Model S - was so ahead of it's time, it's both perfect and dated at the same time...

[MOD220]

I am waiting to pull the trigger on an S, but I can't bring myself to dropping $80k+ on a car that has had minimal updates for almost a decade. I plan to own it 5-8 years, bringing the body style to the 15 year mark during my time of ownership. At the same time, the car is nearly perfect, Tesla is guilty of their own success in this regard, ahead of its time then and still relevant now, but with buyers like me hoping for updates every 4-8 years. How do you all look past this when pulling the trigger?

 

[SilverGS]

I am waiting to pull the trigger on an S, but I can't bring myself to dropping $80k+ on a car that has had minimal updates for almost a decade. I plan to own it 5-8 years, bringing the body style to the 15 year mark during my time of ownership. At the same time, the car is nearly perfect, Tesla is guilty of their own success in this regard, ahead of its time then and still relevant now, but with buyers like me hoping for updates every 4-8 years. How do you all look past this when pulling the trigger?

There have been quite a few updates since 2012. Here are updates going from a 2015 Model S to a 2019 Model S Performance

Not my list, but copied from here - Changes & Updates to the Model S over the Past 4 Years

Facelift Front End
Frunk & Hood Changes
Body Colored Rocker Panels
New Diffuser
3-Way LED Headlights
New Dashboard & Defrost Vents
Factory Tinted Windows
Glass Roof
Warmer Interior LED Lighting
Better Windshield (less warping)
Darker Dash & MCU Trim
New Center Console
New Front & Rear Seats
Lumbar & Headrest Adjustments
New Folding Side Mirror Mounts
Rear USB Ports & Cupholders
New Parcel Shelf
Vegan Interior
BioDefense Mode
High Resolution Rear Camera
High Resolution MCU Screen
High Resolution Binnacle Screen
AutoPilot Cameras
AP HW 3
MCU 2
Navigation on Auto Pilot
100kWh Battery
48A Charger
200kW Super Charging
600km Range
170wH/km Efficiency
TeslaCam
Sentry
New Charge Port
PMSR Front Motor
Silicon Carbide Inverters
Adaptive Suspension
*Much* quieter ride (Air & Road Noise)
New Suspension Geometry & Steering Rack
Ceramic Wheel Bearings
Standard Pilot Sport 4 Tires
Arcade Games

And, the Performance L was only about $5K more than the 85D in 2015.

The main things that didn't change in some way was the body (behind the nose, above the rocker panels and in front of the diffuser anyway), the doors (no pockets) and the air vents, the chasssis.

 

[glide]

The car will still look great even 15 years in. Just look at a 15 year old BMW. They generally don’t look “dated”.

The real question is; will the technology satisfy you?

 

[Merrill]

That is the reason I purchased my first Tesla in 2013, nothing out there that looked as good could go that far and had Superchargers being built. I still have it and love it the way it is, I have the latest software but none of the other stuff that has been added over the years. So the current Model S has had lots of updates and still one of the best looking all electric vehicles out there.

 

[StoicKiwi]

I am waiting to pull the trigger on an S, but I can't bring myself to dropping $80k+ on a car that has had minimal updates for almost a decade. I plan to own it 5-8 years, bringing the body style to the 15 year mark during my time of ownership. At the same time, the car is nearly perfect, Tesla is guilty of their own success in this regard, ahead of its time then and still relevant now, but with buyers like me hoping for updates every 4-8 years. How do you all look past this when pulling the trigger?

I looked past this when purchasing my P85D last year because I genuinely love the way the car looks, drives, etc. I suppose I am less concerned with how old the body style is and how much I like it. The Model S (IMO) is one of the most simplistic, beautiful cars on the road and I don't think I'd ever get tired of its subtle design. I get compliments on my Model S all the time and it's a 5 year old used car. Let's just say I didn't get ANY compliments in my 2013 Leaf that preceded the Model S

For comparison, you could look at the wildly popular VW Beetle Classic (the original one). That car was designed in 1938 and had subtle design changes, and safety upgrades, but essentially looked identical up until production ended in 2003! Albeit a very different set of buyers from a Classic Beetle to a Model S, but if you like the design of a car, I think you'll look past how long ago it was dreamed up and enjoy it for what it is

 

[HankLloydRight]

buyers like me hoping for updates every 4-8 years. How do you all look past this when pulling the trigger?

That's the thing with people/products/companies that are industry disrupters.. you have to throw out that tired paradigm of "cars MUST be updated every four years". That's the old-school way because the automakers had nothing else to offer customers to maintain their market share. Tesla and Elon Musk totally up-end that thinking with a superior, timeless, product that frankly kicks the donkey's ass.

The Model S (IMO) is one of the most simplistic, beautiful cars on the road and I don't think I'd ever get tired of its subtle design.

This.

 

[SantaFeSpence]

Like virtually everything technological, if you keep waiting for the next update, you’ll be stuck in a never-ending paralysis (like do I buy this year’s new iPhone or wait until next year because I hear rumors of a new model). I’ll assume you’re talking more about changes to the body, rather than the technology, as most of that is done via over-the-air updates, The S is gorgeous as it is and if there is a new body in the future, (1) who knows when that’ll be and (2) who knows if it’ll be as attractive to you as the older (current) style. There are many examples of original bodies being much more popular than their updated ones (e.g. Mustang, Bronco, 240-280 Z cars rom Datsun, etc.). And methinks prices will only continue to rise. I love my Model 3 and got it because I couldn’t afford the S, so if it’s money that’s an issue, then get the 3 or the Y. If money isn’t the issue, for all the reasons I and others have stated then get the S - you won’t regret it. From what I’ve read, it looks like the S will be getting a front cabin refresh this year (maybe) so If that’s important to you, it might be the only thing worth waiting for.

 

[cucubits]

I am waiting to pull the trigger on an S, but I can't bring myself to dropping $80k+ on a car that has had minimal updates for almost a decade. I plan to own it 5-8 years, bringing the body style to the 15 year mark during my time of ownership. At the same time, the car is nearly perfect, Tesla is guilty of their own success in this regard, ahead of its time then and still relevant now, but with buyers like me hoping for updates every 4-8 years. How do you all look past this when pulling the trigger?

I had a similar view of the S but have been dreaming of buying one for a very long time. They've changed so few on it since 2012 and that's a very long time for a car design. Sadly I did look past it and pulled the trigger, only to find myself now daydreaming of driving a new ICE car. I see so many improvements and features in almost all other cars that my S just feels... not right. I will end up taking a rather large hit on it and just sell it at some point.

This is not how a new car ownership should feel like.

 

[2101Guy]

I am waiting to pull the trigger on an S, but I can't bring myself to dropping $80k+ on a car that has had minimal updates for almost a decade. I plan to own it 5-8 years, bringing the body style to the 15 year mark during my time of ownership. At the same time, the car is nearly perfect, Tesla is guilty of their own success in this regard, ahead of its time then and still relevant now, but with buyers like me hoping for updates every 4-8 years. How do you all look past this when pulling the trigger?

- "minimal updates"? Tesla's have more updates than any other car brand on the planet. (See the list above..and the list continues to grow)
- Looks are subjective, but every so often, a car maker hits the mark in body styles. Look at the demand NOW for mid 90's Toyota Supras, original Acura NSX's for just two examples. The Model S still to this day, gets second looks, stares, and is aging extremely well. (ages like wine while most ICE cars age like milk).
-The updates to Tesla's come in increments of weeks/months, not years.

How did I get past...a body style designed 8 years ago? I compared it to current cars of similiar design looks wise (Audi RS7, CLS Benz, 6 series BMW) and decided, not only did the Model S fit in that same look...in many ways (to me), the exterior looked better.

 

[Uncle Paul]

If Tesla were to totally revamp their S/X lineup, they probably would still not sell that many more of them. They have amortized most of their development costs and the current cars are probably now good cash cows to keep turning out.

Believe their plan is to enhance the desirability of the current S/X by bringing out the wide body version with Plaid drivelines. An additional motor will be added to the rear drive, giving both more power and individual torque vectoring control for enhanced handling. This should be enough of a enhancement that additional sales volume will be gained. The wide body will give additional track and room for larger rubber.

Tesla will also enhance their prestige of performance, and gain tons of publicity. Competitors will find themselves further behind and the costs to Tesla will be far less than designing a toally new car.

Perhaps the Plaid package will also come with upgraded interiors and other updates. In time, many of these upgrades will trickle down to the standard production models.

 

[JimBob 909]

MOD220, I am glad we bought our MS Raven in September. Ordered it the way we wanted it. I still look at it and think "What a Beautiful Automobile". I am not enthralled with the future Plaid upgrade, as I am not a performance enthusiast. Wider tires and one more motor is great for those that want it, but not for me. I didn't get a performance model, and am plenty happy with the acceleration our car has. The ride is unbeatable, smooth and quiet and free supercharging makes it perfect for road trips. About the time it needs electrons, I need a rest stop.
I also think my 2014 Buick is still a nice looking car, so I don't need a body change every 5 years to be happy. The car magazines and marketing people are telling us a car is dated. As long as the features are updated, which the Model S is, all is good.
I am not sure why the arm rest doesn't open since it's a weird place to put cup holders, but that's the only quirk. Everyone who sees and rides in it loves it. No one has ever said "wow, that looks old".

 

[Ciaopec]

I had a similar view of the S but have been dreaming of buying one for a very long time. They've changed so few on it since 2012 and that's a very long time for a car design. Sadly I did look past it and pulled the trigger, only to find myself now daydreaming of driving a new ICE car. I see so many improvements and features in almost all other cars that my S just feels... not right. I will end up taking a rather large hit on it and just sell it at some point.

This is not how a new car ownership should feel like.

Fallen into the marketing trap: gotta be something new every year or so. My 2016 isn't the same car I bought back then; just look at the list in the posts prior to this. If you can go back to an ICE vehicle, more power to you. I see my move as a one way street heading to the future.

 

[cucubits]

Fallen into the marketing trap: gotta be something new every year or so. My 2016 isn't the same car I bought back then; just look at the list in the posts prior to this. If you can go back to an ICE vehicle, more power to you. I see my move as a one way street heading to the future.

I don't think it's the marketing trap but I did probably set myself up for this by talking myself into liking the idea of a Tesla.

Before the Model S, I had a full 3 year lease on a Mazda 6 and as insane as this may sound, I felt better with that compared to the Tesla. Can't explain it. Sure, I love the power and the lack of gas station trips but I miss the ride and build quality of the Mazda. I also miss the interior a lot.

 

[Ciaopec]

I don't think it's the marketing trap but I did probably set myself up for this by talking myself into liking the idea of a Tesla.

Before the Model S, I had a full 3 year lease on a Mazda 6 and as insane as this may sound, I felt better with that compared to the Tesla. Can't explain it. Sure, I love the power and the lack of gas station trips but I miss the ride and build quality of the Mazda. I also miss the interior a lot.

So, move on. Someone will buy your Tesla. You will be back in a car you enjoy. Life is too short to hang with something you dislike. Even if you take a slight loss in the long run you will be happy and someday that loss will be a drop in the bucket. That's what happened to me and the Lexus LS600h I parted ways with with for the Tesla. Nice car, beautiful interior, well built, but in the end it was a "meh" car. For me the Tesla is so much more fun and practical.

 

[JimBob 909]

I had a similar view of the S but have been dreaming of buying one for a very long time. They've changed so few on it since 2012 and that's a very long time for a car design. Sadly I did look past it and pulled the trigger, only to find myself now daydreaming of driving a new ICE car. I see so many improvements and features in almost all other cars that my S just feels... not right. I will end up taking a rather large hit on it and just sell it at some point.

This is not how a new car ownership should feel like.

I agree if you are not happy, it's not the right car for you. I do feel that the Tesla is really a 21st Century car, where ICE cars really haven't changed since 1960. 1960 spark plugs and oil change, 2020 still spark plugs and oil change just longer interval. Yeah they have blue tooth and some nifty things, but my Raven just feels different. It feels like a ride at Disneyland. Not the exhaust and noise of the Jungle Cruise.......

 

[AMPd]

I agree if you are not happy, it's not the right car for you. I do feel that the Tesla is really a 21st Century car, where ICE cars really haven't changed since 1960. 1960 spark plugs and oil change, 2020 still spark plugs and oil change just longer interval. Yeah they have blue tooth and some nifty things, but my Raven just feels different. It feels like a ride at Disneyland. Not the exhaust and noise of the Jungle Cruise.......

Lol