It's difficult. The first thing I would say is, reading this forum is a double-edged sword, as you get to read a lot more about some of the 'issues' that typical consumers would never get to hear about. For quite a while, that gave me quite a negative view of Tesla (as have some of their more recent decisions). But other threads, from actual owners, 'normal people', even
, reset things a little bit, and provide a more balanced view.
I did test drive the Evoque, and it was 'nice'. That's all. Just nice. Perfectly competent in every way, but nothing special. It certainly had some features that I dearly wish the Model S had (electrically folding mirrors, blind spot warning, 360-camera view, parking sensors - basically everything I've become used to on my current car, aside from he 360 camera). But it was just
nice. I know for sure that after a few months, I'd be bored with it, it would just be another car. Which, in a sane, rational world, is all anyone needs. The sales rep hasn't followed up with me, nor would they allow me an extended test drive. He did, at least, know what a Model S was though.
I've not driven the A7 (my other choice). I drive an A5 now, it's essentially a grown-up version of that. I've sat in it, the navigation system was still rubbish, but the interior fit and finish was top-notch. I have no doubt that it would be a good car, with solid residuals. But, for me, still a boring choice. I do not think I'd be satisfied with something that's just an evolution of my current car. That's saying a lot, because I've no complaints about my A5, or my dealer. I get it washed every week by them for free, and get a coke and a donut while I sit there for 20 minutes catching up with emails on my iPad. It's all very nice, very laid back. I've had my share of horrible dealers (Mercedes in the UK stand out, for me, as being overly-stuffy and pretentious), but I've nothing bad to say about DFW Audi. Well, except they can't sell me a car. I've spoken to 3 different reps while waiting for my car to be cleaned, poking around whatever they have on the sales floor. As far as I could tell, not one of them knew who Tesla are, yet alone a Model S. I practically invited them to try and sell the S7 to me, and they didn't bite. I'm all for having unassuming sales people, but come on, at least try when the door is open. Sales people, in any trade, that don't know much about the product they're selling drive me nuts. A Best Buy guy, for example, or Dixons in the UK. Hopeless. Apple? Not Hopeless. I'm not really an Apple fan, but they have a lot of things right when it comes to marketing and sales (obviously!), I hope that Tesla can continue to evolve around their model.
Anyway, back to the point. I'm back on the Telsa Koolaid. Good thing too, it was my birthday a couple of days ago, so now I have more t-shirts and other accessories! I think, mentally, I needed a sanity check after being wrapped up in the launch hype, and the subsequent roller-coaster ride. This thread helped a lot, as did the comparative experiences at Audi and Land Rover. The reason for the timing of all of this is that I assume I'll be asked to lock in my spec within a month or so, and I need to be making some decisions! That's the tricky part. Honestly, I don't think I could ever consider the 40kW, I worry about the residuals, and the range, although it would be fine for 95% of the time for me, would cause me some concerns. So I've 'narrowed' it down to either a 60, 85 or 85P, most likely the non-perf 85kW. I can live without metallic paint, the sunroof I'm no longer sure about, since other threads are reporting squeaks, and I've never had air suspension, so I'm sure I can do without that. I don't drive my cars hard, and there's a cop with a speed trap around every corner here, so I'll rarely get the chance to really make use of the extra power. I like the big wheels, but with the state of the roads around here, they're really not practical, nor is the cost of a set of tires every year. So, all of a sudden, the 60 or 85kW starts to look 'reasonable'. Then I look at the 85P, see the carbon fiber interior, that the wheels and air suspension are included, the leather...that I'm really 'just' paying another $8k for the performance. And that's exactly why Tesla are not quite as bad at marketing as some might think. (communications - maybe, but not Marketing!).
Ultimately, it's just a question of how much I want to finance, and although the numbers are big, they don't give me sleepless nights. The interesting thing is, I'm going to have to lock-in a specification without knowing that I can get the financing needed (especially if I decide on the P85), seeing as the actual delivery is still 6 months away, so I'm not sure how that'll play out.
It's so difficult, especially when it's a huge purchase relative to income or simple the kind of car you're used to. For me, I have to remember that this is a gamble, but it sure is an interesting one. I love the idea that the software will get better and smarter. That there will likely only even be a handful of Model S's around me for a long time (I barely see any A5's - this is Ford F150 country!). That Tesla should thrive and survive. That the Model S is a game-changer - even if Tesla go bust by Christmas, the game has changed. They're trying to do the right thing, and up-end an industry that's incredibly screwed up, conceited, and politically corrupt.
