Anyone here with a Tesla Model S?

[Sidekicknichola]

Due to some unfortunate news, that my mother in law has stage 4 lung cancer, my wife is pushing hard to move back to her hometown to be there in case it is the end.

... I'm probably putting the cart before the horse since nothing is set in stone yet, but I was offered a position 44 miles from our hometown that would be a MAJOR boost in salary and title for me, so it would probably be stupid not to take it for my career and keeping the Mrs. happy.


My commute would be ~100 miles a day round trip on all 2-lane 55mph roads and I am seriously looking at a Model S if / when we make the move.

My wife and I currently both have Lexus IS350's, she would keep hers and I would probably sell mine.

Crunching the numbers I came up with the following:

Lexus currently has a $325/mo. payment, $120/mo. in insurance, based on the "new" commute I would be looking at like $350/mo. in gas, then 2200 miles a month just for work I would figure $200/mo towards maintenance the Tesla would not have (oil changes, belts, plugs, etc etc etc).
.... to drive the Lexus in the new situation would be ~$1000/mo.

Looking at the Tesla, I could get the floor model 85 Kw (not Performance) battery at the local dealer for a payment (not counting tax incentive) for $1050/mo on a payment. I expect the electric bill (based on reading Tesla owners forums) to jump ~$50/mo., since we would be moving out of a metro area and I would be going to a "safer" car, I would think insurance would stay the same or drop, and the only real maintenance on the car would be tires/brakes.
.... this puts the Tesla ownership cost at ~$1220/mo.... not counting the tax credit and the Tesla buy back promise (they'll buy it back in 3 years for AT LEAST 50% of the cost you paid).

$220 more a month +/- .... Its extremely tempting.

 

[halik]

There's about no way you can make that work, especially compared to something like a diesel Passat. With 39 mpg, diesel passat comes in at $225/mo in gas and $375 a mo for lease, so $600 total without insurance. Can't compare that to $1100/mo for the tesla.

Also insurance it's likely higher on the tesla, it being a premium lux sedan. We pay about double on my S8 compared to my fiancee's A4.

 

[Imported]

No waiting lists on the Tesla anymore?

 

[smackababy]

I don't have a Model S, but I've seen quite a few on the road and been in the local store front around them. They are pretty nice. While, you could get a cheaper car, such as a TDI mentioned above, it wouldn't be nearly as nice IMO. My problems with Tesla is entirely in the looks department and the can't charge it at home scenario I currently have (condo life #firstworldproblems).

Quite a few people try and use the cost of the battery as some huge hindrance, but in 10+ years when it does go out, I'm sure there will either be better batteries or the currently used technology will be cheaper.

 

[LTC8K6]

Shoot, even going to a 328i would net large mileage gains, plus no maintenance costs.

 

[satyajitmenon]

If you're looking for an excuse to get a Tesla Model S, well, just do it already. Finances be damned

 

[JulesMaximus]

A good friend of mine is seriously considering buying one of these as his next car. He drives a 2009 Lexus RX350 currently but he has been wanting to get something more efficient for a while now. Trouble is, the Lexus is paid for and it only has about 70k miles on it.

If he ever gets it I'll test drive it and post a review. He has tossed me the keys to his wife's 2012 BMW 650i convertible before, a couple times actually, so I'm sure he'll let me drive this sled.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I don't have a Model S, but I've seen quite a few on the road and been in the local store front around them. They are pretty nice. While, you could get a cheaper car, such as a TDI mentioned above, it wouldn't be nearly as nice IMO. My problems with Tesla is entirely in the looks department and the can't charge it at home scenario I currently have (condo life #firstworldproblems).

Quite a few people try and use the cost of the battery as some huge hindrance, but in 10+ years when it does go out, I'm sure there will either be better batteries or the currently used technology will be cheaper.

I think it looks fantastic. One of the best looking sedans out there IMO.

 

[Sidekicknichola]

diesel passat comes in at $225/mo in gas and $375 a mo for lease, ....so $600 total without insurance. Can't compare that to $1100/mo for the tesla.

Agreed there is quite a difference there, but if you can find me a lease that will allow for 25k miles a year, I'm all ears. Based on 36 month / 36k lease I would go over by approximately 40k. At $.20 a mile thats like an extra $225 / mo. to cover the mileage. So again I'm looking at a $825 for the car / gas / lease overage, which is ~$250 less than the Tesla, which IMO is a far better looking, performing, and comfortable car.

Shoot, even going to a 328i would net large mileage gains, plus no maintenance costs.

How would I avoid maintenance costs? Lease has been suggested but with the miles would be putting on there is no way in hell I would stay under the limits.

Quite a few people try and use the cost of the battery as some huge hindrance, but in 10+ years when it does go out, I'm sure there will either be better batteries or the currently used technology will be cheaper.

The 85kw has a 8 year unlimited mile warranty on the batteries.... if I kept it for 8 years that would put me at 200k miles before something would go wrong. And I did inquire to the cost of a new battery pack and labor to install and as of today is would be $6800... which honestly even if it fails 8 years and a day later isn't really that terrible. My guess the more common they become the cheaper batteries will get too.

I think it looks fantastic. One of the best looking sedans out there IMO.

I'm with you. There are few, if any other sedans that look better IMO. Maybe the CLS Benz and the AM Rapide would give it a run for its money in the looks dept.

No waiting lists on the Tesla anymore?

I could drive the floor model away today, to order a 85kw today would mean I take delivery at the end of June.... which I probably would do because I hate some of the options of the floor model, its loaded with totally worthless things.

 

[z1ggy]

Maint. costs on a Tesla should be pretty low. It only has around 30 moving parts. I also heard a rumor that Tesla has tried to put pressure on insurance companies to lower rates on Tesla cars by threatening to open up their own insurance company to solely insure Tesla vehicles.

I say go for it. If it'll make you happy and you can afford it, why not?

 

[LTC8K6]

Where will you charge the car? Will you need to install a home charger?

Wiki has an annual cost for the Tesla S 85Kw at $700 for 15K miles.

So, it should be considerably more for 25k miles.

 

[LTC8K6]

I don't know how expensive Tesla repairs are, but the warranty for everything other than the battery ends at 50K miles, or 2 years of driving for you.

 

[Sidekicknichola]

I also heard a rumor that Tesla has tried to put pressure on insurance companies to lower rates on Tesla cars by threatening to open up their own insurance company to solely insure Tesla vehicles.

Called State Farm the other day, $39 more a year than the Lexus, I can live with that.

Where will you charge the car? Will you need to install a home charger?

Yes, in the mean time while moving back I would live at my Dad's "second home"... its just down the street from his place, he owned a real estate company and when things took a shit he bought up a few places to flip, still has this one, so I would rent that from him. There are 240v connections in the garage there for his welding equipment, I would use that for charging.

... I've assumed $50/mo. increase in the electric bill because of the car.

I expect the electric bill (based on reading Tesla owners forums) to jump ~$50/mo.

... many owners using 240v going ~12k a year said it jumps their bill around $30-$40, so I probably went a bit light on my estimate. I'm afraid a lot of them are drinking the kool-aid too and have serious owner goggles. I tend to get more "honest" advice from these forums.

 

[Sidekicknichola]

Tesla repairs are, but the warranty for everything other than the battery ends at 50K miles, or 2 years of driving for you.

I was told at the dealer it was 4 years on everything (no mileage limit) and 8 years on the battery (no mileage limit) with the 85 kw battery. The lack of moving / mechanical parts is a big plus, so much less to go wrong than a stander ICE car.

 

[LTC8K6]

Then they should fix the web page and the warranty page.

http://www.teslamotors.com/models/specs

Warranty
Four year or 50,000 mile, whichever comes first, new vehicle limited warranty
60 kWh battery has an eight year or 125,000 mile, whichever comes first, battery warranty
85 kWh battery has an eight year, unlimited mile battery warranty
Both battery warranties cover damage from improper charging procedures and battery fire, even if the fire results from driver error

 

[Sidekicknichola]

Then they should fix the web page and the warranty page.

That makes me uneasy...
I do have an email showing the sales rep telling me mileage wasn't a factor... but my guess is if shit hit the fan, Tesla has a better team of lawyers than me.

 

[Kaido]

1. Sorry to hear about your MIL
2. Good on you for taking care of your family, and bonus points for the job offer!
3. I'm a Tesla enthusiast. I keep some notes here:

http://catch42.pbworks.com/w/page/68074404/Tesla stuff

Read up on the pros & cons, especially under the "Negatives" section. They are not without their quirks and you do need certain lifestyle requirements to own one (available income, range limitations, etc.), but they are head & shoulders above other EV's and are fairly practical if you also own a gas car for longer trips. The "owner goggles" do exist, but mostly Teslas are pretty awesome cars. It's good that you're looking at the non-performance one; from what I've read, the tires on the P85+ wear down after around 10,000 miles, which isn't something they tell you when you sign & drive.

 

[Kaido]

No waiting lists on the Tesla anymore?

There is a waiting list, based on which model you pick - the Performance model gets bumped up to the fastest delivery, 1-2 months (they're all built for you). Sometimes you can get one right away if a local dealer has one or know of another location that has one, although it's very hit & miss. Most people order & wait though.

 

[Kaido]

Then they should fix the web page and the warranty page.

http://www.teslamotors.com/models/specs

Warranty
Four year or 50,000 mile, whichever comes first, new vehicle limited warranty
60 kWh battery has an eight year or 125,000 mile, whichever comes first, battery warranty
85 kWh battery has an eight year, unlimited mile battery warranty
Both battery warranties cover damage from improper charging procedures and battery fire, even if the fire results from driver error

You can read more about the warranty here:

http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/creating-world’s-best-service-and-warranty-program-0

Here's the warranty PDF:

http://www.teslamotors.com/sites/de.../model_s_new_vehicle_limited_warranty_2.1.pdf

iirc the 85kWh battery costs $12k to replace out of warranty (after 8 years).

 

[Sidekicknichola]

Sometimes you can get one right away if a local dealer has one or know of another location that has one, although it's very hit & miss. Most people order & wait though.

Our dealer has a bunch but all with really stupid options I would never get that really increase the cost. All I would really want is a 85kw with Tech package... everything else would be a waste for me.

Thanks for the sentiment on the MIL, its a shitty situation, but until the doctor's say its all but over I'm not worried about it....modern medicine is an amazing thing.
Thank you for the link! Tons of good info in there!

iirc the 85kWh battery costs $12k to replace out of warranty (after 8 years).

I was quoted $6800 just last week, which I have in writing as well

 

[Kaido]

I was quoted $6800 just last week, which I have in writing as well

Wow, that's a HUGE reduction! Granted I haven't looked at battery prices in awhile.

http://www.teslamotors.com/forum/forums/battery-replacement-cost

Assuming someone can pry a 900lb energy storage system out of the car and that your insurance won't pay (my insurance covers it), Tesla has said that the replacement cost is about $30,000. That being said, you can buy the pre-paid replacement option for $12,000. The reason for the discrepency is due to the fact that the expected life of the battery is about 10 years at which the future value of the $12,000 upfront is closer to $15,000. Also, the expected cost of the battery in the future is projected to significantly lower.

Not sure if that was referring to the Roadster or the Model S (post was back in 2010, so it's been awhile). $6,800 for the 85kWh is pretty awesome though...I mean, that's probably what I spend in gas in a single year, so getting 8 years of warrantied life out of it would be awesome given the reduced monthly fuel cost of electricity.

 

[Kaido]

Thank you for the link! Tons of good info in there!

No problem. I don't update it that often, but I do post links of interest over in the electric car discussion thread:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2327836

The biggest thing I'm excited about is the AWD option coming within the next year for the Model S. It was originally a feature on the Model X SUV, but they've ported it to the S, which would be awesome for the fun winters we have here in New England

 

[Sidekicknichola]

The biggest thing I'm excited about is the AWD option coming within the next year for the Model S. It was originally a feature on the Model X SUV, but they've ported it to the S, which would be awesome for the fun winters we have here in New England

I really wish the Model E was ready to go, if they hit their target price, it would be a no brainer. My thought was get into the S, drive and "trade" for the "E" when it comes along... I don't really need the size of the "S", but don't really have a choice.

I got rid of my old IS awd for a RWD one this past year, and honestly with good snow tires it does better than the AWD with all-season. I'm in Minneapolis so the winters here can be rough, but didn't have a single problem this whole winter. I actually unloaded my "winter beater" RSX because of how well it performed.

 

[smackababy]

I think it looks fantastic. One of the best looking sedans out there IMO.

I hate the bubble, generic rounded "fast back" of it. The Volt suffers from the same problem. They need to either make it a wagon / hatch or cut it shorter and give me a trunk; both of which would look much better on the Tesla.

 

[Imported]

There is a waiting list, based on which model you pick - the Performance model gets bumped up to the fastest delivery, 1-2 months (they're all built for you). Sometimes you can get one right away if a local dealer has one or know of another location that has one, although it's very hit & miss. Most people order & wait though.

Interesting. So it's more like ordering your own BMW or something now. Order and get it in a few months. I drive by a Tesla dealer every day and they always have about 8 cars sitting. Need to get myself to stop and test drive one day.