Edmunds buys a Tesla -- to keep and test it

Hopefully they won't do a Broder.

 

How do they know there isn't a black box? I thought it was part of the telemetric system. Maybe you can opt out on it like Carwings in the Leaf, but wouldn't that mean loss of features for a linked smart phone?

 

Edmunds will be able to disable the ET-CALL-HOME feature- the Smart-phone in the car using a RF detector.

 

Not sure why they would want to disable the telemetry, unless they are just out to pan Tesla, or EVs in general.

What would be more interesting is to make all the telemetry public for everyone to see and understand.

 

I think the telemetries are only reported to Tesla and the owner does not see it. That's why Emunds does not want to be watched by big-brother in a sense.

 

I would be easy enough to request the data be shuttled over to Edmunds for a public display, or publically displayed by Tesla with Edmunds permission.

A lot of Telsa owners already use the openvehicles system to share their data and with the Edmunds vehicle not being a "personal use" vehicle, it would be a good candidate since it would not be revealing any "personal" data that a private user might not wish to share.

If Edmunds doesn't want to be "watched by big brother" then I would conclude that they are not planning to be forthright in their evaluations and reporting.

Can we infer that they are going to shun any over-the -air updates as well?

 

Yikes. Well, anybody can make a lemon apparently.

 

Consumer Reports rated the Tesla Motors Inc. Model S as the best overall vehicle to buy in its annual top 10 list, Feb 2014.

I understand it was a early production model, but when paying a premium, you'd expect more. More than minor annoyances. Wouldn't take long for the new car smell to wear off. I would have taken the CARMAX offer and run to the bank to cash the check.

I don't intend to bash, but how would you feel with this type of experience?

 

How would you feel with an unintended acceleration experience?
Just because one car has such an experience does not mean it is a typical experience.

That said, it would also strengthen my belief that buying the first model year is risky.
It would also support the idea that if you want a car on the cutting edge, you take a certain risk.

My personal experience backs up both ideas.
Our first Tesla was the 116th one off the line. We ran into a few issues, although not to the extent of Edmond's and we were never stranded.
However, I was also never without a car. Tesla would come to my house, work, or where ever and drop of a loaner Model S and take mine to get fixed. Return it later and pick up the loaner. The service has been outstanding and any disruptions to my schedule has been virtually nonexistent.

Our second Tesla has been rock solid.

From my experience, they learned quicker than most.

 

First of all Mr Musk is far smarter and ingenious then anyone over at Edmunds so they can think whatever they want but I assure you if Tesla wants to know every move of that car, they will.

Secondly, I have been fortunate enough that one of my co-workers has a Tesla S and I have been able to drive and spend a lot of time with it. If they are true to themselves when testing they will give it incredible reviews. That car it plain and simple a masterpiece. If I had that money lying around I would have one no questions asked. Yeah got it someone tried to race one around the Ring, really?! It is a sedan of beauty.

I would expect it to get rave reviews, and if it doesn't good luck to those who rip on it because Élan will just buy Edmunds and fire them all.

 

I'm both a car and technology fan. The Tesla is too much car for my needs. Size more than price since I've seen some apparently good used prices on eBay. Based on my short work commute, I drive all EV most days in my Prius. Plus I'm a humble person. First Tesla and then a second? What's the story if you don't mind sharing.

 

Remember, you asked for it

I bought the Tesla for the same reason we bought our 2 Prii. I believe firmly that doing so lessens the damage I am personally contributing to local pollution, our trade deficit, our national debt and the death of our soldiers.
We bought them, show them, talk to people about them, for the good of our nieces and nephews.
We bought them to support an innovative and disruptive company, as well as the fact that no one else would build a 150 mile EV.
We bought them to hopefully leave the world a better place for the next generation.

I and my wife are fortunate enough to be in a position where we can afford the cars. As such, I feel it would be criminal (or at the very least inconsiderate) to NOT put my money where my mouth is.
This is the same reason we are planning our next house to be a net zero house.

The funny thing is, we are NOT flashy people. We would be driving a Leaf right now if the Leaf met our needs.

 

Thanks for sharing your twin Tesla story and your convictions.

 

Thank you for asking

 

The problem is more than an occasional "lemon". The problem has a name: The Milling Noise. I've seen a couple articles about this. Here's one: Real Or Imagined: Is The Tesla Model S Drivetrain Defective?

How would I feel about it? When my shifter jammed in January 2010 I thought a fitting punishment for the slacker that dropped his lucky charm in the mechanism could be termination, a beating or crucifixion.

I expect the drive train to last the life of the car. It is not a wear item to be replaced 4 times as fast as the tires. If Tesla doesn't find a solution the resale value of the out-of-warranty Model S will plummet.

 

I am hoping the resale value plummets like the Volt...lol. That's the only way it would make financial sense to buy one.

 

So, more likely to occur to owners who repeatedly drive it like they stole it. And they are replacing under warranty even if the only symptom is noise. Good on them.

 

From last night's conference call: