Tech

Everything you'll need to know if you want to buy the new Tesla Model 3

Aaron Brown

2016-03-28T15:20:00Z

Tesla's first affordable electric car, the highly-anticipated Tesla Model 3, will be shown off March 31.

We've put together a brief must-know fact guide so that when the time comes, you'll have no trouble handing over your deposit and getting your order in.

Preorders will be taken in person at Tesla stores on launch day, March 31st, then online on April 1st.

If you want to make sure you're name is closer to the top of the build list, make sure you're at a Tesla store on March 31.

That preorder deposit will cost you $1,000.

In order to actually put your name down for the Model 3, Tesla will be collecting a $1,000, fully-refundable deposit from you.

When compared to Tesla's previous preorder deposit prices, the Model 3's $1,000 goes with its $35,000 MSRP as being a far cheaper number than the deposit amount for Tesla's other models. The Model X has a $5,000 deposit and the Model S has a $25,000 deposit.

There's a good chance that even if you order the car this month, you might not see it until very late 2017 or early 2018.

tesla will begin production on the car in 2017

Tesla has said that production won't start until late 2017. Also, if you live basically anywhere that isn't America's West Coast, your order will likely take a lot longer than if you did.

Tesla will start deliveries on the west coast, then move eastward, then begin deliveries in Europe and other markets.

If you're a "priority customer," or someone who has already owned a Tesla, you will get your car before non-priority owners in your area.

When the car is ready for delivery, the full price amount will be at least $35,000 before tax credits.

The $35,000 starting price is actually cheaper than its direct competitor's, the Chevy Bolt's $37,500 starting price.

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