Hi all!
I've been lurking for a while on the sidelines while viewing articles from the blog and posts from the forums. I'm doing my homework on a Model 3 purchase, but would like to ask for some perspective to help guide a purchase.
For reference, I have done a lot of reading in the forums and have taken time to explore some of these questions. If you have direct URL's where I can learn more or find answers to what I'm asking, feel free to post them in response.
Okay! Here goes:
I've been lurking for a while on the sidelines while viewing articles from the blog and posts from the forums. I'm doing my homework on a Model 3 purchase, but would like to ask for some perspective to help guide a purchase.
For reference, I have done a lot of reading in the forums and have taken time to explore some of these questions. If you have direct URL's where I can learn more or find answers to what I'm asking, feel free to post them in response.
Okay! Here goes:
- Buying brand new versus buying last year's model: Two things here. First, I *believe* the hardware is more or less the same except for the MCU. Second, there are more Model S's in inventory at the dealership here for purchase, but no Model 3's. Does anyone have a buying experience getting a 2018 model that they could share?
- Going for the basics vs going nearly the kitchen sink: If I were to select the options I'd like for the car (red paint, upgraded rims, interior upgrade, twin battery instead of single), I'm looking at about $53k versus 40k. What guided your decision to go one way or another (basic versus lots of options)
- After market options - I was shocked to learn that there was no tinting on the windshield, given I'm out here in Texas and it bakes in the summer . Between that an getting rims that don't impact the performance of the car, what have you opted for and why?
- Home Plug Installation - I have two friends who have hired an electrician to put in their own plug rather than the Tesla model, citing a cheaper cost and not caring about aesthetics. I'm more on the practical side, but what have y'all opted for and why?
- Car Insurance Considerations - How did the purchase of a Tesla change your bi-yearly rate quotes? I'm with State Farm and have been with them for two decades. Would love to hear if purchasing a Tesla adversely impacted your insurance premiums.
- Hidden Costs - The website makes it seem like there's a fixed fee involved with getting a car, but several forum posts seem to indicate there are other considerations beyond taxes and delivery fees. Have you had other costs you didn't consider when purchasing your Tesla that aren't stated enough?
- Alternative payment methods - I've read on these forums and elsewhere that Tesla allows for the down payment to be put on a credit card but not any of the bulk purchase. I'm wondering what other optional sources of income Tesla allows for. For reference, I'm purchasing the car outright and not looking for a bank loan. (but may be looking for a referral link for the supercharger bonus if that's still valid).