Cars to Buy or Lease While Waiting for Model 3

[Breezy]

Consumer Reports published an article on alternatives to the Model 3 that are already or will shortly be available, which should be priced similarly. Given that the M3 is some time away, a lease or purchase of another vehicle in the meantime is something people may wish to consider.

Here's the list, ranges in miles and prices in USD.

 

[Thomas Edison]

I'd go with #9

 

[Dwdnjck]

Used model S.

 

[pinski]

The only two on that list that even mildly intrigue me are the 330e and Model S (obviously). That said, our two current cars are a 2012 and 2014 - I think they'll both be fine until the Model 3 is delivered.

 

[Jason Bourne]

I wonder if you bought a used Model S directly from Tesla, if your Model 3 reservation would be given 'current owner priority'.

 

[wbrumfiel]

14 miles isn't going to be enough. The only one on the list that interests me would be a used S 60 but my wife has talked me out of it
I'm currently driving a 2011 Infiniti G37x so it will do until the ≡ arrives, plus I just paid it off so it'll give me that time to save up for the ≡

 

[Jason Bourne]

@wbrumfiel I have a '12 G37x and it's a great car. I was going to suggest it in this thread until I realize that all of the suggestions were EV (or close). Gas mileage is not fantastic, but it's a great sports sedan with nice luxury features at a good value.

 

[Boourns]

I wonder if you bought a used Model S directly from Tesla, if your Model 3 reservation would be given 'current owner priority'.

Yes it does.

 

[zer0cool]

The i3 is super cheap to lease (<300/m with no capital reduction). If you already have another car and just need an EV for daily commute, I think it's a good choice.

 

[CTreast]

It's not fancy but I just picked up a base Nissan Leaf off lease for 9k flat. Plenty of range to get my thru my paltry commute and I should see some savings in fuel and maintenance at least till the M3 ships. It's certainly one of the cheaper options.

 

[skate_a_book]

If you were an early reservation holder for the Model 3 go for a two year lease if it is offered, so you can return it shortly after taking delivery. Payments will be slightly higher than the advertised cost of a 3 year agreement but it gets you driving emissions free immediately, which is the most important part of this whole game. We've now hit the 11th consecutive month of high average temps, so the time to switch is NOW.

 

[xmetal]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH...<breathe>...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.......

The MIrai is a viable alternative for about 9 people in this entire country.

 

[Twincam23]

My lease for my BMW ends April 2018 and I will be returning it for sure because of the Model 3. I don't like calling the Model 3 M3 because BMW has already coined that model name for me. If I don't get delivery by then, the 2001 VW Jetta vr6 will see the light of day again.
If I didn't have the spare car while I wait for my delivery, I would probably buy a used daily driver just to get by and save the monthly car payments to build a better spec Model 3. my 2 cents.

 

[Borgholio]

I've been looking to this as well. For some reason I am antsy beyond belief to get out of my otherwise reliable and efficient Prius to get into an EV...ANY EV, to keep me satisfied until the Model 3 arrives. It's actually kinda annoying...I really should just pay down my Prius a bit more but I'm looking at any opportunity to jump into a Volt, Bolt or Prime. :-/

 

[AB4EJ]

It's not fancy but I just picked up a base Nissan Leaf off lease for 9k flat. Plenty of range to get my thru my paltry commute and I should see some savings in fuel and maintenance at least till the M3 ships. It's certainly one of the cheaper options.

Yes, Nissan LEAFs are a good deal now - it is even a good deal to lease one for 3 years, which is about how long I think a lot of people are going to be waiting for M3. (Hope I'm wrong, but just based on current info...)

 

[bmenius]

I'm just going to accelerate the replacement of my wife's car and try to get it paid off before my 3 arrives. Since I do four miles a day, it'll have minimal miles on it when I turn it over to her.

The plan is for it to be a Golf Sportwagen. She'll keep her Golf for now, and I'll bid adieu to my Cayman. The GSW isn't a bad place to be, but... eyes on the prize.

 

[shrspeedblade]

I'm very happy with my 2nd gen Volt- has exceeded my expectations and I'll almost certainly be keeping it as a stablemate to the Model 3. I doubt my wife will ever burn a drop of gas with it- I'll have to take it out occassionally after turning it over to her to burn off some fuel and make sure the ICE still works!

I can only imagine how painful waiting the next two years would be if I hadn't picked this up a couple of months back.

 

[physicsfita]

If my Prius doesn't make it, I suspect I'll nab some hoopdee for a grand or less to tide me over.

 

[S'toon]

Consumer Reports is on glue with some of those suggestions. 14 miles? 22 miles? 27 miles?

 

[StraightDave]

My POS 2002 Honda Accord will get me 450 miles on a tank and it cost me $4,000 when I bought it.