This discount news has changed everything. My IS350 lease is ending in May and I am at a crossroads. I am not a big fan of the model 3, or any Tesla for that matter. But leasing one would be less than a new IS350, and I would no longer be paying for gas, which is a huge expense with my 50 mile/day commute. I am FORCED to consider this. I am a life-long car nut and the idea of moving into something I am not that excited over leaves me anxious and somewhat depressed. I can only wonder and hope, once Tesla ownership takes place, hidden discoveries come about to make up for the lack of enthusiasm (?). Like are they that amazing to drive? The silent acceleration that good? Does the novelty wear off? I have not checked any Tesla club sites to ask these questions or research, and I am not even excited to do so. My biggest mental block right now is 40% of my neighbors already have a Model 3 and it doesn't not feel exciting, interesting, or original to join the masses. I have always prided myself in having a car that isn't seen all over.

My house already has solar and a Model 3 would be $250-350 less per month than a new IS. Money and finances are very important. *discuss*

 

Nope, not the Model Y Performance. The $57k price is above the $55k limit for 5 seater and it does not have 7 seat option....

 

I suspect the EAP and FSD prices might be dropping next. I bet there are a lot of folks that didn't purchase them initially that would be willing to purchase now at a discounted price.

 

well, sounds like a no brainer to get an EV of some sort. and think of a model 3 like a fast camry. it's very appliance like, and after the quirks of the single screen wear off, it's just easy, and FAST. i really don't like the model 3/Y interior, but they're STILL appealing to me because of everything else. and a price cut definitely helps!

this is tesla's move to try to scorch hyundai/kia/ford/gm/vw/etc.

and like you say, it's not just the cost of buying the vehicle, it's the running costs so having a long commute like you do, and solar already, it's a total no brainer.

 

I wouldn't buy a model3 right now because this refresh they call the "Highland" is supposed to come out 3Q2023. Some are saying they will increase the M3 price for the refresh, that's the risk you take waiting. But maybe the prices stay the same and the Tesla profit margin is increased through production cost reductions.

This would be a second car for me, and I really don't need a sedan, and the Y is too big/expensive for a second car. So I am going to sit it out for 1+ year to see if a Model2 CUV emerges.

 

Don't they have a monthly plan for FSD? I thought that was an available option for those who didn't want to drop 20k or whatever ridiculous price it currently is?

 

I agree, no brainer for me if I was looking right now. It is a great appliance car for daily use even though it's not the best looking appliance out there.

One thing I found interesting is that I was in a training at my firm and we had a guy that is an environmental scientist and has a Phd speak to us and he asked if any of us had an electric car and he kind of laughed about it being green. He said that its carbon footprint to produce the EV is 34% higher than an ICE car and it takes 10 years to equal the footprint of an ICE car even though many say it's only a couple years. I found that very interesting.

 

If finances are important to you I would definitely go the EV route. For a lot of people, savings for the daily commute is where an EV would shine. I'm guessing your 50 mile commute is mostly highway, and speed wise you aren't really going to be losing anything from the IS which is a very dated platform in itself. If you were spending a lot of time canyon carving or something where you were enjoying your IS maybe I would consider an EV and a cheap sports car to accompany it since your in CA and can take advantage of the roads. But as someone who is middle america with straight roads, a sporty car is a waste on a long daily commute. Would much rather enjoy the smoothness and cost savings of an EV.

 

I agree that the Model 3 is an appliance, but it's worlds above a Camry. My brother in law is not an enthusiast and buys cars based on a specific need... to get from A to B reliably and comfortably. He's owned everything from Camry, Accord to his current Avalon hybrid his wife drives. I've never seen him in my 25 years of knowing him rave about a car, especially 3 months into ownership. It's more than an appliance, to me at least

 

I don’t think many Model 3 owners view their car as an appliance.

 

The side effects of the price cuts has started 😃

 

And my brother in law is definitely one of those. He tells me it's the best car he's ever owned, and he's owned several Toyotas, Hondas, and a Subaru

 

I think most people understand or starting to understand that it's not about saving the environment but rather saving money by not using gas now.

 

Yes, monthly FSD is $200/month. which is a much better deal than buying it from the start, however, Tesla can raise prices at any time. With a break even time of 6 years, im not willing to bet Im going to keep a car for that long. Plus, you can just buy it on the months you have road trips planned, etc.

 

I do care about the environment, but I have no illusion thinking that EV'S are the savior. For me it's about better technology, less maintenance, and most of all, better driving dynamics