Hi all, first post.
Just placed an order for a Model S 75D after holding a Model 3 reservation since day 1. After reviewing the Model 3 specs and price, coupled with the recent improvements to the 75 performance I decided that the S was a better fit.
First of all let me say I was biased towards the S to begin, but wanted to see the final design, performance and price of the 3 before making a decision. Definitely wanted dual motors and while range isn't a huge issue, 220 miles for the small battery 3 might be a little thin for my comfort, so big battery as well. That all in mind, I was looking at a close to full optioned Model 3 with a price running real close to or perhaps more than $65,000. For this model I was looking at a 4Q 2018 delivery at best...meaning the tax credit would be reduced or possibly gone.
Our pretty stock 75D (only option is enhanced AP) is at slightly under $80,000 out the door (with referral discount). Subtract the full $7,500 tax credit and the final cost for the S is about $72,000. Has adequate range for us, free supercharging, great performance after the recent upgrade and more standard features. Looking at a total of around $10,000 more for the S, depending on exactly how the tax credits would work out. Certainly not an insignificant amount, but affordable for us.
I really wanted to like the 3, and I think it will be a great car, but I'm just not sold on it yet. Exterior looks good, although I prefer the look of the S. That is certainly subjective. I'm not sold on the interior. I understand I am getting older and I may have a bit of a traditional mindset. The new generation may love the minimalist look, but its just not for me (although I would like to sit in one and see if my view may change). I do know that I have rented a few cars with center instrument clusters and I absolutely hated them. That was a near deal breaker for me. i was hoping for something more at the final reveal that never came. The range is better on the big battery 3, but our driving consists of almost exclusively local/regional driving. The occasional road trip we do is well covered by superchargers. On paper the 3 battery wins hands down, and the conventional wisdom is that you can never have enough range, but realistically for our situation 259 miles is just fine.
Finally after mulling over the number a few days, my wife (probably tired of hearing me talk Teslas for days on end) pulled out the "you only live once, get what you want" card...and she has a point. If I waited to get the 3, I would forever be comparing it to the S I could have had for just a little more. If there were features of the 3 that absolutely blew me away I would have waited. But as of now I am excited to have a car that I know I will enjoy. We usually only keep cars 2-3 years, so worst case If in a few years the 3 turns out to be a clear better option then I can still end up in one, just maybe a year later than planned.
Long story longer, I decidedly do not regret my recent Model S purchase.