***Update***
In case anyone else is in a similar situation, I figured I would post a update on my decision making process.
I ended up leasing a new (inventory) 70D. It is about the most basic model you can get, with the addition of next-gen seats. About 2 weeks after I got it, I noticed that the rear view mirror was not dimming so they gave me a P85 Plus loaner while they worked on it. Talk about a good series of events to show me if I made the right decision!
Bottom line, I am very very happy that I chose the leased 70D. Here are my pros and cons of the decision:
Pros
- The next-gen seats are a BIG deal, in my eyes. They are much more comfortable than the standard seats and kind of "hug" you while you are driving.
- The AWD is really nice, but I didn't realize it until I drove the P85+. It is basically impossible for me to burn out with my AWD. The RWD in the P85+ is very easy to do and it gets pretty squirrely when you take off around a turn. I understand that some people like this feel, but honestly, it is just too dangerous for me and not that important.
- The simplest thing that makes a big difference for me is the autopilot tech. I do not have autopilot enabled and I do not plan on it. However, having and using the tech as a byproduct is awesome. For example, the front camera in the 70D can be used for a multiple of purposes that are not autopilot. The front camera sees the speed limit signs as they change and notifies you on your dash. It also adds a little tick mark to your speedometer to tell you what the current speed limit is. This may not seem like a big deal, but you definitely miss it once it is no longer there! The front camera also helps with proximity when pulling into parking spaces.
- Leasing write off: I have a small business, so this write off will save me a lot of money.
Cons:
- The P85+ is definitely faster. There is a bit more thrill with this car, but honestly, after a few pedal to the metal good times, it isn't that big of a deal.
- Battery: Yes, the bigger battery is very nice. However, if you are traveling across the county (which is what I did when I picked up my 70D in Cleveland and drove it to South Carolina), you need to stop every 2 hours of so anyway to "fill up" at a super charger. Unless you want to risk skipping a charging station to make slightly better time, you will be stopping every 2 hours regardless of your battery size.
Hope this helps anyone in a similar predicament!
In case anyone else is in a similar situation, I figured I would post a update on my decision making process.
I ended up leasing a new (inventory) 70D. It is about the most basic model you can get, with the addition of next-gen seats. About 2 weeks after I got it, I noticed that the rear view mirror was not dimming so they gave me a P85 Plus loaner while they worked on it. Talk about a good series of events to show me if I made the right decision!
Bottom line, I am very very happy that I chose the leased 70D. Here are my pros and cons of the decision:
Pros
- The next-gen seats are a BIG deal, in my eyes. They are much more comfortable than the standard seats and kind of "hug" you while you are driving.
- The AWD is really nice, but I didn't realize it until I drove the P85+. It is basically impossible for me to burn out with my AWD. The RWD in the P85+ is very easy to do and it gets pretty squirrely when you take off around a turn. I understand that some people like this feel, but honestly, it is just too dangerous for me and not that important.
- The simplest thing that makes a big difference for me is the autopilot tech. I do not have autopilot enabled and I do not plan on it. However, having and using the tech as a byproduct is awesome. For example, the front camera in the 70D can be used for a multiple of purposes that are not autopilot. The front camera sees the speed limit signs as they change and notifies you on your dash. It also adds a little tick mark to your speedometer to tell you what the current speed limit is. This may not seem like a big deal, but you definitely miss it once it is no longer there! The front camera also helps with proximity when pulling into parking spaces.
- Leasing write off: I have a small business, so this write off will save me a lot of money.
Cons:
- The P85+ is definitely faster. There is a bit more thrill with this car, but honestly, after a few pedal to the metal good times, it isn't that big of a deal.
- Battery: Yes, the bigger battery is very nice. However, if you are traveling across the county (which is what I did when I picked up my 70D in Cleveland and drove it to South Carolina), you need to stop every 2 hours of so anyway to "fill up" at a super charger. Unless you want to risk skipping a charging station to make slightly better time, you will be stopping every 2 hours regardless of your battery size.
Hope this helps anyone in a similar predicament!