1500 Tesla Roadsters sold

[dsm363]

Me too. Anyone who bought the Roadster (or any sports car) thinking it's a good investment or for resell value will likely be disappointed.

It's such a fun car and you could also argue that once they stop making them (there may be a 6 month to a year period where no new Roadsters are sold) that prices may go up. Just speculation though.

 

[kgb]

Everyone here is considering the supply/demand curve and the factors that will influence it. But there are still some wild cards that could have the price moving in either direction.

Affecting supply:

Roadster production limited to 2900 (or 2400) - This raise prices by limiting supply and by creating "collector" status.
Release of Model S results in Roadster owners "upgrading" - This could increase supply and decrease price.
Termination of 2-3 year leases of 2008's and 2010 Roadsters - This could increase supply and decrease price.

Affecting demand: (This is where it gets tricky.)

Other manufacturers release BEV's. This may entice would be Roadster buyers to a different car thus lowering demand and decreasing prices.
Tesla releases Model S BEV. This may entice would be Roadster buyers to Model S thus lowering demand and decreasing prices. BUT BEV's releaed by Tesla and other manufacturers will increase overall awareness of BEV's and thus increase demand.
HOWEVER, currently demand for BEV's is low now due to fears about new technology and lack of infrastructure, etc... By the time Model S is released, there will be more public education about BEV's and there will be more infrastructure. This could significantly increase the number of people in the market for a BEV. Many people considering between a new Leaf (or some other BEV) or a used Roadster may drive up demand and prices.

There are a lot of unknowns. What I can tell you is that according to my lease, Tesla is expecting my vehicle to be worth 41% of its purchase price when the lease is up Sept 2013. If they are wrong, then I'll buy it. ;-)

 

[strider]

So who here bought their Roadster for resale value?...I bought mine for pure (guilt free) driving joy...the resale value of this vehicle means little to me as I'm having so much fun driving it (even in the winter), I doubt that I'd part with it.

Well, my wife and I just had our first child (1 week old today). She drives a diesel Jeep Liberty and I used to drive a Corvette. We need another 4-door car in case something happens to the Jeep so that's where the Model S comes in. The Roadster purchase was to give me a way to use the carpool lane to get to work and let us "jump the line" for a Model S. The plan right now is to sell the Roadster when we get our S. The S will still let me use the carpool lane and it can be a backup car for the Jeep (In which case I can then ride my motorcycle to work).

That being said I am having a ton of fun driving the Roadster so if we can figure out the parking/charging and the finances we may keep it and just add the S.

 

[vfx]

Other things that will effect long term Roadster valuation:

Recalls
Company success or failure
Company support of old tech
Being deemed a "classic"
There is even less of the 1.5's with original bodywork and the "stick shift" interior
EV domination
Actual battery longevity
Some crazed collector buy them all and crushing them (weird, I know)

 

[SByer]

There is even less of the 1.5's with original bodywork and the "stick shift" interior

Yeah, I love my zen stick interior. I got a new black iPod for Christmas, and sitting on the Handstands Stickypad I cut out for the indent down there and the other Stickypads I have on the shelf (one holding my sunglasses), it absolutely peacefully minimalistic with the slight stick retro touch.

Been toying with the idea of some of the available upgrades, but I probably won't touch anything that affects appearance at all - I got it just about right the first time.

But it's also tempting to think about getting something from near the end of the production run - with all the tweaks and upgrades - because I'm pretty sure any follow on to the Roadster won't match this one's pure sports car form factor or functional intent (what are the chances it will avoid getting saddled with power steering?). If it's based on the S platform, it's almost certainly going to be slightly too big.

 

[mpt]

Tesla hits 1,500 cars

http://www.teslamotors.com/about/press/releases/tesla-exceeds-1500-roadster-deliveries-worldwide

 

[rabar10]

Duplicate: http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/4901-1500-Tesla-Roadsters-sold

 

[vfx]

Yeah, I love my zen stick interior. I got a new black iPod for Christmas, and sitting on the Handstands Stickypad I cut out for the indent down there and the other Stickypads I have on the shelf (one holding my sunglasses), it absolutely peacefully minimalistic with the slight stick retro touch.

Can you post some pix?


Thanks.

 

[SByer]

Ugh, the cell phone didn't really do it justice, but it'll give you some idea:

 

[vfx]

Thanks!

But honestly your phone sticks to that little pad?

 

[SByer]

Stickypads are pretty good stuff - sort of like a slightly tacky neoprene (no adhesives), maybe 1/16" thick. Neither the iPod nor sunglasses move or make a peep/rattle during spirited driving, yet it pulls right up if needed, and wipes clean with a damp cloth.

 

[JRod0802]

Well, my wife and I just had our first child (1 week old today). She drives a diesel Jeep Liberty...

She learns quick! :biggrin: