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Should I trade my 2021 CX-9 for a Model Y? 90-mi commute, new homeowner, 7.2% APR vs 0.99%

Quick-Platform-5286 | 2026-02-19 19:49 | 12 views

Hey everyone, looking for a reality check on a potential car move. I’m currently debating trading in my 2021 Mazda CX-9 for a 2026 Tesla Model Y (RWD Long Range). The Situation: • Commute: 90 miles round trip, 5 days a week. Mostly highway (80 mph). • Current Car: 2021 Mazda CX-9. I owe $20,776 at 7.24% APR. Monthly payment is $600. • The Offer: Carvana offered me $20,800 for the Mazda (basically a wash on the loan). • The New Option: 2026 Model Y with the 0.99% APR promo. $3k down, but I'll have to pay about $3k in Texas sales tax out of pocket (total $6k initial hit). • Family: Married, one 7-month-old, planning for a second kid shortly. The Financial Pivot: • Gas vs. Electric: I’m spending \\\~$240/mo on gas. • The House Factor: We just purchased a new home. Already got a level 2 charging installed. • Goal: I want a "10-year car." My concern is the CX-9 hitting 200k+ miles with a turbo engine vs. the long-term reliability/battery life of the Tesla. My Hesitations: 1. Is the Model Y actually wide enough for two car seats compared to the CX- What would you do? Is the 0.99% APR and fuel savings enough to justify the jump, or should I stick with the "bird in the hand" and pay off the Mazda? Edit: State Farm is offering 140$ insurance for model y. Current CX9 is 122$.

Comments (15)
[deleted] 2026-02-19 19:53

Get multiple insurance quotes on the Tesla What I pay for auto insurance almost offsets my fuel savings

yayan29 2026-02-19 19:53

My honest opinion? Wait a year or two and then buy the tesla. Your car might depreciate another 5k in this time, but the tesla will depreciate by 25k. The best and worst thing about EVs are how fast they depreciate. Depends on which end of the deal you're on. I'd never buy one new for this reason. Keep driving the Mazda and in no time the tesla will be half off MSRP. I also just bought a house about 8 months ago. You'll definitely want an emergency fund for repairs or unforseen expenses. If you buy the tesla now, just know that in 18 months people buying the same car will have a payment that's half of yours.

Rare-Winter3355 2026-02-19 21:12

Absolutely, yes. I do love my Mazda’s but nothing beats my Tesla.

Jman841 2026-02-19 23:01

Check Costco with Connect. Their quote was much better than anyone else by a long shot. Only paying $800 every 6 months for a brand new 2026 Model Y performance in FL (very high rates here)

[deleted] 2026-02-19 23:02

They were one of the first carriers I checked actually and still a lot. Maybe it’s because I’m in Houston, TX which also has really high rates. Credit is decent too. Hopefully once my Tesla ages some more rates will drop.

Jman841 2026-02-19 23:09

Ah sorry to hear that, check again. Their quote dropped a ton in the last couple months.

leb0x 2026-02-19 23:46

Man how do I get this rate. They quoted me 3k in Florida and I have no accidents

Jman841 2026-02-19 23:46

Try getting a quote again. Their prices came down a ton this year!

leb0x 2026-02-19 23:53

I just did lol. Still 2k for six months! I don’t get it.

Jman841 2026-02-20 00:38

Darn, not sure. I have no accidents or tickets in the last 5 years and am 36 male. Not sure if that’s why

Cg006 2026-02-20 00:58

Test drive it. tesla makes it easy.

FoxBearBear 2026-02-20 01:38

Wait for the R2 to arrive as well.

Dramatic-Steak2496 2026-02-20 03:37

if you are in texas and can choose your electricity provider tesla offers a plan where you can pay $15 a month flat for unlimited charging. makes “fuel” costs very cheap yearly that any increase from switching is way more than offset

LateMouse2020 2026-02-20 11:47

Do it

techperson1234 2026-02-21 01:23

I have GEICO and am paying around $120/mo so similar

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