Great insight, thanks! Glad to hear your wife isn’t missing the RX. The RX and the Caddy XT5 are pretty close in size - they’re usually #1 and #2 on the “lux midsize SUV” list, so I’d say they’re directly relatable. I would think the massive glass and short/low nose on the Model 3 would help make the Model 3 feel higher than it is ... but I’m just going to have to drive one to find out (I’ve only been on a Model X test drive - and that’s a stunner, but a non-starter for us.). Given that we also have the big Enclave, I “think” we’re covered from the stuff-hauling perspective - but my wife still thinks I’d be unhappy in a Model 3. I’m genuinely not sure - does Tesla do overnight test drives? I’d love to take a Model 3 home for 24 hours and see how it fits our life.
I do agree; I think US leasing will open up this year. With a little luck, it’ll be before end of June. Since my Cadillac lease is up beginning of October, the $1875 in tax incentive that evaporates June 30th would basically make pulling the trigger by end of June a wash, IF leasing opens up. If they don’t open the leasing, then I’m just going to go back for another Cadillac lease. There’s some financial incentive to stay Cadillac (lease end fee waiver, pull-ahead program etc)... not interested in a long-term purchase right now.
36-39mos will be the sweet spot on a lease for me ... that should get me through until Model Y’s are actually available.
There are plenty of levers to be pulled, and at least for my particular case, leasing is the big one. Either way, I’m planning to put a reservation in for a Model Y - but can I live with a Model 3, or should I stick with the XT5 until then? That’s the big question. (Oh, and if I do lease, it’d be for the AWD, LR edition. That’s the sweet spot in my book.)
One other question for you — you mentioned selling the Model 3 to your son once you have a Y, and keeping the LEAF... why keep the LEAF and not the Model 3? Just curious what the decision factor is there!
Thanks for listening. Appreciate the insight for sure!