I'll just focus on your advantages with ford. my post may be a bit bias but here goes.
- build quality: yes Tesla has an issue with build quality. our 2021 model y had to be in the service center for a computer related issue within the first 2 weeks of taking delivery. service center took care of it. they gave us a rental for free. unfortunately a gas car and they don't pay for gas. fortunately, we have another Tesla. we took the Audi Q5 rental and just used it for "emergency". there are also panel gaps which both my 3 and Y have. I got them to fix the M3 panel gap as it was around one of the doors. I was worried that if it worsens, it could mess with the door alignment. they fixed it, no problem. we ignored the Y panel gaps I guess because we were used to it from our M3. we got it wrapped and called it a day. you really can't tell where the gaps are unless you look for it. we were lucky to not have any paint issues. honestly, there are no perfect cars out there regardless of price. some are built better yes, but none are perfect. Tesla has supported us with any of our concerns regarding warranty repair. they either give you a loaner, a rental, or free uber. other service centers will give loaners or shuttle.
- novelty: it's a bit impossible what you're looking for here. eventually, EV will be everywhere. maybe it's the area you live in that has so many Tesla. the base model M3 are like "Honda Civic/Toyota Camry" in my area. it doesn't bother me at all. I feel happy to see it and share the same amount of gas savings. heck, I feel great seeing other EVs on the road. we got ours white and that's the most popular color. but we wrapped ours, not only wrapped but we go the color changing type so we definitely won't see one like ours. we also wrapped the bottom front bumper and side mirrors. so even if someone got theirs wrapped like ours, we have those differences. even if we saw someone with the same wrap style, all good. I feel I'm part of Team EV. we get so many conversation starters even before our wrap.
- dashboard: if this is your first Tesla, honestly you'll get used to it. you'd be surprised as to how quick. though I'm speaking for myself and my wife.
- physical controls: same as above, you'll get used to it. but yes I agree with the wiper controls. even after 2 years of owning our first Tesla, I still have the tendency to use my right stock stick. it can be dangerous on the road but the gear change will only happen if you're traveling 0-5mph. and in some cases, it requires you to step on the brake. I'm in Southern California, maybe this is another reason why I have yet to get used to it as it rarely rains here. we ordered a model x and will be trading in our M3. so one less car with the confusion as the MX doesn't have this issue with the wipers.
- garage opener: I just used my old garage clicker. saved $350. these were $300 when I bought my M3 2 years ago. many of the accessories have gone up in price. I believe they used to be included in earlier M3 models.
- apple car play: I agree and hope they can add it with software update but it might be hardware update too for the ports to detect devices. our previous car (Honda Odyssey) had it. it was great when we had it new but eventually we didn't even think about it. we liked it over the stock Honda interface. but when we got our Tesla, we started missing it. then we realized we didn't need it since the interface was better than "traditional" car interfaces. car play we mainly used for playing music and maps. Tesla interface does it well in my opinion. no need for car play.
- track record: I see the "traditional" car company being the problem. while it worked in the past, I don't believe it will continue to exist unless they change. one of the biggest things I hate when buying cars is the dealerships. I get that they help with logistics but wow the experience is just a nightmare. everyone has to make money, I get that. buying straight from Tesla, I feel there's little buyer's remorse since the price is right there on their website. you typically can't get that with traditional dealers. we've had several Toyota Prius. each newer model we get has more tech added. at one point, we had a 2013 Sienna and 2011 Prius. both with push to start. neither car will start if I have both keys in my pocket. I have to open my window and put the other key on the roof just to start the car. then it randomly tells me the key is not detected as I'm driving. it's looks like the frequency is conflicting with each other. I took it to several Toyota dealerships and no one can figure it out or they just won't fix it. I even created a YouTube video to show them and other people. this is what concerns me with other manufacturers rushing into the EV world. they are a car company first, tech second or third or fourth. they can fix the car part of the vehicle but what about the tech part? yes, musk is not your typical CEO. maybe it's a good thing? I don't like change, but in things that need improvement, change is a good thing.
I didn't address the other things you listed as I don't have experience first hand or my answer could be too subjective (even more than what I've shared). I feel when a company has control over hardware and software, they have the best chance for optimization. they also will have full control (good thing and bad). they can hold off features for future models when they could easily add now. again, these are companies that want to make money, they are not here to make you happy. they'll make you happy with what they'll offer you. at the end of the day, they are in business for money. customer satisfaction is just icing on the cake.
even if there are more EVs to choose from, from other manufacturers, I would still pick Tesla. they have more experience and their software is just far ahead. everyone has a to catch up. but they can only catch up if they start building EVs. Tesla was in the same boat in the beginning. which is why I waited to get our first Tesla (also couldn't afford it before).
if I were to pick another manufacturer's EV, here are the things I'll consider:
- is there dealership overhead?
- how is the charging network? we went to lego land a few months ago. they had free charging but not Tesla. I'm too spoiled by the Tesla charging experience. it took me 5 minutes to figure it out. then I had to come back 30 minutes later because it got disconnected. I had to go to two other chargers before it finally became "stable". can't complain, it's free though slow.
- will they support the tech part of the car? Tesla releases many software updates and even give new features to old cars.
overall, you can't go wrong with an EV. no more gas. I love how I can charge at home and be ready to go when I leave the house. not only do I save money on gas, but I spend even more money at the gas station from drinks, snacks, lotto tickets. I also lost weight lol (maybe related). good luck on your decision. if you can, why not get both
. They are both great cars but I would choose the Model Y again after owning for about 9 months.
