Given that Tesla hasn’t been around for very long, how long do/did your cars last, and why? Just interested, as the average (non-electrical) cars in my family last around 20 years.
Sure, early adopter in the Model S, leased for 4 years. I leased because EVs are still evolving in terms of tech and batteries have a finite lifespan (and are a pain to replace).
Actually went back to my 2009 diesel car when the lease expired because:
-- I'm tall and the Model S cars don't have much headroom. I've driven a few of the newer models (as courtesy cars) and for some reason, they feel much better in terms of headroom compared with the early models. I don't think they're listed as having more headroom though so this is a bit of a head scratcher for me. I don't think my car had a pano roof so that might have been the difference.
-- The QC and interior really is below standard for the price point of the car. A lot of plastic trim, squeaky bits, and laggy UI (for the main display -- driving was fine).
About a year later, I went back and leased a Model X for another 4 years. Headroom problem solved, QC still bad but the new processing unit made for a much smoother experience. Picked up a Model 3 as well and that car is far and away the best value proposition from Tesla. QC better on the 3, comfort improved (I actually prefer cloth seats to leather), and headroom is decent. Still leasing for reasons above.
I believe that EVs and autonomy are the future of passenger vehicles and Tesla makes decent EVs with decent autonomy. For my money, there are better EVs out there at most price points, but no one else has the Supercharger network and reasonably autonomous driving (on highways). I drive quite a bit and in heavy traffic (like 75% of my life) and over long distances (up and down California), Autopilot significantly reduces mental load and physical strain.
For what it's worth I still keep my old diesel around though it's requiring more and more maintenance even as its been driven less and less.
Judging by the used car mileage and years on some of the brands I’ve recently shopped for, a lot of people are taking out 1, 2, or 3 year leases.
I usually keep my cars for 8-10 years. How many miles are you putting on in 20 years? I put almost 200,000 miles in about 10 years on my 4Runner until the transmission started some crazy knocking sound at 230k.
Actually went back to my 2009 diesel car when the lease expired because:
-- I'm tall and the Model S cars don't have much headroom. I've driven a few of the newer models (as courtesy cars) and for some reason, they feel much better in terms of headroom compared with the early models. I don't think they're listed as having more headroom though so this is a bit of a head scratcher for me. I don't think my car had a pano roof so that might have been the difference.
-- The QC and interior really is below standard for the price point of the car. A lot of plastic trim, squeaky bits, and laggy UI (for the main display -- driving was fine).
About a year later, I went back and leased a Model X for another 4 years. Headroom problem solved, QC still bad but the new processing unit made for a much smoother experience. Picked up a Model 3 as well and that car is far and away the best value proposition from Tesla. QC better on the 3, comfort improved (I actually prefer cloth seats to leather), and headroom is decent. Still leasing for reasons above.
I believe that EVs and autonomy are the future of passenger vehicles and Tesla makes decent EVs with decent autonomy. For my money, there are better EVs out there at most price points, but no one else has the Supercharger network and reasonably autonomous driving (on highways). I drive quite a bit and in heavy traffic (like 75% of my life) and over long distances (up and down California), Autopilot significantly reduces mental load and physical strain.
For what it's worth I still keep my old diesel around though it's requiring more and more maintenance even as its been driven less and less.