Thoughts on Tesla Cars?

[tbonesteak]

Not the stock, not Musk, the cars specifically.

I've driven an S and it was quite the ride, but the appearance is meh to me and I would much rather have a bunch of other things at that price point.

While the S is okay, the X makes me want to puke. Why would that build it on the same frame as an S? I hate that car.

Saw a Model 3 last week, decent looking car for $35k, at $50-$60k it gets a hard pass from me. Furthermore, and to me the biggest flaw imaginable is the interior. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING runs through one central screen. No dashboard, no window switches, A/C, nothing - I'm sorry if you find conveniently located buttons unnecessary, but I can't imagine flipping through a touch screen for basically every function I need while driving.

IDK, not a fan of the vehicles if I'm being honest.

With a board full of auto enthusiasts, curious where everyone stands on this brand?

[tritium8]

This forum will tell you to buy a Porsche. Also, this has been discussed a lot here and a few members have Teslas.

I'm looking to buy an X at the moment, for full disclosure. Musk is very polarizing for sure but is it intentional? He manages to stay in the headlines and thus Tesla stays in the headlines. No such thing as bad press.

I agree with you on the interior design. I'm not completely sold on all systems relying on one central screen (and a single point of failure) but I think this is the future, as well. I do like charging at home, the steady stream of upgrades that don't require a dealer (aka fee) to install, the nationwide (yes, stronger in the West) charging network and the push to revolutionize the driving experience.

It's going to be interesting to see what happens in the next few years as other automakers work to "catch up". Tesla did the all a favor by setting a high price point and sticking with it.

[Keadog]

Originally Posted by tritium8

This forum will tell you to buy a Porsche.

Correct. A real car company with dealers and service departments in many locations. Adequate spare parts as well without a long wait.

[NimbleNavigator]

Lots of my friends in Silicon Valley have them and pretty much regret it. The service is very bad and even minor repairs take forever (6+ months) because lack of availability of parts. Many of the cars reaching 3 years old start to develop issues and show signs of wear, such as lots of vibrations, noise, and squeaks.

[Keadog]

Originally Posted by NimbleNavigator

Lots of my friends in Silicon Valley have them and pretty much regret it. The service is very bad and even minor repairs take forever (6+ months) because lack of availability of parts. Many of the cars reaching 3 years old start to develop issues and show signs of wear, such as lots of vibrations, noise, and squeaks.

You beat me to it. I'm hearing months for parts that should be on hand.

[V25V]

They are terribly built and all hype. Once Daimler opens their gigawatt factory and starts selling batteries to major car brands, Tesla is done.

[Etschell]

not a fan at all. but the main reason is the pricing and the lack of engine noise.

however, batteries are less green than oil.

[Burlington]

Originally Posted by Etschell

not a fan at all. but the main reason is the pricing and the lack of engine noise.

however, batteries are less green than oil.

What I’m not keen on when I’ve been a passenger, is the electric motor acceleration. Not sure if this sensation is the same when driving though as you have more connections to the vehicle.

[SearChart]

They're super common here, I've been in a model S before and it's quite cool, not a bad daily car for sure.

[ashbaug2]

Originally Posted by tbonesteak

Saw a Model 3 last week, decent looking car for $35k, at $50-$60k it gets a hard pass from me. Furthermore, and to me the biggest flaw imaginable is the interior. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING runs through one central screen. No dashboard, no window switches, A/C, nothing - I'm sorry if you find conveniently located buttons unnecessary, but I can't imagine flipping through a touch screen for basically every function I need while driving.

It's not inconvenient if you're on auto pilot and letting the car drive itself! Until you crash into another car, that is. (I kid...)

I was considering plopping money down for a Model 3 before I saw that central screen, as well. I commute around 50 miles r/t every day, so the concept of a fully electric vehicle is appealing to me. I also own Tesla stock, so supporting the business I own stock in is mutually beneficial, I think. I live near their new Gigafactory, so I hear a lot about them; I even worked out with the previous lead engineer at the factory. Again, great cars in concept, but their execution is a bit lacking, in my opinion.

The Model S is very pretty, though, and if you want to talk about G-forces and acceleration, holy cow, that thing will make you crap your pants. I'm just not in a position to drop $75k+ on a car like that. I love my 4Runner too much, anyways.

[tbonesteak]

Originally Posted by ashbaug2

I was considering plopping money down for a Model 3 before I saw that central screen, as well. I commute around 50 miles r/t every day, so the concept of a fully electric vehicle is appealing to me. I also own Tesla stock, so supporting the business I own stock in is mutually beneficial, I think. I live near their new Gigafactory, so I hear a lot about them; I even worked out with the previous lead engineer at the factory. Again, great cars in concept, but their execution is a bit lacking, in my opinion.

Wanted to stay on topic strictly about the car, but I struggle to wrap my head around this comment.

You decided not to buy their mass market vehicle due to the functionality and furthermore believe the execution is lacking, yet you're a shareholder?

[ashbaug2]

Originally Posted by tbonesteak

Wanted to stay on topic strictly about the car, but I struggle to wrap my head around this comment.

You decided not to buy their mass market vehicle due to the functionality and furthermore believe the execution is lacking, yet you're a shareholder?

We bought our shares low (relative, of course), before they were delivering many cars at all. We've made some good profit, if we were to sell today.

It started from a purely financial standpoint. The Model 3 was not even on the radar when we bought it, but when it was announced, I thought "This might be just for me!" It just isn't. So it goes. Doesn't mean I'm going to sell my shares because I've chosen not to purchase from them.

The fact that I am retaining stocks and not buying their product shouldn't be too much of a surprise, considering many, many others love their products and are buying them at an increasing rate. I'm not knocking anyone buying their products, they're just not for me.

[tbonesteak]

Originally Posted by ashbaug2

We bought our shares low (relative, of course), before they were delivering many cars at all. We've made some good profit, if we were to sell today.

It started from a purely financial standpoint. The Model 3 was not even on the radar when we bought it, but when it was announced, I thought "This might be just for me!" It just isn't. So it goes. Doesn't mean I'm going to sell my shares because I've chosen not to purchase from them.

The fact that I am retaining stocks and not buying their product shouldn't be too much of a surprise, considering many, many others love their products and are buying them at an increasing rate. I'm not knocking anyone buying their products, they're just not for me.

The fact that you didn't buy the product wasn't really what hit me, more so that you feel they're lacking in execution - to me, when I feel a company isn't executing, I'm usually selling. IDK, was just interesting to read. Anyways, if you were recently considering a Model 3, curious what else you are comparing it to?

[ashbaug2]

Originally Posted by tbonesteak

The fact that you didn't buy the product wasn't really what hit me, more so that you feel they're lacking in execution - to me, when I feel a company isn't executing, I'm usually selling. IDK, was just interesting to read. Anyways, if you were recently considering a Model 3, curious what else you are comparing it to?

Their cars aren't for me (or for you, either, as I am understanding), but they are for a lot of people, which means the stock still has some room to grow, I believe. That's pretty much it.

Honestly, I wasn't comparing it to many other options. It was an immediate "Ooooh, that's pretty cool and would be convenient to have for my commute" followed by "Eh, ok, nevermind." Believe it or not, I'm not a flashy guy (even though I briefly considered the Model 3, haha!), so I would be fine driving a Toyota Corolla. But really, I'm happy driving my 4Runner until it explodes, which is still a long ways off!

[CamSLC]

I spoke with a friend who works as a mechanic at the local "delivery center" and he echoed what others have said about repair issues. Likened it to buying a professionally designed custom home from a boutique architecture firm, then being put together by people who would have construction issues with lego's. Design and engineering is masterful with very poor fit and finish.

[superdog]

Not for me.

I like the vroom vroom sound.

But I know people that have them. And they all seem to love them

[beshannon]

I came close to buying a Model S but after running the numbers I could not justify the cost.

I loved the car and still do.

[Floorguy]

Funny! Looked at them just last week! Model 3.. 210 miles per charge. $35,000. For $60,000 you get another 70 Miles! Nope, not for me.

[GB-man]

Buy a Porsche










In all seriousness the interior feels cheap to me and the exteriors are ugly compared to even a Camry which I find much better looking.

[evlkoala]

Not for me.

[tbonesteak]

Out of curiosity, I just designed an S on their site. 100D with 335 miles, equipped - $105k

The same car with 260 miles is about $85k.

At those price points, I'll take Porsche Panamera or an S Class if I'm keeping it simple.

[520Matt]

One friend of mine has a model S. I spoke to him yesterday and he drove from AZ to LA in it and he said next time he's taking their "other" car as an extra 1.5 hours to recharge was a big hassle. Battery depletes faster in hot weather and at 85MPH. His business partner and my neighbor just bought a 1.5 year old Model X...... that he is waiting on delivery. The model S was also bought used.

[Ballzzz]

Sub par fit & finish
No dealer network
Unclear resale value
Unclear downtime issues
Lacking East coast network

Tesla has done great things, I have been in early model Type S's and they have improved there fit and finish leaps and bounds BUT for the price of entry they need to execute better to be able to stay relevant against the establish powerhouses.

I personally never liked the cars, but will say the model S is the best of the litter from a purely aesthetics standpoint.

I have always hated the interior ergonomics and overall bland("minimalist") imho approach they subscribe to.

I am happy they exist to further my love for ICE vehicles and for the people who truly love them.

I wasn't a buyer from the roadster days and still not a buyer today, but do commend there progress.

[btinl]

I have a Model S 100D. The fit and finish are subpar for this price point. My car has had multiple panel fitment and paint issues, which Tesla is still trying to correct. That being said, I do like the technology and vision of Tesla. It's been nice to avoid going to gas stations. I just wish their QC process would improve.

[droptopman]

Not a fan of the cars or the whole the system in which the company was founded and run. Too many political agendas and "grease" involved in this from day one.

LOL, we do not even want to know the real truth.....

[ashbaug2]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Not a fan of the cars or the whole the system in which the company was founded and run. Too many political agendas and "grease" involved in this from day one.

LOL, we do not even want to know the real truth.....

Could that not be said about a lot of other large corporations, as well, though? The lobbying industry in our country is massive, and to get anything pushed through it is almost required to hire a lobbying firm to schmooze politicians and build support. Right or wrong, I don't think Tesla has been that shady about anything. Secretive? Sure, but they're not the Illuminati plotting to destroy the universe... In fact, their development of their Lithium Ion car battery cells is completely open source for other companies to copy and use; they have intentionally NOT patented much of their work in hopes that others will invest money to further their vision. Whether you agree with their vision is a different story, and is completely OK not to.

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by ashbaug2

Could that not be said about a lot of other large corporations, as well, though? The lobbying industry in our country is massive, and to get anything pushed through it is almost required to hire a lobbying firm to schmooze politicians and build support. Right or wrong, I don't think Tesla has been that shady about anything. Secretive? Sure, but they're not the Illuminati plotting to destroy the universe... In fact, their development of their Lithium Ion car battery cells is completely open source for other companies to copy and use; they have intentionally NOT patented much of their work in hopes that others will invest money to further their vision. Whether you agree with their vision is a different story, and is completely OK not to.

Yes, not an attack on Tesla at all, more on the system. I can just think of many better uses of taxpayer resources. It goes on all over the place not exclusive to Tesla.

[SomeEngineer]

Originally Posted by ashbaug2

Right or wrong, I don't think Tesla has been that shady about anything.

I know this may not have been the direction your post was taking, but when you retaliate against workers for organizing as a result of having begged senior management to address safety concerns and being ignored, I'd personally call that shady business practices. Again, this is not an official statement but reflective of my personal opinions.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by tbonesteak

With a board full of auto enthusiasts, curious where everyone stands on this brand?

Build quality (diminishing to reach shortsighted build targets), the current whining for begging for more funding, other brands about to really cut into Tesla... plus am not into cult followings. Especially unproven ones long-term that have a questionable (profit) business model.

Am impressed with what he's done, yet anyone can put out a good product at attractive pricing if you account for losing money/subsidizing combined with gov breaks. So another concern is company viability.

[oysterflexer]

Get a mustang GT instead