A Guy who just put his deposit down on a new Tesla has a very long journey when it comes to EVs. My Dad (born in 1931) has just made the decision to buy a 70 D. I don't know if any of you remember the Briggs and Stratton EV on the cover of Motor trend in March 1980, but my father's business was responsible for the chassis and drivetrain it sat on. It was built at Marathon electric vehicles located in the outskirts of Montreal and based on the C360 model they were hoping would catch the public's attention . I think he was a bit before his time on this. Anyway, I think this new Tesla will be the most exciting car he has ever owned and driven. ( I did like the Volvo P1800 as the first car I can remember in 1963)
Before the deal is completed, just wondering how you would option yours? Are there some options that are no brainers and better values? Some you would pass on?
The car will be parked outdoors unfortunately, so any tips on charging and living outdoors would be appreciated. (don't stand in puddles when you unplug?)
I have encouraged him to join the forum, so hopefully he wanders by.
Tia.
Congrats!
I ordered a 70D with pano roof, premium interior, autopilot.
Here are my thoughts on the various options,
- Color, inside, outside, and dash trim: Entirely your personal choice, and ability to clean and maintain.
- Pano roof: Good if you are tall, opens the car up nicely, light is good, doesn't add much heat, most Tesla owners like to have it. Personal view: It makes the car looks nicer.
- Premium Interior: I got it because I wanted the better inside lights, fog and cornering lights, and black alacantra headliner. A lot of people make a big deal about the power liftgate, I don't see why!
- 21" wheels vs 19" wheels - 19" wheels will last longer, much longer, and the rims will take more abuse. 21" wheels give you a rougher/noisier ride, better handling, but will cost you much more (long term and short term).
- Audio: Base audio sucks, premium audio sucks less, but still sucks. I got base audio, I prefer silence over music on the road.
- Autopilot: I like technology, I got autopilot. Your dad might appreciate it as well, it makes the drive less stressful.
- Subzero: I wanted it, but decided to save $1000. The heated wipers and washer nozzles are not that useful considering you can warm up the car remotely. The heated steering is nice (but not $1000 nice), rear seat warmers - nice if you have people in the rear seats.
- Air suspension: cushier ride, more important if you get 21". But long term reliability and expensive replacements. I went with coils. 19" with coils is still a very smooth ride.
- Next gen seats: Worth it, but if your dad has arthiritis, I would strongly recommend trying both seats to see which one he likes the most. The older seats are easier to get in and out of IMO, but some people set a profile in the car to raise the seat when you reach your garage. Do get leather though, its more durable. Textile seats are not heated.
- jumper seats - entire your choice/need.
- executive rear seats - they are nice, but you greatly comrpomise on seating capacity and carrying capacity of the car.
After buying,
- Service plan: The general consensus is they are not worth it in their current form. I am still on the fence if I want them or not.
- After market paint protection: A lot of people get this. May cost $1000 to $4000 depending upon what you get.
- Plug installation: Cheapest option: NEMA 14-50, 50 amp, Midway option - HPWC, pricey option - HPWC with 100 amp.
- Insurance
Happy to answer any other Q's you may have. Say hi to your dad from me
