The Tesla is critic-proof. It's a cult, really. Short of bursting into flames, every defect on a Model 3 will be artfully apologized for. I'm already seeing this online. It's like the Harley-Davidson or the Apple of EVs.
As critics of the Harley once said: "It's hard to argue against the success of the brand when its customers have the company name tattooed on their foreheads".
I'll consider a Guilia lease in the summer, if they are desperate to unload them. But not a buy. And not if I have to depend on it every day! At least where I am now, there is a dealer close by. Just need to check the areas I may possibly move to.
Here is where used RWD Ti models are already. If you look closely, you'll see they were around $33k and change in Nov. Now just 1 mo later they are $30k.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
It's a cult to an even deeper extent than Apple products - probably because of the high price, and nobody wants to admit spending that much in a questionable decision. I see Jalopnik today had a funny story about a Model 3 owner experiencing constant hiccups - not long ago, they were shilling for Tesla, and would ban people for mentioning it. How things change, I guess even wikipedia-schooled hipster kidults can see the light.
Time for a MSRP cap on tax breaks for such vehicles.
The Tesla is critic-proof. It's a cult, really. Short of bursting into flames, every defect on a Model 3 will be artfully apologized for. I'm already seeing this online. It's like the Harley-Davidson or the Apple of EVs.
As critics of the Harley once said: "It's hard to argue against the success of the brand when its customers have the company name tattooed on their foreheads".
It's difficult to know what actually goes on at the Tesla factory, and the reporting on the Internet gets more and more bizarre.
In a story I read entitled something like "NEW MODEL 3 NOW LEAVING THE FACTORY", what it actually was, was drone shots of a fly-over showing a few hundred Model 3s (if that) parked in a row, with one truck loaded up with cars just sitting there.
Keep in mind that Musk was promising "5,000 cars a week" by this time.
One would think a normal company would just publish sales figures for the month, instead of the media having to rely on drone fly-overs to speculate where these cars are even going--if anywhere.
It's very odd. Even MORE bizarre was that the story was seriously proposing that this drone shot had effectively silenced all the doubters
I've driven a Tesla Model S and the Chevy Bolt (too briefly to really write it up), so I'm looking forward to a spin in the Model 3. One thing about the Model 3 that I did discover, though--if you want one with all the cool features you can add on, this isn't a $35,000 car. This is closer to a $60,000 car. Even just the autonomous feature costs and extra $8K or so.
The $35k is a bit of a joke, IMHO. Oh, you want a color other than black? Cha-ching. You want full performance instead of the detuned version? Cha-ching. People should just go into it assuming $45k as the starting point.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
The $35k is a bit of a joke, IMHO. Oh, you want a color other than black? Cha-ching. You want full performance instead of the detuned version? Cha-ching. People should just go into it assuming $45k as the starting point.
I thought it was pushing $50K, minimally equipped.
I would think that less than 1% will be equipped at a price point less than $45K
$35k base plus $9k high-po version plus $1k for anything other than black paint. Then start adding options from there. Premium pack alone is $5k.
Ah, brings memories of the ‘60s. “Oh sure we have that model for $1995, but wouldn’t you like a nice heater? Power steering makes driving so much easier too. And the available electric wipers are quite useful in this climate. Oh and a radio to keep you company—we have one for $49.95, of course if you want pushbutton station memory it’s a little more...”. And that’s before you consider an optional engine that is capable of actually accelerating the car.
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
Musk just sold out of 50,000 baseball caps that said "The Boring Company" on it. $20 bucks a pop, too. I tell you, this guy has magic fingers. He reminds of the patent medicine craze in America in the 1800s----"Dr. Wizard's Vegetable Health Pills--Cures All Diseases!".
What Musk did is make EVs sexy. There's really no "new" technology at all, and his cars are built just like any other modern car. But he did jump start the EV industry.
Remains to be seen if all his "depositers" are going to wait 2 years to get a Model 3 or not, and if they will pay full freight once the tax breaks expire (soon) and the options list grows larger.
And then we have all the EV competition coming down the pike right now.
If a 3, S, or X is sexy, I'll be frumpy and proud. I just don't see it. Credit can be given for getting the ball rolling, yeah, although for me personally, until tech makes another quantum leap, I'd want nothing beyond a hybrid - I want range and efficient refueling time.
Musk has a cult around him just like his products.
1951:
This huge Hadacol Caravan with 17 plush railroad cars loaded with America’s top movie stars and singers is going to have whistle stops and one-night-stands in 15 states, while traveling 3800 miles. All to increase the sales of Hadacol.
Hadacol, of course, is that “cure anything” patent medicine that LeBlanc markets as a vitamin supplement and, according to the Senator, “marches into battle against the pain and suffering of rheumatism, heart problems, ulcers, diabetes, nervousness, gas, cancer” and on and on. You name the medical malady, LeBlanc says, “Hadacol cures it.” Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Hadacol contains 12 % alcohol and has tremendous sales in “dry” areas of the country where one cannot buy liquor– like much of the South. A bottle of wine has about the same alcohol content as this “medicinal” elixir.
So, alcohol? Yes. Taste? No. Hadacol has been described as “smelling like a sewer and tasting like dirt.” Consequently, entertainer Groucho Marx asked its creator, “What is Hadacol good for?” Always the showman, LeBlanc replied, “It was good for five and a half million for me, last year.”
So, alcohol? Yes. Taste? No. Hadacol has been described as “smelling like a sewer and tasting like dirt.” Consequently, entertainer Groucho Marx asked its creator, “What is Hadacol good for?” Always the showman, LeBlanc replied, “It was good for five and a half million for me, last year.”
Although the Tesla powertrain is remarkable and has merit, I think there's some power and status involved too, simply based on the price. This is the new Belle Epoque (remember how the last one ended), and ostentatious displays are in again.
The Porsche will just double down on it too, and probably still get an undeserved tax break.
I spent a few minutes car-looking, This thing caught my eye at the MB dealer - high options, nice colors, and you can see the scrape low on the front driver's side bumper/airdam area. It'll probably buff out as it appears to be transfer from another object, but still.
MB dealer had this cool indoor display for AMG, with simulated tarmac and all. Car is a nicely equipped E63s wagon with a MSRP around 124K, I think:
Also a way to not be hounded too much by a salesperson is to tell them you are 18 months into a 36 month lease
The dry area stuff is amusing too, hard to believe such backwardness existed in relatively recent history (and to an extent, still does).
Dry areas still exist in pockets here in Nova Scotia. When I was working I had the responsibility for bringing the ancient records up to date - they were recorded on an old highway map with hand-drawn boundaries colored in when I arrived there - and so I pulled together all the records that I could find since Prohibition ended and had it digitized via a GIS. Then I was in charge of initiating the plebiscites required by law whenever a liquor store or manufacturer wanted to set up in these areas. Every year I petitioned the legislators to change the law, to no avail.
I spent a few minutes car-looking, This thing caught my eye at the MB dealer - high options, nice colors, and you can see the scrape low on the front driver's side bumper/airdam area. It'll probably buff out as it appears to be transfer from another object, but still.
Unless I'm missing something I don't see a way to look at any photos of that car other than the one on the listing.
Saw a Velar today, along with a questionably driven new unplated Jag XE, new E-class at work, and I've noticed a recent proliferation of the illuminated grille star on MB - virtually 100% of the time on a mallcruising CUV/SUV.
It's difficult to know what actually goes on at the Tesla factory, and the reporting on the Internet gets more and more bizarre.
In a story I read entitled something like "NEW MODEL 3 NOW LEAVING THE FACTORY", what it actually was, was drone shots of a fly-over showing a few hundred Model 3s (if that) parked in a row, with one truck loaded up with cars just sitting there.
Keep in mind that Musk was promising "5,000 cars a week" by this time.
One would think a normal company would just publish sales figures for the month, instead of the media having to rely on drone fly-overs to speculate where these cars are even going--if anywhere.
It's very odd. Even MORE bizarre was that the story was seriously proposing that this drone shot had effectively silenced all the doubters
Wha?
I saw a model 3 out in the real-world, so someone got one. It was parked though.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Saw a Kia Stinger today. Red. Not amazing, not offensive. Aggressive. Definitely a gutsy move from Kia; the reviews have been positive. The big question- will it sell??? What does it get cross-shopped against?
I think it competes with itself almost, being unique. But will get cross shopped to an oddball assortment of stuff. BMW and Audi for sure. Probably Infiniti..
Comments
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
I've seen video reviews of it, and it looks to be a better Wrangler in every possible way.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I suspect depreciation is fierce, too, might be a good used buy.
Alfa depreciation will probably be worse!
The odd thing is that we don't have a dealer locally, with the nearest being in Quebec City, nearly 400 miles away.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
But I'm not reading great things about the Tesla 3, either. Time will tell...
As critics of the Harley once said: "It's hard to argue against the success of the brand when its customers have the company name tattooed on their foreheads".
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Time for a MSRP cap on tax breaks for such vehicles.
In a story I read entitled something like "NEW MODEL 3 NOW LEAVING THE FACTORY", what it actually was, was drone shots of a fly-over showing a few hundred Model 3s (if that) parked in a row, with one truck loaded up with cars just sitting there.
Keep in mind that Musk was promising "5,000 cars a week" by this time.
One would think a normal company would just publish sales figures for the month, instead of the media having to rely on drone fly-overs to speculate where these cars are even going--if anywhere.
It's very odd. Even MORE bizarre was that the story was seriously proposing that this drone shot had effectively silenced all the doubters
Wha?
Beta software is often riddled with flaws, cars at launch often have flaws, combine them and have fun.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I would think that less than 1% will be equipped at a price point less than $45K
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
Musk has a cult around him just like his products.
Remains to be seen if all his "depositers" are going to wait 2 years to get a Model 3 or not, and if they will pay full freight once the tax breaks expire (soon) and the options list grows larger.
And then we have all the EV competition coming down the pike right now.
This huge Hadacol Caravan with 17 plush railroad cars loaded with America’s top movie stars and singers is going to have whistle stops and one-night-stands in 15 states, while traveling 3800 miles. All to increase the sales of Hadacol.
Hadacol, of course, is that “cure anything” patent medicine that LeBlanc markets as a vitamin supplement and, according to the Senator, “marches into battle against the pain and suffering of rheumatism, heart problems, ulcers, diabetes, nervousness, gas, cancer” and on and on. You name the medical malady, LeBlanc says, “Hadacol cures it.” Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Hadacol contains 12 % alcohol and has tremendous sales in “dry” areas of the country where one cannot buy liquor– like much of the South. A bottle of wine has about the same alcohol content as this “medicinal” elixir.
So, alcohol? Yes. Taste? No. Hadacol has been described as “smelling like a sewer and tasting like dirt.” Consequently, entertainer Groucho Marx asked its creator, “What is Hadacol good for?” Always the showman, LeBlanc replied, “It was good for five and a half million for me, last year.”
http://southernmemoriesandupdates.com/stories/hadacol-health-tonic-brings-big-stars-to-small-towns/
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
But that doesn't work all by itself. The car has to perform reasonably well.
The new Porsche Mission E will pack some 670 HP. So you can go that fast and still save the world. Perfect!
The dry area stuff is amusing too, hard to believe such backwardness existed in relatively recent history (and to an extent, still does).
The Porsche will just double down on it too, and probably still get an undeserved tax break.
MB dealer had this cool indoor display for AMG, with simulated tarmac and all. Car is a nicely equipped E63s wagon with a MSRP around 124K, I think:
Also a way to not be hounded too much by a salesperson is to tell them you are 18 months into a 36 month lease
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Too bad when you were tasked with updating maps, you couldn't also update minds. More people on the wrong side of history.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
I think it competes with itself almost, being unique. But will get cross shopped to an oddball assortment of stuff. BMW and Audi for sure. Probably Infiniti..
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.