In terms of the fundamentals of Tesla in regard to "rich man's toys:" it is worthwhile to remember that the cost of entry to buy a Model S is relatively high, but thereafter the cost of ownership drops dramatically below that of any gas car, in the areas of fuel and maintenance. I have had my Model S for 11 months, and 22,000 miles. It was a huge stretch for me to buy the car. Few in my income "category" would even consider the purchase. However, in the time that I have owned the car, my only costs have been around $320 dollars for electricity at my house, and $45 total for charging at several KOA campgrounds over that time. Even insurance is very reasonable, only 12 dollars a month more than I was paying for my 2003 Acura.
I live in Northern Wyoming, far from superchargers and service centers. I recently drove the Model S to visit my daughter in California, spent an extra two weeks travelling around the west coast visiting friends and family. Total miles travelled 6020. Total fuel cost: $0. While I was in California, the car needed to have seals replaced on the rear lift gate, and also needed to replace the on-board charger. I was able to get into the service center the same day, was repaired in 3 hours, during which time I was offered rental car to do whatever I needed to do. Declined the rental car so they gave me rides to and from local park with a delicious bakery/deli nearby for lunch. Cost to me: $0. (Well, except for the lunch, I paid for that.) My one other expense so far has been winter tires, which I bought together with the cool Rial Lugano wheels (that was an indulgence!).
One other time last summer I had an issue with my rear passenger window regulator, ranger service arrived at my home next day, completed the repair and proactively replaced the other side. Cost: $0.
So for those who watch their budgets, the Model S is a dream car. Once you are in, the cost to operate and maintain the car is very manageable. I would guess that over 8 to 10 years, the total cost of ownership of the car will be comparable to a gas car in the range of $40k.
In my particular case, I had saved $30,000 toward purchase of a new car. Invested that sum in shares in TSLA stock in February 2013, and by May, I was able to purchase my car, with the originally budgeted sum having grown to 92,500 which I paid for my S85! (Ok, so I got lucky.)
I can say without hesitation this has been the best purchase I have ever made. I drive the car everywhere, use it for work, for hauling, for camping, or just for going for a sunset drive. The pleasure I have gotten for the money is beyond anything I have ever owned. Worth every penny! And from now on, it is literally paying me back through savings. The Tesla Model S is an awesome piece of work!
So the notion that the Model S is a "toy for the rich," is completely off base in my particular case. The car is phenomenally practical and reliable. It has served every need that I have had. Has also performed amazingly well in severe winter conditions. I suspect I am not the only person who has had this experience.
The cost of ownership over several years falls right in line with cars that have much lower price tags.
I live in Northern Wyoming, far from superchargers and service centers. I recently drove the Model S to visit my daughter in California, spent an extra two weeks travelling around the west coast visiting friends and family. Total miles travelled 6020. Total fuel cost: $0. While I was in California, the car needed to have seals replaced on the rear lift gate, and also needed to replace the on-board charger. I was able to get into the service center the same day, was repaired in 3 hours, during which time I was offered rental car to do whatever I needed to do. Declined the rental car so they gave me rides to and from local park with a delicious bakery/deli nearby for lunch. Cost to me: $0. (Well, except for the lunch, I paid for that.) My one other expense so far has been winter tires, which I bought together with the cool Rial Lugano wheels (that was an indulgence!).
One other time last summer I had an issue with my rear passenger window regulator, ranger service arrived at my home next day, completed the repair and proactively replaced the other side. Cost: $0.
So for those who watch their budgets, the Model S is a dream car. Once you are in, the cost to operate and maintain the car is very manageable. I would guess that over 8 to 10 years, the total cost of ownership of the car will be comparable to a gas car in the range of $40k.
In my particular case, I had saved $30,000 toward purchase of a new car. Invested that sum in shares in TSLA stock in February 2013, and by May, I was able to purchase my car, with the originally budgeted sum having grown to 92,500 which I paid for my S85! (Ok, so I got lucky.)
I can say without hesitation this has been the best purchase I have ever made. I drive the car everywhere, use it for work, for hauling, for camping, or just for going for a sunset drive. The pleasure I have gotten for the money is beyond anything I have ever owned. Worth every penny! And from now on, it is literally paying me back through savings. The Tesla Model S is an awesome piece of work!
So the notion that the Model S is a "toy for the rich," is completely off base in my particular case. The car is phenomenally practical and reliable. It has served every need that I have had. Has also performed amazingly well in severe winter conditions. I suspect I am not the only person who has had this experience.
The cost of ownership over several years falls right in line with cars that have much lower price tags.
