Hello All,
I looked at a 2017 Model S today. I was disappointed. The Model S has no XM satellite radio, no ventilated seats, weak cross sensing alert and blind spot monitoring. It didn't have a lot of storage locations. The customer service was not good either. I would be better off purchasing a Lexus GS 450 h. Just my experience.

 

I think some folks looking for a Tesla may be willing to sacrifice some of those thing you mentioned for other things like no emissions, instant torque, semi-autonomous driving, no reliance on gasoline, at home charging, etc. The Tesla has that futuristic/cutting edge appeal that tech companies like Apple/Google tend to have. Its almost like they indirectly make driving the good 'ol internal combustion engine feel outdated or "So last year."

But I agree with you that a car of that price point should have some of your aforementioned basic luxury items that most of us come to expect for cars in that price range have...Like a well appointed 4GSh.

 

Yep. Those mentionable comforts are all things that help shape the name. All the things I love about my 450h ...not found in the tesla. I'd love to try one in ludicrous mode though. Once.

 

Tesla is a technology company, not a car company. Their interior and build is trash. So many owners complain about door handle malfunctioning, water in tail lights, touch pad bubbling, poor leather quality, misalignments... Their base Model S also starts in the 80s.

If you ever get in an accident, be prepared to wait 3-6 month before getting your car back since all parts are on back order. Also insurance is much higher too

 

I agree with all of the comments. I am going to purchase a GS 450h when one becomes available in my area or online. In the meantime, I will enjoy the 2014 GS 350 F Sport. I will have to patient until I locate a 2016 450h.

 

MustangSal - I love your 450h F Sport!�� Does your vehicle has dynamic cruise control and lane keeping assist? If so, I will look at 2015 450h models.

 

You have to remember that Tesla is not make Luxury Cars, but do make Premium Level Electric Vehicles sold at Luxury Level prices.

 

Yep.

My recommendation is to look throughout the continental US (you are in the US?)., I live in VA and found mine in CA. It's such a unicorn (even among 450h's) that I had them ship it in a covered enclosed car carrier cross-country. Lexus of Monterey was very cool about the sale - no crap. Split the shipping charge and hooked me up with the balance of a year of Enform even though the vehicle wasn't new. Long and short, you might find the 450h that you want locally, but you greatly improve your chances if you open up the view and accept the cost of freight.

Good luck!

Sal

 

Sal - Thanks for the advice. I live in the Atlanta, GA area. I have contacted a Lexus dealer in the Chicago area that will pick up my vehicle and deliver a vehicle. I am refinancing my home and I have to wait a month or so.

 

I know it's not just about the money but have you done the ROI on trading in for a GS450? Say it cost you $5,000 more to get a 450. Your gas mileage goes up from 20 MPG to 30MPG, so 50%. You drive 12K miles a year on average.

350 could eat up 600 gallons of gas vs 400 gallons for the 450.
Premium fuel being $2.70 a gallon, you saved about $540 a year so it would take you about 9.25 years to break even.

 

You don't buy a GS450h to save money on fuel. You buy a 450h for the torque and the smooth powertrain.

You buy a Prius to save money on a fuel.

 

Never personally been a fan of any tesla. The interior and exterior is very bland to me. I can't imagine spending 100k on a car thats bland just because its electric to "save fuel". I can think of so many cars that I'd get before I ever bought a Tesla. I'm honestly surprised they have sold as many as they have.

 

The World's Fastest Electric Road Legal Car breaks the old record at the 12.9-mile Nürburgring track circuit.
0-124 mph in 7.1 seconds with 194 mph top speed

 

I figured as much. For me it wasn't worth it as I barely drive 5K miles a year.

 

It doesn't hurt to get 32mpg...extra money over time can go to replacing the batteries...lol. Which incidentally, I believe is covered at 100k....