So... what base + options combo are you going to order eventually?

[NigelM]

We all get hung up on color, but I'll tell you that, IMO it may be the least important factor.

Shhhh, my wife might hear you. She gets to choose; don't you know the expression "happy wife, happy life" ?

[efusco]

+1

I think these are essential, for me anyway:

• Xenon headlamps
• Backup camera
• Homelink

I really appreciate the following, but could live without:

• Automatic keyless entry
• Electrochromatic side mirrors
• 16 GB hard drive
• Turn-by-turn navigation (optional only because I have a Garmin)

These ones I wouldn't go out of my way to buy:

• LED fog lights
• Two rear USB ports
• Power rear liftgate

That said, the power rear liftgate would solve a perpetual problem for me. In winter when it's really, really cold, the pneumatic strut things they use on lift gates always droop. Every year I seem to forget this somehow, and get a reminder in the form of a good BONK on the head.

It's really interesting, my list would be much different. Auto keyless entry, rear USB (my kids all have iPods), power lift gate being most important. I don't really care about the headlights so long as they're bright enough. I've never had the backup camera and I hear that those who have it, love it, but I am yet to figure out how to use it when you're supposed to be looking behind you at the same time you use the camera! The NAV is potentially important, but usually that's for longer trips and unfamiliar cities--which I probably won't take the Model S to too often.

[efusco]

Shhhh, my wife might hear you. She gets to choose; don't you know the expression "happy wife, happy life" ?

Trust me, I do. That's why I'm getting the no extra charge Black! With the no extra charge Black interior! Considering I told her the car would be $50k when I ordered it 3 years ago, then that I'd want the 230 mile battery ~2 years ago taking the price to $60k, then finally deciding I really should go for the 300 mile pack for $70k, and now with the upgrades I'm approaching $80k....yea, that's got me in hot water big time. My Prius cost less than $30--the same as the "upgrades" for the Model S!. Still planning on working in a few extra things if I can...hopefully if we can save a few $$ before actual order time I'll get away with it a bit more easily.

[Doug_G]

I've never had the backup camera and I hear that those who have it, love it, but I am yet to figure out how to use it when you're supposed to be looking behind you at the same time you use the camera!

You look behind you primarily using the backup camera. It has far better visibility than the mirrors or turning your head. I do glance to either side, of course, while I'm backing up.

[Larry Chanin]

Shhhh, my wife might hear you. She gets to choose; don't you know the expression "happy wife, happy life" ?

Hi Nigel,

In my opinion she's done an excellent job on selecting the color of your Roadster. If that color was available we would select it for my Model S. Has she seen the Signature Red up close and personal? If so, is that her choice? Mary Ellen was impressed with that custom paint job on the beta that visited the Sarasota Yacht Club, but she doesn't think its worth the $4,300 premium over a loaded standard model.

Larry

[Larry Chanin]

You look behind you primarily using the backup camera. It has far better visibility than the mirrors or turning your head. I do glance to either side, of course, while I'm backing up.

Hi Doug,

I'm wondering whether the camera will come in handy for those who plan to back into the garage to get better access to the rear-mounted charging port?

Larry

[Robert.Boston]

We all get hung up on color, but I'll tell you that, IMO it may be the least important factor.

It would have been great fun for Tesla to have put out an options list that showed black as the only paint option. Unfortunately, the humorous parallel to Ford's Model T would have been lost.

[Doug_G]

Hi Doug,

I'm wondering whether the camera will come in handy for those who plan to back into the garage to get better access to the rear-mounted charging port?

Larry

There is no doubt that a reversing camera makes it easier to back up precisely. My main reason for wanting it is safety, though.

[Larry Chanin]

It would have been great fun for Tesla to have put out an options list that showed black as the only paint option. Unfortunately, the humorous parallel to Ford's Model T would have been lost.

Hi Robert,

Good point, but they essentially did the same thing for the standard microfibre interior. You can get it in any color you want so long as its black.

Larry

[goyogi]

I have the backup camera in my Volt. Most of the time I reverse the old fashioned way but the times when you have junk or people (or junky people) in the back blocking your view it's quite helpful.