Introduction
It has been a looong 2 years since I put in my Tesla 3 deposit. Well, over the weekend, my wife and I were able to finally order and configure my 3. I’ll go through the options I picked and explain my rationale (which will probably be different for you.)
All Wheel Drive or Rear Wheel Drive
I know a few people are waiting for the AWD option. This will probably add another $5K to the cost, but for me, I a) wanted the car ASAP so I could get the $7500 tax credit and b) I realized I don’t need AWD 99% of the time. I also don’t need LUDICROUS performance either. I’m buying this car more for the tech than the performance. Plus, we already have an AWD SUV, so didn’t really need another AWD card.
Color – Black
Shockingly, the wife wanted black before I even said anything about the extra $1,000 for any other color but black. SOLD!
Wheels – Default
You can see the rims in the pic above that come standard. The nicer wheels cost an extra $1,500. To be honest, I kinda like the black on black, so was okay saving $1,500.
Long range battery – $9,000 extra
Had to get it since the smaller battery version isn’t available yet. This cost an extra $9,000, but I figure I’m getting a $7,500 tax credit by getting it now, so I was okay paying the “extra $1,500” for it.
Premium Upgrades – $5,000
Had to get it since the non-upgrade isn’t available yet. I was going to get this anyway.
Autopilot – $5,000
I feel this is a must-upgrade. I know a reader who bought a demo X and didn’t want the Autopilot, but it was already installed. After driving it on a long road trip, he was sold on it.
Full self driving – NO to +$3000
This would be awesome once it’s ready, but I just don’t see this being available for a really long time, so I’m not fronting them the money for this.
Final
This is the final config after everything’s said and done. After ordering the car, I decided to go sit in one at the Tesla dealership, and it feels very “enveloping.” We couldn’t drive it or anything, and I didn’t fully understand everything on the LCD screen. The wife commented on how there’s no instrument panel in front of her, but I’m sure she’ll get over it. I thought the rear seats were very roomy and the trunk was huge. I can’t wait for the car; it’s gonna be a long 3-6 weeks.
I thought Trump killed the $7500 federal tax credit?
No, the R’s kept it in there.
How do you feel about the simplistic interior? What about the size and feel of the car, how is it compared to the S5?
I only sat in it for about a minute, so can’t give you the full rundown, but so far, it’s fine. It’s not as ‘vroom vroom’ sporty paddle shifter feel like the S5, but it does feel more ‘enveloping’ and I want to say comfortable but that may not be the right word. I’ll let you know once I get it and drive it.
Mine was delivered a little over 2 weeks ago. It’s been amazing thus far. You’re going to love it.
Any tips so far Stephen?
There really isn’t much to be said because despite all the tech, it’s simple to just get in and drive. A few minor points: 1) Regen braking will take getting used to, but it’s wonderful. Keep it on standard and you’ll almost be able to get away with one pedal driving (you may ‘roll’ through some stop signs though). 2) Steering mode on sport and feedback/response will feel like a 3-series 3) Trunk and frunk mats are expensive, but well constructed and worth the money if you have the need. If you’re looking for an all-weather mat, wait for the Tesla/Weathertech option to come out. If you can’t wait, I know the S mats fit really well in the front and need to have a new notches cut out for the back.
Cool thanks for tips. I don’t see a need for mats yet, but I do like the trunk organizer I bought for my SUV, so will probably buy it for the 3 (maybe start with frunk and go from there.)
Some useful tips in this video.
Did you take the 3.25% APR or get your own interest rates?
just applied for this – https://www.myconsumers.org/loans/auto-loans
The wheels look a lot better once you remove those aero wheel covers that don’t do much anyways.
Nice find Ken. I’ll pop it out then.
You’re going to love it. I got my Model S 9 months ago and it’s so fun to drive that you find yourself coming up with excuses to go places.
It’s too bad the Model 3 doesn’t have a referral program yet. I’ve done VERY well with the current program for S/X owners thanks to some tricks…
No need at this point; I’m sure they will once demand dies down.
Price including savings is such a sham. Took me 2 minutes to figure out what was going on there.
43,916 looks a lot better than 47,500
Yeah agreed. They should remove the BS “savings.”
is this the whole “savings in time and gas” trickery?
It is