u/Goldminer435

I’ve been going back and forth between PCP and PCH on a new Stealth Grey Model 3 LR AWD (£49,990) and after running the full numbers I’m genuinely unsure which is better. Everyone seems to be raving about the PCH deal but with 0% PCP available I can’t see why. Am I missing something?

PCP (handing back at end of term):
47 × £668 = £31,396

minus £2,500 Tesla deposit contribution = £28,896

plus VED + eVED over 4 years = £2,110

Total: £31,006

PCH:
Total payable per representative example = £29,232

No £2,500 deposit contribution available

VED — this is where I’m confused

Tesla’s support page (tesla.com/en_gb/support/pch-support) says two contradictory things — “you remain responsible for the cost of the tax” but also “the tax due at delivery will be included in your finance agreement… already included in your monthly payments.”

Full quotation: “Tesla arranges tax for your hired vehicle but you remain responsible for the cost of the tax and for ensuring the MOT is carried out and insurance is in place to allow the vehicle to be taxed. You are also responsible for the costs associated with the Vehicle Excise Duty from 1 April 2025.”

So is VED actually included in the £29,232 PCH total or billed separately on top?

If included → PCH saves £1,774 over PCP If not included → PCP wins by £226 and also gives VT rights and buy option

Has anyone with a Tesla PCH taken out after April 2025 had VED included or billed separately?

Hey everyone, just ordered a brand new 2026 Model 3 Premium LR AWD in Stealth Grey on PCP at 0% APR. I was initially considering PCH as it works out slightly cheaper monthly once you factor in VED and the deposit contribution, but a neighbour who leases said PCH handbacks are significantly stricter than PCP on things like stone chips, minor scuffs and alloy marks, among other things. I can still change it to PCH in the app however of course, if i wish.

My questions:

1. Has anyone handed back a Tesla on PCP? How strict were they on condition?
2. Has anyone handed back on PCH through Tesla? Is it noticeably stricter?

For context I’m planning to hand back at the end of the term either way so the buy option isn’t a factor for me — purely trying to work out if the PCH saving is worth the handback risk, which might end up costing more. I also don’t get the £2500 Tesla contribution with PCH, but obviously get all my tax paid. I’ve put all this into the maths already.

Thanks in advance! :)

EDIT:

After digging into Tesla’s own support pages I can now give a definitive answer on this.

According to Tesla’s PCH support page (tesla.com/en_gb/support/pch-support), for deliveries on or after 1 April 2025:

‘The tax due at delivery will be included in your finance agreement… These associated costs are already included in your monthly payments’

So VED is included in Tesla PCH monthly payments for new deliveries. However Tesla also states you remain responsible for the cost — they just handle the admin and include it in your payments.

Running the full numbers including everything:

PCP handing back:

• 47 × £668 = £31,396
- minus £2,500 deposit contribution = £28,896
- plus VED/eVED over 4 years = £2,110

Total: £31,006

PCH handing back:

• Total payable per representative example = £29,232
- VED included in payments
- No deposit contribution

Total: £31,232

If anyone can see an issue in the maths definitely do correct me, as it will help me as well, but i feel like this is correct? Just me being very intricate with costs and research is all, sorry guys.

PCP is actually £226 cheaper overall and gives you voluntary termination rights after 50% paid plus the option to buy at £15,910 at the end (unlikely with depreciation lol).

So for my situation — Grey Model 3 LR AWD under £50k — PCP wins on total cost AND gives more flexibility. I think sticking with PCP is the option here.

Went and ordered my brand new M3 premium long range AWD on 0% APR PCP today for september.

They told me that this morning onward they’re currently contributing £2500 to the deposit which is nice.

Just thought i’d share.

First time ever buying a brand new or expensive (and electric) car but it seems worth it for once hopefully.

It’s weird because i’m quite young on a good salary thanks to my apprenticeship i did five years ago, but having never had to spend on big rent or bills or anything i almost feel guilty for spending so much monthly on something that will definitely improve my quality of life for my new long daily commute. But also very excited to have this, test driving it was insane for all the features like the sound system and the handling and speed.

I’ll try to keep this structured because my brain is currently going in 20 directions at once, sorry for the post length.

Background

I’m 22, UK-based, and took an engineering apprenticeship route instead of university after sixth form. I’ve spent the last few years working in advanced manufacturing within aerospace/defence environments doing things like automation projects, CAD/CAM, additive manufacturing, robotics integration, process improvement, and digital manufacturing work.

I’ve done well professionally for my age — led projects, delivered significant cost savings, gained real industry experience, and completed an engineering qualification alongside working full-time.

The issue is my current situation has become unstable. A lot changed internally after organisational restructuring, and the long-term progression/funding path I originally expected no longer exists. I’m now approaching the end of a fixed-term arrangement and looking at what comes next.

The ADHD side

I have ADHD and honestly it explains a lot in hindsight.

I struggled with attention and structure growing up, but the upside is I hyperfocus intensely on things I genuinely care about. I learn fast, obsess over improving, and throw myself fully into projects that interest me.

The downside is I get drained badly by repetitive admin-heavy work, excessive bureaucracy, or environments where I feel like I’m no longer learning.

I work best when I’m solving problems, building things, learning quickly, and working on real-world technical challenges.

What I actually enjoy

The areas I genuinely enjoy most are:

•Additive manufacturing

•CAD/design work

•Automation/digital manufacturing

•Technology-focused engineering

•Cars and working on them mechanically

•Buying/fixing/improving things

•Trading/investing

•PCs, gaming, tech, and learning new software/tools

•The idea of building a business or doing something on my own terms eventually

•Fast-moving environments where things are constantly changing

One thing that’s made me reflect recently is that outside of engineering, I naturally gravitate toward projects where I have ownership and direct results.

For example, since I was 18 I’ve bought several cars that needed work, fixed/improved them myself, then sold them on and upgraded into something better each time. I genuinely enjoy the process of spotting value, improving something, and turning it into profit.

I’ve also spent years learning trading/investing independently, which probably says something about how my brain works too.

I tend to go “all in” on things.

The degree situation

One of the biggest factors in all of this is my degree situation.

I received an unconditional offer last year for the BEng Manufacturing Technology degree at the AMRC / University of Sheffield, which is honestly one of the best advanced manufacturing-focused programmes in the UK.

It’s not a traditional full-time university course — it’s a part-time industry-funded degree designed for people already working in engineering. The setup is ideal for me because it combines real industry work with advanced manufacturing, digital technology, automation, and research-focused learning.

Places are extremely competitive and limited nationally.

I originally had to defer my place because of internal issues and funding uncertainty at my company after major restructuring changes. At the time I was basically told things would eventually get sorted.

Fast forward to now and I’ve since been moved onto a fixed-term contract, and the company has now confirmed they won’t fund the degree at all.

So I’m now in a position where:

•I already earned a place once

•I deferred it because of company circumstances outside my control

•I may lose the place entirely if I can’t secure a new employer willing to support/fund it before next year

If that happens, I’d have to go through the entire application/interview process again and compete for one of a very small number of places nationally.

That’s part of why this decision feels so high pressure to me right now.

The job search

I’ve been applying aggressively and currently have multiple interviews/processes ongoing with a mix of medium-sized firms, advanced manufacturing companies, defence contractors, and globally recognised engineering/aerospace organisations.

So far I’ve had around 8 interviews across different companies and industries, ranging from highly corporate/stable environments to smaller fast-moving engineering businesses and startup-style opportunities.

I’m still awaiting responses from half of them. Some of the feedback has honestly been really encouraging, which is part of why I’m struggling to decide what direction actually fits me best long term. I’ve not had any negative feedback bout my experience and unique skills, and they love the industry 4.0 experience I have, but the issue is just that always someone else has more years of experience and that’s the only real negative.

Some paths offer stability, structure, and a clearer corporate career ladder.

Others seem far more exciting technically, faster-paced, and aligned with how my brain naturally works — but with more uncertainty and risk attached.

The dilemma

This is where I’m stuck mentally.

•Do I prioritise stability, security, and making sure I •secure employer support for the degree?

•Do I chase the more exciting/high-growth opportunities even if they’re riskier?

•Does my ADHD profile actually mean I’d thrive more in faster-moving environments/startups rather than huge corporations?

•Should I lean harder into digital manufacturing/additive/automation because that’s what genuinely excites me, even if it narrows my options?

•Is the fact I’m constantly drawn toward trading, side projects, fixing/flipping things, and business ideas a sign I should eventually work toward building something of my own instead of climbing a corporate ladder forever?

•Am I actually better suited to building businesses, solving problems, and creating things than sitting inside rigid corporate structures long term?

•Or am I overthinking all of this at 22 and just need to pick a direction and keep moving?

I know I’m still young, but it genuinely feels like the next move could massively shape the trajectory of my life and career.

Would appreciate advice from anyone who’s been through similar — especially people with ADHD, engineering backgrounds, or people who struggled choosing between stability vs excitement early in their career.

I’ll try to keep this structured because my brain is currently going in 20 directions at once, sorry for the post length.

Background

I’m 22, UK-based, and took an engineering apprenticeship route instead of university after sixth form. I’ve spent the last few years working in advanced manufacturing within aerospace/defence environments doing things like automation projects, CAD/CAM, additive manufacturing, robotics integration, process improvement, and digital manufacturing work.

I’ve done well professionally for my age — led projects, delivered significant cost savings, gained real industry experience, and completed an engineering qualification alongside working full-time.

The issue is my current situation has become unstable. A lot changed internally after organisational restructuring, and the long-term progression/funding path I originally expected no longer exists. I’m now approaching the end of a fixed-term arrangement and looking at what comes next.

The ADHD side

I have ADHD and honestly it explains a lot in hindsight.

I struggled with attention and structure growing up, but the upside is I hyperfocus intensely on things I genuinely care about. I learn fast, obsess over improving, and throw myself fully into projects that interest me.

The downside is I get drained badly by repetitive admin-heavy work, excessive bureaucracy, or environments where I feel like I’m no longer learning.

I work best when I’m solving problems, building things, learning quickly, and working on real-world technical challenges.

What I actually enjoy

The areas I genuinely enjoy most are:

•Additive manufacturing

•CAD/design work

•Automation/digital manufacturing

•Technology-focused engineering

•Cars and working on them mechanically

•Buying/fixing/improving things

•Trading/investing

•PCs, gaming, tech, and learning new software/tools

•The idea of building a business or doing something on my own terms eventually

•Fast-moving environments where things are constantly changing

One thing that’s made me reflect recently is that outside of engineering, I naturally gravitate toward projects where I have ownership and direct results.

For example, since I was 18 I’ve bought several cars that needed work, fixed/improved them myself, then sold them on and upgraded into something better each time. I genuinely enjoy the process of spotting value, improving something, and turning it into profit.

I’ve also spent years learning trading/investing independently, which probably says something about how my brain works too.

I tend to go “all in” on things.

The degree situation

One of the biggest factors in all of this is my degree situation.

I received an unconditional offer last year for the BEng Manufacturing Technology degree at the AMRC / University of Sheffield, which is honestly one of the best advanced manufacturing-focused programmes in the UK.

It’s not a traditional full-time university course — it’s a part-time industry-funded degree designed for people already working in engineering. The setup is ideal for me because it combines real industry work with advanced manufacturing, digital technology, automation, and research-focused learning.

Places are extremely competitive and limited nationally.

I originally had to defer my place because of internal issues and funding uncertainty at my company after major restructuring changes. At the time I was basically told things would eventually get sorted.

Fast forward to now and I’ve since been moved onto a fixed-term contract, and the company has now confirmed they won’t fund the degree at all.

So I’m now in a position where:

•I already earned a place once

•I deferred it because of company circumstances outside my control

•I may lose the place entirely if I can’t secure a new employer willing to support/fund it before next year

If that happens, I’d have to go through the entire application/interview process again and compete for one of a very small number of places nationally.

That’s part of why this decision feels so high pressure to me right now.

The job search

I’ve been applying aggressively and currently have multiple interviews/processes ongoing with a mix of medium-sized firms, advanced manufacturing companies, defence contractors, and globally recognised engineering/aerospace organisations.

So far I’ve had around 8 interviews across different companies and industries, ranging from highly corporate/stable environments to smaller fast-moving engineering businesses and startup-style opportunities.

I’m still awaiting responses from half of them. Some of the feedback has honestly been really encouraging, which is part of why I’m struggling to decide what direction actually fits me best long term. I’ve not had any negative feedback bout my experience and unique skills, and they love the industry 4.0 experience I have, but the issue is just that always someone else has more years of experience and that’s the only real negative.

Some paths offer stability, structure, and a clearer corporate career ladder.

Others seem far more exciting technically, faster-paced, and aligned with how my brain naturally works — but with more uncertainty and risk attached.

The dilemma

This is where I’m stuck mentally.

•Do I prioritise stability, security, and making sure I •secure employer support for the degree?

•Do I chase the more exciting/high-growth opportunities even if they’re riskier?

•Does my ADHD profile actually mean I’d thrive more in faster-moving environments/startups rather than huge corporations?

•Should I lean harder into digital manufacturing/additive/automation because that’s what genuinely excites me, even if it narrows my options?

•Is the fact I’m constantly drawn toward trading, side projects, fixing/flipping things, and business ideas a sign I should eventually work toward building something of my own instead of climbing a corporate ladder forever?

•Am I actually better suited to building businesses, solving problems, and creating things than sitting inside rigid corporate structures long term?

•Or am I overthinking all of this at 22 and just need to pick a direction and keep moving?

I know I’m still young, but it genuinely feels like the next move could massively shape the trajectory of my life and career.

Would appreciate advice from anyone who’s been through similar — especially people with ADHD, engineering backgrounds, or people who struggled choosing between stability vs excitement early in their career.