Quick read on Jalopnik about Tesla

[edyvw]

It’s no different than any other car. EVs don’t gain moisture in the brakes quicker than any other car so what’s your argument?


I said it very plainly. EVs don’t do oil or transmission fluid changes and electricity is cheaper than gasoline per mile. Anything else is similar service if taken seriously. You didn’t change my statement at all. I meticulously maintain all my vehicles and my gas cars cost x4 per mile my EV costs. I’m not ignoring anything. The average public does though.

So, it is no different than any other car. Why are you then mentioning at all that people don't do this service? 95% of people don;t do transmission service, they do $19.99 oil change, so in reality it ONLY comes down to electricity vs. gas.
However, if that is a key point in purchasing a vehicle, the average person will buy a hybrid to keep it for the next 10-20yrs, not Tesla or BMW I4 or whatever.

 

[Torrid]

So, it is no different than any other car. Why are you then mentioning at all that people don't do this service? 95% of people don;t do transmission service, they do $19.99 oil change, so in reality it ONLY comes down to electricity vs. gas.
However, if that is a key point in purchasing a vehicle, the average person will buy a hybrid to keep it for the next 10-20yrs, not Tesla or BMW I4 or whatever.

What is your disconnect here? Oil changes, transmission fluid, and cost per mile of go juice. Everything else is pretty similar. Am I speaking English?

Transmissions break when not serviced and I want to know what crap place you’re going on a modern car that gets a $19 oil change? To be fair I don’t trust the average person to go in for an oil change these days.

If you just want for mention putting in fuel and going and no service at all it’s still not enough to make up for an EV being 1/4 the cost. That’s all I figured my costs on here. It only gets worse if I include those costs. GTI at 36mpg here is $0.111 per mile. RWD Model 3 is $0.03. It’s not close and they have similar costs new. This will adjust based on your local rates but fuel is cheap here and an EV takes a fuel efficient car’s lunch money.

You’re making a lot of assumptions here about how long an EV owner keeps a vehicle.

 

[edyvw]

What is your disconnect here? Oil changes, transmission fluid, and cost per mile of go juice. Everything else is pretty similar. Am I speaking English?

Transmissions break when not serviced and I want to know what crap place you’re going on a modern car that gets a $19 oil change? To be fair I don’t trust the average person to go in for an oil change these days.

If you just want for mention putting in fuel and going and no service at all it’s still not enough to make up for an EV being 1/4 the cost. That’s all I figured my costs on here. It only gets worse if I include those costs. GTI at 36mpg here is $0.111 per mile. RWD Model 3 is $0.03. It’s not close and they have similar costs new. This will adjust based on your local rates but fuel is cheap here and an EV takes a fuel efficient car’s lunch money.

You’re making a lot of assumptions here about how long an EV owner keeps a vehicle.

So things don't break on EV? Transmissions do break, so does stuff on EV.
Yes, it is cheaper to run an EV, as long as it is a second or third car. All my friends who have an EV have an 8-seat gas guzzler or truck or something like a Pilot or Sienna in their garage, bcs. an EV isn't going to take you far here in the West. My friend has model 3 that he is very proud of, but he never came in it to local ski resort when we go to ski. He always comes in Honda Pilot. He also likes to talk about the economy of EVs, etc., but in reality, it is a novelty. He and his wife both work from home and use Tesla to buy groceries and go with their son to get gelato.
So, yes it is cheaper, and I am writing in English, until you realize that you bought $50,000 second or third vehicle to drive around town.
But hey, you need some justification for the purchase. Like I said before, if we talk economy, we can talk vehicles like Leaf. But Tesla for the average family? BMW i4? etc.? Yeah right.

 

[Torrid]

So things don't break on EV? Transmissions do break, so does stuff on EV.
Yes, it is cheaper to run an EV, as long as it is a second or third car. All my friends who have an EV have an 8-seat gas guzzler or truck or something like a Pilot or Sienna in their garage, bcs. an EV isn't going to take you far here in the West. My friend has model 3 that he is very proud of, but he never came in it to local ski resort when we go to ski. He always comes in Honda Pilot. He also likes to talk about the economy of EVs, etc., but in reality, it is a novelty. He and his wife both work from home and use Tesla to buy groceries and go with their son to get gelato.
So, yes it is cheaper, and I am writing in English, until you realize that you bought $50,000 second or third vehicle to drive around town.
But hey, you need some justification for the purchase. Like I said before, if we talk economy, we can talk vehicles like Leaf. But Tesla for the average family? BMW i4? etc.? Yeah right.

I don’t think you know what a Tesla costs and it has an 8 year 100k mile warranty. Sure something could break, but again I explained the difference of cost between these vehicles.

Novelty, right. It’s our family car, but if it makes you feel better to consider it a second or third vehicle more power to you. I’m not the biased one in this conversation. All I did was math while owning both. If you don’t want an EV I understand, but you don’t need to lie to yourself or anyone else if you prefer another vehicle. I understand the love of the vehicle as an enthusiast that’s a different conversation and completely subjective. This is the math in this area. I’m an idiot driving a turbocharged hatchback, but as an enthusiast I love it.

Are we required to reduce to insults? The Tesla I own can be had for $35k. It’s not a toy, it’s the only car at home for 2-3 days at a time. I’m considering going fully EV after my experience.

 

[edyvw]

I don’t think you know what a Tesla costs and it has an 8 year 100k mile warranty. Sure something could break, but again I explained the difference of cost between these vehicles.

Novelty, right. It’s our family car, but if it makes you feel better to consider it a second or third vehicle more power to you. I’m not the biased one in this conversation. All I did was math while owning both. If you don’t want an EV I understand, but you don’t need to lie to yourself or anyone else if you prefer another vehicle. I understand the love of the vehicle as an enthusiast that’s a different conversation and completely subjective. This is the math in this area. I’m an idiot driving a turbocharged hatchback, but as an enthusiast I love it.

Again, I never mentioned myself here. I don't drive iPad's.
You are talking cost. I am saying that for the average family, AVERAGE, it does not make sense.
So yes, it is a novelty. I don't need justification. I already own a hair dryer and similar devices.

 

[Torrid]

Again, I never mentioned myself here. I don't drive iPad's.
You are talking cost. I am saying that for the average family, AVERAGE, it does not make sense.
So yes, it is a novelty. I don't need justification. I already own a hair dryer and similar devices.

You’re making weird assumptions based on some odd bias. You’re just wrong.

Yes you need justification in this case. It’s the definition of making crap up.

Wait a minute, did you just say cost doesn’t matter to the average person?

 

[edyvw]

You’re making weird assumptions based on some odd bias. You’re just wrong.

Yes you need justification in this case. It’s the definition of making crap up.

Wait a minute, did you just say cost doesn’t matter to the average person?

Average family buys first and foremost practical vehicle. Average family goes for Toyota Highlander, Pilot, etc. EV’s don't fit that! Average family in the US doesn’t own VW GTI and Tesla. You can talk as much as you want about cost (and here we are ONLY talking gas vs. electricity) but that is not top 5 priorities for average family.
Make minivan or Pilot type vehicle as EV, with range, flexibility etc. than we can talk about it. But we are far from that. Really FAR!
Until than, it is keeping up with Jonses.

 

[Torrid]

Average family buys first and foremost practical vehicle. Average family goes for Toyota Highlander, Pilot, etc. EV’s don't fit that! Average family in the US doesn’t own VW GTI and Tesla. You can talk as much as you want about cost (and here we are ONLY talking gas vs. electricity) but that is not top 5 priorities for average family.
Make minivan or Pilot type vehicle as EV, with range, flexibility etc. than we can talk about it. But we are far from that. Really FAR!
Until than, it is keeping up with Jonses.

Lack of knowledge doesn’t make them right. You chose to come to the EV side and argue. Both of my cars are more efficient from the average vehicle and have similar space to the average vehicle.

Most don’t buy vans. They buy crossovers with 5 seats with similar space to the better packaged VW Golf the GTI is based on.

 

[edyvw]

Lack of knowledge doesn’t make them right. You chose to come to the EV side and argue. Both of my cars are more efficient from the average vehicle and have similar space to the average vehicle.

Most don’t buy vans. They buy crossovers with 5 seats with similar space to the better packaged VW Golf the GTI is based on.

Came to EV side to argue?
Like I said, Jonses.

 

[Torrid]

Came to EV side to argue?
Like I said, Jonses.

I don’t get this one. I’m not trying to impress anybody. I explained rational reasons why I chose smaller, more cost effective reasons for the vehicles we chose for our family. Just because you chose to misinterpret it isn’t my problem. I’m not impressing anyone with my small sedan or hatchback. That’s the point of keeping up with the Joneses, right? Making appearances? Does the Tesla badge hold that much weight on a $40k sedan?

 

[edyvw]

I don’t get this one. I’m not trying to impress anybody. I explained rational reasons why I chose smaller, more cost effective reasons for the vehicles we chose for our family. Just because you chose to misinterpret it isn’t my problem. I’m not impressing anyone with my small sedan or hatchback. That’s the point of keeping up with the Joneses, right? Making appearances? Does the Tesla badge hold that much weight on a $40k sedan?

Of course you get it. What is this? Exclusive club so other members can’t discuss.
You brought up that ridiculous argument about transmission fluid change, brake fluid etc. In reality, difference is only gas vs. electricity.
Average family (if we talk vehicles, we have to talk average, not you or me) can’t fit into that equation. Different people have different circumstances. Some own one car. Some don’t own at all. And some need two minivans.
So, for average families, it doesn’t make sense. Because it is not gas or electricity. It is 5 things before that.
And you are talking that I am making assumptions, when only thing you are doing is making assumption that everyone else should be living like you.

 

[Torrid]

Of course you get it. What is this? Exclusive club so other members can’t discuss.
You brought up that ridiculous argument about transmission fluid change, brake fluid etc. In reality, difference is only gas vs. electricity.
Average family (if we talk vehicles, we have to talk average, not you or me) can’t fit into that equation. Different people have different circumstances. Some own one car. Some don’t own at all. And some need two minivans.
So, for average families, it doesn’t make sense. Because it is not gas or electricity. It is 5 things before that.
And you are talking that I am making assumptions, when only thing you are doing is making assumption that everyone else should be living like you.

Is service a ridiculous assumption?

No one said it was exclusive. Somehow EVs have been labeled as toys. Just because you lack knowledge on the subject doesn’t mean I’m some playboy living on yachts.

Yes, the difference is gas vs electricity. That’s been my whole point. It’s x4 as expensive to run on gas. My whole point on additional service is that it’s even more expensive but the average buyer waits until something breaks.

 

[Astro14]

Lack of knowledge doesn’t make them right. You chose to come to the EV side and argue. Both of my cars are more efficient from the average vehicle and have similar space to the average vehicle.

Most don’t buy vans. They buy crossovers with 5 seats with similar space to the better packaged VW Golf the GTI is based on.

Two important points:

1. You don’t make the average family income. Your budget is different than average. You have previously hinted at that.

2. There are six Teslas in my neighborhood. Every single family that owns them is in the top 5% (or better) of income. Doctors, mostly.

The Tesla, in particular, is not in consideration for most of the “average” people.

Now, my stepson just bought a brand new Bolt. $18K. Cash. He lives in DC. He can charge at his apartment complex, but drives so little it doesn’t really matter where he charges.

That EV makes perfect sense for him.

But Teslas represent the high end of car purchase price. They are out of budget for most “average” families, even if the cost/mile for electricity is lower.

 

[demarpaint]

Two important points:

1. You don’t make the average family income. Your budget is different than average. You have previously hinted at that.

2. There are six Teslas in my neighborhood. Every single family that owns them is in the top 5% (or better) of income. Doctors, mostly.

The Tesla, in particular, is not in consideration for most of the “average” people.

Now, my stepson just bought a brand new Bolt. $18K. Cash. He lives in DC. He can charge at his apartment complex, but drives so little it doesn’t really matter where he charges.

That EV makes perfect sense for him.

But Teslas represent the high end of car purchase price. They are out of budget for most “average” families, even if the cost/mile for electricity is lower.

Good points. I know plenty of "average" people who wouldn't own a Tesla if they doubled the $7.5 incentive to buy one. If a person doesn't like something they aren't going to buy it no matter what the price, even if people are screaming in their ears the benefits. A Tesla sums that up perfectly for me and a lot of people I know, some of us are average and above average. If you don't like something money can be no object.

 

[97prizm]

Not sure I said Tesla is the only company that does this. I can say no others did, though. I've purchased several new Lexi and they never came out to my house. But they always offered me a loaner, which is nice. I can't speak to Mercedes because I never bought a new one, only a used one private party.

Curious: What's your personal experience? Which company came to your place, and for what?

I worked for a Lexus dealership and it wasn't uncommon for them to pick customers up from their house. We had a customer who purchased a few vehicles from them that purchased a cpo BMW 3 series. They sent me to his house to set-up his garage door opener with his car. In Colorado a number of premium dealerships in fact all Lexus dealerships offer snacks from what I've seen. One even had a multi thousand dollar latte machine. I had two ladies looking at a Lexus NX. I suggested they take it home for the weekend to try it out. I drove it to their residence and dropped it off. They came back on Monday and purchased it. It wasn't uncommon whe I worked for a VW dealership especially if the customer had kids to order pizza, sandwiches etc. You just have to know how to ask. Maybe you've had good experiences but Tesla has shown repeatedly that they give customers the run around. I worked for an independent dealership as well, and we consistently offered to pick drop off customers at their residence. This was a place that sold a little of everything. Look at the youtuber that had not one but two bad Cybertrucks that Tesla couldn't fix. He had to reach out to Musk to complain to get them bought back and finally get a third one delivered.

 

[alarmguy]

Tesla 3 and Y are very cheap to buy. Most people can get a Model 3 with RWD, sub-5.0s to 60mph, and 300mile real-world range for $35k + taxes and fees, and that's without any state incentives. At that price point, if you can charge at home, you'd be crazy to buy a Camry / Accord / Sonata instead.

At the end of the day, you're paying Ikea prices for BMW 3-series acceleration and handling, so it's weird to expect a $70k interior in a $35k car.

Your mistaken
Price of the cheapest Model 3 is $39,000 plus all taxes and fees

The car is great if you want a 4 door EV sedan with fast acceleration

It’s not crazy to want a gas vehicle instead with no attachment to an electric cord

 

[alarmguy]

There is coolant, right? Brake fluid? Refrigerant? Rubber bushings? Shocks/struts? 90% of what needs to be done on a regular car needs to be done on an EV. Only the obsolescence of power converters and refit of batteries is more complex.

You have to keep in mind, I think @JeffKeryk Model 3 had less than 35,000 miles on it since he bought it 6ish years ago. He either drove it 5,500 miles a year or it only had 5,500 miles on it after 6 years ...im sure he will let us know.

 

[alarmguy]

Is service a ridiculous assumption?

No one said it was exclusive. Somehow EVs have been labeled as toys. Just because you lack knowledge on the subject doesn’t mean I’m some playboy living on yachts.

Yes, the difference is gas vs electricity. That’s been my whole point. It’s x4 as expensive to run on gas. My whole point on additional service is that it’s even more expensive but the average buyer waits until something breaks.

As you know I dont care what car someone buys *LOL* We all get what we want.

With that said, in this forum @edyvw has a couple valid points. The maintenance of gasoline is always thrown in here but many in the EV forum ignore the increased cost of the EV car, the cost of the EV insurance, the cost of the EV registration and the maintenance cost of EV tires and such that might be a more exclusive product and cost way more to repair/replace

Furthermore this does come down to preferences. Why does anyone care about the cost to fuel a car? Here they are spending $40,000 for a non luxury 4 door sedan BASE price to be tied to an electric cord/

Its all a matter of choice for everyone, I think we (not directed at you but everyone) stop bringing up the cost of fueling a gasoline car if someone wants the luxury of more value, comfort and convenience in their larger vehicle. Bringing up the cost of gasoline vs electricity to me is as dumb as someone wanting any type of car. Individual choice.
and .... if someone wants the luxury to have super fast acceleration times than size it down to an EV if you dont want to spend 6 figures.

(still have to start drinking my coffee if this doesnt make sense.

 

[edyvw]

Is service a ridiculous assumption?

No one said it was exclusive. Somehow EVs have been labeled as toys. Just because you lack knowledge on the subject doesn’t mean I’m some playboy living on yachts.

Yes, the difference is gas vs electricity. That’s been my whole point. It’s x4 as expensive to run on gas. My whole point on additional service is that it’s even more expensive but the average buyer waits until something breaks.

Ah knowledge. Sorry if I don’t fit Jonses club. Still working on myself.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I worked for a Lexus dealership and it wasn't uncommon for them to pick customers up from their house. We had a customer who purchased a few vehicles from them that purchased a cpo BMW 3 series. They sent me to his house to set-up his garage door opener with his car. In Colorado a number of premium dealerships in fact all Lexus dealerships offer snacks from what I've seen. One even had a multi thousand dollar latte machine. I had two ladies looking at a Lexus NX. I suggested they take it home for the weekend to try it out. I drove it to their residence and dropped it off. They came back on Monday and purchased it. It wasn't uncommon whe I worked for a VW dealership especially if the customer had kids to order pizza, sandwiches etc. You just have to know how to ask. Maybe you've had good experiences but Tesla has shown repeatedly that they give customers the run around. I worked for an independent dealership as well, and we consistently offered to pick drop off customers at their residence. This was a place that sold a little of everything. Look at the youtuber that had not one but two bad Cybertrucks that Tesla couldn't fix. He had to reach out to Musk to complain to get them bought back and finally get a third one delivered.

Lexus has been great to me, from a customer service standpoint. But they never came out to my house the day after I contacted them to replace a battery and do an overall inspection; all for $120.