A good point about why did I post. It wasn’t to say “bye” or dump on Tesla. It was a comment based on owning a M3 for nearly 30k miles and 2 1/2 years. My comments about why I sold the M3 may be useful for someone on the fence about the ownership experience, resale value or whatever is of interest to them. Just as I found this forum very useful when I first thought about getting a Tesla I hoped that someone else might find some small nugget for themself that helped them make a good decision given their priorities.
I still love the brand, would buy another, and still have my CT reservation active. It’s just my shift in priority to a quieter ride with a more responsive handling setup that tipped my decision. 3 years ago there was no competition to Tesla, and there is still not much, but times are changing. New competitors are appearing, and buying a $50k or more car is a big decision for many people.
I also posted to provide what some may view as negative comments, although that isn’t my intent. It is instead to provide a perspective that may not be voiced often. I didn’t read many negative comments over the years, but did appreciate that people took the time to voice them along with their reasoning. I could dismiss them if they didn’t apply, but at least they were there. I also find that most forum members are tolerant of diverse opinions as long as they aren’t stated in an offensive or confrontational manner.
Finally, I didn’t mention the car I bought because I didnt want to start a long series of posts arguing the merits of a particular ICE versus Tesla. However, some comments about my decision may be relevant to what I bought and why. I traded my M3 to a local BMW dealer (same dealer where my wife bought her 330e). I traded as a personal preference realizing that a private sale would net me more money, but that wasn’t my priority - a quick easy transaction was.
My replacement is a 2019 Audi A4 Prestige with roughly 27k miles, nearly 2k less than my M3. All services are up to date, and the original buyer bought an extended service contract covering everything through March 2023. Tires are new; car has every option package except the blackout grill, which I don’t particularly like anyway. The Audi original window sticker including delivery is just under $55k, excluding tax, tags, etc. That compares to the Tesla sticker of $53k or so. I added autopilot after buying the car when Tesla dropped the price to $2k for that feature. My all in cost on the Tesla including tax credits was $48k (including the autopilot that is now included in the standard base version) for a 2018 LR RWD (not AWD).
Including tax rebates, state taxes, registration fees and dealer “documentation fees” I walked out of the BMW dealership with the Audi and over $3k additional cash. My Tesla needed tires and also has moderate curb rash, neither of which the Audi has. Audi colors are Manhattan Gray metallic exterior, Nougat Brown interior - I like it. Tesla was base black/black (white is now base).
I did consider the MS and it likely would have worked a short time ago when the price fell below $70k, but at the current level I chose not to buy it. It wouldn’t surprise me if some type of rebate returns, and if it does I’ll reevaluate.
So that’s the full story. Again, not intending it to be a tell-all or vanity post, nor a bash Tesla post. Just one guys experience of Tesla ownership, changing priorities, pumped up resale value, and a dealer trying to move aging inventory. If any of these things apply to someone trying to make a similar decision I hope my post in some small way is helpful. For those that see my post in a different light, I accept that perspective as well, and hope my post isn’t obnoxious.
All the best again to each of you - this forum is wonderfully helpful and congenial. I have no interest in bashing any of it.
PS: Even though I sold the Tesla I’ll still visit the forum. I still want to stay up to date, especially since I’m awaiting seeing the CT in the flesh and my reservation is still active.