I have been reading these forums for a while and, first, I wanted to say that this is a great community. You guys have some fantastic posts on here and it really is a great thing the way you all help each other out. And even as a non-owner, the content is engaging, exciting and informative. So thanks for that!
I’m a possible future Tesla Roadster owner and I had some questions that I wanted to bounce off of you guys. The only roadster that I have ever ridden in has been the older 1.5 2008. You can get some pretty good deals on these cars. But the 2010 2.X models have seemed to hold tight in the $90K+ range and that’s starting to get a little strong for me. However, I realize the 2.X makes strides in many ways (and even more if you get in the “Sport” category).
But let’s focus on the interior of the 2008 1.5 models. What would it take/cost to turn this 1.5 more into a 2.X? And on the flip side, what could I never accomplish that may be an overall frustration that I would be encouraged to spend the extra $$ up front (getting into a 2.X)?
Since this is an interior discussion, I’m not too worried about the overall performance. (Please don’t hate me!). 3.7 seconds next to 3.9 seconds really means nothing to me. I’m more swayed by the overall look/feel of the car and the fact that it’s electric and undoubtedly super fast by anyone’s account. And I realize that by getting an older car, I’m losing some of the overall “life” on the battery. So I think I have that covered too (and will realize savings up front on a less expensive car than one with the best battery that’s 2 years younger but $30K+ more).
I’m a possible future Tesla Roadster owner and I had some questions that I wanted to bounce off of you guys. The only roadster that I have ever ridden in has been the older 1.5 2008. You can get some pretty good deals on these cars. But the 2010 2.X models have seemed to hold tight in the $90K+ range and that’s starting to get a little strong for me. However, I realize the 2.X makes strides in many ways (and even more if you get in the “Sport” category).
But let’s focus on the interior of the 2008 1.5 models. What would it take/cost to turn this 1.5 more into a 2.X? And on the flip side, what could I never accomplish that may be an overall frustration that I would be encouraged to spend the extra $$ up front (getting into a 2.X)?
- I think that the “stick shift” shifter is really nice looking. I know it serves no purpose. . . But I think it looks nice. Since this is a discussion about the interior, let’s assume that the shifter is good to go in my mind.
- I know that the console down the center is significantly different from the 1.5 to the 2.X (not the least being the buttons for D, N, R, P as opposed to the shifter). But what about that little monitor that I see on 2.X versions down the center that’s not there on the 1.5? Does this provide a different service than the little monitor that is on the left side below the steering wheel on the 1.5?
- What if I wanted to replace the entire dash? Or large portions of the dash? Is this something that is doable for a reasonable cost (~$5K)? What about parts? The newest dash with the more integrated 2 DIN navigation is so much nicer. . . Thoughts?
- The carpet in the 1.5 that I drove seemed to be cobbled together. That is, you could look down the center of the car and see the aluminum foot wells and even some wiring. I want the car to feel more like a luxury automobile than a race car. Again – this is just my preference (sorry!). But I know I’m going to be going on 150 mile road trips with my girlfriend and I want her to feel comfortable (we have a 2001 MB SLK 320 that she adores, and I’d want to have her feel like she’s not taking a step back in the interior department).
- What about after market tops – do you approve of one like this? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Opel-Speeds...2135156932953215198&pid=100015&prg=1006&rk=1&
- What about getting the stereo up to snuff? The 2008 1.5 owner that I met with said the stereo was not very good (I, honestly, thought it was fine when I drove it). But just for the sake of argument, is there room for a decent sub that wouldn't involve taking the car apart?
- Finally, I’d like to have the noise deadened as much as possible – I know you can buy a kit for $3K. Then I’d need to install it. So that’s an expense (anyone know how much to get it done start to finish?). Is there a better way to get this done after-market from Tesla?
Since this is an interior discussion, I’m not too worried about the overall performance. (Please don’t hate me!). 3.7 seconds next to 3.9 seconds really means nothing to me. I’m more swayed by the overall look/feel of the car and the fact that it’s electric and undoubtedly super fast by anyone’s account. And I realize that by getting an older car, I’m losing some of the overall “life” on the battery. So I think I have that covered too (and will realize savings up front on a less expensive car than one with the best battery that’s 2 years younger but $30K+ more).
