# Now that a Tesla is marked down $15K, would you do it? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 14, 2023, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239 "2023-01-14T22:07:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Tride](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tride/32/13907_2.png) [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/1 "2023-01-14T22:07:00Z")
So, Tesla just made major price cuts and they’re eligible for the tax credit again (and they’re available for delivery in a month). I really want an EV, but I can’t STAND Elmo, and I’m fully aware of Tesla’s build quality issues and self-driving glitches. Still, I’m tempted. You? ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/2 "2023-01-14T22:08:49Z")
Nope. I’ll buy an EV when my Honda Fit dies a natural death, but it sure won’t be a Tesla even if it was cheaper than other EVs. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/3 "2023-01-14T22:12:15Z")
I don’t think Tesla is going to be around very much longer, so no. ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/4 "2023-01-14T22:14:16Z")
No, I am not tempted at all. But if I had bought a Tesla last month I’d be pissed and feeling cheated. ---
**Author:** ![Tride](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tride/32/13907_2.png) [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/5 "2023-01-14T22:17:57Z")
Well, the market cap is way way down, but they still have cars people want (for now, getting stale) and the best charger network by a long shot, so I don’t see the imminent demise. FWIW I’d buy a Rivian today if it wasn’t a 1.5 year wait. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/6 "2023-01-14T22:22:11Z")
Anytime anyone offers their product on sale I feel cheated if I bought it last week. Even if it’s just khaki pants at Kohls. Can’t hold that too much against Tesla. Discounting is to retail as … well … French fries are to McDonalds. I just fiddled with Tesla’s website. Only “select models” of the Model 3 & Model Y qualify for rebates. Not their other cars. At current prices a loaded Model S is $140K. But at least they’re available within in a couple months. If their website is to be believed. I’d like a Tesla, but if I’m going to need to spend that kind of money I’ll get something more traditional from one of the established manufacturers. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/7 "2023-01-14T22:24:08Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > I don’t think Tesla is going to be around very much longer, so no. Tesla isn’t going away anytime soon but whether the current CEO will retain his position is another question entirely. I would personally prefer to purchase a vehicle built by a company that understands quality management, consumer relations, and support for third party maintenance, so no, I am not interested in a vehicle tied to a dysfunctional manufacturer with serious quality and reliability issues that pushes “over the air” software updates without notice that may turn the vehicle into a death machine. I am also not interested in autonomous driving at this point of the technology which seems to be the main distinction between Tesla and its competitors (now that other BEVs are offering comparable range) or being tied to a proprietary charging platform, so if I were in the market for such a vehicle Tesla would not be in my list of options. As it is, I do not have the facilities to charge a vehicle at home, nor do I wish to have to maintain a second vehicle that does not have the capabilities that I require not infrequently, so I am not currently looking for an electric vehicle. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/8 "2023-01-14T22:28:48Z")
No. If I buy an electric vehicle I’ll buy one from GM or Ford or something. I don’t forsee putting any of my money into Musk’s pocket. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/9 "2023-01-14T22:30:49Z")
I’m somewhat interested in getting an electric vehicle, but I’d go back to riding a bicycle before I’d spend a dollar that might end up in Musk’s hands. Even apart from that, I have serious concerns about Tesla’s quality control and reliability, and have heard horror stories from friends with Teslas about unexpected software updates that suddenly change the way the UI works. If I need to drive somewhere in a hurry, I don’t want to spend 10 minutes trying to figure out where my menu option went. ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/10 "2023-01-14T22:33:12Z")
> [@markn\_1](#): > > I’m somewhat interested in getting an electric vehicle, but I’d go back to riding a bicycle before I’d spend a dollar that might end up in Musk’s hands. Yeah, this. There are lots of ways to go through life without further enriching that unctuous little shitweasel. Remember that obnoxious video of him walking into a lobby, all smiles, carrying a sink? I would be very pleased indeed to see him wind up actually having to do that as a real job. I’d pay good money to be there and watch. ---
**Author:** ![Tride](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tride/32/13907_2.png) [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/11 "2023-01-14T22:34:50Z")
Yeah–the whole screen only control thing bugs me. We have a Cadillac Lyriq on order and that was one of the BIG selling points–physical controls for most of the daily inputs. My buddies who have Rivians love them, but even the HVAC vents are controlled from the screen. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/12 "2023-01-14T22:35:42Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > I would personally prefer to purchase a vehicle built by a company that understands quality management, consumer relations, and support for third party maintenance, so no, I am not interested in a vehicle tied to a dysfunctional manufacturer with serious quality and reliability issues that pushes “over the air” software updates without notice that may turn the vehicle into a death machine. We have a Model S, and I love it. No issues so far. But I do understand most of the criticisms. The over the air updates haven’t been a problem (that I know of) and you can schedule when they install. These days there are lots of EV options, so Tesla might not be what we bought if we were currently int he market. I will say, the Tesla charing network is far and away better than the non-tesla Level III charges (that I have to use for my iPace) However, the way we drive, it’s a once a year issue, at most. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/13 "2023-01-15T00:27:31Z")
> [@Ulfreida](#): > > Nope. I’ll buy an EV when my Honda Fit dies a natural death, but it sure won’t be a Tesla even if it was cheaper than other EVs. My attitude exactly. Although I am seriously disappointed that Honda has abandoned the Fit. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/14 "2023-01-15T00:39:31Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > Although I am seriously disappointed that Honda has abandoned the Fit. Ditto. Best car I’ve ever had. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/15 "2023-01-15T01:00:00Z")
The thing is, these are not likely to be temporary cuts, so there really is no time pressure to make this decision. Tesla is losing its pricing power. But this is hardly unexpected. Tesla had incredible gross margins at around 30% that were never going to last. It’s unfortunate that they are reaching this transitional point when there are more general economic headwinds and when the CEO is on a boondoggle. But the long term plan would always have been to ramp up to higher volumes with less expensive models. I’m not going to shy away from buying a good product just because the CEO’s a wanker, but the fact that current pricing is 25% lower than last week isn’t going to be a factor. The current price is more the “right” one, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a screaming bargain just because the price last week was so much higher. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/16 "2023-01-15T01:02:40Z")
Nope, wouldn’t consider buying anything from Musk no matter how attractive the price. I’d pay twice as much for any competitor’s product ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/17 "2023-01-15T01:09:55Z")
I think if we all had as much awareness of the private lives and private thoughts of the other Fortune 500 CEOs, we’d be hard pressed to label Musk the worst of the lot. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/18 "2023-01-15T01:17:33Z")
Sure, I’d buy it. I hate Musk, but I don’t care. If it’s a car I like, I’ll buy it. I don’t care if even Trump is selling it. I still haven’t been inside a Tesla, but the people I know who have it seem to like it fine, so if the price is right, of course I’d look into one. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/19 "2023-01-15T01:20:26Z")
Nah. Not sold on all electric anyway. I’m hoping my next car is a hybrid Escape or Ford of some kind (dad is a Ford retiree) ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239/20 "2023-01-15T02:00:35Z")
My Ford Mach E is my 25th car, and it’s absolutely the best car I’ve ever had in my entire history. Note: I work for Ford. But my number 4 best is a Pontiac (further note: I used to work for GM). But my number 8 is a Honda, whom I’ve never worked for. Anyway, in my position at Ford I’m exposed to benchmarking, wherein we do things like buy Tesla cars and tear the down to their component level, and then do destructive testing on things that are interesting to us. I’d never recommend a Tesla to anyone. That’s a personal statement, not a corporate one, so, don’t bother suing my employer, Elon. I suppose if you only plan on keeping a new Tesla for a year or two you’d be okay, but the long term proposition goes into details I’m not comfortable sharing, but that we’re engineering against. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-that-a-tesla-is-marked-down-15k-would-you-do-it/978239.md?page=2)