Here is my situation. 1. I have a 5 year old Camry. Pretty decent car. I drive only on weekends. 2. Booked the Tesla model 3 when it was announced couple of years back. Now it is ready to order (delivery in 2-3weeks). The default configuration is long range battery, premium interior and rear wheel drive. Priced at $48k. With self driving capabilities and auto pilot it coming to $58k. 3. If it buy it now I get 10k in Federal tax incentives (effective saving of 3.5k given my tax bracket is ~35%). My dilemma. 1. I don't use the car much. The Camry will last at least for 10 more years if not more. 2. I can sell the Camry and effectively pay the same monthly payments after tax savings and gas savings. But I need to pay that for another 5years. 3. Fully dependent on electric. 4. I haven't seen the car except in the YouTube reviews. 5. I can absolutely afford ("waste the money") the car. 6. Feel good factor. Status symbol, Nice car, saving the environment (have a house and planning to go solar as well. So it's really saving the environment not the electricity from burning coal).
This post is everything that is wrong with Tesla drivers. Kudos.
I think with the less money, you can buy a Chevy volt or Lexus ct200 which are much better cars in my opinion. I stop being a Tesla fan after they claim their car can self drive.
I would still drive the Camry. You don't really need a car. After 3 or 4 years, you might get cheaper EV. Whatever saving you gain, I would travel and experience new adventure.
Second this
I think it’s cool technology.
Get the Tesla. Life is short.
F*** Tesla
Invest the 58k for 10 years while driving the Camry. Take the gains and buy the Tesla in 10 years.
S and not 3
Your car insurance will be significantly higher for the model 3 compared to a Camry. Repair costs are also crazy high as well. Why light money on fire for the sake of lighting money on fire. You'll also likely be able to get a Model 3 later this year once they exhaust their backlog.
How does it make a difference? getting now vs getting later this year? I heard that Tesla is reaching the 200k car limit and hence the federal tax break will be half i.e 3250$ for the next 100k or so cars.
Massive production is how car companies cut down cost. Tesla isn’t doing a good job cutting cost when producing model 3. Do you think they even care cutting cost for parts?
TC or GTFO