Buy the car that meets ALL your needs. Else you will have regrets every time you get behind the wheel of the compromise you did buy.
@shiftkenny can help you find a 3 stealth performance. You will love every mile, not regret it.
The car is among the safest on the road. You will save money on maintenance and fuel.
Tesla is - by far - the most expensive car we’ve ever purchased. Twice. We had previously never paid as much as $30k for a car, then drove them until repair costs made them unacceptable.
First round in 2017. Model S for my wife. Started by looking for one with the colors and features she wanted, and lowest cost. At that time lots of features were extra-cost options.
I’m the long haul driver in addition to primary earner. Anticipated how it would feel driving a nice, pricey vehicle that fell short of my requirements for a road trip tool. Added those to the list.
Went from 75 KWh (Standard Range) to 100 KWh (Long Range). RWD to AWD since that gave better range for S. Smart Air Suspension, too, since it lowers the car at highway speed for less drag. Enhanced Autopilot for less stress. Saved money by purchasing an inventory car with 1,100 miles and a sweet markdown.
That dream car was in Chicago, we live near Philadelphia. Avoided delivery fee by flying out on a cheap plane ticket, then driving it 900+ miles home with a friend.
After the first 50 miles there was no doubt - I spent more and ended up with the car that checked every box. Got a sore elbow from patting myself on the back for configuring the best road car I could imagine. No regrets at all.
It was our first AWD car, we both appreciated the benefit in slippery conditions.
My wife loved it. Her friends all admired the car and envied her. Eventually she complained it was too big to easily park downtown, and the interior storage was inadequate.
She test-drove a Model 3 AWD when the local Tesla showroom/ Service Center got one mid-2018. That thrilled her. The right size, useful interior storage and sports car handling. We ordered P3D- (it was on the menu then) that evening.
It’s hers and she loves it. I got the S and still feel deep satisfaction every time I get behind the wheel.
I’m a lap ahead of you - both daughters through college and married. I’m fortunate to do well in a job I love, still working past retirement age. That, plus rising stock market, allowed us to get two cars in two years while still adding to retirement fund.