Should I wait for the Model 3?

You should never wait. Life is too short. The model S is my favorite car in 30 years of driving.

Look at how many times the Model X has been delayed. The same thing will happen with the Model 3.

If you can swing a deal for a Tesla today, then do it.

I wouldn't wait. Look at CPO (certified pre-owned) cars from Tesla also. Some good prices there that will get you behind a model S so you don't have to wait.

Don't wait. And come to terms with the fact that new technology will come out right after you purchase. Make a decision, stick by it, move on. You'll be happy!

aarons23 said:

I am trying to decide whether to buy, lease, or just wait for the Model 3. I was considering the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid to buy or lease.

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If the decision is between a $26K PHV now or a $35K model 3 in 2-3 years, I'd wait.
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If a Model S isn't possible then a 3 year lease on something seems reasonable.

aarons23 said:

The Model S even pre-owned is still fairly out of range realistically. Any suggestions on good 2-3 year car to lease to wait for the Model 3?

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I guess it all depends on your budget and what you want to spend monthly.

If you have a little more flexibility than a Sonata, then maybe consider a BMW 3 series. Or even a Honda Accord.

aarons23 said:

The Model S even pre-owned is still fairly out of range realistically. Any suggestions on good 2-3 year car to lease to wait for the Model 3?

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Unfortunately, your options are not great. You typically pay a pretty significant premium for a hybrid over a fuel efficient ICE (a premium that you will not make up for in fuel savings unless you drive a lot) so looking at something like an Elantra or Sentra may be a good stop-gap until the Model 3 comes out.

If a CPO S is out of reach, then I would say the only thing that comes close to getting you the range that is reasonably priced is the current model Volt - Chevy is offering great deals to get rid of them before V2 comes out, so now is the time.

With almost $8k to go on a 3-year Prius C loan (40k miles) myself, the Model 3 will come to my rescue at hopefully just the right time.

aarons23 said:

The Model S even pre-owned is still fairly out of range realistically. Any suggestions on good 2-3 year car to lease to wait for the Model 3?

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Get Leaf MY16, if the 30 kWh will be sufficient for your needs (would work if you have an ICE in the family). That should be out in a month or two. Better not to burn fossil fuels as you wait for Model 3. You can even get it for a 2 year lease and extend the lease (month by month) for a year. That would take you all the way till Sep/Oct 2018 - and hopefully Model 3 will be around by then.

I don't get why anyone would buy a hybrid. In addition to the batteries, motor(s) you still have the gas engine and all of the subsystems that go with it (exhaust, radiator, emissions controls, filters, etc).

I tell everyone our company CMAX plug in handles worse, accelerates worse, costs more and has less room (the batteries take space behind the second seat) but it has a green sticker for the commuter lane. Basically it is a $30K green sticker.

The model S is great car.

I wouldn't bother with a hybrid unless it's an interesting car (eg NOT a sonata...). Just get something fun and reasonably practical with a compelling engine. Or just buy a used ICE to tide you over. I personally wouldn't bother with any of the EVs out there right now other than Model S. Or buy a clunker and save up for a couple years. Personally I'm a fan of german cars... but to each their own.

James Anders said:

I don't get why anyone would buy a hybrid. In addition to the batteries, motor(s) you still have the gas engine and all of the subsystems that go with it (exhaust, radiator, emissions controls, filters, etc).

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As with any purchase, there are pros and cons. Price (OK, there is a hybrid premium in comparison to an ICE, I admit), using less oil than a pure ICE, not idling in traffic/stoplights, and great reliability are four items that come to mind. Prii have been known to get upwards of 300k on a single traction battery. The cons you mentioned are the reason I'm excited about a Model 3.

aarons23 said:

The Model S even pre-owned is still fairly out of range realistically. Any suggestions on good 2-3 year car to lease to wait for the Model 3?

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Chevy Volt, I have both a Model S and a Chevy Volt. Great lease prices, and you don't have to use gas if you don't want to. The Volt was my "wait" car until the Model 3 came out, and then there was CPO. Slight change of plans.

Try to find a used Chevy Cruze Eco with the 6 speed manual. The Cruze Eco is an amazing car! I'm averaging 44mpg over 26,000 miles.

James Anders said:

I don't get why anyone would buy a hybrid. In addition to the batteries, motor(s) you still have the gas engine and all of the subsystems that go with it (exhaust, radiator, emissions controls, filters, etc).

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When done right, you get all the benefits of electric, with none of the drawbacks. Unfortunately "done right" means spending upwards of $500K -- at least til the new NSX and GTR come out.