OP here. I still feel that the Texas Model Y LR will be delivered to regular customers in March, and it will have higher range (350 to 400 miles), 4680 cells in structural battery pack, lighter weight, faster acceleration. Other things the car might have are:
1) $10,000 refundable tax credit from Biden Jobs Act, or Clean Energy For America Act (already passed Senate Committee).
2) Better thicker paint
3) New MCU/gaming chip. Not PS5-level like Model S, but another chip in the same chipset family.
4) Cheaper standard range version with 250 mile range.
5) New FSD computer (HW4). Note that HW2 Tesla chip was Nov2016 to March2019, so HW3 Tesla chip could be March2019 to March2022.
I'm also hoping for an updated, more comfortable suspension and also sound deadening for cabin noise reduction at highway speeds. But I'm not counting on either of those.
Would I trade in my Model 3 and buy the Model Y right now, just before they refresh the Y with a brand new factory, new production equipment, and new battery pack and new body structure? HELLLLLLLLLL NO. What if I wasn't already driving a Tesla? Then maybe.
Good post and I agree with most of your points.
I'm in a similar situation as you. We are looking to trade in one of our 2018 Model 3s for a Model Y. Wifey prefers the higher seating, we really want the storage and hatch back trunk, and our daughter is going to appreciate the reclining rear seats on road trips. So for sure we are going to make the change. The question is when.
On the one hand, I definitely agree with those that recommend buying the car as soon as you know you want it. One day you delay is one more day you don't get to own and drive the best vehicles out there. If we were replacing an ICE, we would have already ordered.
Trading in another Tesla, coupled with lots of rumors but no facts, makes this decision a bit trickier. If we knew some changes like 4680 cells, cast bodies, higher efficiency, better paint, EV tax credit, etc. were going to be available to us by a certain date (say March 2022), we would definitely wait. But with expected delays and uncertain features, I question whether we should just pull the trigger now. One other factor for those of us on the left coast is Elon indicating Austin builds would be for eastern US, while western US would still be serviced by Fremont. I hear those of you saying they will need to upgrade the Fremont factory to more closely match Austin's, but who knows how long that will take?
Last factor is expected sales price of our Model 3. I can't imagine we are not at some sort of peak in terms of pricing due to combination of pandemic ending, summer starting, graduation gifts, chip shortage that has temporarily reduced supply of autos in general, 2018 Model 3s not yet coming off leases (just starting now).
I know, this is very much a first world problem. But one I was not expecting so soon. I can't believe we're considering trading in a 3 year old car (we always drive our cars into the ground). But then again, I never expected we could sell our 3 year old car for pretty close to what we paid for it!