Car Prices -- what is going on? Get a Tesla?

[schildi]

May 29, 2024 15:50:46 GMT -5 @pooks said:

May 29, 2024 13:55:55 GMT -5 daisylu said:

I drove a Y model as a rental last year. I was not impressed. It was no better inside any other vehicle to me. I was obviously not at home but having to recharge after driving less than 200 miles that week in an area with limited charging stations (and in areas that people who who lived there 10+ years said I did not want to be in) was not ideal. And as someone who likes to road trip having to recharge and wait 40 minutes for recharge is not something that I am interested in. I also have issue with lining Musk's pockets.

MIL has a hybrid Rav4 but she also mostly travels local so uses no gas. I would consider like that for myself though.

I am looking at the RAV4 hybrid too.  I have no interest in fully electric, because we like road trips and so far the range and charging time aren't good enough for us.  

Do you mean Rav4 Prime, or Hybrid?
The Hybrid does not have an electric only mode ....

[movingforward]

The most I have ever paid for a car is $23K so I can't wrap my tiny brain around paying over $30K max for a car (and even 30K makes me feel queasy). 

There are also not near enough charging stations, etc. for me to feel comfortable with an electric yet. 

[Deleted]

May 29, 2024 16:01:35 GMT -5 schildi said:

May 29, 2024 15:50:46 GMT -5 @pooks said:

I am looking at the RAV4 hybrid too.  I have no interest in fully electric, because we like road trips and so far the range and charging time aren't good enough for us.  

Do you mean Rav4 Prime, or Hybrid?
The Hybrid does not have an electric only mode ....

I would take either, since both have a gas engine. None of my local dealers ever have a prime in stock, so that is a bit of a dream at this point.  We don't really drive enough to even justify the hybrid, but when we do drive we tend to go long distances. 

[jerseygirl]

Bought an S in November 2017 and love it. Only one maintenance. The car has a regular small car battery in the frunk. I had to replace it a few months ago. Tesla service came to my house to replace. That’s it other than replacing a flat tire.Son bought a used 3 with 18000 miles, daughter looking at a used 3 for 21000. She said she’d get $4000 from NY
Son (and me) would never get another non electric car
Fun to drive, very powerful and fast and little maintenance in the 38000 miles I have on mine so far
I put in a charger in garage using an existing 240 line. I have 8 yr warranty on battery. Battery is expected to last at least 100000 maybe 150000 miles. For travel over 200 miles Tesla superchargers are pretty easy to find in NJ NY and down to VA. They’re located usually off highways but in service centers in NJ turnpike. In a 200 mile drive I’d be stopping anyway for bathroom break or meal. The superchargers are located where you can get a meal or do some shopping. Charging up to 80% probably takes about 20 min.
There are superchargers located in grocery store lot where I shop.

[jerseygirl]

May 29, 2024 13:36:40 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Well, I got a little annoyed.  They had the starting price of $34,900.  I added NOTHING for options, not even floor mats, and it was $49,630 at checkout.  Screw that.

Look at low mileage used model. Son bought used 3 in California. Loves it and no issues

[Rukh O'Rorke]

May 29, 2024 16:05:34 GMT -5 movingforward said:

There are also not near enough charging stations, etc. for me to feel comfortable with an electric yet. 

There will be soon. There is going to be some collaboration with existing gas stations to start installing chargers, seems very likely that at some point all gas stations will have 1 or more chargers, then it will be easier.

[bean29]

May 29, 2024 15:50:46 GMT -5 @pooks said:

May 29, 2024 13:55:55 GMT -5 daisylu said:

I drove a Y model as a rental last year. I was not impressed. It was no better inside any other vehicle to me. I was obviously not at home but having to recharge after driving less than 200 miles that week in an area with limited charging stations (and in areas that people who who lived there 10+ years said I did not want to be in) was not ideal. And as someone who likes to road trip having to recharge and wait 40 minutes for recharge is not something that I am interested in. I also have issue with lining Musk's pockets.

MIL has a hybrid Rav4 but she also mostly travels local so uses no gas. I would consider like that for myself though.

I am looking at the RAV4 hybrid too.  I have no interest in fully electric, because we like road trips and so far the range and charging time aren't good enough for us.  

Are you looking at the RAV4 Hybrid or the RAV4 Prime?  They have the RAV4 in both versions.  I have a RAV4 Prime XSE, I am sorry I don't have the Premium Package, the RAV4 Prime XSE with the Premium package is still somewhat hard to find.  

If you want a RAV4 Prime, it does not qualify for the rebate unless you lease it and buy out the lease immediately.  Seriousthistime, you said this is the last year you will qualify for the tax credit - is that because of your income?  I don't think it applies to a lease buyout scenario.

www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/how-to-get-the-2024-ev-tax-credit-and-save-big-on-an-electric-car/ar-BB1mFgew?ocid=BingNewsSerp#image=3

There are also income requirements: Your modified adjusted gross income (AGI) cannot exceed $300,000 for married couples filing their taxes together or a surviving spouse, $225,000 for heads of households, or $150,000 for everyone else. You can use your modified AGI from the year you purchased the car or the previous year. (Only one year needs to meet the income requirement.) my RAV4Prime Owners Group 

[seriousthistime]

I ordered a Model Y Long Range AWD, with the financing that ended yesterday. 

The Tesla trade-in value for my current car was way too low, so I will most likely go with Carvana or sell it to my local dealer.  

As Rukh said, the buying process was great, very easy.  They walked me through all the steps to place the order online and apply for financing.  

All that's left is for me to pick up the car and get used to driving and charging it. 

Thank you for all the advice! 

[jerseygirl]

Enjoy this fabulous car serious!

[seriousthistime]

May 31, 2024 10:19:32 GMT -5 bean29 said:

May 29, 2024 15:50:46 GMT -5 @pooks said:

I am looking at the RAV4 hybrid too.  I have no interest in fully electric, because we like road trips and so far the range and charging time aren't good enough for us.  

Are you looking at the RAV4 Hybrid or the RAV4 Prime?  They have the RAV4 in both versions.  I have a RAV4 Prime XSE, I am sorry I don't have the Premium Package, the RAV4 Prime XSE with the Premium package is still somewhat hard to find.  

If you want a RAV4 Prime, it does not qualify for the rebate unless you lease it and buy out the lease immediately.  Seriousthistime, you said this is the last year you will qualify for the tax credit - is that because of your income?  I don't think it applies to a lease buyout scenario.

www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/how-to-get-the-2024-ev-tax-credit-and-save-big-on-an-electric-car/ar-BB1mFgew?ocid=BingNewsSerp#image=3

There are also income requirements: Your modified adjusted gross income (AGI) cannot exceed $300,000 for married couples filing their taxes together or a surviving spouse, $225,000 for heads of households, or $150,000 for everyone else. You can use your modified AGI from the year you purchased the car or the previous year. (Only one year needs to meet the income requirement.) my RAV4Prime Owners Group 

Yes, because this year I have had to start taking RMDs.  I could have waited and doubled up next year, but I am also watching out not to exceed the next IRMAA threshold for Medicare premiums so didn't want to double up. 

[schildi]

Jun 1, 2024 8:28:55 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

I ordered a Model Y Long Range AWD, with the financing that ended yesterday. 

The Tesla trade-in value for my current car was way too low, so I will most likely go with Carvana or sell it to my local dealer.  

As Rukh said, the buying process was great, very easy.  They walked me through all the steps to place the order online and apply for financing.  

All that's left is for me to pick up the car and get used to driving and charging it. 

Thank you for all the advice! 

Congrats! You'll love the car!
Which color did you get?

[seriousthistime]

I got white, with the white and black interior.  The salesman assured me that the seats are easy to keep clean.  My son has the black interior and he said it was no guarantee of keeping it spot-free.  He has a spot that is slightly discolored from sunscreen lotion. 

But I don't have any kids, am usually in the car by myself, and when my dog goes in the car (only when necessary because she doesn't like car rides) I have a seat protector for the back seat. 

[imawino]

May 29, 2024 13:55:55 GMT -5 daisylu said:

I drove a Y model as a rental last year. I was not impressed. It was no better inside any other vehicle to me. I was obviously not at home but having to recharge after driving less than 200 miles that week in an area with limited charging stations (and in areas that people who who lived there 10+ years said I did not want to be in) was not ideal. And as someone who likes to road trip having to recharge and wait 40 minutes for recharge is not something that I am interested in. I also have issue with lining Musk's pockets.

MIL has a hybrid Rav4 but she also mostly travels local so uses no gas. I would consider like that for myself though.

Same.  I would never even consider a Tesla due to Elon Musk.  I'm surprised so many are on board with him, what with the promoting of hate speech on Twitter and the antisemitism.

[seriousthistime]

Not on board with Musk.  I ordered the car despite his obnoxious persona. 

Do you check out the CEO of a car company before you buy one? 

Musk's pockets will be lined as long as Teslas keep selling.  If people keep buying, investors (not just Musk) will be rewarded.

If you look at the politics behind any car manufacturer (now or in the past), you will see something you will want to un-see.  

[schildi]

I don't like Musk. Not many do, I would think.
But if I were to check out every company and ECO before buying a product, I wouldn't be buying much anymore at all, lol.
I try to not let such things get in the way of making decisions that are best for me and my family.
Take China as another example. I disagree with almost everything they do. Yet it's not practical trying to avoid all Chinese products.

[schildi]

Jun 1, 2024 9:34:23 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

I got white, with the white and black interior.  The salesman assured me that the seats are easy to keep clean.  My son has the black interior and he said it was no guarantee of keeping it spot-free.  He has a spot that is slightly discolored from sunscreen lotion. 

But I don't have any kids, am usually in the car by myself, and when my dog goes in the car (only when necessary because she doesn't like car rides) I have a seat protector for the back seat. 

That's a lot of white, you are very brave!!! :-) 😉
It will look great though. No kids is a plus with white interior. I heard others also say that it will hold up just fine, but I was too much of a chicken, lol. We got the blue one with black interior.

Have I mentioned that not needing a physical key is another GREAT feature? Needs getting used to a little bit at first, but borrowing my son's Outback sometimes, and having to fumble with the key with both hands full makes it feel soooo yesterday. :-)

[schildi]

Jun 1, 2024 9:34:23 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

The salesman assured me that the seats are easy to keep clean.  My son has the black 

How did you manage to meet / talk to a salesman? I thought one of the big advantages of the Tesla buying process was not having to interact with those people, ever. I never did, and that's a good thing IMO.

[daisylu]

Jun 1, 2024 12:04:28 GMT -5 schildi said:

Jun 1, 2024 9:34:23 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

I got white, with the white and black interior.  The salesman assured me that the seats are easy to keep clean.  My son has the black interior and he said it was no guarantee of keeping it spot-free.  He has a spot that is slightly discolored from sunscreen lotion. 

But I don't have any kids, am usually in the car by myself, and when my dog goes in the car (only when necessary because she doesn't like car rides) I have a seat protector for the back seat. 

That's a lot of white, you are very brave!!! :-) 😉
It will look great though. No kids is a plus with white interior. I heard others also say that it will hold up just fine, but I was too much of a chicken, lol. We got the blue one with black interior.

Have I mentioned that not needing a physical key is another GREAT feature? Needs getting used to a little bit at first, but borrowing my son's Outback sometimes, and having to fumble with the key with both hands full makes it feel soooo yesterday. :-)

I'm the opposite. I like the remote for unlocking the doors but I prefer a key for the ignition. 

[seriousthistime]

I like the key card aspect.  I imagine you can just hand that to the parking attendant or the detailer at the car wash. No removing your house keys from a fob or keychain before you hand over the car. 

My son has the blue with black interior.

I am very brave with the white interior.  

I am not quite a little old lady, but when I moved to California 8 years ago, I bought a mid-size white SUV because I wanted to be higher up (to see hazards better) and to be seen more easily by other drivers.  It served me well. 

[seriousthistime]

Jun 1, 2024 12:08:12 GMT -5 schildi said:

Jun 1, 2024 9:34:23 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

The salesman assured me that the seats are easy to keep clean.  My son has the black 

How did you manage to meet / talk to a salesman? I thought one of the big advantages of the Tesla buying process was not having to interact with those people, ever. I never did, and that's a good thing IMO.

It was all by phone. 

[jerseygirl]

I’ve had the white interior since Oct 2017. No spots or stains on the seats. Once I bought lilies that had lots of bright yellow pollen and accidentally brushed them on the side above window. It’s like a suede texture. I was able to remove the yellow completely using a damp rag. After 2 years still no discoloration

I do have a stain on the cream rug in back. But I haven’t tried to remove. I should, will add to my to do’s next week.
I have black rubber mats in front to deal with rain and sloppy snow on feet

[seriousthistime]

I am getting the mats.  It's partly because I spend time close to the beach, and the sandy soil that comes in on my shoes is far easier to get rid of by removing and shaking out the mats vs. vacuuming. 

[jerseygirl]

Jun 1, 2024 12:12:33 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

Jun 1, 2024 12:08:12 GMT -5 schildi said:

How did you manage to meet / talk to a salesman? I thought one of the big advantages of the Tesla buying process was not having to interact with those people, ever. I never did, and that's a good thing IMO.

It was all by phone. 

I went to a Tesla showroom to buy my car. There were paint and upholstery samples to look at. Tesla person just showed me choices, and resulting costs for each choice. Also in the lot, lots of cars and colors to see. Absolutely no sales pitch at all. I had taken 3 test drives prior to decision to buy

[imawino]

Jun 1, 2024 11:58:55 GMT -5 schildi said:

I don't like Musk. Not many do, I would think.
But if I were to check out every company and ECO before buying a product, I wouldn't be buying much anymore at all, lol.
I try to not let such things get in the way of making decisions that are best for me and my family.
Take China as another example. I disagree with almost everything they do. Yet it's not practical trying to avoid all Chinese products.

I respect your right to own and enjoy whatever car you want.  But, this is a lot of false equivalencies.

Correct, it's not practical to avoid buying any product from China.  But, it's incredibly easy to avoid buying a Tesla. As in it requires literally no effort whatsoever.

It also doesn't require "checking out" Elon to know what he's about.  He purchased a major social media platform on which to promote his hate speech.  If a CEO has opinions I don't agree with but they are not using their vast influence and fortune to promote their hateful ideology, that's a pretty big difference.

I'm no where near perfect in the products I purchase, so far from it.  But this is too easy.  It's impossible to NOT know what Elon is about.  And when they make it this easy it's not a tough choice (for me) to not line a hateful antisemite's pockets. That's what's best for me and my family.  I'm not sure that any family is exactly suffering if they don't own a Tesla?  I'm sure that many do suffer because he welcomed back white supremacists and election deniers on his influential platform.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Jun 1, 2024 11:28:02 GMT -5 imawino said:

May 29, 2024 13:55:55 GMT -5 daisylu said:

I drove a Y model as a rental last year. I was not impressed. It was no better inside any other vehicle to me. I was obviously not at home but having to recharge after driving less than 200 miles that week in an area with limited charging stations (and in areas that people who who lived there 10+ years said I did not want to be in) was not ideal. And as someone who likes to road trip having to recharge and wait 40 minutes for recharge is not something that I am interested in. I also have issue with lining Musk's pockets.

MIL has a hybrid Rav4 but she also mostly travels local so uses no gas. I would consider like that for myself though.

Same.  I would never even consider a Tesla due to Elon Musk.  I'm surprised so many are on board with him, what with the promoting of hate speech on Twitter and the antisemitism.

There is a shareholder vote coming up for his comp package. He’s been semi threatening to leave Tesla if not voted for.

I’m hoping the vote goes against him and he quits in a huff and we get new board members too.

If not, not sure what I will do regarding owning stock. If comp passes, likely the stock loses 10%. But if I sell now my votes are voided and new owner vote gets counted, so in a bit of a pickle as I have high hopes for their continued success.

Teslas done a fantastic job changing the narrative on EVs. And I hate what musk has done to its reputation.

But serious is right that most ceos are asshats.

But as a shareholder, a lot of us are trying to get more board oversight that will hopefully muzzle or replace musk. Right now, it could go either way.

[imawino]

Jun 1, 2024 11:52:15 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

Not on board with Musk.  I ordered the car despite his obnoxious persona. 

Do you check out the CEO of a car company before you buy one? 

Musk's pockets will be lined as long as Teslas keep selling.  If people keep buying, investors (not just Musk) will be rewarded.

If you look at the politics behind any car manufacturer (now or in the past), you will see something you will want to un-see.  

To be clear, I wouldn't not purchase something because I found someone obnoxious.  It's the widespread promotion of dangerous speech on a global platform that's troubling to me.  I don't find that to be remotely equivalent to "an obnoxious persona".  I mean, yes, he has that too!  lol.  But that wildly trivializes what he is and the influence he wields.  Much like I don't find Trump a danger to democracy because he's obnoxious.  

Buy what you want, and enjoy it.  But don't come at me acting like we have to pretend we have our heads in the sand and have no idea what Elon Musk is and what the dangerous ideas he's selling are if I'm not doing a deep dive into the background of every product I buy.  Not everyone who has a shitty opinion carries the same dangerous weight.   

[seriousthistime]

I get it, imawino.  

You do you.  I have my own red lines I will not cross. 

[daisylu]

I can't believe that I agree with imawino .

[schildi]

Jun 1, 2024 14:00:21 GMT -5 daisylu said:

I can't believe that I agree with imawino .

Me neither ...

[Deleted]

Jun 1, 2024 11:58:55 GMT -5 schildi said:

I don't like Musk. Not many do, I would think.
But if I were to check out every company and ECO before buying a product, I wouldn't be buying much anymore at all, lol.
I try to not let such things get in the way of making decisions that are best for me and my family.
Take China as another example. I disagree with almost everything they do. Yet it's not practical trying to avoid all Chinese products.

I do this all the time.  If someone wants to make their politics unavoidable, I am going to use that information to decide if I want to support their business.  I don't go looking to the information. Now I am not perfect. Some things I really love and it would take something pretty big to get me to give it up.  But I don't eat at Chick-fil-a, which is easy because I don't like Chick-fil-A.  I don't shop at Hobby Lobby, no need to.  I also won't buy a Tesla.  Luckily there are lots of choices. 

ETA:  I also don't stay at Trump hotels