Thanks for the replies meloccom, Dborn and spentan.
I'm not looking to replace my current "work" car (diesel Audi) until late Q1 2014 so I'm not really in a hurry, and from the sounds of things the price should be fine. As a result I don't feel the need to put down the deposit for a signature to ensure I have it in 2013. I have a family car run-about as well which will continue to be conventional ICE for the time being (with a tow bar and supporting activities or destinations that a Model S might not excel at up-front). My "work" car gets left at the airport for a day or two most weeks so interested how it will cope with being left out in the sun / elements.
Given the timing I don't need to put down for a Signature in order to be first, but out of interest when the time slot comes and it's time to "finalise" options can a non-signature reservation be up-graded to signature at that time?
I visit the US about twice a year on average (mostly San Jose) so will see if I can arrange a test drive when I'm next there. Are they easy to organise or are they only at invitation only events (e.g. for reservation holders)?
Regarding the LCT - a more efficient car generates less (fuel) tax income over its life, so why would they encourage you to drive a more efficient car by further reducing tax income? Evidence suggests that the current government will only support positive environmental outcomes if it increases the tax base (carbon tax, mining tax etc), or creates blue-collar jobs (BER, insulation schemes). It's massively short-sighted that the best we can do for the environment is tax it.
No worries, keep the conversation going, its good to chat to some Aussies and not those darned Americans who are already getting their cars (lol j/k, God Bless USA).
I have a V6 300C Lux which I will most probably trade in for a large 7 seater (for the space etc) when I get my Tesla.
I would recommend reserving a Production, cos otherwise you'll be very far towards the back of the line.
A non-sig reservation can be upgraded to a Sig, yes, thats what I did, as I priced up between the non-sig P85 with almost all options (which I wanted anyway), and the Sig Perf, and its almost the same, about ~$US2000 difference. Which meant that it was a no-brainer for me, to get my car earlier, and as part of a limited edition (US had ~1200 (inc Canada)), there will only be 500 RHD Signatures (in the world?).
the list of options I'm getting (but would've gone for anyway) are stuff like the Tech package, the sound system, 21in wheels, and maybe the twin chargers).
These are all in the Sig, so yeah, not that much diff.
I visited USA 3 times last year, and already have a trip booked in September 2013. So I'm looking forward to maybe a factory tour, or at least a couple of test drives of a Model S.
Regarding LCT, we do get a slightly higher exemption (up to ~$75k for Green Vehicles/EVs instead of ~$59k), but where we'll really win is with Petrol going up in Australia in comparison to power from the grid/solar etc.
Another thing is that if you register a car in the ACT, you are completely exempt from Stamp Duty, which is a large saving. I live in Canberra, (moved over from Perth about 3 years ago) so I will be loving the fact that I don't pay Stamp Duty on my beautiful new EV.