT. I feel that FSD is essential with the CT.

0% with FSD is a pretty good deal IMO.

 

[cybertruck612]

There's no cruise control with lane assist (AutoPilot with AutoSteer) coming to the CT. I feel that FSD is essential with the CT.

0% with FSD is a pretty good deal IMO.

Yeah I was surprised to see that honestly, no autopilot standard just TACC. Trying to force people to FSD?

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