When you imagine the perks of being related to one of the richest and most influential tech figures on the planet, you might assume free cars, VIP treatment, or at the very least, a generous family discount. But when it comes to Elon Musk and Tesla, that assumption couldn’t be more wrong.

According to Musk’s 76-year-old mother, Maye Musk, there is one rule that applies to absolutely everyone when buying a Tesla: you pay full price. No exceptions. Not for family. Not for celebrities. Not even for Elon Musk himself.

Despite being the matriarch of one of the most powerful tech dynasties in the world, Maye Musk has repeatedly confirmed that her billionaire son does not offer discounts on Tesla vehicles—not even to his own relatives. In fact, she says that’s exactly how he wants it.

“Everybody’s Family When You Buy a Tesla”

Maye Musk, a longtime model, dietitian, and public speaker, has spoken openly about her son’s firm stance on equal pricing. In a 2023 interview with the Associated Press, she revealed that when Elon bought her a Tesla, it was purchased at full price—just like any other customer.

“Elon paid full price when he got me a Tesla,” she said, adding that her son often repeats the phrase: “Everybody’s family when you buy a Tesla.”

“I think that’s cute,” Maye added, clearly amused by the principle.

She even compared the experience to paying for verification on X (formerly Twitter), another Musk-owned platform. The point, she explained, is consistency. Musk believes rules should apply equally to everyone, regardless of status, fame, or family ties.

No Skipping the Line—Even for Mom

This philosophy isn’t new. Back in 2017, Maye Musk told The New York Times that even though her son was the CEO of Tesla, she did not get to jump the line when ordering a Model 3.

At the time, demand for the Model 3 was enormous, with hundreds of thousands of reservations worldwide. Maye found herself placed roughly 300,000th in line, just like everyone else.

“Even though I have good connections, I can’t jump the line,” she said.

The message was clear: ownership doesn’t mean favoritism.

Celebrities Don’t Get Special Treatment Either

This strict policy resurfaced publicly in 2024 during a lighthearted but telling exchange on X. Elon Musk responded to a nearly two-year-old video in which rapper Snoop Dogg jokingly asked for a free Tesla.

Musk’s reply was short and definitive:

“Everyone pays full price for a Tesla, including me.”

The response went viral—not because it was shocking, but because it perfectly captured Musk’s reputation. Even though Snoop Dogg has been seen driving a Tesla Model X and is one of the most recognizable celebrities in the world, fame didn’t earn him a free ride.

If a Grammy-winning global icon can’t get a discount, it’s safe to say no one can.

A Family Discount? Not Even Close

The no-discount rule applies just as strictly within Musk’s own family. In 2016, his cousin Lyndon Rive—then CEO of SolarCity—shared a story that perfectly illustrates Musk’s mindset.

Rive admitted that he tried his luck and asked Elon directly for a family discount on a Tesla.

“I asked, ‘Elon, hey, can I have a family discount?’” Rive recalled in an interview with Business Insider.

Elon’s response?

“Yeah, absolutely. Go to TeslaMotor.com, buy the car online, and the price you see there is the family discount.”

Rive ended up buying a Model S, while his wife drove a Model X, and he had no complaints.

“It’s totally fair,” he said. “For the amount of car you’re getting, it’s a totally fair price.”

He went even further, praising Musk’s commitment to fairness.

“I give Elon credit beyond the fact of being the best entrepreneur in the world—he treats everyone the same. Everyone.”

When Being a Musk Costs More

Ironically, being part of the Musk family can sometimes make things more expensive—not cheaper.

Elon’s younger sister, Tosca Musk, an entrepreneur and founder of the streaming platform Passionflix, revealed a striking example in an interview with the Daily Mail. She recalled trying to rent a location for her business, only to see the price skyrocket once the owner realized she was related to Elon Musk.

The daily rental fee jumped from $5,000 to $25,000 overnight.

Tosca explained that many people assume Elon pays for everything, which simply isn’t true. Being a Musk, she said, often comes with unrealistic expectations and inflated costs rather than financial advantages.

A Principle That Defines Leadership

Elon Musk’s refusal to offer discounts may seem rigid, but for many, it reflects a deeper principle about leadership, fairness, and organizational culture. By refusing to bend the rules for friends, family, or fame, Musk reinforces the idea that Tesla operates on transparency and equality.

In an industry where nepotism and favoritism are often criticized, Musk’s stance stands out. Whether intentional or instinctive, it sends a clear message: products should stand on their value, not on who you know.

No Sympathy—Not Even From Mom

Perhaps the most telling part of this story is Maye Musk’s attitude. Rather than complaining, she seems proud of her son’s consistency. There’s no sense of entitlement, no expectation of special treatment—only acceptance of the rules.

And those rules are simple.

Whether you’re:

• A global music icon

• The mother of a billionaire

• A cousin running a major company

• Or just an everyday customer

Everyone pays full price for a Tesla.

Elon Musk’s unwavering commitment to equal pricing has been in place for years, and there’s no sign it’s going to change. And if you’re hoping for sympathy or a secret discount code—don’t count on it. Not even his mom gets one.