As always, this is Matt from Frunk To Trunk. The question I get more than any other is whether to buy a Tesla Model Y or Model 3 now or wait. In my October 18 video I cover the latest Model 3 delivery dates, the Halloween software update and the new Roadster unveil, and then give my buy-now-or-wait take. Here is the written version.
Should you buy a Model Y or Model 3 now or wait?
My take in the video: if you want delivery of a Model 3 or Model Y in 2027, place your order sooner rather than later. Delivery estimates keep slipping, and that is because of demand. As covered in my previous video, Tesla just had its third-best delivery quarter ever in Q3, even without the US EV tax credit. That demand is why the ETAs keep moving. As always, this is not financial advice. It has to make sense for you and your budget.
For most buyers it is a good time to look at the Model 3 and Model Y. When I recorded the video, financing rates were under 4% on most trims (the exceptions were the Model Y Performance and Cybertruck), and some trims were around 1.49%. Rates and incentives change often, so check the current offer on tesla.com before you order. If you are comparing the two cars, my Model Y vs Model 3 (2026) breakdown and Which Tesla Should You Buy in 2026? guide go trim by trim.
What do you get if you wait until 2027?
Tesla has already confirmed a new AI5 chip for 2027. Tesla has said AI5 is mainly for the Cybercab and Optimus, and then for vehicles. So if you wait, new cameras and better performance in the cars are likely, but probably not until mid-to-late 2027. A larger Cyber SUV is also said to be in the works. That one is nowhere near production, and most of what you hear about it is speculation for now.
Model 3 sold out: what are the delivery dates?
In recent videos I reported that the Model Y launch series and the Model 3 were sold out. Since then, ETAs for the base Model 3 have moved even further into 2027. Depending on your ZIP code, the configurator showed roughly February to April. Since my last video there has been no change to interest rates or incentives, so keep that in mind if you are financing. For the background, see Model Y/3 Sold Out, New Battery and Roadster Unveiled.
What is in the Tesla Halloween update?
Tesla posted the details of this year's Halloween update. It includes:
- A new ghost avatar for your drives
- A trick-or-treat mode that plays spooky sounds when visitors approach
- A spooky-themed photo booth
- A speaker mode that gives you a monster-style voice when you use speakerphone
New Tesla Roadster: trims, battery and stunts
The new Roadster is a collaboration with SpaceX, inspired by Starship and Falcon launches. At the unveil, the Roadster did three stunts. Tesla said they were done autonomously for safety. In one, the car climbed a steep incline, paused, reversed back down, then launched off the end and used cold gas thrusters to level itself, hover and come down gently. The others were a jump over the Cyber vehicles and a kickflip from a standstill.
There are three trims: Performance, Thrust and Rocket. Tesla has long promised a sub-one-second 0-60, and in the video I explain that the Thrust trim is the one that delivers it. The Rocket trim has a top speed of over 250 mph and over 300 miles of range. Other features I mention include gold-tinted glass, a microsuede interior, and an active retractable downforce wing with a track mode.
The bigger story may be what the Roadster hints at for future Teslas. It has brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire, plus a new 4680 battery that Tesla calls its best yet. The video says it charges from 15 to 80% in about 10 minutes. Tesla executive Lars Moravy told Hagerty that the Roadster drivetrain is more powerful than all three motors of the Model S Plaid, at half the mass. The thrusters are a SpaceX design that has been used on rockets for decades. Together with fans and the adaptive wing, they help level the car and add downforce.
How much is the new Roadster?
I go through the reservation amounts for each trim at 6:57. These are reservation prices, not final prices, and the Rocket trim is invite-only. Tesla also released Roadster merch on the Tesla shop, including a hat, a mug and several tumblers.
Discount codes from the video
This video is sponsored by JOWUA. Use code MATT25 for 5% off. I use their MagSafe phone holder in every video, and they make charging hubs for both the front and rear of the car. The code is reusable, so save it for later purchases too. Details are on the JOWUA discount code page.
- JOWUA — (5% off) Shop now →
- EVJECT — (30% off) Code details →
- 3W Auto Life — (33% off) Code details →
Every current code, with copy buttons and shop links, is on the Accessories & Discount Codes page and the discount codes hub. If you are outfitting a new car, start with Best Model Y Accessories 2026.
Ordering a new Tesla?
If you decide to order now, check the current referral offer first. Here is how the referral link works.
Are you ordering now or waiting for 2027? Let me know in the YouTube comments, and tell me what you think of the new website.
FAQ
Matt's take in the October 18, 2026 video is that if you want delivery in 2027, you should order sooner rather than later, because delivery estimates keep slipping due to demand. It is not financial advice; it has to make sense for your budget.
When the video was recorded, the base Model 3 showed delivery estimates of roughly February to April 2027, depending on ZIP code. Check the configurator on tesla.com for your area.
Tesla has confirmed a new AI5 chip for 2027, mainly for Cybercab and Optimus and then for vehicles. New cameras and better performance in the cars are likely, but probably not before mid-to-late 2027. A larger Cyber SUV is reportedly in the works but is still mostly speculation.
A ghost avatar for your drives, a trick-or-treat mode that plays spooky sounds when visitors approach, a spooky-themed photo booth, and a speaker mode that gives you a monster-style voice on speakerphone.
Yes. The video sponsor JOWUA gives 5% off with code MATT25. Other current partner codes are on the Frunk To Trunk Accessories page.
