Tesla Model 3

[JSH]

Originally Posted by RedDevil

Even if he had tweeted the $35,000 Model 34 was coming, he'd say nothing new.
https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthre...tml#post580692
He just kept word.

This is shocking news!



He also announced that Tesla will close their physical stores. You will have to order your Tesla online in the future.

I can't see that being a good move for the long term but we will see.

[redpoint5]

His solution to the lack of storefront is better than a dealership; 1 week 1000 mile money back guarantee. Basically you can test drive the car for an extended period of time without a sleazeball salesman feigning interest in your life while you nervously try to sort out the unfamiliar cabin while driving around the block.

Note that 82% of customers already buy the Tesla without test driving it, and 78% buy online.

What surprises me is that it actually hit $35k. I figured at least some adjustment for inflation since he announced that target something like 5 years ago. I suppose with destination fee it's a bit more, but I'm still impressed.

Perhaps EVs will near price parity with ICE by 2025, which is what I've been saying is a very optimistic time frame.

[samwichse]

I'd like the deal better if they had some kind of rental deal with say... Hertz where you could rent a car for a week, then say you liked it and bought one, the rental fee would be applied to your purchase by Tesla.

Going through everything to buy a car and getting it licensed and everything seems like a pretty high bar to test drive for a week and decide you don't like it.

[redpoint5]

Well that's an even better idea.

The disappointing thing to me is the base model still has that stupid glass roof. Granted, I haven't experienced the glass roof, but I don't even really like leaving the cover open on my moonroof. Cabin light impares vision, and I don't need to look at the sky anyhow. It's a needless extra expense, which also places weight at the highest point in the car, and may introduce leaking problems in the future. And what about noise transmission?

[NeilBlanchard]

There is a $35K model and a $37K model. They are 220 mile and 240 mile ranges respectively, and the latter has significant interior upgrades, higher top speed, and quicker 0-60MPH time, too.

They lowered the prices on the mid range model, and the high end models, as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrF0vZl6020&t=8s

[redpoint5]

I don't like the power seats. Never understood why people would prefer to take an eternity for electric motors to adjust their seat when you can do it in like 1 second manually.

That said, I do like seat memory on my Acura. It adjusts to the driver when you unlock it. My wife is only 1" shorter than me though (I'm 6'2").

[JSH]

Originally Posted by samwichse

I'd like the deal better if they had some kind of rental deal with say... Hertz where you could rent a car for a week, then say you liked it and bought one, the rental fee would be applied to your purchase by Tesla.

Going through everything to buy a car and getting it licensed and everything seems like a pretty high bar to test drive for a week and decide you don't like it.

Agreed. I'm not going to buy a car to test drive it.

Lets move a bit into the future and say the Model Y is out. How does someone decided whether they want the Model 3 or Y? Do they buy both and drive them for a week?

Also today, Tesla has almost no competition. What happens in 5 years or so when every major brand has multiple EVs that are available to test drive and purchase same day. Will people still buy a car they have never driven and then wait for delivery?

Partnering with a major rental car company would be a great way to allow test drives

[JSH]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Well that's an even better idea.

The disappointing thing to me is the base model still has that stupid glass roof. Granted, I haven't experienced the glass roof, but I don't even really like leaving the cover open on my moonroof. Cabin light impares vision, and I don't need to look at the sky anyhow. It's a needless extra expense, which also places weight at the highest point in the car, and may introduce leaking problems in the future. And what about noise transmission?

I read somewhere that base model glass roof has a headliner. The glass roof is still there you just don't get to use it.

[ldjessee00]

Originally Posted by JSH

I read somewhere that base model glass roof has a headliner. The glass roof is still there you just don't get to use it.

From the interior shots on Tesla.com, it looks like you can see the sky.

https://3.tesla.com/model3/design?#interior

I think that was a rumor started last year, but now that there are pictures of the interior on the website, I do not think they are true.

[RedDevil]

It is much easier for Tesla to change its sale strategy if it needs to than for other automakers to make a similar EV at the same price level...

Still, Tesla now needs to ramp up production. More batteries, more cars - and more service stations.

Lowering the price of the other models was a smart move. Many people will be enticed to choose a bigger battery and premium package when they realize how much more they get - as long as it isn't out of reach.

The first step is the biggest - more range, top speed, power, better trim for just $2,000 extra. That's deliberate, no doubt. Once won over to upgrade from the base model people may look ahead and take another step up.