Hello good people of the Tesla Motor's Club.
I have a story to tell you. Now I know, the internet is not known to be very tolerant of long stories. I will provide a TL;DR at the end, but I just jumping to it will remove the emotional justification I have for my idea. So, if you feel that emotion can be an important part of decision making, I hope you will take the time to dive deeply into my story. If you believe that the best decisions are based on the facts alone, the bottom of this post is for you.
They say that those who fail to learn history are doomed to repeat it. The very tone of the sentence implies that we can only learn from the failures and that the prudent course is evasion. What if history, like truth is in the eye of the beholder.
When I was a young man, fresh out of college, It was my dream to own the most technically advanced automobile of the time. That car was then, the Toyota Prius. Back in the day, when the cars came from japan, and the waitlist was 6-9 months long. I was poor college graduate, I could not afford a brand new car, but I had a dream. So, I threw myself into learning about it. I joined the newly created Prius chat website, I followed bloggers, downloaded manuals. At gas stations I would speak to those happy few who got their new shiny. At car shows, I would sit in the models. I would answer questions that people asked, even before the showman could say, “Let me look that up.” One dealer had be throw on a sweater from his dealership and do a TV interview. I felt like the Prius king. Alas, the emperor had no clothes, and I had no Prius.
Forward a few months, I had gotten my first “real” job. The beginnings of a career, that will last a life time. It was a damn good job, the starting salary was more than I could fathom at my young age. Today, it is a small amount, but back then I was rich. $55k. Being young and brash. I took my future earnings and then and there set out to fulfil my dream. I ordered a Prius and began to wait.
The car arrived with 8 miles on the odometer, and along with it the bill for $31,853. Financing arranged, I set out on the wheels of my dream. The Prius was my loyal car. Even when my commute stretched itself to 150 miles a day it saw me through. 8 years and 132k miles later I said goodbye.
My commute shorted to a measly 10 miles, my family had grown, and the Prius was just sitting more often than not. But I remember the days, and felt empowered by a dream fulfilled.
Now to today. I may have an opportunity to receive a substantial raise in pay (+$30,000), but it will mean returning to the 150 mile commute. On a commute such as this, I know even a Prius will wear over time. More oil changes, brakes, filters, and fuel. I today am just as enamored with the Model S as I was with the Prius.
I joined a website of enthusiasts, I read articles, and watch youtube videos. I contacted my local tesla store and arranged an extended test drive. I have convinced myself that the tesla will be the most cost efficient commuting car to handle this possibly new commute.
At the same time, I’m not as young as I used to be. Spending 60% of your annual income when you are young is a lot different then when you are (supposed to be) a responsible family man.
TL;DR begins here
I have convinced myself, the question is, am I blinded by my dream. I need a jury of my peers. If I take this opportunity, should I spend 60% of my one year’s salary to buy a model S 70 because I believe it is the car most qualified to handle my 150 mile commute. Or should I stick with a Prius, while no longer as flashy and edgy as it used to be represents a safe and prudent choice going forward.
I look forward to your questions and comments
Thank you
I have a story to tell you. Now I know, the internet is not known to be very tolerant of long stories. I will provide a TL;DR at the end, but I just jumping to it will remove the emotional justification I have for my idea. So, if you feel that emotion can be an important part of decision making, I hope you will take the time to dive deeply into my story. If you believe that the best decisions are based on the facts alone, the bottom of this post is for you.
They say that those who fail to learn history are doomed to repeat it. The very tone of the sentence implies that we can only learn from the failures and that the prudent course is evasion. What if history, like truth is in the eye of the beholder.
When I was a young man, fresh out of college, It was my dream to own the most technically advanced automobile of the time. That car was then, the Toyota Prius. Back in the day, when the cars came from japan, and the waitlist was 6-9 months long. I was poor college graduate, I could not afford a brand new car, but I had a dream. So, I threw myself into learning about it. I joined the newly created Prius chat website, I followed bloggers, downloaded manuals. At gas stations I would speak to those happy few who got their new shiny. At car shows, I would sit in the models. I would answer questions that people asked, even before the showman could say, “Let me look that up.” One dealer had be throw on a sweater from his dealership and do a TV interview. I felt like the Prius king. Alas, the emperor had no clothes, and I had no Prius.
Forward a few months, I had gotten my first “real” job. The beginnings of a career, that will last a life time. It was a damn good job, the starting salary was more than I could fathom at my young age. Today, it is a small amount, but back then I was rich. $55k. Being young and brash. I took my future earnings and then and there set out to fulfil my dream. I ordered a Prius and began to wait.
The car arrived with 8 miles on the odometer, and along with it the bill for $31,853. Financing arranged, I set out on the wheels of my dream. The Prius was my loyal car. Even when my commute stretched itself to 150 miles a day it saw me through. 8 years and 132k miles later I said goodbye.
My commute shorted to a measly 10 miles, my family had grown, and the Prius was just sitting more often than not. But I remember the days, and felt empowered by a dream fulfilled.
Now to today. I may have an opportunity to receive a substantial raise in pay (+$30,000), but it will mean returning to the 150 mile commute. On a commute such as this, I know even a Prius will wear over time. More oil changes, brakes, filters, and fuel. I today am just as enamored with the Model S as I was with the Prius.
I joined a website of enthusiasts, I read articles, and watch youtube videos. I contacted my local tesla store and arranged an extended test drive. I have convinced myself that the tesla will be the most cost efficient commuting car to handle this possibly new commute.
At the same time, I’m not as young as I used to be. Spending 60% of your annual income when you are young is a lot different then when you are (supposed to be) a responsible family man.
TL;DR begins here
I have convinced myself, the question is, am I blinded by my dream. I need a jury of my peers. If I take this opportunity, should I spend 60% of my one year’s salary to buy a model S 70 because I believe it is the car most qualified to handle my 150 mile commute. Or should I stick with a Prius, while no longer as flashy and edgy as it used to be represents a safe and prudent choice going forward.
I look forward to your questions and comments
Thank you
