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There are 2 reasons to buy a Tesla - electric power, and self-driving capability. If I don't get full self-driving, I can get a Jaguar, a Hyundai or a Nissan L

by mtw 8y ago

There are 2 reasons to buy a Tesla - electric power, and self-driving capability. If I don't get full self-driving, I can get a Jaguar, a Hyundai or a Nissan Leaf. These are cheaper or have more options and better return for your dollar. On the configurator, it gives me $58.4K with the base motor

rconti 8y ago
As a followup comment mentioned, the Supercharger network is a huge plus; whether or not road trips are possible with other DC Fast Charging networks on another manufacturer's car, the seamlessness of the Supercharger experience from the number of installed units, to realtime charger status on your nav screen means it can't be beat. If nothing else, it solves for the uncertainty, even if that's just FUD. I still think the 3 is hard to beat for the combination of real-world usability, range, and tech. I think it's a fantastic car in its own right; I preferred it to the options that were available at the time, which did not include the Jag or Hyundai. Googling it now, the Jag starts at $20k more than our 3, is "available in the fall" and has a much crappier range. The Hyundai is like the Leaf and eGolf; $30-$35k for an extremely limited range and performance vehicle. If you don't mind spending that much money on what is solely a commuter car, that's fine. With Tesla I'm able to use it as a commuter and as a nice weekend getaway and roadtrip vehicle. I did the 14 day autopilot trial, and... it works, but I'm more nervous using it than just driving myself. I certainly don't want to be a beta tester of this stuff at 70mph. It was occasionally nice in traffic jams, but not $5k nice. Put simply, every other car I've owned, I had to drive myself. And I don't mind it; in fact, I enjoy driving. The 3 is pleasant to drive, so I don't see why I wouldn't want to. Some folks on the forums disagree and think the only reason to buy one is autopilot/FSD. They're welcome to their opinion, but I don't share it.
aembleton 8y ago
Tesla also gives you access to a supercharger network that you won't get with the other brands.
Latteland 8y ago
But none of those cars are practical for long distance travel. Superchargers are only for the tesla (today at least, it must be in a few years other companies will make competitors?) and that makes them vastly more practical for long distance travel. For a few 100 mile trips the other cars are okay. So add #3 distance travel. #4 way better consumer electronics and ui.

by mtw 8y ago

rconti 8y ago

As a followup comment mentioned, the Supercharger network is a huge plus; whether or not road trips are possible with other DC Fast Charging networks on another manufacturer's car, the seamlessness of the Supercharger experience from the number of installed units, to realtime charger status on your nav screen means it can't be beat. If nothing else, it solves for the uncertainty, even if that's just FUD. I still think the 3 is hard to beat for the combination of real-world usability, range, and tech. I think it's a fantastic car in its own right; I preferred it to the options that were available at the time, which did not include the Jag or Hyundai. Googling it now, the Jag starts at $20k more than our 3, is "available in the fall" and has a much crappier range. The Hyundai is like the Leaf and eGolf; $30-$35k for an extremely limited range and performance vehicle. If you don't mind spending that much money on what is solely a commuter car, that's fine. With Tesla I'm able to use it as a commuter and as a nice weekend getaway and roadtrip vehicle. I did the 14 day autopilot trial, and... it works, but I'm more nervous using it than just driving myself. I certainly don't want to be a beta tester of this stuff at 70mph. It was occasionally nice in traffic jams, but not $5k nice. Put simply, every other car I've owned, I had to drive myself. And I don't mind it; in fact, I enjoy driving. The 3 is pleasant to drive, so I don't see why I wouldn't want to. Some folks on the forums disagree and think the only reason to buy one is autopilot/FSD. They're welcome to their opinion, but I don't share it.

aembleton 8y ago

Tesla also gives you access to a supercharger network that you won't get with the other brands.

Latteland 8y ago

But none of those cars are practical for long distance travel. Superchargers are only for the tesla (today at least, it must be in a few years other companies will make competitors?) and that makes them vastly more practical for long distance travel. For a few 100 mile trips the other cars are okay. So add #3 distance travel. #4 way better consumer electronics and ui.