This is the one many of us have been waiting for. I'll still have to stretch (pretty far) to get one (my last two purchases were level 2 Prii), but I have 2 years to juggle my debts. The Model X was also 2 years late, as was the Model S. I believe they are determined not to allow that to happen this go around.
I'll be waiting for them to open the doors at the Tesla store on the 31st This is the car I have dreamed of for years.
If it's refundable I would consider doing so. I have car payments until Jan 2019, so I would likely not purchase another car before then, but I also doubt Tesla will sell the car before then anyways considering their record of delayed releases. The real question is when the federal tax credit will expire. If putting down a $1000 deposit guarantees a $7500 tax credit it would be worth it, but if there are plenty by the time the Model 3 arrives then it might not be necessary to plunk down $1000 now, and might be better to let them sort out the kinks instead of getting one of the first ones. It also depends on what the Model 3 turns out to be as well as the prices. I wouldn't like to put a deposit without seeing what it looks like, or what the upper end of the prices with options will be. $35k is one thing, but if it's optioned at $50k that's a much different price point. Most likely I would get a Model S CPO instead of a Model 3 new.
wow, that's an interesting way to do it. what is the logic, build excitement? do you think they've designed it yet? i guess i would consider a refundable deposit, but i hate having to try to pry the money out of their cold dead hands.
It is fully refundable and the process to get it back is simple and painless, although it does take a couple of weeks. In my opinion, the main reason for doing this is to get a good estimate of demand. Requiring a deposit tends to give a better idea of serious buyers than not requiring one.
Guessing this was satire on his part, trying to ruffle some feathers. Indeed, at current rates that Tesla is selling vehicles, their recent models S and X sales forecasts, historic delays in release of models, and their 200k vehicle cap for the federal tax credit, there is a good chance there will be no full federal tax credit for the Model 3 right out the gate. I think there is a wind down period, and maybe some of this will be available. So it is probably safe to assume that the 35k before tax incentives will apply to only state incentives for the vast majority of buyers. Depending on where one lives, this could still be quite significant. It's probably also a safe bet for the Bolt, OTOH, to be eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit for at least the first few months it is out. And another marketing thing - Tesla may release the more premium optioned model(s) first with a higher price tag to soak up any left over federal tax credits, if they still exist.
First production has always been Signature/Founders/(whatever) versions that have special features and rather limited production.
