Hello Fellow Edmontonians. Glad to have found this thread. My wife and I are considering a Model 3 Standard Range Plus with Full Self-Driving Capability, as we just received news that our current 11 year Nissan Altima gasser needs some major engine repairs at only 105,000 Km. We figure now is a good time to start thinking about another car.
1. What is your experience driving a Tesla in our sometimes brutal winters?
2. When you place your order online for the car, what is missing from the prices? Is it just taxes?
3. How's the reliability and build quality?
Anything else you can mention about experiences and regrets/suggestions, please let me know thank you.
I had a Model S for 6 winters here, never any problems. Best winter car I've owned, and I had 4 Subarus before I got the S. Dual motor AWD is great in the winter. Good tires are key, I used Nokian WRs but many go with a set of winter tires. Instant heat is great, passengers enjoy having all the seats heated, and no worries about it not starting in the deep cold. I have had my S outside for 5 or 6 days straight at -30, no problems (although you do want to leave it plugged in to at least a 120V outlet).
I just traded the S in on a Y, as I recall as you go through the ordering process all the costs are shown, including tire and AC tax, delivery fees, etc. There are no surprises when you sign the final paperwork and no one trying to sell you undercoating and Scotchguarding. When you pick the car up, you sign the final papers, inspect the car, and drive away. It is a much better experience than a traditional dealership. I worked with Kamal at the Edmonton store and he was great, responsive to my questions and helpful when I needed it, but I didn't meet him in person until the day I picked the car up.
Can't speak to the 3 or Y yet, but build quality and reliability on my 2015 S was great, I had no problems with the car until about six months ago and then a wiring harness needed to be replaced which cost me about $400 (out of warranty). In the meantime, just a couple of sets of tires, wiper blades, and brake cleanings. Plus two windshields, which are expensive for sure. Worst part of ownership, just be prepared for it. Unfortunately I caught a rock on Henday before I even had 200km on the car and it spread immediately, so I will be finding out the replacement costs for the Y shortly I'm afraid.
@YEG EV has a good list of extras to consider, I also bought the MaxSpider mats through Costco for considerably less than Tesla's pricing. You don't need to buy the wall connector, a dryer outlet in the garage will work, but I bought the wall connector so I could leave the mobile charger in the car and because I think the wall connector is safer.
Good luck with the decision, and don't forget to ask someone for a referral code when you order so you can get 1500km of free Supercharging. If you don't know anyone with a Tesla, asking on these forums will get you about 1000 responses within seconds
.