My Prime lease is ending and I'm going Tesla Model 3.

I was planning to get an all electric as my next car, wait a couple more years and see what makes and models of 200+ range work out and which fail. '09 Prius totaled last Saturday changed that option. Considered a used 2015 Tesla S but I've never driven one, nearest 'dealer' is 3.5 hours away in Boston. Decided it just wasn't feasible plus I would have the expense of a home charging station (and my service panel is FULL). So I looked at Prius Prime. Bought a new '18 Advance, Toyota wanting to clear them out - $4K cash back. Dealer took off an additional $1,400. Federal tax credit $4,500 makes it $850 more than the lowest priced non Prime with no options.

At our current electric price ($0.16/kWh) and gas ($2.49) 25 miles EV is about equivalent to 25 miles on gas. But gas prices will likely go up more than electric and my solar array puts out more than we use. I lost about $100 in expiring credits last year. And I like that I can drive on clean energy, even without the solar, our electricity is primarily Quebec hydro. Once a week I drive about 55 miles, the rest of the week I can drive solely EV.

 

Good luck with an early model from an infant manufacturer. Good luck finding a dealer/service, should this luck run out. Range isn't important to you? I like to be able to take my car on long rides, occasionally. You must have a second car.

 

Range is very important and the Model 3 fully meets my primary requirement, Huntsville AL to Stillwater OK. There is only one segment that does not have a SuperCharger in it, Little Rock to Tulsa. But there is a NEMA 14-50, 30A @208VAC, in Ozark AR that in two hours will provide enough charge to comfortably bridge it.

There are places where high speed, Tesla travel is reduced to using NEMA 14-50 chargers. However, those areas seem to have an abundance of them at RV parks. In other areas, there are an abundance of SuperChargers.

Yes, I will keep the BMW i3-REx as backup for the Tesla. It has already done the Huntsville to Stillwater trip and back. But the Tesla will do it more easily with fewer stops.

Bob Wilson

 

I can guarantee they cannot find a Tesla dealer since none exists

 

Just curious, what are they planning to do with after sale service? Is there a network of authorized Tesla service mechanics when in need?

 

That’s all there is as there are very few (if any) Tesla parts that don’t come from the salvage yard.

Another growing pain, but something you’ll encounter as an early adopter until they get to cover all of their bases and not just focus on the manufacture of the car but also the long term maintenance of the car.

I did pass a Tesla mobile service car the other day so that might be how they do it where the cars are popular and you are in need .

 

It will be interesting to see how a mechanic works on a car parked outside in subzero weather.

 

That’s if they exist in that neck of the woods.

The mobile service car was a model S and had decals on the side saying it was a service vehicle.

But probably not any different than the AAA guy that comes trotting out when you break down on the side f the road.

 

I think most Tesla buyers know ‘what they’re getting into’

It’s not for the feint of heart, but customer satisfaction is quite high.

We pip buyers went through similar mockery here in 2011.

 

So what you’re saying is price and customer satisfaction are a direct relationship ?

If I spent that much for a 4 door sedan, I’d hope for that direct relationship.

 

A base Model3 would fail to transport myself and my stuff where I need to go about 50 times a year. Plus, the chances of me ever buying a car without a test drive are exactly zero. Finally, I want a car that isn't a maintenance hassle and Tesla build quality and reliability is poor and the only service center is 19 miles from my house.

I wouldn't trade my Prime 1 for 1 with a top of the line Model3 much less the base model.

 

shocking news

i'm just here to let the o/p know he made a bad decision... starting this thread

 

You better stop @bwilson4web too.

Prius Prime Plus in my hands | Page 31 | PriusChat

For Sale - 2017 Prius Prime Plus - Auction: 3/18/2019 | PriusChat

 

Impossible! Only Ms. Wilson has that power.

Bob Wilson

 

The "cookie-boy" crumbles ( & grumbles) again.

 

Just purchased the Prime Advanced not long ago, but I considered the Model 3 as my 1st choice. I knew Model 3 would finally reach the $35k mark. By the way does anyone know that particular option only comes with CLOTH seats

I went with Prime because in the long run I’m not sure what Tesla will be doing OR even if they will be around.

Cost to repair:
yes I know Prime isn’t cheap to fix either, but one Model 3 owner online went on a rampage after a small front fender dent costed his insurance $7k to fix.

Range anxiety:
This is obvious. Most Model 3 would definitely have to have another gas powered vehicle unless you barely drive long distances in our out of state or live in an area where there are many charging stations.

Repair shops:
Closest one to me is....well let’s just say it’s not even worth it based on this alone.

Tesla makes great cars, but man cloth seats....on a base model ....come on Tesla.

I also don’t like what E. musk is doing to his employees now that he will be closing most of his stores. Hint hint

 

Prime doesn’t have cloth seats on the base model?

 

In a parking lot, someone nailed our lower right bumper with a NOT so small dent, but left no note. My mechanic carefully applied heat & pressure, worked the bumper back to OK & re-aligned the bumper attachments. I DIDN'T HAVE TO GO ON A RAMPAGE, when my long term mechanic charged me $250.....3.5% of $7000. Yeah, now ya know why my long term mechanic is my long term mechanic.

 

Sorry.....this was on which vehicle? Long term mechanics are great, but if I’m buying the latest technology vehicle from “Tesla” I’d rather not have someone place “bandaids” on it like its some old Cutlass Supreme or something if ‘ya know what I mean.

 

Not sure, but even if it does....I just can’t imagine driving ummm a Tesla with cloth seats.