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Doesn't that mean though that tesla will be limited to people with money to waste or that it will lose a big chunk of its early to the market customer base once

Doesn't that mean though that tesla will be limited to people with money to waste or that it will lose a big chunk of its early to the market customer base once traditional car manufacturers enter the game at similar price ranges?

ra7 6y ago
Remains to be seen. I think the hope from a lot of Tesla owners is that they improve quality control so they can stay in the ecosystem.
decafninja 6y ago
You could say that about just ICE cars too. Why would anyone want to buy a Porsche or a BMW (or even a Ford or VW) when they can have the rock solid reliability and lower depreciation of a Toyota? Also, leasing has become so much more common that Toyota and other (mostly Japanese) manufacturers key strength in long term reliability isn't as big of a factor as it used to be. If you're only keeping the car around for 3 years anyways, it doesn't matter so much if the car is notorious for falling apart after 5 years.
- taylodl 6y ago
  That's why I buy reliable cars from established carmakers with proven reliability records. I buy used cars coming off their three year lease. Most leases require all the service be done on time and by the dealer so you know you're getting a quality used car - and I'm saving thousands of dollars. Then you drive it for five years because there's a market for people looking for cheap, reliable cars for second cars or for their kids to drive. Seems to work for all involved and for me personally, I'm minimizing my purchase price while minimizing my need to do major repairs.
  - decafninja 6y ago
    And I 100% respect your approach and consider it logical and sound. That said, it's not for me, and not for many, many other people for whom a car is not just a reliable appliance to go from point A to point B with minimal fuss and minimal financial expenditure. Which is why even brands with horrific reliability and depreciation like Alfa Romeo still sells.

ra7 6y ago

Remains to be seen. I think the hope from a lot of Tesla owners is that they improve quality control so they can stay in the ecosystem.

decafninja 6y ago

You could say that about just ICE cars too. Why would anyone want to buy a Porsche or a BMW (or even a Ford or VW) when they can have the rock solid reliability and lower depreciation of a Toyota? Also, leasing has become so much more common that Toyota and other (mostly Japanese) manufacturers key strength in long term reliability isn't as big of a factor as it used to be. If you're only keeping the car around for 3 years anyways, it doesn't matter so much if the car is notorious for falling apart after 5 years.

taylodl 6y ago
That's why I buy reliable cars from established carmakers with proven reliability records. I buy used cars coming off their three year lease. Most leases require all the service be done on time and by the dealer so you know you're getting a quality used car - and I'm saving thousands of dollars. Then you drive it for five years because there's a market for people looking for cheap, reliable cars for second cars or for their kids to drive. Seems to work for all involved and for me personally, I'm minimizing my purchase price while minimizing my need to do major repairs.
- decafninja 6y ago
  And I 100% respect your approach and consider it logical and sound. That said, it's not for me, and not for many, many other people for whom a car is not just a reliable appliance to go from point A to point B with minimal fuss and minimal financial expenditure. Which is why even brands with horrific reliability and depreciation like Alfa Romeo still sells.