Canceling my reservation

[david_42]

After following Tesla for 16 years, I've concluded that the Model 3 is not the car I've been waiting for and the Model Y doesn't look any better (we do know it will be on the Model 3 sled). It's too large, too expensive (how about that unicorn SD?), and too much of a gadget. Yes, OTA updates are cool, but jamming most of the functions into the software interface is a serious safety hazard. I don't want to have to take my eyes off the road while hunting through menus. Sure, once the interface stabilizes and I'm up on the learning curve, that isn't a problem, but until then it's flat out dangerous.

Maybe if I was younger and used to texting while driving instead of watching the road, this wouldn't bother me so much.

I also have problems with the location of the charge point, the fragile frunk lid, and being a beta tester for critical software; to name a few more points.

I certainly hope other people maintain their level of enthusiasm, so the stock price will continue to rise. Some day I'll buy an electric car using the profits, but I really don't think it will be a Tesla.

 

[doubleohwhat]

The Model 3 isn't for everyone and there will eventually (<-- keyword) be solid competition for you to choose from. Best of luck to you

 

[Saghost]

Your life, your money, your choice. There isn't anything else that drives like a Tesla right now, and there isn't another EV you can take on a serious road trip, nor anything that's close to Autopilot. Given that, I'm willing to live with the car's foibles, but as always, YMMV.

 

[eye.surgeon]

Between the new Volt, Leaf, and bolt, there are some solid options out there, and in another couple years there will be a wide array of EVs to choose from.

 

[troyhouse]

No car is perfect, you will always find something to complain about.

 

[N5329K]

You indexed my concerns exactly. The frunk lid in particular is going to grow into an issue, I think. Tesla didn't come up with the right car for me, but they have been far more successful at getting other manufacturers moving in the right direction. Well done to them, and you'll have better options soon enough.
Robin

 

[buttershrimp]

I am also cancelling my reservation. i've been planning on it for some time, ever since Elon "failing failure" Musk has not given me the requisite 6 cupholders I require to purchase said vehicle.

Once Elon realizes I've cancelled, I'm sure he'll get his act together.

Too little too late Elon! Don't think you can prevent me from cancelling my reservation by offering "pop in cupholders" in the Tesla online shop! I won't be fooled.

I'll do it. I will cancel my order.

 

[bhzmark]

Tesla definitely is not for everybody. For instance, Tesla shouldn't go after the Amish demographic.

 

[ForeverFree]

After following Tesla for 16 years, I've concluded that the Model 3 is not the car I've been waiting for and the Model Y doesn't look any better (we do know it will be on the Model 3 sled). It's too large, too expensive (how about that unicorn SD?), and too much of a gadget. Yes, OTA updates are cool, but jamming most of the functions into the software interface is a serious safety hazard. I don't want to have to take my eyes off the road while hunting through menus. Sure, once the interface stabilizes and I'm up on the learning curve, that isn't a problem, but until then it's flat out dangerous.

Maybe if I was younger and used to texting while driving instead of watching the road, this wouldn't bother me so much.

I also have problems with the location of the charge point, the fragile frunk lid, and being a beta tester for critical software; to name a few more points.

I certainly hope other people maintain their level of enthusiasm, so the stock price will continue to rise. Some day I'll buy an electric car using the profits, but I really don't think it will be a Tesla.

David --

Sorry to hear it. You've been a very positive and supportive member on this forum.

Have you at least had a chance to drive a Model 3 before canceling?

 

[anticitizen13.7]

After following Tesla for 16 years, I've concluded that the Model 3 is not the car I've been waiting for and the Model Y doesn't look any better (we do know it will be on the Model 3 sled). It's too large, too expensive (how about that unicorn SD?),

I think that Model 3 is bigger and more expensive than many people expected, especially if they are not familiar with the product segment (BMW 3-series, MB C-Class, Audi A4, others). These cars are basically mid-size sedans now, with pricy options.

and too much of a gadget. Yes, OTA updates are cool, but jamming most of the functions into the software interface is a serious safety hazard. I don't want to have to take my eyes off the road while hunting through menus. Sure, once the interface stabilizes and I'm up on the learning curve, that isn't a problem, but until then it's flat out dangerous.

My greatest concern was with the windshield wipers, but the latest Autopilot firmware update seems to have finally gotten the automatic wiper function working properly. I am fairly confident that Model 3 is safe to drive.

I certainly hope other people maintain their level of enthusiasm, so the stock price will continue to rise. Some day I'll buy an electric car using the profits, but I really don't think it will be a Tesla.

I know from talking to people that there is no shortage of enthusiasm or demand for Tesla products.

I am sort of in the same boat though regarding price. I buy inexpensive cars and drive them until they fall apart, which takes a very long time because I drive relatively few miles per year. Many of my neighbors lease cars that MSRP 3-4 times what I pay for a new car. I am too stingy to stomach paying the depreciation on luxury cars, no matter how nice.

 

[TexasEV]

I think that Model 3 is bigger and more expensive than many people expected, especially if they are not familiar with the product segment (BMW 3-series, MB C-Class, Audi A4, others). These cars are basically mid-size sedans now, with pricy options.

How is it bigger than people expected? Elon was comparing the planned Model 3 to the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 from the beginning.

 

[S4WRXTTCS]

From one look at the OP's profile pic I absolutely know the vehicle for him, and it's definitely not the Model 3.

Bollinger Motors

 

[anticitizen13.7]

How is it bigger than people expected? Elon was comparing the planned Model 3 to the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 from the beginning.

People who aren’t car enthusiasts or aren’t familiar with the 3-Series or A4 (typically because they aren’t in the market for luxury vehicles) wouldn’t really have a frame of reference.

It won’t matter in the end IMO, because the larger size is actually a positive in the mainstream market. Most people want a car with space. Size also helps with safety.

 

[Saghost]

It won’t matter in the end IMO, because the larger size is actually a positive in the mainstream market. Most people want a car with space. Size also helps with safety.

It's bigger on the inside.

Having more interior space for a smaller exterior has been a goal of car packaging for a long time (it's the main reason transverse engine FWD cars took over the smaller size categories,) and the 3 extends this trend.

 

[iwannam3]

I'm replacing a Mini Cooper S with a 3 which is bigger that I need, but I can't wait until 2020 for the Mini e and all the other "Tesla killers" slated to be released.

 

[Bet TSLA]

After following Tesla for 16 years, I've concluded that the Model 3 is not the car I've been waiting for and the Model Y doesn't look any better (we do know it will be on the Model 3 sled).

Okay. So it's not for you. But why now?

It's too large

It's size has been know for a long time. Have you just started paying attention?

too expensive (how about that unicorn SD?)

The short range version will be available when it's available. If you don't want to wait, that's a different complaint.

and too much of a gadget.

It's exactly as much of a gadget as the S and the X. You expected different?

Yes, OTA updates are cool

Yes. Extremely. Waking up to a new car every few weeks is awesome!

but jamming most of the functions into the software interface is a serious safety hazard. I don't want to have to take my eyes off the road while hunting through menus. Sure, once the interface stabilizes and I'm up on the learning curve, that isn't a problem, but until then it's flat out dangerous.

No, it isn't. It takes about five minutes to get used to. Not having actually driven it (I assume), you're just imagining problems. Regenerative braking takes just as long to get used to.

Maybe if I was younger and used to texting while driving instead of watching the road, this wouldn't bother me so much.

Don't sell yourself short.

I also have problems with the location of the charge point, the fragile frunk lid, and being a beta tester for critical software; to name a few more points.

I'm sure you can find more issues if you think about it, but it turns out that once you've driven the car for a few minutes you don't care about any of that stuff.

I certainly hope other people maintain their level of enthusiasm, so the stock price will continue to rise. Some day I'll buy an electric car using the profits, but I really don't think it will be a Tesla.

Unless you desperately need the $1000, what's the point of cancelling the reservation? At some point Tesla will tell you that you can now configure your SR non-PUP vehicle and you can decide then that you don't want to do it. Things change.

 

[Uncle Paul]

Issue is that many people got caught up in the $35,000 Tesla that would be perfect in every way.

Then when you spend times on the forums, and hear people complaining about things that could be better, and focusing on any discovered faults, the car falls short of the dream.

Car is too big...car is too small...bigger battery cost too much...charge plug is not robust...display is not where I want it...want different wheels...not a supercharger in my neighborhood...software has issues...lights not bright enough...display too slow...visors too small...door handles are different that I am used to...financing too expensive...some have scratches in the paint...colors cost too much...frunk not big enough for my baby carriage...Elon has unkept promises...display should refresh faster...charging station in my garage cost too much...insurance costs money...not as cheap as my 10 year old economy car...will not go 400 miles on a single charge...need to go out of my way a little to hit a Supercharger...and on and on.

While hundreds of thousands are happily motoring around in the finest car they have ever owned. They are not filling up with 20 gallons at a time of poisonous gasoline and polluting all those around them.

Guess it all depends on how you look at it.

Many will request their deposits back, and go back to what they feel comfortable with...Change is hard and not for everybody.

 

[seattlite2004]

@david_42 So what are you looking at now? There are certainly more PHEV/EV choices now compared with what was available 2 years ago when the Mod 3 was announced. Clarity, Ioniq, Kona, Prius, Bolt, Mission E, I-pace, other?

 

[troyhouse]

Issue is that many people got caught up in the $35,000 Tesla that would be perfect in every way.

I believe, this is the main reason with most of the complainers.

 

[dhanson865]

Issue is that many people got caught up in the $35,000 Tesla that would be perfect in every way.

Then when you spend times on the forums, and hear people complaining about things that could be better, and focusing on any discovered faults, the car falls short of the dream.

Car is too big...car is too small...bigger battery cost too much...charge plug is not robust...display is not where I want it...want different wheels...not a supercharger in my neighborhood...software has issues...lights not bright enough...display too slow...visors too small...door handles are different that I am used to...financing too expensive...some have scratches in the paint...colors cost too much...frunk not big enough for my baby carriage...Elon has unkept promises...display should refresh faster...charging station in my garage cost too much...insurance costs money...not as cheap as my 10 year old economy car...will not go 400 miles on a single charge...need to go out of my way a little to hit a Supercharger...and on and on.

While hundreds of thousands are happily motoring around in the finest car they have ever owned. They are not filling up with 20 gallons at a time of poisonous gasoline and polluting all those around them.

Guess it all depends on how you look at it.

Many will request their deposits back, and go back to what they feel comfortable with...Change is hard and not for everybody.

I'm charging 2 leafs in my garage right now but I might get me a Model 3 in a year or two. I'm happy to see those hundreds of thousands on the road until then.

None of these are show stoppers for me but I'll agree with Model 3 is too big (could be narrower), I want different wheels (17" wheels), and QA issues matter.

I do see the humor in the majority of your list of grievances as I do see those posts all the time. You've captured the essence of the naysayer.