Why purchase FSD outright (vs. paying monthly subscription)?

[VAF84]

I’ve asked this on a few threads, and it gets ignored, so I’m making its own post. I know what FSD does, I don’t know why it needs to be purchased with the vehicle at a lump sum up front.

From what I’ve read, it appears as if all new Tesla’s have the hardware, and it’s just a subscription. Is that incorrect?

If the hardware is part of the vehicle upon purchase, what is the incentive of buying FSD as an option, as opposed to paying the subscription monthly. The up front cost is substantial. It’s really the only big option. A “stripped out CT” is basically a CT without the wheel and tire package or FSD. To me if FSD is software, then it’s not really an option I’d stress out about on the front end.

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[mongo]

I’ve asked this on a few threads, and it gets ignored, so I’m making its own post. I know what FSD does, I don’t know why it needs to be purchased with the vehicle at a lump sum up front.

From what I’ve read, it appears as if all new Tesla’s have the hardware, and it’s just a subscription. Is that incorrect?

If the hardware is part of the vehicle upon purchase, what is the incentive of buying FSD as an option, as opposed to paying the subscription monthly. The up front cost is substantial. It’s really the only big option. A “stripped out CT” is basically a CT without the wheel and tire package or FSD. To me if FSD is software, then it’s not really an option I’d stress out about on the front end.

Subscription price can change.

 

[Jack27]

I believe all teslas been equipped with it for a while. I think our first M3 2019 was and my 23
M3 both showed an option to buy or sub in the app . But I don’t own it or sub on both of those cars I wouldn’t have even gotten it if it wasn’t included on the FS. It’s just really not for me in Los Angeles I try to use it then I’m like “I want to get around this guy “‘and step out of it it’s also scary for me. I enjoy the self drive in the freeway on long drives though .

 

[VAF84]

@mongo @Jack27

Thanks guys, very helpful!

 

[Coagulation]

Since you can always sub, it makes the upfront option les/ attractive. The only updates to buying now:

1) the sub price can go up

2) tesla offers FSD transfer to new vehicles occasionally. You never know, but you can potentially milk FSD for a very long time if you plan on being a Tesla customer long term

 

[nocyber]

I don’t see FSD at > $7000 being a wise purchase with the subscription available.

The average time someone owns a brand new vehicle is 6-8 years… but for EVs to this day in its infant stages it’s significantly less, on average 3-5 years and largely due to evolving technology and adoption from more manufacturers. As EV prices are likely to decline in the near future vs long term future the case would certainly be made that we will see the same shorter ownership expectancy.

With this data in mind, even with a 50% increase to the subscription model you’d have to be a buyer at $8k and own the vehicle for over 5yrs for the upfront investment to be worth it. Unfortunately for many, this will never be the case.. but to be fair, the subscription service choice is only, what, a year old? I think Tesla should drop the 1 time fee down to $3000 and keep the $99 per month subscription pricing, but until people stop spec’ing FSD I don’t see any changes.

 

[abrader]

I just think of it as more like an enhanced cruise control.

If you have used enhanced sonar cruise controls for years, this just feels like a next level version of that.

 

[Jerry A]

I don't really drive anywhere anymore. The CT does such a good job by itself and so much more relaxing to let it drive.

 

[mongo]

I don't really drive anywhere anymore. The CT does such a good job by itself and so much more relaxing to let it drive.

Yeah, mostly...
Me driving: accelerate quickly: stop gradually
FSD: accelerate gradually: stop quickly

 

[Brandon708]

It may be a couple years for the CT. But I believe once they have FSP UNSUPERVISED. The price will go way up for the monthly subscription.
For the Model 3 & Y that could be next year according to Elon.

 

[CarMan ElecTruck]

Yes, the subscription has gotten cheaper by half… hopefully it does not go up again..

maybe in 2027 when it comes with the CyberCab and the system is closer to “perfect” (air quotes because nothing is ever perfect)

Subscription price can change.

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