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Why I won't buy a Tesla Model 3

Discussion in 'Tesla' started by 4rpr15, Apr 1, 2016.

  1. 4rpr15

    4rpr15 Senior Member

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    I paid a bit over $20k for my '15 Persona. I pay $30/month on the high end for gas. The base Model 3 going for $35k would take more than 20 years to pay off for me based on how much I paid and how much I drive. Tesla is losing too much money every year plus the current Tesla owners will get the $7,500 federal tax credit since they have first priority on the Model 3. Plus there is no long term reliability or repair cost estimates yet.

    I am more interested in the Prius Prime or the C-HR coming out.

    MotoG3 ?
     
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I think the Model 3 is ripe for those who haven't owned a hybrid and want to skip and go straight to EV. For those people, BEVs were intriguing and this car just changes that intrigue into desire.
     
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  3. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    I would buy one. Well, I would buy a used one instead of a new one. I can't rely on gas forever even if it dips down to less than $1 a gal. I would much rather spend another 35K for 10KW solar system than keep buying gas.
     
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  4. vinnie97

    vinnie97 Whatever Works

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    Gas is creeping up again. I'm so done with that volatility and the gas station concept, so done.
     
  5. GasperG

    GasperG Senior Member

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    For now, only unknown reliability is putting me of Model 3. I have plenty of time to wait for that.
     
  6. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    I have no desire to go EV, and the vast majority of the U.S. has no desire at this time. Most homes are not set up for charging, and most housing Associations/ apartments are not set up with chargers. Also, who wants to wait to get a charge of 30 minutes or more and hope that a charging station is open to use, even at Tesla's installed super chargers. While gas is still available, it will be the prime choice of consumers. Prius Prime will be on my next new car list. We will have to see what happens with Hydrogen. However, it is becoming a reality here in Califronia.
     
  7. Ashlem

    Ashlem Senior Member

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    I'm currently satisfied with my Volt, and still paying it off. Debating whether to put the deposit down or not, but more likely I'll just use the money to pay off my current car first.

    But the Model 3 will likely be my next car, unless the other automakers can make a compelling EV to convince me otherwise first.

    But it's going to be tough to compete with Supercharging, autopilot, AWD, and no having to deal with "stealership" haggling...
     
  8. 4rpr15

    4rpr15 Senior Member

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    I completely agree with what you said here. It's a great car, but the unknown reliability and unknown repair costs bug me. And as far as the $7,500 tax credit goes, current Tesla owners will have first priority. I also like what I see with the Prius Prime. Most importantly I know Toyota will be there years down the road. Wall Street is very worried about Tesla's future...I don't buy into it yet.

    MotoG3 ?
     
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  9. ggood

    ggood Senior Member

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    I went and looked a bit at CR's comments on Tesla reliability. Sounded like mostly small stuff, that Tesla has been quick to fix, but what do they mean when they say there have been drive train problems?
     
  10. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    That's easy for you and me to say living in Wisconsin and Virginia, where we have no gov't incentives sweetening the purchase. It's the CA folks so hot on Tesla and they get free HOV and $$$ off. I expect Congress will extend $7500 Fed tax credits..uncertain but I bet so.

    Personally I have no interest. I am waiting to see if they can retrofit PiP1 with wireless charging, and then I am good.
     
  11. VovCA

    VovCA Member

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    Each time you buy a car you loose money, my Prius has still many miles to go, so economically it has no sense for sure. Plus it's not hassle free for long travels which I do. But I this will be probably a good car. A perfect commuter, a nice gadget and fun to drive. It may be better designed than S. Display is big, but I think good HUD is more safe for driving.
     
  12. mrstop

    mrstop PWR Mode

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    I would love to buy an electric, and the Tesla 3 sounds promising. My wife mostly drives very short distances and an electric would be perfect. My biggest concern is that these cars are becoming more like cell phones and other tech that has a very short life. What happens in 10-20 years with this car? Will replacement display screens, batteries, etc be available for an affordable price? If battery or screen tech has advanced, I fear they may not be.
     
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  13. el Crucero

    el Crucero Senior Member

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    You don't understand. It is not about dollars and cents. It is about saving the planet for your grandchildren. You need to think for the long term! (y)
     
  14. 4rpr15

    4rpr15 Senior Member

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    I can't imagine driving my family and then having to wait in lines to charge it while someone in front of me is shopping or eating at a nearby place. Without wireless charging it's a no go for me.

    MotoG3 ?
     
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  15. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    We are on the same page.
    I am not sure what Moto G3 is, but the Chrysler Pacifica minivan Hybrid or PHEV (the artist formerly known as the Dodge Caravan) is looking very interesting.
     
  16. ggood

    ggood Senior Member

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    I'm not sure I'll ever buy another car, even if it means missing out on tax credits (though some car leasing companies take those into account). I've been saying for awhile now that the tech is moving too fast now on cars and batteries. The cost is too large on cars for me to take that depreciation hit on rapidly depreciating tech. From personal experience with the Prius, going whole hog on tech and features never pays off when you got to sell (but you'll enjoy them while you have them).
     
  17. VovCA

    VovCA Member

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    Yes, this is accelerating very fast, we need be able to get upgrades brain and sensors rather than changing the whole car. Replacing car in every few years is not saving the planet.
     
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  18. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    Still you will have to wait for a more inefficient means of charging, your reasoning doesn't make sense. Yes please, stay with the NAY sayers
     
  19. 4rpr15

    4rpr15 Senior Member

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    That's my cell phone. I'm not sure why this app keeps adding that at the end.

    MotoG3 ?
     
  20. el Crucero

    el Crucero Senior Member

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    TWO WORDS: Tesla = highest in customer satisfaction!

    I put solar (Solar City) on my roof for $13K last year. Will pay for itself in about 7 years. ZERO problems!

    HUH?! If you have an outlet outside or in the garage, you are set up for charging.

    Those would be people like I who have to wait 3+ hours to charge a PIP to get about 10 miles EV. I will be able to charge my T3 for 3+ hours in my garage and get a half charge equal to 100 or more miles.

    Tesla is doubling the number of Superchargers and quadrupling the number of destination chargers in the next year.....with more to come after that!

    Isn't Wall Street the same guys who were pushing the housing market right before the crash in 2006? Yes, Wall Street is looking out for your best interests!
     
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