Buying a Tesla makes a whole lot of sense if you want an all-electric vehicle. But if you haven't decided to ditch the internal combustion engine, there's a strong chance you might explore other makes and models. However, here's yet another argument in favor of adding a Model 3 or Model Y to your driveway. And this one's pretty convincing.
Consumer Reports crunched the numbers collected by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) between 2020 and 2022. They reveal the most stolen vehicles and the cars with the lowest theft frequency. Surprisingly, Tesla's cheapest EVs are championing the latter.
But just last year, over one million cars were stolen in the US. No matter how you look at it, that's a worrying statistic. It shows that car owners must take extra precautions when parking overnight or in crowded urban areas.
According to HLDI, the all-wheel-drive Tesla Model 3 and Model Y don't attract thieves. That is one interesting revelation, considering the Texas-based manufacturer makes cars that are regarded as a lifestyle improvement. Moreover, they're not cheap!
After introducing hefty discounts, a brand-new non-Highland Model 3 (because it hasn't been updated for the North American markets yet) has an MSRP of $40,240 for the rear-wheel-drive unit, $47,240 for the all-wheel-drive model with improved range, and $53,240 for the Performance trim that unlocks more hp from the same two motors that are on the Long Range unit.
On the other hand, the Model Y presents itself in two trims – the $50,490 Long Range and the $54,490 Performance.
But it might not be the price that makes these EVs unappealing to thieves. Tesla equips its cars with many cameras and connected options that enable remote operation. But the best thing that brings owners some peace of mind is a surveillance system known as Sentry Mode. It activates when it senses someone being too close and works even when the car is off and parked.
Photo: Tesla
Plus, there's a cabin camera that can record the perpetrator in action, which can help with identifying them much easier. All these recordings are available through the Tesla app, and the victim can send them to the Police. Then, all officers must do is find the car and apprehend the thief.
Law enforcement doesn't have to do much to locate the car because there's a GPS function available in the same official app that allows the rightful owner or user of the vehicle to see where it is on a detailed map.
But the list of cars with the lowest theft frequency doesn't stop at these two Tesla EVs. Here are some other vehicles that don't attract thieves:
If your current car isn't on this list, but you want to make sure nobody will steal it, you should park in well-lit areas and, if possible, where surveillance cameras work. People living in suburbs or areas prone to such illegal activities can install motion detection lights that may discourage nefarious actors from moving forward with their plans. Consumer Reports even recommends adding a steering wheel lock.
Finally, don't forget to check the cars that are at the top of the most stolen vehicles list. Depending on your risk appetite, you might want to avoid them. Not just because they pique the interest of the wrong people, but due to insurance providers raising premium or not offering any coverage at all like it had happened with some recent Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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