■ 27 years in the car business — now on your side of the desk
I'm Eli. I've spent 27 years in the auto industry — 17 of them at Volkswagen. I owned a VW ID.4, I drive a Tesla Model Y, and I've watched thousands of people sign paperwork they didn't understand. This is where I keep the honest version — the gear I actually use and the answers I actually give.
■ The Garage
Some of this I bought. Some was sent to me to review. Every item says which — and either way, it only makes this page if it's still in my car. If it didn't last or wasn't worth the money, it's not here, no matter who sent it. Some links earn me a commission; your price doesn't change, and the discount code is the real one.
Floating design, so it doesn't block any part of the screen — that was the dealbreaker on every other mount I tried. Magnet holds through a case, and the phone doesn't move over bumps. If you've got a Model 3 or Model Y, this is the first thing I'd buy.
Model 3 / Model Y Sent to me — still in my carTheir full Tesla accessory lineup — power frunk and trunk kits, screens, trim, storage. My code works across the whole store, so if you're outfitting a new Model 3 or Y, start here and use it on the whole cart.
Full storefrontFills the gap under the armrest that Tesla leaves wide open — phone slot, coin tray, card slots, no more junk sliding around every time I brake. Took under a minute to drop in, no tools, no adhesive.
Model Y / 3 / YL Bought it myselfFull set — front, rear, cargo, and backrest mat. TPE construction, raised edges that actually hold water and salt instead of letting it slide onto the carpet. Long winter, still holding up.
Model Y (2025–2026, Juniper) Bought it myselfFolds and opens just like an umbrella — setup takes seconds, no fumbling with a bulky panel. Genuinely holds up.
Model Y Sent to me — tried it myself first■ Buying a Tesla
Right now it unlocks 3 months of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) on a new Model Y, Model 3, or Cybertruck, plus special APR offers depending on the model. Costs you nothing, and it's the same as walking in with a referral code — because that's exactly what it is.
■ Straight Answers
Short versions here. The long versions are on the channel.
If you can charge at home, an EV is cheaper to run than almost anything with a gas tank. If you're relying on public charging, the math gets a lot tighter and the daily hassle is real. That one question decides it more than range, brand, or price.
Battery tech is moving fast and used EV values have been unpredictable. A lease hands that risk to the bank instead of you. If you drive big miles or plan to keep a car eight years, buying still makes more sense.
Quote a trade too early and it becomes a lever. Pick your car, settle the price of that car, and then handle the trade as its own conversation. Get one outside offer in writing first so you know what the floor is.
Monthly payment is the easiest number in the building to manipulate. Ask for the total out-the-door price in writing. If that question makes the conversation uncomfortable, you've learned everything you need to know.
■ Free
Every number to ask for, in order, plus the four lines on a contract that cost people the most money. Free, and I'll send the occasional honest note about a car worth knowing about.
One more step: check your inbox (and spam folder, just in case) for a confirmation email — click it and the checklist is yours.
■ Watch