Tesla model 3

Ian F wrote: At this price point and for the intended market, I'm not sure the tax credit will be a decided factor for most buyers.

For the Model S, no. For the 3, the $10K in tax savings (combining Federal and California state incentives, at least) is 30% of the purchase price. That's huge.

In reply to codrus:

To cheapskates like most of us on this forum? Yeah, sure. But to the real market focus for this car, $35K is what they normally pay for a car, if not less. Without the tax credit. They don't care.

Ian F wrote: In reply to codrus: To cheapskates like most of us on this forum? Yeah, sure. But to the real market focus for this car, $35K is what they normally pay for a car, if not less. Without the tax credit. They don't care.

The Model 3 is supposed to appeal to the same people who bought Toyota Priuses, it's supposed to be an average-Joe, everyman car, it's Tesla's ticket to being a full-fledged car manufacturer selling to mainstream buyers. $10K matters to those buyers, a lot.

That said, Elon Musk isn't an idiot, and I'm sure he's included this in his calculations.

While the i3 and Volt are obvious competitors, I see the 3 getting cross-shopped by the types who would normally get a 328i. People who want something nice and a little brand prestige. 3 and 4 series sold 142k cars in the US alone in 2014 (link), and the 328i starts at about $39k.

In reply to codrus:

I don't think it's targeted at people who would normally buy a Prius. I'm pretty sure it's aimed at people who would be in the market for a BMW 3series, Audi a4 or whatever Mercedes competes against the latter. I would bet that Elon thinks the car could do well with zero incentives offered.

In reply to dankspeed:

Agreed. While I'm sure there will be more than a few Prius owners moving to the Tesla, those buyers are not the market focus. For example: how many of those who've posted in this thread about wanting one have shopped for a Prius? To be very honest, when I first saw the car and read the price range, the tax credit didn't even enter my mind until other posts reminded me of it.

Mitchell wrote: While the i3 and Volt are obvious competitors, I see the 3 getting cross-shopped by the types who would normally get a 328i. People who want something nice and a little brand prestige. 3 and 4 series sold 142k cars in the US alone in 2014 (link), and the 328i starts at about $39k.

I will say this about BMW the i3 program, the fact that BMW will loan you a X3 or X5 for a trip when needed is a nice touch.

Although the fact you get an AWD SUV as a loaner for an electric vehicle leaves me a bit confused. Why not a wagon or one of their new GT cars?

Ian F wrote: In reply to dankspeed: Agreed. While I'm sure there will be more than a few Prius owners moving to the Tesla, those buyers are not the market focus. For example: how many of those who've posted in this thread about wanting one have shopped for a Prius? To be very honest, when I first saw the car and read the price range, the tax credit didn't even enter my mind until other posts reminded me of it.

I drove one. That ended the shopping for a Prius.

If this drove well, I would buy one.

Happy Carmore wrote: Although the fact you get an AWD SUV as a loaner for an electric vehicle leaves me a bit confused. Why not a wagon or one of their new GT cars?

Because most BMW dealers will have a ton of X3's and X5's sitting on the lot. Wagons and GT's, notsomuch.

Mitchell wrote: While the i3 and Volt are obvious competitors, I see the 3 getting cross-shopped by the types who would normally get a 328i. People who want something nice and a little brand prestige. 3 and 4 series sold 142k cars in the US alone in 2014 (link), and the 328i starts at about $39k.

You're describing me. I will be in the market for a new car in 2018/9 and having now seen the Model 3 it is the top of my list, however I am not even considering an i3/Bolt/Leaf. The other cars I am looking at are entry level BMWs and maybe an ATS.

Ian F wrote:

Happy Carmore wrote: Although the fact you get an AWD SUV as a loaner for an electric vehicle leaves me a bit confused. Why not a wagon or one of their new GT cars?

Because most BMW dealers will have a ton of X3's and X5's sitting on the lot. Wagons and GT's, notsomuch.

I have noticed all the courtesy vehicles being X5s around here.

This car hits mine and the wife's wheel house. Great primary vehicle. covers 99% of driving requirements and we will have the old 4x4 4door pickup for everything else.

Seems like a great two car household.

In reply to Happy Carmore:

If the driving experience is anything like the model s I bet you'll like it. I test drove a model s and loved it.

I'm not digging the exterior much , but really really don't like the interior with just the tablet dash.

Cotton wrote: I'm not digging the exterior much , but really really don't like the interior with just the tablet dash.

Elon has tweeted a couple times that that isn't the real interior dash layout.

Hopefully the outside isn't real either, at least the front end. The rest is ok even if the back reminds me of a mashup between a Model S and a Mazda 3. I am very close to putting down a deposit. I know I probably would have a car until 2019 or 2020 at this point, but I am ok with that. Honestly the Supercharger network is probably the only thing that is swaying me toward the Model 3 over the Bolt.

Delayed to 2018 already.

EDIT: Linked fixed.

"According to analysts at Cairn Energy Research Advisors, Tesla, which will start shipping the Model 3 at the end of 2017, could ship 76,860 Model 3 cumulative cars by the end of 2018. That includes 12,200 shipped within the year of 2017, and 64,660 shipped within 2018."

The entire sales of Mazda on one model in a launch year when the entire design isn't pinned down, I think it is reasonable to believe, most people won't get their cars till 2019

Happy Carmore wrote: Delayed to 2018 already.

Huh, I don't see delays mentioned anywhere else, except a lot of excuses for why model X was delayed. Tesla is claiming total production capacity should be 500,000 cars a year by 2020 actually.

I think Tesla's biggest mistake so far has been the Model X falcon-wing doors, and perhaps implementing autopilot features before they're ready for prime time.

In reply to bastomatic:

It's the writer of the article stating that not Elon.

The range is cool, the tech is cool. It still won't do what I need a car to do on a day to day basis, but they are getting closer.

The biggest downfall for me, that thing is down right ugly. The front reminds me of a NASCAR front end, before they put the headlight and grill stickers on. The interior looks like a bad 80s Si-Fi movie prop.

Like the designer got tired and didn't finish the job.

I'll pass.

Still waiting for 007 flick w/thinly veiled Musk as villian. Autonomous cars rampage, credit card/debit card money vanishes, grid shorts-out, bad guy & bond fight in space.

And Jaws. Definitely Jaws shows up.

Kate Upton to be cast as Bond's pilot; suggestions solicited for her name ala Bob Costas Galore.

Now I will crack myself up because of filter & the fact that my phone changes that word to "puddy".

Oh, is this car AWD?

Dual motor options were mentioned, so some of them will eventually be offered as awd.

etifosi wrote: Kate Upton to be cast as Bond's pilot; suggestions solicited for her name ala Bob Costas Galore.

Let's just go with that one.

I like the concept of its efficient factor but I need something to shift when I am driving. Pass.