I've been thinking about Teslas for years now. I fit squarely in the demographic I would expect to be a prime buyer for this car: male, early 50s, computer-related career. They're not called the "Palo Alta Camry" for nothing. But I live in the Denver CO area.
The first thing I noticed once I started my online research: there is virtually NO one disappointed in their purchase. Say that about ANY other car...
Tuesday, Jul 14
I had applied for a test drive online. Heard nothing for a week, then a sales rep sent me a questionnaire and I immediately filled it out and returned it. Another week, no word. Then today "Your test drive is Thurs, Jul 16th at 10am in Boulder."
I hurriedly looked for a dealership in Boulder CO, but there isn't one. The email had no links under "Location" and just said "Boulder." I emailed my salesrep, but no reply.
Finally, I called a dealership down in Denver and got a salesrep who explained that they bring the car to you! This is certainly nice and convenient, but it would have been infinitely nicer if someone had told me. And I don't live in Boulder, making things all the more confusing.
Fortunately that was straightened out the night before my drive.
Thursday, Jul 16
The sales rep (a different gentleman from the above) was right on time with a Pearl White S85D base model. First thing I noticed: the car is simply beautiful. I've never seen a better-looking car in my life.
We went over all the options and features and so forth. I knew almost all of it from extensive reading.
He drove it first and was pretty aggressive. I actually felt a little queasy to my surprise. Just imagine if it was a P85D.
When it was my turn to drive, I was amazed at the 200 options for ... well, everything. The adjustments to the seat and steering wheel alone where fantastically complicated. I would probably choose something "good enough" and never touch it again. But I understand in luxury cars, you need to have all this stuff. It did make me wonder, however, if I was in the right car for me... I'd never considered a BMW or Porsche... not my style.
The pick up was great, cornering tight, and the best part... when I hit that "famous pothole" down the road from where I live, I barely felt it. That was amazing, actually.
I have driven a Prius T-6 for 7 years, so it did not feel eerie to not hear an engine, but the significant extra HP was very noticeable.
At the end of the drive, the (highly knowledgeable and courteous) salesrep answered the rest of my questions. I'd heard (from these forums) they don't get paid on commission. That's sort of true: their paycheck does depend on their ability to sell cars. But it doesn't matter which model or which options you buy, so they don't upsell. He was also doing tons of market research in the area to find potential buyers and I offered to help.
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I'm probably going to buy one. But my reasons are lame. Maybe some of you can allay my reservations and tell me you don't think they are!! Help me get to the purchase point and I'm 99% sure I won't have any remorse.
Pros:
- I really believe in electric cars, and I can't do a Leaf after the awkwardness of driving a Prius in Colorado (they are freaking everywhere and they look super dorky). The Tesla is the ONLY good-looking electric out there
- It's the most beautiful car I've ever seen and I'd be proud to drive it.
- AWD in Colorado is soooo nice (my Prius is FWD).
- At 6'1" I can still sleep in the back comfortably!
- I can afford it.
- I'm a huge Musk fanboy and this would help support what he's doing.
Cons:
- I don't need a sportscar or a luxury car and neither aspect appeals to me.
- The Model 3 will be out in 2 years and I could just wait for a "more modest" car. Please talk me out of this!!
- I hate the idea of being seen as pretentious or being someone who cares about "conspicuous consumption" or displays of wealth.
- I occasionally have to travel to (and park in) bad neighborhoods. Vandalism target, no? (I'm thinking of keeping my Prius for THIS reason only! But really don't want to own two cars.)
Notice that my "Cons" have more to do with owning a nice car than anything to do with Tesla specifically. So, do you think my Pros are "the wrong reasons?" I don't really want a luxury car or a sportscar. I don't much car about performance or handling. But I want an all-electric with good range and AWD, so there's really no other option, correct?
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