Have you ever found yourself fantasizing about sleek Tesla gliding silently along the road? Trust me; I have visited there. But you are not alone, though. Those gleaming machines have captivated many of us and inspired dreams of the day we will be Only Used Tesla owners. Balancing that desire with a used-car budget, though, can seem like riding a unicycle juggling burning torches.

Given a somewhat tight pocketbook, why then should one choose a Tesla? First of all, that electric motor produces a silent symphony. Forget the roar of gas engines; a Tesla provides a whisper-soft ride that feels almost like you are violating physics. And there’s that fantastic jolt when you press the accelerator. It’s like daily roller coaster riding without the screaming children and pricey mementos.

Allow me to relate a brief narrative. My pal Joe hates commitment and loves cheese; he grabbed a used Tesla Model S last year. Cost him as much as he was looking at that clumsy SUV. The variance is His travels to gas stations slowed down more than a cat in water. Charging at home became his new standard, much to the contempt of the manager of his neighborhood gas station, who began to wonder whether Joe had moved away.

Not to be overlooked is the tech. We are discussing a vehicle essentially functioning as a smartphone on wheels. A 2015 Tesla might still have more tech tricks in store than the newest non-electric vehicles. Elon apparently waved a magic wand over it.

One could be wondering about maintenance. The twist is that here is Teslas consist of less moving components. Not even a change in oil. Not a problem with the exhaust system. Just occasional tickles from a reliable technician right now. So, you may be binge-watching a new series guilt-free while your friend spends weekends under his car.

Affordability is not about cutting corners. Teslas abound in the used market, without leaving your pocket empty or your heart yearning empty-wise. Perhaps it’s time to trade electronic reality for gasoline aspirations. Who knows? Whether it’s to the grocery store or a cross-country excursion, you could wind up becoming that friend everyone wants to ride with.

So all set to go down the electric road?