2022 Tesla Model 3 at $16,298 in Los Angeles?
Stop what you're doing. If you're in Los Angeles and spotlighting a used Tesla Model 3, this is your moment. A rare combo of federal credits, local rebates, and a surplus of used EVs has dropped a 2022 Model 3 to an insane $16,298. Yes, under Corolla money—and the clock is ticking. This isn’t hype. This is EV arbitrage at its finest.
🚗 Why This Deal Is Next-Level
One of the most popular EVs—loaded with tech, range, resale appeal.
Price drops under Corolla territory—but you’re getting more car.
Time-sensitive—these incentives and dealer inventory won’t stay this way.
Outside L.A.? More Regional Deals
Your local utility might offer the same stack. Check these prime examples:
Northern California (PG&E)
Standard: $1,000
Income-qualified “Rebate Plus”: up to $4,000
180-day window from purchase
Could hit $16,298 (low‑income) or $19,298 (standard)
Southern California Edison (SCE)
Same structure: $1,000 standard / $4,000 low‑income
Identical income caps
Also delivers $16,298–$19,298 pricing
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
Matches PG&E/SCE: $1,000/$4,000
180-day application deadline
Results: $16,298–$19,298
Washington State — Bonus Territory
Federal Used EV Credit: $4,000
State Rebate: $2,500 for ≤ 300% FPL
Clark Public Utility: extra $2,000 for low-income
Total discounts: up to $8,500
Final: ≤ $16,000 on a $24K Model 3. Instant savings.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time
Depreciation cliff hit early Model 3s hard—dropped ~$45K→$24–25K fast. You’re not footing that loss.
Used EV glut: flimsy margins—dealers need to move stock.
Incentive convergence: federal + local = best‑ever deal.
Interest rates may drop in 2026—EV resale will rise, applied to your upside.
💰 Why It’s a Sell‑High Opportunity
Used EV resale rebounds late 2025–2026—new EV supply constrained, interest resumes.
Tesla resale value holds strong—range, OTA updates, charging infra.
2026 crunch expected—used EV demand surging, rebates ending.
This isn’t just a car purchase—it’s a low-risk asset play.
🛠️ What You Need to Do—Now
Time’s your enemy. Here's your move-by-move:
⏱️ Identify a 2022 (or earlier) Model 3 priced ≤ $25K.
✅ Confirm dealer is IRS‑registered for point-of-sale federal credit.
📄 Check income eligibility (latest tax return).
⚡ Verify LADWP (or utility) status: standard vs low-income.
📝 Apply for that local rebate within 12 months (or 180 days outside).
📌 Keep VIN, paperwork—timing matters.
🧨 Final Word: Don’t Sleep on This
$16,298 for a Tesla Model 3 is not the new baseline—it’s a fluke.
Rebates will end. Inventory will tighten. Prices bounce back to $22K+ overnight.
But if you strike today, you’re locking in the cheapest entry point into Tesla in U.S. history. Low mileage, tech-rich, long-range—priced like a used gas car.
They won’t advertise this at the lot. But we just did.
