Cyclone, Tamar... I've been in discussions with both of you as I've purchased a total now of 3 inventory cars in a period of roughly 90-days. I know you've both also reached out to my local Store Manager and discussed options for what is out there. I hope you're both able to find the car you're looking for, at the price that makes sense to you. One thing I really feel one needs to consider is that it is crucial you find the car you want, and will enjoy the longest. Rushing into a car because the price seems right but it lacks an option you want can cause a headache (as my first car did lacking autopilot and dual motor). Hence why 90-days later I took a loss to trade in for the 85D.
Anyhow, I think you guys might be over-thinking the future of the Inventory and CPO program. While I do think Tesla is going to have less inventory cars moving forward because of ramping up production for the Model X, it seems extremely unlikely that there will be that much different of a turn-over cycle. The local store here in Cleveland has nearly 20 CPO cars on the lot already, but not a single one has been inspected nor certified and readied for sale. However, CPO vs Inventory are two very different animals.
Tesla will continue to need service loaners, test drive cars, and showroom floor cars. Unless Tesla decides to keep those cars longer and eventually sell them off as CPO/used cars, then the fact remains there WILL be inventory cars in the future just like there are right now. The only ways that inventory cars would thin in numbers would mean a few possibilities: first off, that Tesla will cease to offer as many service loaners (i.e.: maybe only for cars that require service beyond a single work-day), or perhaps those loaners will stay in-service for longer periods of time (less frequent turn-over). Same could be the case for test drive cars, etc.
I don't really see that happening, but I have read a few places that Model X production will inhibit the Model S production figures, though it is expected that X demand will exceed S demand, therefore it will balance itself out. What this means for inventory cars, well, this is just speculation on ANY of our parts... and what gets discussed behind closed doors, who knows. I will say this: my experiences have proven to me that VERY few stores actually know precisely what the future holds, and, like us, are just speculating. So my suggestion, take those rumors (and the rumors on these forums) with a grain of salt.
Of course... if you are searching for an inventory car, and you find the right one, don't delay as they will disappear. But just make sure you compromise on the car you get, but never sacrifice.
