Hi everyone
Let me start off with a bit of context. As a kid, the only car I ever really wanted was a Porsche 911. 3 years ago, I fulfilled that dream. It is the best car I have ever owned -- tons of fun, ridiculously fast, handles like a dream, beautiful, and reliable. If you would have asked me a couple of weeks ago about buying an American car that was electric, I would have laughed at you. I've been a snob about cars for years, and told myself I would never sway from german cars because nothing else would quite measure up (italian cars are nice but owning a ferrari or lamborghini just isn't me)
Now, I have been following Tesla for the last 2 yrs with interest. Not as a car I would particularly care to own myself, but more as a company that's trying to create a sea-change in the auto industry, and as a guy who has worked at startups for the last 13 yrs (and helped sell a few), I love what Tesla is aiming for and the success they've had to date.
A couple of weeks ago, I started reading a bit more about the car online. Especially this forum. And I was intrigued by how many people said that the Model S was the best car they've ever owned/driven. I was a bit surprised that these comments were coming from folks who were Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes owners. I started to read about the P85+ and was blown away by the reviews. So, last week I made an appointment for a drive, and yesterday at 11am I finally drove the P85+.
Reaction: WOW.
I put a deposit down about 45 mins later. It is unlike anything I've ever driven. I did my drive at the Burlingame CA store, flew through what I thought I might want color and options-wise, and said I'll give myself 2 weeks to fine tune the build. Right after, I went to the Palo Alto CA store so I could see some actual cars in various combinations to help me decide exactly what I want. To be honest, I AM STILL VERY CONFUSED! I did take another P85+ out for drive at the second store or some twisty roads and it just absolutely confirmed what a beast the car is.
So, here is what my initial order is:
P85+
Grey with grey wheels, black standard leather seats (non performance), obeche matte
Tech package, Smart air, sound package, panorama roof, parking sensors, fog lamps, carbon fiber spoiler.
Some thoughts/concerns:
- I love the grey with grey wheels. But my Porsche is seal grey, which is a bit lighter, and I've been living with it for 3 yrs and am worried that I might get tired of living with it on the Tesla. Also love the blue/grey wheels. Intrigued by MC Red, Diamond white, and Brown but not sure if I can live with them long term.
- I think I'm pretty set on the options. Anything I'm missing that you all recommend? I was talked out of the twin chargers.
- I still have to figure out how I'm going to charge my car My highrise in SF doesn't seem to have outlets, but I will try to work with them to get one installed near my parking spot. We are looking for a home in the next couple of months so that problem will be eventually solved. This car will probably get used about 20 miles per week, so hopefully its OK not to leave it plugged in all the time for the first few mos.
- Having some trouble deciding between tan and black leather. I like the contrast of the tan but am worried about getting it dirty.
- All the performance seats worth the extra $$? I care less about the look, and more about the grip and staying planted in my seat.
- Both testers I drove had a bit of creaking from the dash area. This normal? Seemed liked it might be coming from the vents.
Well, that's it for now. I'm tired of typing. Going to try to hit the Fremont store today so I can see some different combinations and make my decision on a color. So hard
Let me start off with a bit of context. As a kid, the only car I ever really wanted was a Porsche 911. 3 years ago, I fulfilled that dream. It is the best car I have ever owned -- tons of fun, ridiculously fast, handles like a dream, beautiful, and reliable. If you would have asked me a couple of weeks ago about buying an American car that was electric, I would have laughed at you. I've been a snob about cars for years, and told myself I would never sway from german cars because nothing else would quite measure up (italian cars are nice but owning a ferrari or lamborghini just isn't me)
Now, I have been following Tesla for the last 2 yrs with interest. Not as a car I would particularly care to own myself, but more as a company that's trying to create a sea-change in the auto industry, and as a guy who has worked at startups for the last 13 yrs (and helped sell a few), I love what Tesla is aiming for and the success they've had to date.
A couple of weeks ago, I started reading a bit more about the car online. Especially this forum. And I was intrigued by how many people said that the Model S was the best car they've ever owned/driven. I was a bit surprised that these comments were coming from folks who were Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes owners. I started to read about the P85+ and was blown away by the reviews. So, last week I made an appointment for a drive, and yesterday at 11am I finally drove the P85+.
Reaction: WOW.
I put a deposit down about 45 mins later. It is unlike anything I've ever driven. I did my drive at the Burlingame CA store, flew through what I thought I might want color and options-wise, and said I'll give myself 2 weeks to fine tune the build. Right after, I went to the Palo Alto CA store so I could see some actual cars in various combinations to help me decide exactly what I want. To be honest, I AM STILL VERY CONFUSED! I did take another P85+ out for drive at the second store or some twisty roads and it just absolutely confirmed what a beast the car is.
So, here is what my initial order is:
P85+
Grey with grey wheels, black standard leather seats (non performance), obeche matte
Tech package, Smart air, sound package, panorama roof, parking sensors, fog lamps, carbon fiber spoiler.
Some thoughts/concerns:
- I love the grey with grey wheels. But my Porsche is seal grey, which is a bit lighter, and I've been living with it for 3 yrs and am worried that I might get tired of living with it on the Tesla. Also love the blue/grey wheels. Intrigued by MC Red, Diamond white, and Brown but not sure if I can live with them long term.
- I think I'm pretty set on the options. Anything I'm missing that you all recommend? I was talked out of the twin chargers.
- I still have to figure out how I'm going to charge my car My highrise in SF doesn't seem to have outlets, but I will try to work with them to get one installed near my parking spot. We are looking for a home in the next couple of months so that problem will be eventually solved. This car will probably get used about 20 miles per week, so hopefully its OK not to leave it plugged in all the time for the first few mos.
- Having some trouble deciding between tan and black leather. I like the contrast of the tan but am worried about getting it dirty.
- All the performance seats worth the extra $$? I care less about the look, and more about the grip and staying planted in my seat.
- Both testers I drove had a bit of creaking from the dash area. This normal? Seemed liked it might be coming from the vents.
Well, that's it for now. I'm tired of typing. Going to try to hit the Fremont store today so I can see some different combinations and make my decision on a color. So hard