So this is my graduation post. I ordered the car at the end of May and picked up at the end of June. So I’ve had it about 3.5 weeks at this point.
I’m very happy with the car. Like most of you suspect, the reported issues with QC on Tesla’s are overblown. There was nothing on my car I felt desired a fix prior or after accepting it. I also checked out 3-4 other cars on the lot and they all also looked good. If I was being REALLY picky maybe some panels aren’t aligned as good as they could be but honestly the same could be said the same of any car I’ve ever owned.
The stock suspension is fine. There is really no reason to replace it unless you will be tracking the car regularly or just want it lower. I wanted it lower but didn’t want to give up any handling so I went with the MPP coilovers.
The power is great, I’d say very few would be disappointed with the power.
I’m charging 99% at home, and my gas savings is already about $400 in 3.5 weeks. It really changes your perspective of driving when you don’t have to consider the cost of the trip. I found myself going mountain biking 40 miles away because I don’t have to worry about the $25 in gas I was spending on this trip. I’ve driven 1200 miles and my average energy efficiency is 325 Wh/mi. It’s been hot here, and I do notice 30-50 Wh/mi increase if the AC is working really hard. For example, my drive to work in the morning before it is hot is typically about 275 Wh/mi.
All in all it is perfect for what I wanted, which was a fast/fun daily driver that reduced my gas cost and lowered my carbon footprint compared to the truck I was driving. I’d not only buy it again, but at this point I can’t really imagine buying another ICE car, other than maybe a toy for weekend/fun use only.
Mods:
Stealth Hitch
Tint: XPEL XR Plus, 70% windshield 35% everywhere else
Wheels: TSportline TS5 Staggered
Suspension: MPP Adjustable Comfort
Interior: Wrapped the ugly wood
Other: RPMTesla Carbon mirrors
Ceramic Coat: Crystal Serum Light
Lessons Learned:
The matte screen protector everyone raves about is terrible IMO. I can’t imagine someone wanting the screen to look that way. Took it off within 5 seconds!
Doing PPF yourself in your dirty garage is damn near impossible. Especially a complicated piece like the front bumper. Pay to have it done by a professional if you want PPF.
There are a LOT of Uberturbine wheels on the market. If you plan to replace them right away, be conservative on both what you think you can get for them and how long it may take to sell them.
Try wrapping the interior panels before you order some super expensive carbon pieces. I was pleasantly surprised that I really liked the way the wrap looks and I returned all the carbon I’d bought. Worst case, just peel it off if you don’t like it.
Below is on MPP Adjustable Comfort coilovers, just a little lower than their recommended settings. The front looks higher due to he slope of my driveway. The wheels have 5mm spacers front and rear. Tires are 275 in the rear and 235 in the front (PS4 A/S). I have bottomed out in parking lots twice in this setup twice now, so I don’t think I’ll be going any lower.
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