I didn't expect to pay $35,000 for a model 3

[bmzl]

What interested me in the tesla model 3 in the first place was the self driving capabilities; and I knew the software was an extra cost option. That option on the model S added about 10%; so I expected to pay about $4000 extra for it on the model 3. Other than that, the features which come standard on all other $35,000 cars (power windows, mirrors, seats etc.) would suffice. Accordingly, I expected to pay around $39,000 (maybe a little more, but less than the average Musk expected of $42,000). But if you had told me that it would cost me $49,000 for that car, I would have laughed in your face--that would've suggested that Tesla had been conning us all along--and Elon Musk had a much better reputation than that.

There has been only one substantial cost change while the model 3 has been under development--the cost of copper (hence the cost of electric motors e.g. power seats) has fallen about 50%. That is one reason why every other "$35,000" car includes electric seats, mirrors etc. as standard. This has been clearly a bait and switch.

 

[MP3Mike]

You will still be able to get your Model 3 for $40k, with EAP, in November. The $49k price includes the $9k range upgrade, and the $5k Premium Upgrade Package neither of which Tesla is going to force you to buy. (Unless you want one of the "first production units".)

 

[cdub]

It's still a $35,000 car for the base. It has power mirrors... just not autofold when parked. There is no bait and switch. Base 3 series do not include power seats.

The front seats have heated seats in the base as well.

 

[bmzl]

You will still be able to get your Model 3 for $40k, with EAP, in November. The $49k price includes the $9k range upgrade, and the $5k Premium Upgrade Package neither of which Tesla is going to force you to buy. (Unless you want one of the "first production units".)

My calculation is as follows: $35,000 + $8000 (full self driving) + $1000 (I hate black) + $5000 (premium interior) = $49,000.
Being "forced to buy," is an interesting concept. In an era when electric motors are cheap, only a stripped-down base model does not include power seats. I won't pay $44,000 for a stripped-down base model of any car.

 

[bmzl]

It's still a $35,000 car for the base. It has power mirrors... just not autofold when parked. There is no bait and switch. Base 3 series do not include power seats.

The front seats have heated seats in the base as well.

Thanks for the info on power mirrors. Now, if I could only include power seats for $45,000, I would be happy. ;-)

 

[Troy]

My calculation is as follows: $35,000 + $8000 (full self driving) + $1000 (I hate black) + $5000 (premium interior) = $49,000.

Most Model S/X buyers don't purchase the $3,000 Fully Self Driving option because it is not released yet and it is unknown when it will be released. You could drop that and just add the $5,000 Enhanced Autopilot. Also, don't forget the $7,500 federal tax credits.

 

[SageBrush]

Why would you presume that the extended range model or premium interior was part of the starting price ?!

 

[Thomas Edison]

So you call an advertised base model price that does not change over time a bait and switch? Riiiiiiiiight.

 

[JeffK]

That is one reason why every other "$35,000" car includes electric seats, mirrors etc. as standard. This has been clearly a bait and switch.

You know you can always move the seats by hand and make an electric motor sound with your mouth... it's practically the same thing.

 

[206er]

The front seats have heated seats in the base as well.

Wait - really!?

 

[jason1466]

don't forget the $7,500 federal tax credits.

Plus the up to $3,000 excise tax credit in Maryland as of last month. As for EAP and FSD, many will not opt for that including my wife in her Model 3. I love EAP in my X, but it is not for everyone at this very early stage. It is certainly not considered a base feature in any car, so not sure how you can count that in your calcs for price comparison.

 

[SageBrush]

Wait - really!?

Really

 

[gregincal]

That is one reason why every other "$35,000" car includes electric seats, mirrors etc. as standard. This has been clearly a bait and switch.

2017 BMW 3 Series Specs
MSRP $33,450

Interior seating and trim
6-way manually adjustable front seats; includes 2-way manual headrests

and the premium package is cheaper, but it's hard to compare because the options are different:

Premium Package
$3,100
•Auto-dimming rearview mirror
•Auto-dimming interior and driver exterior mirrors
•Storage package
•Comfort Access keyless entry
•Power Front Seats
•SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 1year All Access Subscription
•Universal garage-door opener
•Lumbar support
•Moonroof

 

[insaneoctane]

The only pricing I am shocked by is the long range option. The base model is more or less what I expected. I think I did expect a little more range from the base model. My problem is over time I started half expecting to also get the bigger battery for cheap (no real reason to think this, but I did). Then the announcement of it being 310 miles really made me want it. Only it was like a quarter of the price of the car! So, I am anguishing about how to afford a $60k car and it is frustrating, but I keep having to remind myself that if I go back to my original plan everything is fine. The non-black paint surcharge is really annoying but not a deal breaker. Just wish Tesla was a little smarter about where they get their margins from - that $1k price gouge is hard to explain. The base car with PUP and AP seems to be everything I expected.

 

[larmor]

It's still a $35,000 car for the base. It has power mirrors... just not autofold when parked. There is no bait and switch. Base 3 series do not include power seats.

The front seats have heated seats in the base as well.

Also base 3-series does not include navigation.

 

[SageBrush]

2017 BMW 3 Series
MSRP $33,450

The following is going to amaze you, so hold on tight:

The Tesla 5.6 second, 220 mile drivetrain is more expensive than the 7.1 second, ICE drivetrain that << insert ICE manufacturer >> sells. The difference is going to be seen in the options packages ... somewhere.

As for your fav other model, I suggest you head over to the bimmer forum and start complaining that the $33k model only has 78% of the power of the Tesla Model 3. Perhaps you will be mollified by people that tell you about homelink ... or something.

 

[derekmw]

Would you rather have the Nissan Leaf SV at $34,200 that has cloth seats and only 107 range?

 

[SageBrush]

Also base 3-series does not include navigation.

Or have the Tesla drivetrain.
And it is not electric.

Can we banish these <car xyz has a feature that the Model 3 does not> posts to their own sub-forum ? PLEASE ?

 

[SageBrush]

Would you rather have the Nissan Leaf SV at $34,200 that has cloth seats and only 107 range?

And no battery cooling
And no Supercharger network
With a 1990's interior

But otherwise, quite similar ;-)

 

[eSpiritIV]

Really

The base model 3 does not come with heated seats, heated mirrors etc.