Talk me out of getting a Tesla Model 3

New
cyberteen

New

cyberteen
Oct 12, 2019 48 Comments

I want a primary car which I would want to keep it for 5-6 years (until it's paid off). I am in F1 OPT visa. Just starting my career.

I'd like it to be electric. Just like most techies, heart inches towards tesla model 3. I want to go for SR+ without FSD. But I am also looking at Kona and Leaf plus.

I can't charge at home, but my workplace has superchargers and a lot of ChargePoint zones. My commute is about 2 miles.

I also don't drive much. Will probably be driving around 6-7k miles per year. I bike to work, few times a week. I just need it for occasional travel. I don't do long trips much.

Assuming payments around 750-800$ including insurance is doable, is it okay going with tesla or something less fancy? Is there anything else I need to consider? Should I wait till H1B? Is this a potential financial mistake ( apart from things like financing a depreciating asset etc.)

TC
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TOP 48 Comments
  • New / IT
    spartan90

    New IT

    PRE
    Sopra Steria
    BIO
    Blah blah tech blah
    spartan90
    How old are you? And what city are you in?
    Oct 12, 2019 10
    • New / IT
      spartan90

      New IT

      PRE
      Sopra Steria
      BIO
      Blah blah tech blah
      spartan90
      That's still an amazing price. Congrats on that. I pay about a $100 for an 8 year old camry
      Oct 13, 2019
    • Google
      ShakeBake

      Go to company page Google

      ShakeBake
      I pay about $30/mo more than daMM82 for my 3 and SUV. Also progressive
      Oct 13, 2019
  • Cisco / Eng
    ueXs26

    Go to company page Cisco Eng

    BIO
    Engineering Manager, Technical lead, software engineer
    ueXs26
    Bolt hands down. Model 3 is expensive. You can lease a bolt for 230$ / month. Excellent range.
    Oct 12, 2019 4
    • Google
      ShakeBake

      Go to company page Google

      ShakeBake
      Yes, the most economical EV option with good range is leasing, for now (tax credit phase puts disproportionately hurt leases though since the savings roll into 3 years instead of 5-6). If cost is a big driving factor and you want an EV and are ok leasing, it is a wise choice as range and battery cost keep improving. 3 years from now $/kWh is going to be less than it is today, with more options.
      Oct 13, 2019
    • Google
      ShakeBake

      Go to company page Google

      ShakeBake
      That said, I’ve driven both and can only recommend the bolt over the 3 if you heavily value budget over aesthetics, technology, charging infrastructure and looks :) I own a 3 now. Cannot imagine taking an EV road trip in anything that cannot supercharge.
      Oct 13, 2019
  • Chevrolet Bolt; lease 3 years then decide what you want. Gives you 240 miles (actually more) on full charge and it’s just awesome. Have one which my wife drives and it’s been great for 1 year now.
    Oct 12, 2019 1
  • Apple / Eng
    iseeteetoo

    Go to company page Apple Eng

    iseeteetoo
    TC is too low, don’t live paycheck to paycheck. Save up for a house like the comment above suggests
    Oct 12, 2019 0
  • You clearly stated that it is more of a want than a need. With that said, you are young, full of energy, I assume single with no big priorities yet, so taking on that kind of liability doesn’t sound bad to you yet. If all the reasons you stated above are the only reasons, Im sure you will either keep digging yourself more into the hole, or you will look at yourself back in the mirror and laugh at younger version of yourself.
    Now talking you out of getting it doesn’t really make sense, just because you asked, deep inside you probably already know that you might regret it.
    If I was in your shoes, which I was years ago, (still trying to decide which tesla I want, kinda tracking the Y now), i would not get it. I think there is way better use for my money instead of throwing it at a car every month.
    Save for a house instead. If you play the game smart enough, in couple years, you’ll be able to afford many of your dream cars, probably pay cash for them, and still have left overs.
    Focus on advancing your career now. Good luck
    Oct 12, 2019 1
    • New
      cyberteen

      New

      cyberteen
      OP
      Thank you. Yes. One of the main reasons I asked this question was, something did not feel right deep inside. I will think about it.
      Oct 12, 2019