Advise needed on deciding between CPO model s and mr 3

[shanif]

So I put a deposit down for mid range model 3 the day elon announced it, but then i saw a CPO 2014 model s 85, with pano roof and ap1 and i put a deposit down for that. it comes with teslas 4year 50k mile pre-owned warranty.

I am having a hard time deciding between the two. I know they are two different beasts, but i have always liked model s more than model 3.

any advice/opinion on which is the better option?

after the tax credit, they would both end up costing me approximately the same price, give or take a few k's.

 

[Don TLR]

Its easy to schedule a test drive for each and make the decision based on Your Needs.. I have Zero interest in a 3 but what good does that do for your decision

 

[shanif]

Its easy to schedule a test drive for each and make the decision based on Your Needs.. I have Zero interest in a 3 but what good does that do for your decision

how different is a 2018 model s from a 2014 model s? i have driven the 3 but i will schedule the drive for the s!

one thing turning me off from the cpo is the tan nappa leather seats. any feedback on those?

 

[commasign]

I love my AP1 2014 Model S. But I think a new Model 3 is better bang for the buck. As others have suggested, test drive both. They're really two different classes of car.

 

[shanif]

I love my AP1 2014 Model S. But I think a new Model 3 is better bang for the buck. As others have suggested, test drive both. They're really two different classes of car.

can you give me a little more insight into why you love your s? what can i look forward to?

 

[glide]

The hatch, instrument cluster, and free supercharging on the S was enough to sway me.

That and I would never buy a $50K+ vehicle without a heated steering wheel in the northeast.

AP1 is more than good enough for my liking as I actually want to drive the car too.

 

[shanif]

The hatch, instrument cluster, and free supercharging on the S was enough to sway me.

That and I would never buy a $50K+ vehicle without a heated steering wheel in the northeast.

AP1 is more than good enough for my liking as I actually want to drive the car too.

thanks! this is very helpful.

The CPO doesnt have subzero package or premium interior. is that a dealbreaker?

 

[Bridor]

I have a Model S, a Model X and I rented a Model 3 a couple of times. I am currently shopping for a used blue 2016.5 AWD Model S - so my vote is always for the used Model S. The Model X is great, but it just isn't as good looking.

Brent

 

[commasign]

can you give me a little more insight into why you love your s? what can i look forward to?

There was a significant improvement in design, features, and build quality for Model S in late 2014 (compared to 2012, 2013, and early to mid 2014 cars) described in the Tesla blog linked below. There have been further improvements since then, but on the whole, late 2014 represents the beginning of the "modern" Model S. As a result, I feel no desire to upgrade to a 2018 Model S as my 2014 Model S looks the same (or better) on the inside, and has all of the key hardware and software features of the newer cars (dual motor, autopilot, v9 software, etc.,). My P85D has the performance suspension, next generation rear seats, and alcantara dash which have all been discontinued, and ludicrous mode, LTE, and premium center console retrofits. The car is fun to drive, and as Elon promised, it keeps getting better over time with hardware and software upgrades.

Dual Motor Model S and Autopilot

 

[MC408]

There was a significant improvement in design, features, and build quality for Model S in late 2014 (compared to 2012, 2013, and early to mid 2014 cars) described in the Tesla blog linked below. There have been further improvements since then, but on the whole, late 2014 represents the beginning of the "modern" Model S. As a result, I feel no desire to upgrade to a 2018 Model S as my 2014 Model S looks the same (or better) on the inside, and has all of the key hardware and software features of the newer cars (dual motor, autopilot, v9 software, etc.,). My P85D has the performance suspension, next generation rear seats, and alcantara dash which have all been discontinued, and ludicrous mode, LTE, and premium center console retrofits. The car is fun to drive, and as Elon promised, it keeps getting better over time with hardware and software upgrades.

Dual Motor Model S and Autopilot

Im in agreement with commasign!

I just bought a “CPO” (used) dec 2014 model S P85D. After a ton of research on TMC, I targeted a pre April 2015 p85D to make sure it has + suspension.

If you like to drive aggressively, this is your best bang for the buck.

P85D (pre/post April) ride performance

I got mine for $54,800 before tax and fees. It’s my first Tesla and I haven’t drove a 3 to give a real opinion, but I couldn’t be happier with my purchase and decision!

 

[shanif]

Im in agreement with commasign!

I just bought a “CPO” (used) dec 2014 model S P85D. After a ton of research on TMC, I targeted a pre April 2015 p85D to make sure it has + suspension.

If you like to drive aggressively, this is your best bang for the buck.

P85D (pre/post April) ride performance

I got mine for $54,800 before tax and fees. It’s my first Tesla and I haven’t drove a 3 to give a real opinion, but I couldn’t be happier with my purchase and decision!

unfortunately this CPO isnt a P or a D. does that change your opinion? it was manufactured 11/14

 

[Doctor X]

The S is a large road cruiser while the 3 is nimble and sporty smaller car. Both are a blast to drive. So for the same money and warranty it really comes down to your needs and preferences. And don’t forget your wants, life is short! Just do it. You will love either one you choose. Good luck!

 

[BigNick]

Im in agreement with commasign!

I just bought a “CPO” (used) dec 2014 model S P85D. After a ton of research on TMC, I targeted a pre April 2015 p85D to make sure it has + suspension.

If you like to drive aggressively, this is your best bang for the buck.

P85D (pre/post April) ride performance

I got mine for $54,800 before tax and fees. It’s my first Tesla and I haven’t drove a 3 to give a real opinion, but I couldn’t be happier with my purchase and decision!

Lucky b*****d!
You got a helluva deal IMO.

As far as the OP’s question, I would take an S over the 3. If the 3 were a hatch like the S and had a HUD or proper IC for the driver it might be a tougher choice.

I am biased as a current CPO S owner. But the mail slot to access the 3’s trunk seems really inconvenient. The smaller center display I could probably get used to after a few thousand miles.

 

[shanif]

some more info on the features for the CPO

 

[Doctor X]

Get it before it’s gone. The good ones don’t last very long.

 

[MC408]

unfortunately this CPO isnt a P or a D. does that change your opinion? it was manufactured 11/14

Yes. But that’s just my opinion as I wanted to drive it aggressively so speed was a priority.

I had a 75 loaner and although super quick off the line (surprisingly), I noticed a significant difference in freeway passing acceleration. The P85D Is just amazing all around and worth the extra money.

The other factor you may want to consider is the change in the CPO program where they no longer refurbish. So it really is a leap of blind faith until you see pics and the actual car. Fortunately, you can back out and get your deposit moved or even refunded. There are lots of threads on this which I’m sure you’ve seen or read about.

Also. If you don’t love the interior color, that is harder to change than exterior. You can always wrap or paint the car but swapping out seats is not gonna be easy!

 

[shanif]

The other factor you may want to consider is the change in the CPO program where they no longer refurbish. So it really is a leap of blind faith until you see pics and the actual car. Fortunately, you can back out and get your deposit moved or even refunded. There are lots of threads on this which I’m sure you’ve seen or read about.

I have seen the pics of the actual car and it looks pretty good actually. very nice and clean. see below for pics, so i am satisfied with the state of the car so far. i am ok with some curb rash here and there.

Also. If you don’t love the interior color, that is harder to change than exterior. You can always wrap or paint the car but swapping out seats is not gonna be easy!

I dont care much about the color, but i do care about the comfort of the seats. are "tan nappa" seats cushioned enough?

 

[Zorg]

I got a 9/14 S85 last year back when they refurbished CPO. It is a great car and has tons of room to haul family and stuff around. If well taken care of, the battery doesn't degrade much. I lost 5 miles of range at 45K miles.

Seats in the 3 are nicer and you get all the upcoming AP2 upgrades . AP1 works but it will not improve anymore.

I would get the 3 if you don't plan on having many passengers and care about latest and greatest tech. Get the S for a family long distance hauler and the big screen.

 

[shanif]

I got a 9/14 S85 last year back when they refurbished CPO. It is a great car and has tons of room to haul family and stuff around. If well taken care of, the battery doesn't degrade much. I lost 5 miles of range at 45K miles.

Seats in the 3 are nicer and you get all the upcoming AP2 upgrades . AP1 works but it will not improve anymore.

I would get the 3 if you don't plan on having many passengers and care about latest and greatest tech. Get the S for a family long distance hauler and the big screen.

I have two kids under five and need one car seat and one booster installed in the back. I know S has better leg room, so that was definitely one of the things i liked about it. But i care about the latest and greatest tech as well and the comfort of the seats. thats why this is a tough decision to make for me.

And i just realized that i got the rez for the M3 in before the price increase as well! so its even better option now....

 

[glide]

thanks! this is very helpful.

The CPO doesnt have subzero package or premium interior. is that a dealbreaker?

I don’t think the premium interior is necessary depending on the other options the car has. I think they were sold a la carte back then.

Sub-zero package is personal preference. For me, it was a must.