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Good resources for a first time EV buyer (Tesla)

Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:03 pm
Posted by Tigerfan56
Member since May 2010
10520 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:03 pm
I’m not expecting much from this but hopefully I can get a few actual and reasonable responses here, or at least direction on some good places to find info.

I want to buy a Tesla Model 3 - Long Range. I am trying to decide between new/used and Full Self Drive or no, and have a lot of questions.

1) Where is a good place to buy used? Tesla website obviously but any other options? I’ve looked at Carvana and other sites but the description/detail is lacking on the various Tesla Model 3’s. For instance, on Carvana it doesn’t say if it’s Full Self Drive or not. Pretty big deal when trying to compare

2) Is FSD worth it? $10k seems steep and there are many negative reviews on it. Anyone have it or experience with it? My initial thought is to not get it. It can always be purchased later. But also I imagine as the software improves, the $10k price tag will increase as well

3) Are there any major differences in the yearly models? The software should be the same for each but in comparing say a 2018 to a 2020 - what are the differences? I think I read the 2020’s have an improved battery with longer range. Anything else?

4) White seats - Yay or Nay? I worry about them getting dirty but it seems like most people who go with them don’t complain about it.

All other advice and insight appreciated!
This post was edited on 4/9/21 at 4:04 pm
Posted by Powerman
Member since Jan 2004
162202 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:04 pm to
quote:

Is FSD worth it?

Of course not
quote:

Are there any major differences in the yearly models?

They just refreshed the interior
Posted by A Smoke Break
Lafayette
Member since Nov 2018
2060 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:11 pm to
quote:

Where is a good place to buy used? Tesla website obviously but any other options? I’ve looked at Carvana and other sites but the description/detail is lacking on the various Tesla Model 3’s. For instance, on Carvana it doesn’t say if it’s Full Self Drive or not. Pretty big deal when trying to compare


Have fun with your lower battery output and outrageous prices if needed to be replaced.

There's quite a few good sources for info on evs. Ideal cars, donut media, and doug demaro did a few great videos on them. Also, Scotty Kilmer is great as well.

Everyone says go plug in hybrid first, test the waters, and then go full EV when the infrastructure is up. You'll save a lot of cost down the line going this route.

Also, especially with tesla, you have to send it to nola to get fixed atm.
Posted by Powerman
Member since Jan 2004
162202 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:17 pm to
quote:

Also, especially with tesla, you have to send it to nola to get fixed atm.


How do you know where he lives?
Posted by Tigerfan56
Member since May 2010
10520 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:21 pm to
Yeah I don’t live in Louisiana
Posted by tigergirl10
Member since Jul 2019
10307 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:29 pm to
Frick spending 50k and stopping every 353 miles to charge.
Posted by Mingo Was His NameO
Brooklyn
Member since Mar 2016
25455 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:30 pm to
quote:

Frick spending 50k and stopping every 353 miles to charge.


I understand why you wouldn't want one, but there's no reason to make shite up
Posted by A Smoke Break
Lafayette
Member since Nov 2018
2060 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:32 pm to
quote:

How do you know where he lives?



If he's in louisiana, Telsa only operates outta nola for repairs. It'd be a gigantic pain in the arse for anyone in my area of the state (swla).
Posted by A Smoke Break
Lafayette
Member since Nov 2018
2060 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:33 pm to
quote:

Yeah I don’t live in Louisiana



Hahah, my bad. That's on me.

If your state's got the infrastructure, go new on a model 3. I don't trust used batteries yet. Not to mention the price of replacement.

Plus the rebates and tax write offs are sweet.
Posted by siliconvalleytiger
Bay Area, CA
Member since Apr 2004
31157 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:35 pm to
Not sure if FSD and auto pilot are still packaged separately or as one now. I have both and autopilot is a no brainer on the freeways though not yet comfortable using FSD. It’s still way too buggy though it will evolve so you may as well get it.
Posted by A Smoke Break
Lafayette
Member since Nov 2018
2060 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:36 pm to
quote:

Not sure if FSD and auto pilot are still packaged separately or as one now. I have both and autopilot is a no brainer on the freeways though not yet comfortable using FSD. It’s still way too buggy though it will evolve so you may as well get it.



IIRC they're still separate. Autopilot is like 10k?
Posted by Tigerfan56
Member since May 2010
10520 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:36 pm to
quote:

Not sure if FSD and auto pilot are still packaged separately or as one now


The Model 3’s (maybe even all models) automatically come with auto pilot now
Posted by MoarKilometers
Member since Apr 2015
17882 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:38 pm to
You got cash? I can make you a deal right now. 8 semi loads coming back from CA right meow, my buddy is driving 1.

Posted by siliconvalleytiger
Bay Area, CA
Member since Apr 2004
31157 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:39 pm to
FSD is cool but still trips up at traffic lights and unique situations. It’s not a daily use item for me. Not yet anyway.
Posted by billjamin
Houston
Member since Jun 2019
12393 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:40 pm to
quote:

I don't trust used batteries yet.


There’s plenty of telemetry to know if there are issues and Tesla does have degradation warranties. I would worry more about the rest of the car than the battery. The Tesla data I’ve seen has been impressive.
Posted by NoSaint
Member since Jun 2011
11267 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:40 pm to
quote:

understand why you wouldn't want one, but there's no reason to make shite up



You are saying this to tigergirl... just saying...
Posted by A Smoke Break
Lafayette
Member since Nov 2018
2060 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:40 pm to
quote:

FSD is cool but still trips up at traffic lights and unique situations. It’s not a daily use item for me. Not yet anyway.



What model do you have? I'm currently looking at a prius prime for my next vehicle. Just not ready to make the full plunge yet, plug in hybrid gives me 40 miles to the charge and 700 miles to the tank.
This post was edited on 4/9/21 at 4:41 pm
Posted by Obtuse1
Westside Bodymore Yo
Member since Sep 2016
25566 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:42 pm to
quote:

Frick spending 50k and stopping every 353 miles to charge.


You have an insufferable obsession with how other peoples spend their money.
Posted by Tigerfan56
Member since May 2010
10520 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:47 pm to
quote:

Frick spending 50k and stopping every 353 miles to charge.


Lucky for you I’m not asking for any of your dollars to fund this purchase
Posted by SECdragonmaster
Order of the Dragons
Member since Dec 2013
16175 posts
Posted on 4/9/21 at 4:48 pm to
4. White seats - no. They are difficult to keep clean and do not look any better than the darker colors.

3. Minor differences between model years. Tesla has automatic software updates, so you have the same software on all models like the one you are driving.

2. FSD is not a good use of money yet. It’s too glitchy and we have no idea when Musk will release the next patch. FSD does not usually transfer from one owner to the next so be careful what you pay for when you buy used.

1. Buy the newest car with the longest range battery you can afford. You won’t be sorry.
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