Buying a used Telsa; considerations?
01-03-2018, 01:04 PM
#11
I have nothing to base this on, but I would beware that if you buy one, plan to keep it for a while or you could still be sideswiped with a huge depreciation hit. The technology continues to advance and many manufacturers are jumping into offering electric cars in the next couple years. As model choices grow and battery life and range improve, you will have a used car, with some depleted battery life that just does not compare to new offerings. As the rarity of a Tesla (they are getting fairly common around here) fades, they won't hold the value.
If you plan to run it into the ground, sure. Just be prepared for that. Batteries and motors can last a long time. But I would wager that recent models will still have a decent depreciation curve ahead of them as electrics become more mainstream and can be had more cheaply.
If you plan to run it into the ground, sure. Just be prepared for that. Batteries and motors can last a long time. But I would wager that recent models will still have a decent depreciation curve ahead of them as electrics become more mainstream and can be had more cheaply.
01-03-2018, 01:06 PM
#12
The new 2019(?) Leaf is supposed to have a range over 225 miles.
2019 Nissan Leaf May Get 225 Mile Range From 60 KWh Battery Pack
They aren't pretty, but they look nice enough, IMO. Definitely ok for a commuter.
01-03-2018, 01:45 PM
#13
Let go of the hate, it'll make you feel better, Lol. If you get a Tesla, and you're one of the many unfortunate souls who end up with a problem car, you'll hate yourself much more.
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Grip Hrd (01-28-2018)
01-03-2018, 02:01 PM
#14
https://www.teslarati.com/how-long-w...t-degradation/
My parents have owned a P85D since new for a few years... build quality is not there for the price they ask new. They are not the most reliable things ever.
My parents have owned a P85D since new for a few years... build quality is not there for the price they ask new. They are not the most reliable things ever.
My .02 cents: I would recommend test driving several electric cars. Don’t let range anxiety skew other important factors. Check out Doug Demuro’s videos on some of the electric cars mentioned above.
01-03-2018, 02:12 PM
#15
Yes, what do you think an electric powered engine is called? I believe Tesla refers to them as drive units, but it's all the same thing.
01-03-2018, 02:37 PM
#16
First on my list would be the chevy bolt. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...v-chases-tesla
01-04-2018, 06:36 AM
#17
have you driven one? like someone else said, when they have 0 problems they are great cars. But a lot have issues. Tons of QC issues. Avoid the early models especially like the plague. Ive seen more than one model s have peeling dashes and cracks. Horrible quality in their panel fitment. The interior is shit for such an expensive car.
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RedCelica (01-05-2018)
01-05-2018, 04:26 AM
#18
Moderator
Like was mentioned, as much as I think Teslas are cool, some of the usability is really poor (touchscreen) and the build quality can be highly variable. I'd still consider one, but I used to own an RX-7...
Normally I'd point to something like a Golf electric, but their range really sucks, and other EVs are just... weird and plasticky. Best option is really the Volt/Bolt model - 50 miles electric and gas to keep going as you need - removes all the range anxiety. Unfortunately no one makes a car with Tesla looks an GM engineering for a reasonable price.
Maybe you can save up for an i8, but for even $20k worth of gas, you're probably better with a practical 40mpg gas-powered car.
01-05-2018, 05:17 AM
#19
Community Organizer
You can buy new Prius batteries on RockAuto for $1200. 
01-05-2018, 06:08 AM
#20
Moderator
Thread Starter
For Many years Musk promised the Model S would not sell used for under $50k and that kept prices high - I think Tesla actually subsidized the cost via its repurchase program. Now, demand is high but prices are slipping, and I think that trend will continue as Model 3s come to market and start saturating it.
Like was mentioned, as much as I think Teslas are cool, some of the usability is really poor (touchscreen) and the build quality can be highly variable. I'd still consider one, but I used to own an RX-7...
Normally I'd point to something like a Golf electric, but their range really sucks, and other EVs are just... weird and plasticky. Best option is really the Volt/Bolt model - 50 miles electric and gas to keep going as you need - removes all the range anxiety. Unfortunately no one makes a car with Tesla looks an GM engineering for a reasonable price.
Maybe you can save up for an i8, but for even $20k worth of gas, you're probably better with a practical 40mpg gas-powered car.
Like was mentioned, as much as I think Teslas are cool, some of the usability is really poor (touchscreen) and the build quality can be highly variable. I'd still consider one, but I used to own an RX-7...
Normally I'd point to something like a Golf electric, but their range really sucks, and other EVs are just... weird and plasticky. Best option is really the Volt/Bolt model - 50 miles electric and gas to keep going as you need - removes all the range anxiety. Unfortunately no one makes a car with Tesla looks an GM engineering for a reasonable price.
Maybe you can save up for an i8, but for even $20k worth of gas, you're probably better with a practical 40mpg gas-powered car.
Kinda need a 4 door...or seriously have to do some wife-convincing.