The sky has fallen

[treesandmore]

...but the sun's still shining.

I was going to buy the model 3 with the longest range possible, AWD and autopilot. I'd really like a high clearance 4wd but I won't live forever, so I compromised in the interest of getting an EV before I'm dead.

I fear this set-up is too expensive now and too delayed (the AWD).

If the Model 3 w/o these costs as much as a used Model S RWD w/o autopilot, should I look at that? What would be the advantages and disadvantages?

 

[boaterva]

A friend of mine has the same dilemma, and I was telling him, isn't AP one of the main reasons you want a Tesla? I would think so. At least get AP1.

 

[omgwtfbyobbq]

In my opinion, it's going to be hard to get a used RWD S for the after tax credit cost (~$38k + tax) of a long range, but otherwise stock, model 3. I remember seeing CPO RWD 60s for around that price a while back, but that was it. Everything I've seen since then has been in the low $40s. If you can't take advantage of the tax credit, then you can possibly get a CPO RWD S for less.

In terms of advantages, the S will be bigger, have free supercharging, and you can get it when it shows up on the CPO site (if you're fast enough). On the other hand, the 3 will probably have a longer warranty (I'm not sure how long Tesla warranties CPOs for), greater range, and I'm guessing that when you do need a replacement battery, it will be less expensive thanks to a lower costs design and much higher volume.

Edit - Thanks for the info on CPO warranty/etc Az_Rael.

 

[Az_Rael]

On the other hand, the 3 will probably have a longer warranty (I'm not sure how long Tesla warranties CPOs for),

Normal CPO warranty is 4 year/50k miles from the mileage you buy it at, so the same as the new warranty. (There is a 2 year CPO warranty for higher mileage cars tho)

Two P85s showed up briefly a few days ago for $35k with the 4/50 warranty, so we might start seeing prices dip that low for the 2012s and 2013s.

If the Model 3 w/o these costs as much as a used Model S RWD w/o autopilot, should I look at that? What would be the advantages and disadvantages?

Disadvantage is no radar cruise control, and no autopilot. If you were going to get the PUP on the 3, you also may lose folding mirrors. But you might gain a sunroof since that doesn't seem to be an option for the 3. You also may get free supercharging with a pre-AP S if you road trip a lot.

But in the end, it all comes down to AP. I love my 2013 and would buy it again. I can live without AP. My husband's car has AP1, and I am more jealous of his folding mirrors and auto closing charge port door, honestly.

 

[EV-lutioin]

Get a used MS today, trade it for a new M3 next year (or the year after). Problem solved?

To whet your appetite for the M3 read this scintillating review by Motor Trend....

"Magic, I’m telling you. Magic. And this is the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive starting point. The already boggled mind boggles further at the mention of Dual Motor and Ludicrous."

"Have I ever driven a more startling small sedan? I haven’t. At speed, it gains a laser-alertness I haven’t encountered before. By happenstance, associate road test editor Erick Ayapana had penciled me into a 2.0-liter Alfa Romeo Giulia to get here, and it feels like a wet sponge by comparison. "

 

[JonathanD]

Keep in mind no tax credits on used Model S.

 

[treesandmore]

Didn't everyone use to drive without AWD or FWD till a couple of decades ago? What about all those photos of families going on vacation or moving with all their stuff shoved into a station wagon?

Can anyone comment on this? Have we just gotten used to something that people used to get by fine without? Can we get by without it even in mountain and snow country?

 

[TEG]

I was going to buy the model 3 with the longest range possible, AWD and autopilot. I'd really like a high clearance 4wd but I won't live forever, so I compromised...

I don't think Tesla AWD offers higher ground clearance. They do AWD more about improving driving dynamics and performance, and not trying to offer offroad capability. People with RWD Tesla tend to report they they do awesome on snow due to the precise torque controls in the motor system. So, I think AWD is more for people who want "the best of the best" and are hoping for max acceleration ( best 0-60 times for instance. )

From my perspective, all of Tesla products are designed only to be driven on paved roads...

 

[808?]

I'd really like a high clearance 4wd

Bollinger unveils new minimalist and badass-looking all-electric truck with up to 200 miles of range

 

[EV-lutioin]

Keep in mind no tax credits on used Model S.

Didn't everyone use to drive without AWD or FWD till a couple of decades ago? What about all those photos of families going on vacation or moving with all their stuff shoved into a station wagon?

Can anyone comment on this? Have we just gotten used to something that people used to get by fine without? Can we get by without it even in mountain and snow country?

Two words: Chain control

Can't get very far in California in the winter without either chains (nope, no doing it) or AWD. And before anyone from the north makes any sunny California jokes, we did get over 750 inches of snow last year

 

[Mulligan Jake]

...but the sun's still shining.

I was going to buy the model 3 with the longest range possible, AWD and autopilot. I'd really like a high clearance 4wd but I won't live forever, so I compromised in the interest of getting an EV before I'm dead.

I fear this set-up is too expensive now and too delayed (the AWD).

If the Model 3 w/o these costs as much as a used Model S RWD w/o autopilot, should I look at that? What would be the advantages and disadvantages?

 

[boiler81]

Keep in mind no tax credits on used Model S.

Tesla sales rep told me last Weds, that if the Pre-owned had not been registered to a private owner, the buyer can take advantage of the tax credit. However, without inquiring, there is no way to tell from inventory page whether it would qualify for credit. I'm guessing this applies only to sale of Tesla service loaners or demo vehicles.

 

[Mulligan Jake]

The advantage is you can get a CPO in a couple of weeks. The wait was killing me, I bought a CPO last Dec. Best car buying decision I ever made. I still plan to get M3 next year and sell the S. You will not regret the CPO.

 

[Trips]

In my opinion, it's going to be hard to get a used RWD S for the after tax credit cost (~$38k + tax) of a long range, but otherwise stock, model 3. I remember seeing CPO RWD 60s for around that price a while back, but that was it. Everything I've seen since then has been in the low $40s. If you can't take advantage of the tax credit, then you can possibly get a CPO RWD S for less...

Last Friday I tried to get a P85 with around 80k miles. They had it listed for $35k but someone grabbed it right away. I was thinking that it must not have the Tech Package or something for that price.

 

[treesandmore]

Here's an article about the comeback of RWD, with a bit about four wheel drive...

A Revival for the Rear-Wheel-Drive Car

The other option is four-wheel drive...The extra components add to the cost of a car and cut into interior room, so they will probably be restricted to image-enhancing models like Pontiac's 6000 STE

And this interesting bit from Wikipedia:

In September AMC introduced Quadra Trac full-time AWD for the 1973 model year Jeep Cherokee and Wagoneer. Thanks to full-time AWD, which relieved the driver of getting out to lock hubs and having to manually select between 2WD and 4WD modes, it dominated all other makes in FIA rally competition.

Four-wheel drive - Wikipedia

 

[RobertF]

Tesla sales rep told me last Weds, that if the Pre-owned had not been registered to a private owner, the buyer can take advantage of the tax credit. However, without inquiring, there is no way to tell from inventory page whether it would qualify for credit. I'm guessing this applies only to sale of Tesla service loaners or demo vehicles.

When it comes to tax issues I would recommend checking out what a sales rep tells you with your accountant or tax guy. I believe the term CPO that Tesla uses is synonymous with a car previously sold by Tesla to another owner, repurchased by Tesla and is being sold again. This new purchaser is not eligible for a federal tax credit. Inventory cars on the other hand are cars that have never been sold by Tesla making a purchaser the first owner and eligible for the federal tax credit. I do not know how state tax credits and utility rebates work.