EV6 lease vs keeping Tesla—need advice

Seeking Advice Forum
1

Looking for some advice here! I have a deal in Delaware for an EV6 AWD Long Range: $350/month for 36 months with 15K miles per year and $1K down. I’d be trading in my 2023 Tesla Model 3 (18K miles) and getting $600 in equity applied to the lease.

I’m debating whether to lease the EV6 or keep the Tesla. The Tesla would be paid off in three years if I keep it, while leasing the EV6 means I’d have no equity at the end. That said, I’d save around $250/month on payments, and I like the idea of moving away from Tesla, partly due to Musk but also because I feel the EV6 is a better vehicle overall.

Would love to hear your thoughts. Is this a good deal? Should I go for the EV6 or stick with the Tesla?

2

Used EV6s are very affordable—some are under $25K. Instead of leasing, you might consider buying a used one.

3

Kenneth said:
Used EV6s are very affordable—some are under $25K. Instead of leasing, you might consider buying a used one.

This is what I did. Found a 2022 GT-Line for $24,990. After federal and state rebates, my payment is $286/month. Amazing car—feels like I got a steal!

4

What’s the equity in your Model 3?

5

Maria said:
What’s the equity in your Model 3?

They’re offering me $24K, and I owe about $23,400. So around $600 in equity.

6

Christopher said:

Maria said:
What’s the equity in your Model 3?

They’re offering me $24K, and I owe about $23,400. So around $600 in equity.

You might get more selling privately. That extra money could cover a year or more of lease payments on the EV6.

7

Are you getting the $1K Tesla conquest cash?

I was in a similar situation with my 2018 Model 3. I leased an AWD EV6 to get out of Tesla but also to see what’s coming in the EV market over the next few years. I had them write me a check for my trade-in and used $0 of it on the lease. I’m paying $335/month for 23 months with 12K miles per year.

For your deal, $375 for 3 years with 15K miles sounds pretty good. If possible, avoid putting money down and just have them cut you a check for your trade-in equity.

8

@Mark
Only about $600 in equity, as they’re offering $24K for my Model 3, and I owe $23,400. I’ll check about the conquest cash. Do you like the EV6 compared to the Tesla? I enjoy the Tesla’s tech but wouldn’t mind something bigger, especially with my daughter learning to drive soon. Also, I once sold a Model Y in 2022 for $15K over what I paid.

9

@Connie
I do prefer the EV6 in many ways. The build quality is much better—it feels quieter and more solid. I also love the heat pump and heated steering wheel, which my Tesla didn’t have. That said, I miss some Tesla features like auto lock/unlock, better navigation for road trips, and a more polished app. Overall, though, I’m happy with the switch.

10

I’m in a similar situation but have hesitations about switching. Some things about the EV6 bother me: large manual door handles, no auto lock when walking away, no OTA updates, wired CarPlay, and having to turn on i-pedal every time. It’s also cramped inside compared to a Tesla. These aren’t dealbreakers but make me pause.

11

@diallo
Yeah, the door locks are odd. My wife has a Sorento, and even wired CarPlay can be a hassle sometimes. She likes the car overall, but the tech could be better.

12

Go with the EV6. It’s a better car overall.

13

I’ve had a Model 3 since 2020 and got a 2024 EV6 as a loaner while my Tesla was being repaired. Initially, I was excited, but the more I drove the EV6, the less I liked it. I-pedal resets every time, it’s slower, handling isn’t great, the infotainment feels clunky, and turning it on/off is annoying. It felt like a downgrade despite its size and ventilated seats.

14

@abidemi
Thanks for the honest feedback.

15

We own an EV6 GT and a base 2022 Model 3. I much prefer the EV6.