My last six cars have all been bought online: 2001.5 VW Passat Wagon (eBay from private seller) 2007 FJ Cruiser (ebay from private owner), 2014 Miata (eBay from body shop), 2013 P85 (from Tesla Direct), 2014 p85+ (eBay from private seller) and 2013 Zero FX Motorcycle (dealer online - won't do that again)
I bought the 2014 P85+ loaded with every option right after the Auto pilot came out for ~ $80K direct from a private seller in March this year. This included a lot of upgrades (HPWC, hard mats, security cameras, etc) If you are a good online shopper you can find a great deal and remember that the powertrain warranty is the same as if you were the original buyer. Originally he was asking $110K. I bid every month for four months the same price and he finally called me and took the offer. I bid on probably 20 P85's until I got this one. I always the price I wanted to pay - all the dealers called me and tried to up sell me and they never even came close to the deal I got.
The Zero FX deal sucked because after I bought the bike at a great deal - the dealer added almost $1000 in additional fees on the original price of $5300 - It was still an overall good deal but - I wouldn't ever deal with a dealer again after this experience- granted they had to ship it to me ($400) and then the usual BS fees they add. From signature to delivery was over a month. Hated the experience and wouldn't do it again.
Some suggestions: Only buy late model cars that are still under warranty. Buy cars that are close enough that you can go drive to see them. Additionally now that the X and the P90DL are out I am looking for P85D loaded. I will get one for ~$80 to $85K before March 2016. It may be challenging, but somebody wants a new X or P90DL and their money is burning a hole in their wallet.
Alliant FCU provided the loans on both Teslas. I paid cash for all the other toys.Good luck. Additionally I have been a seller through eBay as well: Sold my Sienna couple months ago on eBay and the sold the Passat on ebay as well. (damn thing was costing me $2500 every quarter in repairs).
I'm with you I could care less if I get autopilot or not, granted I haven't driven a car with it, so I may reverse my decision once I try it..
Great info! Thanks a ton!!
Yes, the upside of buying used is not having to mess with dealers... Of course, not an issue buying through Tesla.
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Am I crazy that autopilot doesn't seem like a big deal to me?
I can understand that some people don't really care about it (simply personal preferences), but I don't think that's the norm. I think it looks hugely valuable + fun, so it's practically a "must" for me. Makes the current CPO & used offerings not too hot, but keeping my eyes peeled nonetheless.