So most of you have far more experience than I do with Tesla. Here are my newbie thoughts on the whole deal. Forgive me if some are well known and I seem a bit clueless.
I recently placed my order for an X. I have wanted an electric car of some sort for a while. I did my due diligence before purchasing, lots of research on the pros and cons of all the cars available.
I really like a lot about the iPace, drove one, loved it. Read all kinds of reviews, watched a lot of videos. In some ways it’s nicer than the Tesla. Definitely less expensive. Nicer interior, though the Tesla is not shabby. Established dealer network, a JLR dealer here in town. Tesla maintenance is about an hour away.
I watched lots of videos and read quite a bit about the Etron, and there were things I liked very much about it as well. Couldn’t drive one, not any available in my area yet.
I drove the Tesla last. Also read quite a bit, and watched many of the videos available.
I chose the Tesla for several reasons. First, though, my biggest worry for buying a Tesla is that the company might not survive, which is the impression you do get from watching the news, and in many of the reviews. After driving it, and learning more, though, I think barring any major mistakes, Tesla will do well. I also worry about customer support and maintenance support with Tesla, but checking in my area of FL that seems to be not too much of an issue..
The main reasons I went with Tesla:
The tech in the Tesla is far superior than the other EV’s, or any other vehicle made now, imho.
Tesla has more experience and background building electric cars than anyone else. They have some teething problems yet, but the other companies are no different, and earlier on the learning curve.
Tesla is an American company.
The X is much bigger inside, I haul around music equipment often. The “frunk” is much bigger.
Though I will use the car mostly in town, there’s the far superior (or only existing?) charging network if I decide to take a trip
I probably WILL take a trip, because even tough I really don’t enjoy driving all that much anymore, I really loved driving the Tesla. The feel of it was like no other. I live out of town, so going to the grocery or other chores is a 20 minute one way drive usually. I’m really looking forward to having a fun car for that.
The tech in the situational awareness is outstanding in the Tesla, the fact I can glance at the dashboard and instantly see everyone around me was astonishing. Really liked that, my neck is not what it was, it’s hard for me to turn my head too far any more. The autopilot I think will be a great aid on long trips, should I take one or two. That and it’s very quiet, which is great in combatting fatigue.
If people are negative about the idea of Tesla, I tell them “go drive one”. I think that experience alone will convince a lot of naysayers, the cars are such a pleasure to drive.
Don’t get me wrong, I hope Ford and everybody else starts building EV’s, the more the better in my view. I wish them all success. But I don’t think they are going to “eat Tesla’s lunch” anytime soon. By the time they have a vehicle compatible with the tech and experience in building EV’s, Tesla should be pretty well established and profitable, at least that’s what I’m banking after having ordered one! Cheers!
