So I am expecting my Model S later this month. I chose to lease rather than buy for a number of reasons. But I just had a run-in that made me glad I am not buying.
I met a the general manager of one of the largest auto dealer groups in my area. He oversees a VW, two Audi, and two Porsche dealerships. We started talking about the Model S and he graciously had great things to say about the car. Then he asked if I bought or leased. He said it was a good a thing I didn't buy because if I had then I could be "stuck with it." I asked him to explain and he said that no conventional dealer will take a Tesla in for trade on a new car. He pointed out that in order to get out of owning a Tesla I would need to trade it back to Tesla or sell it on my own. And what if the next car I wanted was not a Tesla? Would Tesla buy it back from me? And what if in 5 years Tesla is no more- out of business or purchased by a larger manufacturer? How could I get anything for the car then?
Thoughts?
I met a the general manager of one of the largest auto dealer groups in my area. He oversees a VW, two Audi, and two Porsche dealerships. We started talking about the Model S and he graciously had great things to say about the car. Then he asked if I bought or leased. He said it was a good a thing I didn't buy because if I had then I could be "stuck with it." I asked him to explain and he said that no conventional dealer will take a Tesla in for trade on a new car. He pointed out that in order to get out of owning a Tesla I would need to trade it back to Tesla or sell it on my own. And what if the next car I wanted was not a Tesla? Would Tesla buy it back from me? And what if in 5 years Tesla is no more- out of business or purchased by a larger manufacturer? How could I get anything for the car then?
Thoughts?