Struggling ... need some help

Hey guys and gals -

I have felt the draw of the Tesla for a number of years. When the Model S first came out I got 90% through the deposit process before I chickened out. But I've been obsessed from afar since they arrived. I feel the major element with that draw is my love of technology. I'm a 39 year old male who grew up with PC Jrs., Atari, Ninetendo, Commodore 64s and the like. I love tech - it's my career, it's my hobby, etc.

I also love cars. In the last 12 years, I've bought 32 cars - either f. I tend to slant German - more than half of the 32 were German - mostly Audis, VWs, BMWs and Porsches. in nearly every modern Audi or BMW I've owned, I've been obsessed with upgrading some element of the technology. Buy a BMW 6-series without Bluetooth - no problem, I'll add it myself. I really enjoy that type of thing. That said, and for all the cars I've owned, I'm not overly mechanically inclined. I've changed a valve cover gasket on a BMW before, but I didn't enjoy it and I didn't have much satisfaction when I was done.

With all that pretext, I'll get to my point. For the last month or so I've been actively seeking out a pre-owned Model S. I've never driven a Tesla - I've seen three total in person - sat in one in a mall once. That's it. Yet I've watched 100s of YouTube videos about every aspect of the car - ownership, delivery, technology, reviews, etc. I'm drawn in with each one. I've spent countless hours on this forum lurking through all the conversations between owners. I'm riveted.

I'm currently looking in the 65k-75k range, which makes an S85 within reach and a P85 less so.

So given all that, I'd absolutely love to hear some opinions from people on this forum. Is there anyone out there like me who was a frequent driver of performance cars from other brands that made the jump to Tesla essentially sight-unseen? What are your thoughts - what do you love - what do you miss (if anything) - what would you do differently. What advice would you give a guy like me? I'm sure I'll get a lot of "drive it first". I respect that. While I tend to agree, I never drove a 911 TT before I bought one and loved the surprise and delight I felt when I first got it.

Anyway - I'd love as many opinions as possible. This hunt feels different and because it's the first electric I've considered, I think I may just be overthinking. Also - if you're one of the lucky ones to be waiting on a D delivery and would like to give a guy a good deal on a pre-loved Model S ... PM me

Thanks all.

I really appreciate all the responses so far. They've hit on a number of topics that have been top of mind for me.

* P85D vs. S85. @Esell - I signed up for that test drive a few weeks ago and finally got the call last night to reserve my time. As Crispix points out - I'm worried about driving one because I'm afraid I'd walk out of that test drive with a big fat hole in my wallet. 32 cars in 12 years tells a pretty clear story that I don't have much self-restraint when it comes to cool cars. @aznt1217 - I appreciate the conversion to BMW terms. @Crispix - your take on the overall model line is encouraging - primarily the fact that I'll enjoy whatever I get.
* Missing the sound of the engine - I'll take the exhilaration of the experience over the sound most days. I just sold my '77 911 yesterday - that car has an amazing sound - but I was willing to give that up in a second if that meant I was a step closer to the Model S.
* Buying without driving - no longer a concern.

I do look forward to hearing more opinions - even if they run counter to those posted so far. This is the first time ever I'm seeking education before making a car purchase

maxjamie said:

mightydave,
I have also gone through over 30 cars mostly German and Japanese. ( 996TT stage 2,Boxster, 996Cab, 9974S, 930, M3, M6, 740, 535, S600, CLK430, SL500, Range Rovers, on and on etc)
Had my P85 for almost 2 yrs and hands down this is the best car I have owned. Yes I also ordered this without a test drive or even seeing one close up.
Especially you being a techy, you will absolutely love the car.
Life is too short, don't go crazy over this decision. Just pull the trigger. It's a no brainer.

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That's quite a collection, maxjamie! My list is similar (300zx, GTi, 996TT, 911s, A3, A4, S5, S6, 330ci, 760i, 850i, 650i) so hearing your experience on the switch is hugely helpful. That makes me want to zero in on the P85.

Again - thanks to everyone who has responded. It's been a huge help.

Based on wk057's comment, I called my local service center and the guy - who was awesome to talk to - is going to check inventory and get back to me. I also have a visit scheduled for next week to drive a P85 loaner. I'm now super stoked to move this ball forward. Thanks again to everyone who has shared their opinions here.

DrGuest said:

mightydave,
You will never find a company that sincerely wants to take care of your every need better than TM. I bought my S85 without a test drive and had it delivered to my home 2 weeks early last Christmas. I have had some service and all of it has been handled with excellence and to my complete satisfaction and the nearest SC is 650 miles away. The Tesla Ranger service has been the best. Whenever you talk to a Technician, they all have come from BMW, Mercedes, etc and they all love working for Tesla Motors and feel it was the best career move they could have ever made. Enjoy and Welcome to TMC.

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DrGuest - that is great to hear. I've long admired the company and the product - but I'm now ready to embed myself. Even when I talked to the guy at the SC, it felt like I was calling a tech company about their product rather than a car dealership. Very refreshing.