I drive about 28,000 miles a year and am trying to determine whether a First Production Model 3 for $50k will end up being much more expensive than a typical choice such as a mid-level Honda Accord for $27k. Troy’s estimator suggests I will get an invite to configure in about 3 weeks.
Am I going to get crushed on depreciation and have battery wear problems, moreso than depreciation and problems I would have on an ICE? Anything else I’m maybe not aware of about owning a Tesla? Is it safe to assume maintenance and insurance are essentially a wash?
As background, with the Model 3, I would qualify for the $7500 federal tax credit and wouldn’t pay sales tax in N.J. (saving roughly $1900 than if I purchased a $27,000 ICE). So total effective cost would be about $42,500 versus $29,000. Financing the 3 thus would cost more.
I figure I currently buy @1000 gallons of gas a year for my car. That would be eliminated (saving @ $2500 yearly on gas) but I’d be paying N.J. electric rates of around .15 kWh (at least until I get solar panels...). I drive fast (75-80 usually) and doubt that will change with the Model 3 despite the efficiency hit.
What’s the consensus? Roughly the same cost for a Model 3 over 5 years, $5k more, $10k more, miraculously less? I would greatly prefer the Model 3 but I do need to be mindful of costs especially since I go through cars quickly due to the mileage issue.
Am I going to get crushed on depreciation and have battery wear problems, moreso than depreciation and problems I would have on an ICE? Anything else I’m maybe not aware of about owning a Tesla? Is it safe to assume maintenance and insurance are essentially a wash?
As background, with the Model 3, I would qualify for the $7500 federal tax credit and wouldn’t pay sales tax in N.J. (saving roughly $1900 than if I purchased a $27,000 ICE). So total effective cost would be about $42,500 versus $29,000. Financing the 3 thus would cost more.
I figure I currently buy @1000 gallons of gas a year for my car. That would be eliminated (saving @ $2500 yearly on gas) but I’d be paying N.J. electric rates of around .15 kWh (at least until I get solar panels...). I drive fast (75-80 usually) and doubt that will change with the Model 3 despite the efficiency hit.
What’s the consensus? Roughly the same cost for a Model 3 over 5 years, $5k more, $10k more, miraculously less? I would greatly prefer the Model 3 but I do need to be mindful of costs especially since I go through cars quickly due to the mileage issue.