shokunin
Active Member
George really lit up the thread, eh?
One thing I haven't seen discussed (but with over 200 posts perhaps I have missed it) is the "new features" comment which George added to the end of his post. Regardless of how silly the coverage for things like wiper blades and brake pads sounds, George is also saying that by purchasing a plan that you will be entitled to new features during the life of the plan (up to four years or 50k miles). That seems to be a HUGE value.
I'm not downplaying the value of new features, but they've released the car without features touted during the selling/marketing process. Creep? Somewhere scope creep is happening in their product backlog. Okay, it's great that creep option is coming, what about time based charging? What about text alerts when charging is stopped for whatever reason? Remote cabin heating/cooling? The iOS/Android App? We're stuck using 3G since Wi-Fi is currently not enabled. No hotspot, no tethering? Valet mode? Junior Mode? Offline downloaded/stored maps for Navigation (w/ the Tech Package), automatic keyless door handles, etc. Please don't tell me these things are "all inclusive" with the Annual service prepaid plans.
Future features, time will tell what they plan on developing and a roadmap of planned releases. I'm in the enterprise software world, so I know they disclaimers about what is published may or may not ever happen and anything can change at any time with or without notice, blah blah..
I get it as an early adopters that we're taking deliveries without certain features that are "coming soon, I swear", but don't use this as another marketing tool to promote the advantage of the first year's $600 service. These updates should be free since they were marketed as part of the car. IMO, the first year's service should be free, especially for Sig holders. There's so many bucket list items (lighted vanity visors? sunshade, opportunity consoles, rear seat opportunity consoles) that are still unknown/unaddressed that Tesla should eat crow for the first year and provide the 1st service for free, just my opinion.
Don't get me started about Tesla needs to be profitable, they will be if they take care of their customers and do what's right.
Some have dinged my rep for being "negative", or why I'm complaining with a high res number. I'm merely expressing my opinion because I truly DO care about Tesla and want them to succeed. If many of us early adopters are getting emotional over this, what do you think the early majority and late majority public will respond? Maybe by then the marketing message and sales messages will be aligned with the pricing and Model S expectations. Right now, IMO, they are not.