Help me ponder my decision

My thoughts are:

- If more people were willing to put down a deposit, Tesla, among other companies, would see how large the demand for EVs are.

- If you've got the money, and it would make you happy, get it.

- If you've got extra money, and want to get me one too, get it.

 

I'd echo the good doctor, but also the other possible flaw that you mentioned: if they go bust, you're out the cash.

In my own little world, if I had the cash to buy that car, I wouldn't buy it. I'm super excited about it, and hope it does well, but I'm like you, more of a "Camry EV" than a "Porshe EV." The "Porshe EV" mentality is going to turn you into a gearhead if you're not already one. The car will become your hobby, so if you don't want to think about a car that way, don't buy it. I know that if I bought it, it would become a passion for me, and possibly supplant things in my life that really are more important than caring for a beautiful, expensive car.

Also, I waited 2 weeks to take delivery on my Prius, and even that tiny wait seemed like an eternity. I couldn't stand the open-ended wait!

 

If you really want an EV why not find a used RAV or one of the many EV conversion cars out there? You won't be out nearly so much money, and I think you would find better support for it than a one-of-a-kind Tesla with as yet unknown customer service. I have a feeling that servicing a Tesla will be similar to maintaining any highend sports car: expensive.

 

Oh, and I'd also say find out about the cost of battery replacement before committing if you do buy. I think you mentioned in your other thread that you didn't have an answer on that yet. It could be a deciding factor.

 

If I had that kind of money lying around I would probably can the Tesla idea and convert the Prius to a plug-in instead. Heck, you would have money left to buy a spare Prius or two if something catastrophic happens after plug-in conversion.

 

I assume the cash is in escrow? So if the bust you get your money back. I also think they are well funded at this point and have good interest so getting more funding, if needed shouldn't be too hard.

As you're economy will allow you to have $50k in escrow I would say "go for it". If you change your mind or if phoenix SUV EV materialize you can pull your money (right?)

It also comes down to need. Will a roadster be practical for you? or will it change your behavior? For example: While I could commute in the car I couldn't pick up my two dogs from "doggie daycare" in it. This would mean that when (as frequently happens) I need to pick-up my dogs instead of having them bussed home (as is the norm) I would have to go home first and change cars.
Same problem could be for groceries. I don't like to shop for that on-line and it could be a problem to fit enough food into the car.

Other then that it's a GREAT EV car and probably the most promising approach as they use "proven" technologies (from AC Propulsion), though Phoenix Automobile is gaining attention in my book and might be closer to a practical EV then tesla is but with shorter range (does that matter to you?).

It's an interesting time, if I had the money I would probably try to put it where my mouth is and try to support EV production where I could find it.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brick @ Mar 1 2007, 10:35 AM) [snapback]398459[/snapback]</div>

I wouldn't as 1) It wouldn't support true EV development and 2) even with the 15000 conversion around you will still only be able to drive about 34 Mph with-out an engine (or so I understand)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(keydiver @ Mar 1 2007, 10:23 AM) [snapback]398451[/snapback]</div>

I'm not sure about this. The cars are now old and buying them second hand doesn't send as strong a signal to car manufacturers as I would like. If I had the money I would invest in something more visible (and we know GM's CEO are looking at the tesla and trying to "beat them to it" for project whitestar).

 

Everyone else has brought up some good points. But my offer to take one that you buy me still stands.

 

Actually, I think you should buy a Tesla Roadster for each of the first 3 responders to this thread.

 

While the Tesla is nice, I'd be more inclined to get one from Phoenix Motorcars. One came to where I work, although I didn't get a ride in it (didn't think to ask). Unfortunately, it's either an SUV or pickup.

 

if the wait is going to stress you out, and it's that long, i'd really give that point some consideration before proceeding. your health is first priority, and stress is quite detrimental to that.

i guess the rest is up to your assessment of risk. are you willing to lose the money if all fell through? i'm assuming you'd be very upset but not bankrupt and ruined. i know you want to show support for the development of EVs as well. given that not everyone can show this kind of support, that is, putting this kind of money where their mouth is, this is a unique opportunity for you to literally vote with your dollar.

 

Daniel, my opinion is skewed by a massive State of Colorado tax credit; essentially all of the difference between the Tesla and the Lotus Elise. Unfortunately, you have to recover it in under 5 years, and I don't pay $12,000 a year in state tax. So, if I was you, but lived here, I would get one. Since you don't live here, that brings up the question; is there an EV incentive in your home state? Perhaps it is large and would influence your decision?

Also, you are too quick to write off the RAV4-EV. They are old technology, but you assume that that is bad. The NiMH batteries are fabulous, essentially showing no degradation. The Tesla will not be as good; there will be degradation at some point. The tradeoff is range. The RAV4 EV's get about 100 miles (the 2003's a little further) and seat 5 easily.

Most RAV4 EV owners have well-cared for them. They lack the sexy factor that the Tesla Roadster has, but they haul people and groceries quite well. You say want an electric Camry? Get the RAV4-EV, it's built on the Camry chassis. You can probably find a RAV4-EV in excellent condition if you are willing to pay a premium (above $45k).

The other thing to consider with the Tesla Roadster is its ability to be used in adverse weather. The RAV4-EV is probably better suited for that, but I would get a 2002 with the heated windshield.

One more factor, the Tesla Roadster is overpriced. Everyone admits that, including Tesla. The idea is that the premier buyers will fund the next generation of cheaper vehicles. In five years, if Tesla is still around, the Roadster will cost a lot less. Essentially, there will be some serious depreciation. The RAV4-EV may actually appreciate.

Nate

 

I would be nervous of any entity holding my money for that long of a period, with no certainty of their stability.

Have they completed any orders yet?

Will they let you view a copy of their Audited year end financial statement? After all, you are "investing" this significant amount of money in something and you wouldn't be investing money in any other type of security without knowing something about historical gains or losses.

I like the escrow comment above. Just make sure it's an independentely managed escrow company that holds a suitable Errors and Emissions policy. I think that you can request to be named as a certificate holder so that you're notified in the event that their insurance is cancelled at any time during the policy duration.

If you find that your money is safe and you find the car to be practical for all of your needs, go for it. It seems that you have the money to burn so why not spend it on something that you'd be enjoying so much.

And, I know you didn't ask for it but I'd like to offer one more piece of advice.....stear your EV clear of girls who would be interested in you based on the vehicle that you drive.

 

My vote is to not get one at this time. I would wait and see what happens. There might be other things that become available.

Now you said this:

young, attractive, available female who does not smoke,

How young is young to you?? :huh: (If 42 is to old then I would only come in at 3 out of the 4).

BUT the question is? Are you young, attrative, available male, who doesn't smoke??? (or does it only go one way??)

 

I noticed you are in Washington and Tesla has this on their website about service outside of their service areas:
Can I buy a Tesla Roadster if I live outside of California?
For those customers who live in an area where we have or will have a Customer Care Center by the end of 2007, we feel confident that we will be able to provide the necessary level of support. This would include customers in California, and the metropolitan areas of Chicago, New York City and Miami.

For customers who are still interested in purchasing a Tesla Roadster outside of those areas, we will be happy to sell you a vehicle but we will charge a $8,000 out-of-service-area premium to cover our costs for transportation of the vehicle to the nearest Tesla Motors Customer Care Center or any other related servicing expenses.

We currently have no plans to offer the Tesla Roadster outside of the continental US.

I like the idea of an escrow account. I would have doubts if Tesla would not go for something like that, especially with no track record. What do you think the resale would be on one of these?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ Mar 1 2007, 12:14 PM) [snapback]398529[/snapback]</div>

Young check
Attractive check - a humble check, but a check nonetheless
Does not smoke I quit 2.5 years ago and have no plans to start back, so check
Available female um, would three out of four work for you?

Regardless of what your final decision is, keep us posted.