I just took delivery on an Inventory 60 kWh Model S which included supercharger, tech package, and AP 4 days before Tesla a announced the 70 kWh model starting a $70,000. I was bummed but wasn't sure how bummed until I did the math at how much this impacted the value of the 60 kWh. The reason I selected this model was my commute is twice a week at 300 miles round trip. Either way I have to stop at a supercharger even if I bought a 85 kWh. There also wasn't any 70D or 85 kWh AP models available at the time. Therefore, the 60 kWh inventory option seemed like the best value.
Here is what I figured out:
I paid $68,920 but if I apply the same discounts and logic, it appears my inventory car should have theoretically costed about $10,000 less.
$72,500 [AP + 70 kWh] - $5330 [-10 kWh battery] + 1200 [doc fees] = $68,370 - $9,400 [showroom discount) = $58,970.
As you can imagine, it is a bit frustrating to know I overpaid for this vehicle and had I waited just a few more days then I could have made a much better decision by buying the 70 kWh new. I completely understand that the technology will continue to evolve, batteries will improve, and as owners we have to expect our Tesla's will depreciate. However, it was really tough seeing the value evaporate by $10,000 as quick as it did.
Another factor that has been on my mind is the warranty between the 60 kWh (125k miles/8 year) vs 70 kWh (unlimited / 8 year). With the amount of miles I plan on driving, I will hit 125k in 8 years. Whereas I would effectively have doubled the time span with the 70 kWh warranty.
While I understand my options are limited and I'd have to see the cost justification of each:
1. Trade in the 60 kWh for a 70 kWh
2. Look into a battery 60 kWh to 70 kWh upgrade (if even option)
3. Wait a 3-4 years and hope there is a 120 kWh battery to upgrade to
4. You're out of luck, do nothing, there is no cost effective solution at this point.
Here is what I figured out:
I paid $68,920 but if I apply the same discounts and logic, it appears my inventory car should have theoretically costed about $10,000 less.
$72,500 [AP + 70 kWh] - $5330 [-10 kWh battery] + 1200 [doc fees] = $68,370 - $9,400 [showroom discount) = $58,970.
As you can imagine, it is a bit frustrating to know I overpaid for this vehicle and had I waited just a few more days then I could have made a much better decision by buying the 70 kWh new. I completely understand that the technology will continue to evolve, batteries will improve, and as owners we have to expect our Tesla's will depreciate. However, it was really tough seeing the value evaporate by $10,000 as quick as it did.
Another factor that has been on my mind is the warranty between the 60 kWh (125k miles/8 year) vs 70 kWh (unlimited / 8 year). With the amount of miles I plan on driving, I will hit 125k in 8 years. Whereas I would effectively have doubled the time span with the 70 kWh warranty.
While I understand my options are limited and I'd have to see the cost justification of each:
1. Trade in the 60 kWh for a 70 kWh
2. Look into a battery 60 kWh to 70 kWh upgrade (if even option)
3. Wait a 3-4 years and hope there is a 120 kWh battery to upgrade to
4. You're out of luck, do nothing, there is no cost effective solution at this point.
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