croman
Well-Known Member
I feel pretty good ordering my car in late October and taking deliver in December. Over 6 months of enjoying my car without a major change. As far as playing the Tesla game, I feel ok. If only AP2 was progressing...
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I feel pretty good ordering my car in late October and taking deliver in December. Over 6 months of enjoying my car without a major change. As far as playing the Tesla game, I feel ok. If only AP2 was progressing...
If you buy a Tesla, you can have the greatest, but only until they release something greater.
the alternative is buying something other than a Tesla, which means never having the greatest, not even for a short while.
Now is always the best time to buy a Tesla, and there is never a best time to buy a Tesla. It's the same thing, stated two different ways. Trying to time a Tesla purchase is like trying to time the stock market-- just get in when you're ready, and hope for the best.
I know some people had the "100 kWh battery + AP2" thought, others - prior to D - the availability of AWD as the trigger moment.
That said, I've come to the conclusion that even that is pretty hard with the amount of gradual changes that are going on.
First of all, Tesla no longer seems to do the type of D + A events that create major upgrade points (P85D was a clear upgrade point IMO). Model S facelift, P100D and AP2 were spread out over three quarters, not to mention some smaller upgrades during that year still littered around the timeline.
Second, as the models age and Model 3 has entered the equation, it becomes much harder to predict what kind of major changes there might be. When will the Model S be completely renewed for example. With Audi you will know, probably years before, when the next one comes. With Tesla, will you?
@AnxietyRanger -- I agree, Tesla should do a better job communicating but when I say things like that the "true believers" come out in droves and ding me with "disagrees" without explaining why or elaborating on why its in Tesla's best interest to disappoint their existing consumer base.
While I appreciate behavioral economics and the psychological impact a new, unannounced "version" of a car has on you, I don't believe that Tesla should hold back on continuous upgrades to its products. Tesla isn't under any obligation to share product roadmaps. Most companies don't, and the stories of freezing sales of existing products in anticiation of new versions are legion (you don't have to look further back than Apple's last quarterly earning call). And while that may "disappoint" some people, it benefits the product and the company.
I understand, and respect that you are disappointed with Tesla. I appreciate your concern that the value of the vehicle for which you just paid a ton of money may have gone down.
But, while your feelings are valid and your disappointment is real, I don't agree that Tesla is mistreating its customers.
I see Tesla making continuous improvements to its products. And, in my opinion, that is to be applauded.
I could tell you stories about how I ended up with an inventory vehicle because I wanted the free supercharging and placed my final order on the day that the free supercharging was re-introduced for one day. But I'm happy with the car I have because I made the best choice with the information I had and I understand that Tesla has the right to share some or none of its product roadmap. And because I feel this way, I don't suffer the same disappointment or feeling that I am being mistreated which means nearly nothing can reduce that feeling of joy I get from driving my model S.
@AnxietyRanger -- I agree, Tesla should do a better job communicating but when I say things like that the "true believers" come out in droves and ding me with "disagrees" without explaining why or elaborating on why its in Tesla's best interest to disappoint their existing consumer base.
I think it will be difficult to drum up a lot of sales with their current method because they are creating uncertainty and a lack of information which means buyers are going to be more hesitant to pull the trigger on a new car knowing a better one will be coming down the road. But clearly the market is favorable for the moment.
The + designation has already been used to indicate a suspension difference in the P85+ vs. P85. It had nothing to do with straight line performance.
Yes and I'm aware of it. The irritating part is that Tesla says "the only car that gets better with updates" and yet here we are again, another update to performance and it can't be applied to existing fleet just like AP1 to AP2
So when it's time for you to buy a new car, you won't buy a Tesla, even if it's the best deal at the time? Just because Tesla spontaneously improves their cars every few months?Yes, Tesla will obviously be looking out for their interests. As is everyone.
That said, a good question is what level of "continuous improvement" is best for their overall interests - as those previous customers will come to matter at some point, especially if the word keeps getting out Tesla is like this, even to the new potential customers. I'm not sure Tesla is striking the right balance at this moment.
That's progress, I guess. At one point Elon was saying the best time to buy a Tesla is always now. IMO the best time is never. It will always be possibly a very bad time, though some times are of course worse than others.
Well, that's putting it mildly. But you're right, no. Not unusual.