Is this a bad time to buy a Tesla?
October 21, 2022 9:19 AM Subscribe
I have wanted a Tesla since the Model S came out and finally feel financially comfortable enough to do so. I am very interested in the Model Y (Performance) but gosh the price just keeps going up. I *think* I am open to a used one since they only just came out in 2020 so, uh, still seems pretty new to me!
However, they don't seem to be that much cheaper than new and I'm not even sure where is the most reliable source to buy from. I've looked into Tesla's own stock, which is very scant, and also CarMax and Carvana. I definitely am not willing to buy from or deal with a random seller from Craigslist or something. The other piece of it is I know that there are so many EVs in the works from other automobile makers and maybe, soon, Teslas won't seem as cool anymore? I don't really care about the coolness or the "name," though... I want it purely for the acceleration. If anyone has bought one recently, new or used, would love to hear your experience!
However, they don't seem to be that much cheaper than new and I'm not even sure where is the most reliable source to buy from. I've looked into Tesla's own stock, which is very scant, and also CarMax and Carvana. I definitely am not willing to buy from or deal with a random seller from Craigslist or something. The other piece of it is I know that there are so many EVs in the works from other automobile makers and maybe, soon, Teslas won't seem as cool anymore? I don't really care about the coolness or the "name," though... I want it purely for the acceleration. If anyone has bought one recently, new or used, would love to hear your experience!
I bought a Model 3 (dual motor) back in 2019 when they were still reasonably priced. It is the go-to vehicle for daily driving in the house because it is so fun to drive.
I should note that the performance model may be unnecessary unless you also want the bigger tire look. The base dual motor model will slam your head back and get you into a lot of trouble. You can always pay for the acceleration boost after to unlock another half second in the 0-60 times.
Based on your timeline and tax situation, a new one may be better than used. They are not really discounted in the used market (and sometimes sell at a markup) due to the scarcity right now, and having the full warrantee is a plus.
One other item of note: it eats tires. The ability to go from 0 to way too fast in under 4 seconds is to blame. If you drive it like an econobox they it is not too bad, but that is not why we are having this discussion, are we?
There are other EV models out there, but unless you are looking at the Porsche or the GT badged Audi, they all seem to be nerfed in such a way so as to not compete with the makers more traditional sports cars. The "fast" VW ID.4 is downright anemic and can only be compared to the slowest rear wheel drive only model that tesla offers.
posted by SegFaultCoreDump at 9:58 AM on October 21, 2022 [1 favorite]
I should note that the performance model may be unnecessary unless you also want the bigger tire look. The base dual motor model will slam your head back and get you into a lot of trouble. You can always pay for the acceleration boost after to unlock another half second in the 0-60 times.
Based on your timeline and tax situation, a new one may be better than used. They are not really discounted in the used market (and sometimes sell at a markup) due to the scarcity right now, and having the full warrantee is a plus.
One other item of note: it eats tires. The ability to go from 0 to way too fast in under 4 seconds is to blame. If you drive it like an econobox they it is not too bad, but that is not why we are having this discussion, are we?
There are other EV models out there, but unless you are looking at the Porsche or the GT badged Audi, they all seem to be nerfed in such a way so as to not compete with the makers more traditional sports cars. The "fast" VW ID.4 is downright anemic and can only be compared to the slowest rear wheel drive only model that tesla offers.
posted by SegFaultCoreDump at 9:58 AM on October 21, 2022 [1 favorite]
As kschang stated, any EV will give you excellent exceleration.
soon, Teslas won't seem as cool anymore?
If you hadn't mentioned this, I wouldn't have piped up, but: Tesla is already not cool. Elon has driven that brand into the mud. You may not care about "the name," but there are plenty of people who do, in a negative way.
I would never purchase from a brand whose owner said the leader of one of the freest countries on the planet was worse than Hitler because he disagreed with one of the leader's policies, but maybe that's just me (and every other Canadian I know).
posted by dobbs at 10:10 AM on October 21, 2022 [69 favorites]
soon, Teslas won't seem as cool anymore?
If you hadn't mentioned this, I wouldn't have piped up, but: Tesla is already not cool. Elon has driven that brand into the mud. You may not care about "the name," but there are plenty of people who do, in a negative way.
I would never purchase from a brand whose owner said the leader of one of the freest countries on the planet was worse than Hitler because he disagreed with one of the leader's policies, but maybe that's just me (and every other Canadian I know).
posted by dobbs at 10:10 AM on October 21, 2022 [69 favorites]
Our Model Y LR is a absolute kick in the pants. And if it ever gets too boring, we can pony up $2k to go from 4.8s to 4.3s 0-60. I don't ever want to drive a Performance because then I'll have to buy a new car.
Right now, I think Tesla is the only contender in the EV space. All other brands are just slapping batteries and motors on an old-school gas car. Tesla is the only one with a reliable fast charging infrastructure, where you don't have to give any extra thought or planning for long trips - just enter the destination, and the car will tell you when and where to charge and it Just Works.
The new cars are constantly getting minor upgrades, so it's impossible to time when is the right time to buy one. Just buy one, and don't regret that you missed out on something that comes out a month later. Buying used is a bit more complicated, as it isn't obvious what minor upgrades a given car will or won't have.
posted by Diddly at 10:12 AM on October 21, 2022 [2 favorites]
Right now, I think Tesla is the only contender in the EV space. All other brands are just slapping batteries and motors on an old-school gas car. Tesla is the only one with a reliable fast charging infrastructure, where you don't have to give any extra thought or planning for long trips - just enter the destination, and the car will tell you when and where to charge and it Just Works.
The new cars are constantly getting minor upgrades, so it's impossible to time when is the right time to buy one. Just buy one, and don't regret that you missed out on something that comes out a month later. Buying used is a bit more complicated, as it isn't obvious what minor upgrades a given car will or won't have.
posted by Diddly at 10:12 AM on October 21, 2022 [2 favorites]
Right now, I think Tesla is the only contender in the EV space. All other brands are just slapping batteries and motors on an old-school gas car. Tesla is the only one with a reliable fast charging infrastructure, where you don't have to give any extra thought or planning for long trips - just enter the destination, and the car will tell you when and where to charge and it Just Works.
I bought a Model 3 Dual Motor in 2018 and traded it in this summer for a Hyundai Ioniq5. I don't regret it for a second. If the absolute top acceleration is what you are after then yes the Tesla will win, but the dual motor Ioniq5 has a "sport mode" that will still push you back your seat and make you giggle.
The Hyundai/Kia/Genesis EVs can charge at up to 350 kW and their range predictors are (in my experience so far) pretty spot on. I've been on road trips in both the Tesla and the Ioniq5 and they are both easily manageable.
The Tesla was super fun to drive and overall I am glad I bought it when I did but a few little dumb things on it broke (the key reader on the door, the charge port door, the front [steering thingee] that groaned -- always covered by warranty, but still), the top battery range was degrading faster than I expected, and the every-single-thing-is-on-the-touchscreen thing could be annoying.
No matter what, though, once you buy and start to drive an EV there's no looking back. They are great.
posted by AgentRocket at 10:53 AM on October 21, 2022 [7 favorites]
I bought a Model 3 Dual Motor in 2018 and traded it in this summer for a Hyundai Ioniq5. I don't regret it for a second. If the absolute top acceleration is what you are after then yes the Tesla will win, but the dual motor Ioniq5 has a "sport mode" that will still push you back your seat and make you giggle.
The Hyundai/Kia/Genesis EVs can charge at up to 350 kW and their range predictors are (in my experience so far) pretty spot on. I've been on road trips in both the Tesla and the Ioniq5 and they are both easily manageable.
The Tesla was super fun to drive and overall I am glad I bought it when I did but a few little dumb things on it broke (the key reader on the door, the charge port door, the front [steering thingee] that groaned -- always covered by warranty, but still), the top battery range was degrading faster than I expected, and the every-single-thing-is-on-the-touchscreen thing could be annoying.
No matter what, though, once you buy and start to drive an EV there's no looking back. They are great.
posted by AgentRocket at 10:53 AM on October 21, 2022 [7 favorites]
The main/only reason to still buy a Tesla is their charging network. Currently the only cars that can use Tesla's charging locations in the US/Canada are Teslas and it's the only charging network worthy of the name. Things are getting better for the alternative networks, but if you drive long distances, the only electric car that can reliably charge on a long trip is still a Tesla.
That said, they are supposed to be opening the charging network up to other cars next year. If/when that happens, all other electric cars will become much more useful and won't have the political baggage.
That said, I own a Model 3, purchased before Musk went completely off the rails, and it's been a delight to own. I have the lowest spec model with the slowest motor and it's still the fastest car I've ever driven.
posted by Eddie Mars at 10:56 AM on October 21, 2022 [5 favorites]
That said, they are supposed to be opening the charging network up to other cars next year. If/when that happens, all other electric cars will become much more useful and won't have the political baggage.
That said, I own a Model 3, purchased before Musk went completely off the rails, and it's been a delight to own. I have the lowest spec model with the slowest motor and it's still the fastest car I've ever driven.
posted by Eddie Mars at 10:56 AM on October 21, 2022 [5 favorites]
If I were in the market for an EV, I would most certainly consider one of the many models already or soon to be manufactured by actual, legacy automakers.
posted by Vek at 11:03 AM on October 21, 2022 [8 favorites]
posted by Vek at 11:03 AM on October 21, 2022 [8 favorites]
Seconding Eddie Mars. The Tesla charging network keeps getting bigger and better so if you plan on driving it on any trips, this is the best option. The other thing to consider is the software. I like the version of Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) I have on my 2018 Model 3. I am not sure I would like the newer version with Full Self Driving (FSD) and the new version of Autopilot doesn't come with lane change. That being said, I would probably buy a Model Y that is one or two years old, from a reputable dealer.
posted by Ochre,Hugh at 11:21 AM on October 21, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Ochre,Hugh at 11:21 AM on October 21, 2022 [1 favorite]
We had three LEAFs, which were great, (low range though), and then we got an S, and then we got another model 3. And what everyone has said above about charging infrastructure. Superchargers mean you can go on long trips. Can't imagine trying to go on long trips without those. When we got our first LEAF, we were also able to get a charger installed in our garage, and that is a very good thing to have. And as early adopters, we got it for free.
The S is the best car I have ever owned. Don't like the 3 as much, due to the center touch screen being your only way to interact, check your speed, etc., but is has 50% more range.
And, all of the EVs we have owned have more acceleration than we will ever need.
posted by Windopaene at 11:24 AM on October 21, 2022
The S is the best car I have ever owned. Don't like the 3 as much, due to the center touch screen being your only way to interact, check your speed, etc., but is has 50% more range.
And, all of the EVs we have owned have more acceleration than we will ever need.
posted by Windopaene at 11:24 AM on October 21, 2022
I have a Chevy Bolt, which is the lowest end EV available with the possible exception of the Leaf. It has better acceleration than any gas car I’ve owned, or any of the various zip cars and rentals I drive on a regular basis.
That’s not to say the Bolt is aporty, but just to encourage you to look beyond Tesla. There’s a lot on the market.
posted by Winnie the Proust at 12:56 PM on October 21, 2022 [1 favorite]
That’s not to say the Bolt is aporty, but just to encourage you to look beyond Tesla. There’s a lot on the market.
posted by Winnie the Proust at 12:56 PM on October 21, 2022 [1 favorite]
I sense a nice Pro/Con chart is in order:
All EVs:
+ Acceleration / Driving dynamics
+ Environmental Impact vs Gas
+ Lower Maintenance Costs (No oil changes, belts, hoses, brakes, etc)
+ Typically Lower operating cost (250w/mi Model 3 vs 40mpg Hybrid)
+ A Better Route Planner: https://abetterrouteplanner.com/
- Cost
- Range
- Charging for folks in apartments or condos
- Charging time vs traditional gas vehicles
Tesla:
+State of the art battery, motors, electronics, software
+ Designed as an EV. Low center of gravity, trunk space, etc.
+ Supercharger Network
+ Over the Air Updates. Vehicle keeps improving.
+ In Car Trip planning w/ the charging network
+ No Dealer Network to fight with.
+ Easy no haggle online ordering.
+ Rapid iteration of hardware and software features.
- Elon is a real dick and has ruined everything that was good about the brand
- Hit or miss fit and finish / reliability
- Love it / hate it center console touchscreen for almost everything
- How the hell do you open this thing? And how do I get back out?
- Limited colors and upgrades
Rivian/Lucid/Other EV Startups:
+ Designed as an EV
+ No Elon to worry about
+ No "all or nothing" center touchscreen (typically)
+ Better Vehicle Selection for some (e.g. Rivian R1 vs Model Y)
- Higher Cost
- Unproven company longevity
- Scattershot charging network
Legacy Auto Makers
+ Fit and finish / reliability
+ Large Dealer Network
+ Traditional Styling and UI controls
- Battery / Motor tech typically lag others
- Dealer Network is Resistant to change and loves to add a markup
- In vehicle software updates are still a work in progress due to the myriad of component suppliers
- Resistant to undercut the existing product lines from a price / performance standpoint
- Nickle and dime upgrades and options continued.
- Scattershot charging network
- "Retrofitted" EV's based on existing platforms have a lot of design compromises
posted by SegFaultCoreDump at 12:58 PM on October 21, 2022 [19 favorites]
All EVs:
+ Acceleration / Driving dynamics
+ Environmental Impact vs Gas
+ Lower Maintenance Costs (No oil changes, belts, hoses, brakes, etc)
+ Typically Lower operating cost (250w/mi Model 3 vs 40mpg Hybrid)
+ A Better Route Planner: https://abetterrouteplanner.com/
- Cost
- Range
- Charging for folks in apartments or condos
- Charging time vs traditional gas vehicles
Tesla:
+State of the art battery, motors, electronics, software
+ Designed as an EV. Low center of gravity, trunk space, etc.
+ Supercharger Network
+ Over the Air Updates. Vehicle keeps improving.
+ In Car Trip planning w/ the charging network
+ No Dealer Network to fight with.
+ Easy no haggle online ordering.
+ Rapid iteration of hardware and software features.
- Elon is a real dick and has ruined everything that was good about the brand
- Hit or miss fit and finish / reliability
- Love it / hate it center console touchscreen for almost everything
- How the hell do you open this thing? And how do I get back out?
- Limited colors and upgrades
Rivian/Lucid/Other EV Startups:
+ Designed as an EV
+ No Elon to worry about
+ No "all or nothing" center touchscreen (typically)
+ Better Vehicle Selection for some (e.g. Rivian R1 vs Model Y)
- Higher Cost
- Unproven company longevity
- Scattershot charging network
Legacy Auto Makers
+ Fit and finish / reliability
+ Large Dealer Network
+ Traditional Styling and UI controls
- Battery / Motor tech typically lag others
- Dealer Network is Resistant to change and loves to add a markup
- In vehicle software updates are still a work in progress due to the myriad of component suppliers
- Resistant to undercut the existing product lines from a price / performance standpoint
- Nickle and dime upgrades and options continued.
- Scattershot charging network
- "Retrofitted" EV's based on existing platforms have a lot of design compromises
posted by SegFaultCoreDump at 12:58 PM on October 21, 2022 [19 favorites]
I think SegFaultCoreDump's pro/con list is comprehensive. You could assign points to each factor as a way to rank different cars.
We have two EVs, a BMW i3 and a Model 3, and my BFF has a Model 3.
BFF and his husband are on the list for a Rivian, and will be trading in their Model 3 (and their ICE truck), partly because they really only need a truck at this point but also specifically because Elon is so awful for so many reasons. It's kind of like "throw a dart in any direction and you'll hit a reason why he is awful."
I'm happy with my BMW i3, which is probably too small for you. But I got it used (2-3 years old) and was very happy with the price.
If I had my druthers, we would trade in the Tesla, for the same reasons my BFF is. I personally also find the car poorly designed as a passenger; I really don't think they tested it with shorter people. It seems like no matter what I do, the sun is always in my eyes. There are also shenanigans around repairs and needing to sign non-disclosure forms in order to get them, and artificially throttling performance unless you pay another fee.
2023 and 2024 will see a major shift in the EV market, with many more vehicles (and companies) actually getting on the road. Many if not nearly all of those will qualify for US federal tax incentives, bringing down the price a bit, if you are a USian. The SuperCharger network is also supposed to be opening up to other non-Tesla vehicles, so limited proximate charging will be less of a consideration. I personally would not buy a Tesla for any price.
posted by emkelley at 1:25 PM on October 21, 2022 [5 favorites]
We have two EVs, a BMW i3 and a Model 3, and my BFF has a Model 3.
BFF and his husband are on the list for a Rivian, and will be trading in their Model 3 (and their ICE truck), partly because they really only need a truck at this point but also specifically because Elon is so awful for so many reasons. It's kind of like "throw a dart in any direction and you'll hit a reason why he is awful."
I'm happy with my BMW i3, which is probably too small for you. But I got it used (2-3 years old) and was very happy with the price.
If I had my druthers, we would trade in the Tesla, for the same reasons my BFF is. I personally also find the car poorly designed as a passenger; I really don't think they tested it with shorter people. It seems like no matter what I do, the sun is always in my eyes. There are also shenanigans around repairs and needing to sign non-disclosure forms in order to get them, and artificially throttling performance unless you pay another fee.
2023 and 2024 will see a major shift in the EV market, with many more vehicles (and companies) actually getting on the road. Many if not nearly all of those will qualify for US federal tax incentives, bringing down the price a bit, if you are a USian. The SuperCharger network is also supposed to be opening up to other non-Tesla vehicles, so limited proximate charging will be less of a consideration. I personally would not buy a Tesla for any price.
posted by emkelley at 1:25 PM on October 21, 2022 [5 favorites]
EV acceleration varies between brands and models enough that you’ll notice if you care about acceleration. Charts like this one might be a place to start research: https://insideevs.com/news/567091/bev-60mph-acceleration-comparison-february2022/
New and used prices should drift apart in the first half of next year.
posted by michaelh at 2:01 PM on October 21, 2022 [1 favorite]
New and used prices should drift apart in the first half of next year.
posted by michaelh at 2:01 PM on October 21, 2022 [1 favorite]
All other brands are just slapping batteries and motors on an old-school gas car.
This is plainly not true. Porshe, Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar, and others have EVs that were designed and built as EVs.
This Car and Driver page has a decent list of most (maybe all) electric cars for the US market.
posted by StrawberryPie at 5:45 PM on October 21, 2022 [7 favorites]
This is plainly not true. Porshe, Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar, and others have EVs that were designed and built as EVs.
This Car and Driver page has a decent list of most (maybe all) electric cars for the US market.
posted by StrawberryPie at 5:45 PM on October 21, 2022 [7 favorites]
My b-i-l drives a Polestar 2, and describes it as the fastest Volvo he's ever owned. It also doesn't look like an EV from the outside.
posted by scruss at 7:02 PM on October 21, 2022
posted by scruss at 7:02 PM on October 21, 2022
I was looking at model 3s second hand with a friend and the prices are abominable - just under list for anything you find, almost independent of age. I think it's an instant gratification markup. I would get your name down for a new one if you decide on a Tesla; you're paying in patience.
I have a hankering for a Lightning, which all reports say is a well built beastie despite being some sort of conversion from an ICE vehicle, but you can't even get on the preorder list right now...
I make no judgements other than 'why did they call it a Mustang', but here in EV land (ie: California) there's no shortage of Mach E's on the road (although they're crowded out by model 3s, that's for sure). I have never so much as sat in one, I'm just reporting on popularity.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 7:29 PM on October 21, 2022
I have a hankering for a Lightning, which all reports say is a well built beastie despite being some sort of conversion from an ICE vehicle, but you can't even get on the preorder list right now...
I make no judgements other than 'why did they call it a Mustang', but here in EV land (ie: California) there's no shortage of Mach E's on the road (although they're crowded out by model 3s, that's for sure). I have never so much as sat in one, I'm just reporting on popularity.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 7:29 PM on October 21, 2022
It was hinted at above, but I will state it plainly here:
Teslas currently do NOT qualify for the $7500 federal tax credit (which would pretty much literally knock $7500 off the price of the car). However come January 1st they MAY qualify for it, depending on what their battery sourcing turns out to be. Nobody really knows what that situation will be until it arrives, on January 1st.
It's complicated, but if I were looking at buying a Tesla, I would wait until next year, and be patient because the crunch at the beginning of the year will be formidable.
That said, as a now six-time EV owner over 12 years, I personally think Teslas are a bad choice, for three reasons:
- touchscreens are terrible UI for drivers in moving cars
- Tesla Inc builds low quality cars (water leaks, fit and finish problems, blah blah blah)
- their service and parts operation is and has always been a disaster of comical proportions
Right now, only the Nissan Leaf, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 are the pure electrics that qualify for the $7500 tax credit. That should improve in January, adding in the aforementioned Tesla but also the GM (Chevy) models. There are also lots of PHEVs that qualify, but those cars are laaaaame maaaaan. Pure EVs are a freaking thrill :)
posted by intermod at 7:51 PM on October 21, 2022 [5 favorites]
Teslas currently do NOT qualify for the $7500 federal tax credit (which would pretty much literally knock $7500 off the price of the car). However come January 1st they MAY qualify for it, depending on what their battery sourcing turns out to be. Nobody really knows what that situation will be until it arrives, on January 1st.
It's complicated, but if I were looking at buying a Tesla, I would wait until next year, and be patient because the crunch at the beginning of the year will be formidable.
That said, as a now six-time EV owner over 12 years, I personally think Teslas are a bad choice, for three reasons:
- touchscreens are terrible UI for drivers in moving cars
- Tesla Inc builds low quality cars (water leaks, fit and finish problems, blah blah blah)
- their service and parts operation is and has always been a disaster of comical proportions
Right now, only the Nissan Leaf, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 are the pure electrics that qualify for the $7500 tax credit. That should improve in January, adding in the aforementioned Tesla but also the GM (Chevy) models. There are also lots of PHEVs that qualify, but those cars are laaaaame maaaaan. Pure EVs are a freaking thrill :)
posted by intermod at 7:51 PM on October 21, 2022 [5 favorites]
I've had a Polestar 2, single motor long range, since April. It's a joy to drive and, for the most part, to own. It has very ordinary specs by EV standards - 0-100Kmh in 7.4 seconds I think - but they make much, much faster ones and the torque makes so many things, like quickly getting away from tailgaters and other idiots, safe and fun. The build quality is excellent and everything works really well, almost all the time. The big thing to adjust to conceptually is that EVs are much more about software than ICE vehicles - all the glitches I've had have been with software, which they are constantly updating and improving.
I would've loved a Model 3 at the time, but I'm happy I didn't buy one now. The build quality and reliability of Teslas seem to leave a lot to be desired. I'm also happier every day not to be supporting Musk in any of his endeavours.
The charging was a little bit of a pain at first but I have a 7kW charger at home now and I've adjusted to the need for somewhat longer stops on long trips. You can also get a lot into them in the first 10-20 minutes, so it's a bit more flexible than it may seem at first blush. Some of what I did with my last car is now difficult or impractical, like long trips to remote places, but everything is a compromise and I happily accept that one for now.
posted by mewsic at 9:42 PM on October 21, 2022 [3 favorites]
I would've loved a Model 3 at the time, but I'm happy I didn't buy one now. The build quality and reliability of Teslas seem to leave a lot to be desired. I'm also happier every day not to be supporting Musk in any of his endeavours.
The charging was a little bit of a pain at first but I have a 7kW charger at home now and I've adjusted to the need for somewhat longer stops on long trips. You can also get a lot into them in the first 10-20 minutes, so it's a bit more flexible than it may seem at first blush. Some of what I did with my last car is now difficult or impractical, like long trips to remote places, but everything is a compromise and I happily accept that one for now.
posted by mewsic at 9:42 PM on October 21, 2022 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Thank you for your responses, everyone! And to dobbs, I totally get the Elon stigma. If I was anywhere else on the internet, I would just roll my eyes and call it virtue signaling, but I have the utmost respect for mefites and honestly don't even know how you all stay purehearted and kind and helpful, despite everything. And I believe that when someone on here says they don't support evil corporations, they actually do make a concerted effort not to support them. That being said, if I was merely a budding fatalist before, given the events of recent years, I think I'm about to win the next election for Mayor of Fatalist Village. I hate an evil guy as much as the next guy but sometimes I get the zoomies and I see other people doing zoomies in their Teslas and I feel like this car would make me happy(ier?) when nothing much does and I hope Elon does something good again someday.
posted by thelasttango at 10:20 PM on October 21, 2022
posted by thelasttango at 10:20 PM on October 21, 2022
MeFi does tend not to like Mr. Musk. I don't know that you could describe Tesla as an evil corporation (for just one example - name another car company that open sources their patents).
But that is not your question - is NOW a bad time to buy a Tesla Model Y Performance? I have had my Model 3 dual motor with acceleration boost for 2 and a half years. It has almost identical quickness to the MYP (i.e. under 4 seconds to 60mph, under 12 seconds in the 1/4 mile). I STILL love being the first car at the light. If you like zoomies, you will love your car, IF none of the cons listed above are actual cons for you. I like the touchscreen interface (and voice control does work for many things (and likely more over time)). It does eat tires, but that is mostly because of the tires it comes with - I have switched to all year tires (essentially winter tires that last) and while the wear is quicker (heh) than it might otherwise be, it is not unreasonable. Only you can decide the monetary aspect of things, but if you can afford it now, and can find one to buy now, as long as you can see if the fit and finish are good, I say dive in. And for the 'con' of limited colours - that is what (relatively affordable) wraps are for. Good luck.
posted by birdsquared at 9:40 AM on October 22, 2022
But that is not your question - is NOW a bad time to buy a Tesla Model Y Performance? I have had my Model 3 dual motor with acceleration boost for 2 and a half years. It has almost identical quickness to the MYP (i.e. under 4 seconds to 60mph, under 12 seconds in the 1/4 mile). I STILL love being the first car at the light. If you like zoomies, you will love your car, IF none of the cons listed above are actual cons for you. I like the touchscreen interface (and voice control does work for many things (and likely more over time)). It does eat tires, but that is mostly because of the tires it comes with - I have switched to all year tires (essentially winter tires that last) and while the wear is quicker (heh) than it might otherwise be, it is not unreasonable. Only you can decide the monetary aspect of things, but if you can afford it now, and can find one to buy now, as long as you can see if the fit and finish are good, I say dive in. And for the 'con' of limited colours - that is what (relatively affordable) wraps are for. Good luck.
posted by birdsquared at 9:40 AM on October 22, 2022
Fun story I heard last night: friend of a friend has a Tesla and got hit while driving last night. The nearest car repair place is two states away (Washington) and will take months to fix.
Also, Elon is a spectacular asshole and I would not trust anything he is involved in, no matter how cool it sounds.
posted by jenfullmoon at 10:35 AM on October 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
Also, Elon is a spectacular asshole and I would not trust anything he is involved in, no matter how cool it sounds.
posted by jenfullmoon at 10:35 AM on October 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
the only electric car that can reliably charge on a long trip is still a Tesla
This is simply not true. In the last nine months I've driven my Volkswagen ID.4 from the Bay Area to Joshua Tree, Emigrant Wilderness, and the eastern Sierra without any charging issues or inconveniences.
posted by jesourie at 10:49 AM on October 22, 2022 [3 favorites]
This is simply not true. In the last nine months I've driven my Volkswagen ID.4 from the Bay Area to Joshua Tree, Emigrant Wilderness, and the eastern Sierra without any charging issues or inconveniences.
posted by jesourie at 10:49 AM on October 22, 2022 [3 favorites]
sometimes I get the zoomies and I see other people doing zoomies in their Teslas and I feel like this car would make me happy(ier?
A couple ago, when I did a test drive prior to getting an M3, Tesla were using Performance models for that purpose - so that can provide a way for you to experience one for free; worth a check. You could also hire one - and I think you would probably only be getting the best out of it if you tried it on a track occasionally - so again: options to experiment to see if that particular model is for you.
As others have said: lots of new options coming available in the next year in the EV world. I like the long-standing EV channel "Fully Charged" - and here you can see their review of the Xpeng P5 coming out in China right now. Companies like this and BYD are worth keeping an eye on.
posted by rongorongo at 2:50 PM on October 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
A couple ago, when I did a test drive prior to getting an M3, Tesla were using Performance models for that purpose - so that can provide a way for you to experience one for free; worth a check. You could also hire one - and I think you would probably only be getting the best out of it if you tried it on a track occasionally - so again: options to experiment to see if that particular model is for you.
As others have said: lots of new options coming available in the next year in the EV world. I like the long-standing EV channel "Fully Charged" - and here you can see their review of the Xpeng P5 coming out in China right now. Companies like this and BYD are worth keeping an eye on.
posted by rongorongo at 2:50 PM on October 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
It's also difficult to get Tesla's repaired. Let alone Tesla's stance on right to repair.
posted by oceano at 9:08 PM on October 23, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by oceano at 9:08 PM on October 23, 2022 [2 favorites]
I saw someone get the "Zoomies" with their Tesla Model 3 and they drove over a curb into a pharmacy where my mother had just been waiting 15 minutes after getting her COVID booster. Apparently the owner, so tech-addled and bemused by touch screens, etc couldn't quite master the art of knowing the throttle from the brake and despite all of the so-called safety gadgets it still drove inside the building.
posted by drstrangelove at 7:17 AM on October 24, 2022
posted by drstrangelove at 7:17 AM on October 24, 2022
Some of what I did with my last car is now difficult or impractical, like long trips to remote places, but everything is a compromise and I happily accept that one for now.
I'm glad you're honest about your ownership experience. Most of the people I know with Teslas like to gaslight me into thinking that there are basically no limitations on what they can do but then occasionally they'll let it slip that they were stuck at some desolate charger in a poorly-lit place at night. My personal favorite was a friend telling me how much his son loves his Model 3 and how he'll never own a gasser again. Of course, he ended up having to install a Tesla home charger at this place because the range on the son's car, while enough to make it to his house, isn't enough to go there and make it to a charging station. So on the way up he'd have to drive about 15 miles out of his way to top up before continuing on. Now with the home set up he can charge the car enough overnight to make it back home without having to stop.
posted by drstrangelove at 7:21 AM on October 24, 2022
I'm glad you're honest about your ownership experience. Most of the people I know with Teslas like to gaslight me into thinking that there are basically no limitations on what they can do but then occasionally they'll let it slip that they were stuck at some desolate charger in a poorly-lit place at night. My personal favorite was a friend telling me how much his son loves his Model 3 and how he'll never own a gasser again. Of course, he ended up having to install a Tesla home charger at this place because the range on the son's car, while enough to make it to his house, isn't enough to go there and make it to a charging station. So on the way up he'd have to drive about 15 miles out of his way to top up before continuing on. Now with the home set up he can charge the car enough overnight to make it back home without having to stop.
posted by drstrangelove at 7:21 AM on October 24, 2022
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The problem is are you sure your travel patterns support the use of an EV? Do you live at a place with EV chargers or your own garage for overnight? Can you upgrade the electricals for EV charging?
posted by kschang at 9:42 AM on October 21, 2022 [3 favorites]