So, I Did A Thing

@"AGRforever" said:

@"minny65" said: Electric Cars are the clear future for numerous reasons but the options in trucks is very limited in terms of options and cost.  That will be changing dramatically in the next few years.

I have a Tesla Model S sedan that is just soooo much fun to drive!  I actually look for reasons to drive it.  The maintenance cost have been very limited over the 3 years I have owned.  New Tires...thats it.  Brakes last forever because of the regenerative braking technology that slows you down without braking when you take your foot off the gas.  You come to a complete stop with just a tap.  I drive fast and put on about 20,000 miles a year so I don't baby it at all.  Honestly the environmental aspect was a bonus but not a real factor in my purchase.  Yes, I know how electricity is produced.  

If someone is in the market for a new vehicle in the next few years then drive an electric vehicle.  It is no contest.  You feel like you are floating/gliding, the acceleration with the Tesla is insane (fastest production car) and the maintenance is nil.  People will stop and ask me all kinds of questions and most ask about what happens if the battery fails which would be similar to engine failure.  The warranty is 5 year 100,000 miles which is typical for most vehicles.  They have Model S's with 500K, 600K and a record so far of 1 million miles on the same battery.  I have had no problems with my battery and I am at 103,000 miles.  My 2014 Model S gets about 245 a full charge but in the winter and the mountains (where I live) it can go down to around 200 miles a full charge.  The newer electric cars get over 350 miles a full charge.  There are Superchargers an hour in every direction of where I live (which is not a Tesla/electric area at all).  I sit and do paperwork for the 45 minutes it takes to do a full charge.  Actually it has helped me get my paperwork done on time :).  I have the charger at home so that when I pull in I just plug it in and it will bring my charge back for the next day (time varies but I say around 3.5 to 4 hours overnight?)

The wave of the future in cars (not trucks yet).  No engine, no oil, no exhaust, no road noise, the smoothest ride, insane acceleration, Have not replaced the brakes yet at 103,000 and I drive fast and hard.  My Infinity I have had to replace the brakes around 6 times in the 11 years I have owned - around 170,000 miles. 

  

Curious where you live?  Wondering what the temperature swings are like and if you're seeing issues in the summer as well...meaning the battery is to hot vs to cold?
The best way to get Americans to drive electric cars is to make them be more efficient to own then a gas car.  Its all about the Benjamins. 

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"BarrNone55" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"PurpleCrush" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"BarrNone55" said:

@"pattersaur" said:

My Honda is approaching 200K miles so I'm starting to look around at options for upgrading from my car to an SUV. Been looking off and on for a few months now, but I don't have much experience or knowledge when it comes to a lot of stuff, but especially car buying. Any tips that any of you can share? Is there a better or worse time of year to buy? Or should I just keep waiting to find that unicorn vehicle priced way below market value? Should add, I'll definitely be buying used. Thanks in advance for any help!

Time of year won't matter with a used car. I'd hit up my local Honda Dealer for the Pilot. Had one about eight years ago and loved it. 

I spent years driving VWs and Audis until they finally nickeled, dimed and dollared me to death. Love how they look, but seemed I was spending $1K every couple months or so. Decided to buy a used Acura SUV about 2.5 years ago and I've decided I'll never buy another brand. This thing has 130K on it and all I do is change the oil. I'm sold on the Honda/Acura brand in terms of reliability.

I have a Honda Accord V6, which offers plenty of power. To your point the idea of a German car is fun until you see the bills rolling in outside of the first 2-3 years of ownership. Not that I am a proponent of leasing, but it makes sense on those cars. Being able to change the tires and oil without much else makes my bank acct more excited. 

I've been driving VW's for years now (presently a GTI), and lease all of them (for the very reason of minimizing bills after 3 years, but also cuz I get bored and want a new car). I took my girlfriend to get her BMW back from the shop yesterday, and I was driving the loaner car they gave her and the thing was a beast (M340). Suffice to say...... I spoke with a customer rep from her dealer inquiring about purchasing a new car.

Ha!

As someone who sells BMW's? That is a familiar tale my friend. That car is truly a beast! IF you want that experience in an SUV with a tailgate?? X3 M40i...It'll smoke most Mustangs and Camaro's. 

I drive a 2018 340 with a 6 speed manual ,Mpower and Sound kit that does almost 400 hp, all wheel drive and sounds like heaven.

Keeps me young at heart. 

Love GTI's too, blast of a car. 

Ooooooooohhhh, girlfriend is dying for a Mini convertible. 

If you had said it was for you? Well, lets just say my internet perception would have evolved somewhat...

@"minny65" said:

I live in the Pocono Mountains of Northern PA. 

Very interesting.  I've got some math to do.  The range gets complicated for our family.  For my business its no big deal.  I have a couple hour area for sales as well.  However, when my wife goes from TN to say MN/IA/MI/OH/PA etc she usually steals my car for the gas mileage. She usually drives at night and stops for gas only.  So she'll get 400 miles out of a tank, fill up and be on her way again.  I already know she wouldn't do the sit and wait thing and honestly I wouldn't want her sitting and waiting in some truck stop at night.   I wonder how long until we have swap-able batteries?  Pull in swap out to a freshly charged one and on your way you go again?

@"AGRforever" said:

@"minny65" said:

I live in the Pocono Mountains of Northern PA. 

Very interesting.  I've got some math to do.  The range gets complicated for our family.  For my business its no big deal.  I have a couple hour area for sales as well.  However, when my wife goes from TN to say MN/IA/MI/OH/PA etc she usually steals my car for the gas mileage. She usually drives at night and stops for gas only.  So she'll get 400 miles out of a tank, fill up and be on her way again.  I already know she wouldn't do the sit and wait thing and honestly I wouldn't want her sitting and waiting in some truck stop at night.   I wonder how long until we have swap-able batteries?  Pull in swap out to a freshly charged one and on your way you go again?

Started looking through The Beast. Just an insane amount of detail. Well worth the money.

@"minny65" said:

@"AGRforever" said:

@"minny65" said:

I live in the Pocono Mountains of Northern PA. 

Very interesting.  I've got some math to do.  The range gets complicated for our family.  For my business its no big deal.  I have a couple hour area for sales as well.  However, when my wife goes from TN to say MN/IA/MI/OH/PA etc she usually steals my car for the gas mileage. She usually drives at night and stops for gas only.  So she'll get 400 miles out of a tank, fill up and be on her way again.  I already know she wouldn't do the sit and wait thing and honestly I wouldn't want her sitting and waiting in some truck stop at night.   I wonder how long until we have swap-able batteries?  Pull in swap out to a freshly charged one and on your way you go again?

Yea the range is an issue for your wife's example for sure.  So to your point, we have the other vehicles for backup.  For example, If I have to travel to Buffalo and don't want to stop for the 45 minutes to charge I take the Infinity and my wife will drive the Tesla.  Also, Tesla's have the sports tires and the one I have is not 4 wheel drive thus not good in snow.  So I will drive the Explorer or even my Infinity because is 4 wheel and pretty darn good in snow despite the same sports tires.  Basically if you live in a snow belt area get the Tesla with the winter package if you don't have a backup vehicle.

This Tesla is working bigtime for me because since you are in sales like me I get mileage reimbursement from my company!  I didn't mention that because because that is not typical for most of course.  So I get close to $700 a month in mileage reimbursement and my payment on the car is $355 (34K but I put about 12 down).  

So, I would say it is no brainer if you are similar to my situation.  I actually feel like I am being paid to drive the best car I have ever owned.  The hour stops to recharge have not been issue because I get all my paper work done or make phone calls etc.  But you do need to plan ahead on those 2+hour drives.  There are Superchargers usually within an hour of any location throughout PA (usually next to shopping/restaurants, and I am sure for your area as well.  Plus there are a ton more planned so that won't be an issue.  I would expect, from Musk, that those Superchargers will also improve on time for full charge from that 45-50 minutes.  Not sure about swap out batteries because the battery is the 80% the whole bottom of the car.  Initially it did take me a few months to adjust to planning the stops and the difference in weather etc.  But after a few months it doesn't change anything at all from my daily driving.  

I think w e have private inbox on here if you have any other questions because I am sure we are boring the heck out of some fellow Long shippers!  Plus I highjacked the thread that was all about trucks :)

Oh, so we're not talking about just trucks? Cool, I can participate a tiny bit. :) 

I've driven a couple of Tesla models and think they're amazing. Nice choice @minny65. I even put down a deposit on the model 3 before it was released. The timing didn't meet up with my needs so I stuck with gas for now (Cad XT5, Garnet color). I love the dark purplish color on my baby and love driving it.

But I am determined to make my next car an electric one. I'm sold. And I love seeing the choices expand in the market. Since I get employee pricing with GM, I'm really hoping there is an appealing offering when I'm in the market again.

@"Nichelle" said: Oh, so we're not talking about just trucks? Cool, I can participate a tiny bit. :) 

I've driven a couple of Tesla models and think they're amazing. Nice choice @minny65. I even put down a deposit on the model 3 before it was released. The timing didn't meet up with my needs so I stuck with gas for now (Cad XT5, Garnet color). I love the dark purplish color on my baby and love driving it.

But I am determined to make my next car an electric one. I'm sold. And I love seeing the choices expand in the market. Since I get employee pricing with GM, I'm really hoping there is an appealing offering when I'm in the market again.

Your Caddy sounds awesome.  I like the darker colored cars and of course yours is on the purple side :)   My Model S in a rather unique British racing Green with the all black wheels that I put silver/chrome calipers on to match the silver/chrome trim.  I actually like the look of these older Model S then any of the new models.  

I'm not sure if we can put pictures on here but I will try.  

Obviously this was me trying to draw in what the calipers would look like before I bought them :)  This seemed to be the only pic I could attach.  I also drew in the curb bands which break up the all black wheels.  

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"minny65" said:

@"AGRforever" said:

@"minny65" said:

I live in the Pocono Mountains of Northern PA. 

Very interesting.  I've got some math to do.  The range gets complicated for our family.  For my business its no big deal.  I have a couple hour area for sales as well.  However, when my wife goes from TN to say MN/IA/MI/OH/PA etc she usually steals my car for the gas mileage. She usually drives at night and stops for gas only.  So she'll get 400 miles out of a tank, fill up and be on her way again.  I already know she wouldn't do the sit and wait thing and honestly I wouldn't want her sitting and waiting in some truck stop at night.   I wonder how long until we have swap-able batteries?  Pull in swap out to a freshly charged one and on your way you go again?

Yea the range is an issue for your wife's example for sure.  So to your point, we have the other vehicles for backup.  For example, If I have to travel to Buffalo and don't want to stop for the 45 minutes to charge I take the Infinity and my wife will drive the Tesla.  Also, Tesla's have the sports tires and the one I have is not 4 wheel drive thus not good in snow.  So I will drive the Explorer or even my Infinity because is 4 wheel and pretty darn good in snow despite the same sports tires.  Basically if you live in a snow belt area get the Tesla with the winter package if you don't have a backup vehicle.

This Tesla is working bigtime for me because since you are in sales like me I get mileage reimbursement from my company!  I didn't mention that because because that is not typical for most of course.  So I get close to $700 a month in mileage reimbursement and my payment on the car is $355 (34K but I put about 12 down).  

So, I would say it is no brainer if you are similar to my situation.  I actually feel like I am being paid to drive the best car I have ever owned.  The hour stops to recharge have not been issue because I get all my paper work done or make phone calls etc.  But you do need to plan ahead on those 2+hour drives.  There are Superchargers usually within an hour of any location throughout PA (usually next to shopping/restaurants, and I am sure for your area as well.  Plus there are a ton more planned so that won't be an issue.  I would expect, from Musk, that those Superchargers will also improve on time for full charge from that 45-50 minutes.  Not sure about swap out batteries because the battery is the 80% the whole bottom of the car.  Initially it did take me a few months to adjust to planning the stops and the difference in weather etc.  But after a few months it doesn't change anything at all from my daily driving.  

I think w e have private inbox on here if you have any other questions because I am sure we are boring the heck out of some fellow Long shippers!  Plus I highjacked the thread that was all about trucks :)

not at all,  this is exactly why we allow OT threads,  I am liking the ability to read first hand user knowledge of the products.  keep on sharing.

Plus if I drive an electric car do I get like "Earth points" or something?  Or a major prize like a leg lamp or something to show how awesome I am? 

My oldest has 4 years till she'll need a car.  We kind of timed my current car being plenty used by the time she gets it.  That way if she smashes it up or something at least it wasn't a new one. 

@"AGRforever" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"minny65" said:

@"AGRforever" said:

@"minny65" said:

I live in the Pocono Mountains of Northern PA. 

Very interesting.  I've got some math to do.  The range gets complicated for our family.  For my business its no big deal.  I have a couple hour area for sales as well.  However, when my wife goes from TN to say MN/IA/MI/OH/PA etc she usually steals my car for the gas mileage. She usually drives at night and stops for gas only.  So she'll get 400 miles out of a tank, fill up and be on her way again.  I already know she wouldn't do the sit and wait thing and honestly I wouldn't want her sitting and waiting in some truck stop at night.   I wonder how long until we have swap-able batteries?  Pull in swap out to a freshly charged one and on your way you go again?

Yea the range is an issue for your wife's example for sure.  So to your point, we have the other vehicles for backup.  For example, If I have to travel to Buffalo and don't want to stop for the 45 minutes to charge I take the Infinity and my wife will drive the Tesla.  Also, Tesla's have the sports tires and the one I have is not 4 wheel drive thus not good in snow.  So I will drive the Explorer or even my Infinity because is 4 wheel and pretty darn good in snow despite the same sports tires.  Basically if you live in a snow belt area get the Tesla with the winter package if you don't have a backup vehicle.

This Tesla is working bigtime for me because since you are in sales like me I get mileage reimbursement from my company!  I didn't mention that because because that is not typical for most of course.  So I get close to $700 a month in mileage reimbursement and my payment on the car is $355 (34K but I put about 12 down).  

So, I would say it is no brainer if you are similar to my situation.  I actually feel like I am being paid to drive the best car I have ever owned.  The hour stops to recharge have not been issue because I get all my paper work done or make phone calls etc.  But you do need to plan ahead on those 2+hour drives.  There are Superchargers usually within an hour of any location throughout PA (usually next to shopping/restaurants, and I am sure for your area as well.  Plus there are a ton more planned so that won't be an issue.  I would expect, from Musk, that those Superchargers will also improve on time for full charge from that 45-50 minutes.  Not sure about swap out batteries because the battery is the 80% the whole bottom of the car.  Initially it did take me a few months to adjust to planning the stops and the difference in weather etc.  But after a few months it doesn't change anything at all from my daily driving.  

I think w e have private inbox on here if you have any other questions because I am sure we are boring the heck out of some fellow Long shippers!  Plus I highjacked the thread that was all about trucks :)

not at all,  this is exactly why we allow OT threads,  I am liking the ability to read first hand user knowledge of the products.  keep on sharing.

Kinda what I was thinking!!  At least we aren't bitching about who is or isn't getting shot or the former "man" who shall not be named.  LOL
The electric motor makes so much more sense.  So much more efficient then internal combustion. On a much smaller scale, we've got 3 side by sides and bought a golf cart for my FIL and MIL on the farm.  The golf cart isn't even a performance machine and after having it for I think 3 years now, we'll buy/keep one nice/powerful side by side but the rest need to be golf carts.  No maintenance.  Plug em in every few days.  If you really need to haul something heavy thats what the other machine is for.  No oil changes, cooling systems, starters/alternators to deal with.  It just goes. 

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"AGRforever" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"minny65" said:

@"AGRforever" said:

@"minny65" said:

I live in the Pocono Mountains of Northern PA. 

Very interesting.  I've got some math to do.  The range gets complicated for our family.  For my business its no big deal.  I have a couple hour area for sales as well.  However, when my wife goes from TN to say MN/IA/MI/OH/PA etc she usually steals my car for the gas mileage. She usually drives at night and stops for gas only.  So she'll get 400 miles out of a tank, fill up and be on her way again.  I already know she wouldn't do the sit and wait thing and honestly I wouldn't want her sitting and waiting in some truck stop at night.   I wonder how long until we have swap-able batteries?  Pull in swap out to a freshly charged one and on your way you go again?

Yea the range is an issue for your wife's example for sure.  So to your point, we have the other vehicles for backup.  For example, If I have to travel to Buffalo and don't want to stop for the 45 minutes to charge I take the Infinity and my wife will drive the Tesla.  Also, Tesla's have the sports tires and the one I have is not 4 wheel drive thus not good in snow.  So I will drive the Explorer or even my Infinity because is 4 wheel and pretty darn good in snow despite the same sports tires.  Basically if you live in a snow belt area get the Tesla with the winter package if you don't have a backup vehicle.

This Tesla is working bigtime for me because since you are in sales like me I get mileage reimbursement from my company!  I didn't mention that because because that is not typical for most of course.  So I get close to $700 a month in mileage reimbursement and my payment on the car is $355 (34K but I put about 12 down).  

So, I would say it is no brainer if you are similar to my situation.  I actually feel like I am being paid to drive the best car I have ever owned.  The hour stops to recharge have not been issue because I get all my paper work done or make phone calls etc.  But you do need to plan ahead on those 2+hour drives.  There are Superchargers usually within an hour of any location throughout PA (usually next to shopping/restaurants, and I am sure for your area as well.  Plus there are a ton more planned so that won't be an issue.  I would expect, from Musk, that those Superchargers will also improve on time for full charge from that 45-50 minutes.  Not sure about swap out batteries because the battery is the 80% the whole bottom of the car.  Initially it did take me a few months to adjust to planning the stops and the difference in weather etc.  But after a few months it doesn't change anything at all from my daily driving.  

I think w e have private inbox on here if you have any other questions because I am sure we are boring the heck out of some fellow Long shippers!  Plus I highjacked the thread that was all about trucks :)

not at all,  this is exactly why we allow OT threads,  I am liking the ability to read first hand user knowledge of the products.  keep on sharing.

Kinda what I was thinking!!  At least we aren't bitching about who is or isn't getting shot or the former "man" who shall not be named.  LOL
The electric motor makes so much more sense.  So much more efficient then internal combustion. On a much smaller scale, we've got 3 side by sides and bought a golf cart for my FIL and MIL on the farm.  The golf cart isn't even a performance machine and after having it for I think 3 years now, we'll buy/keep one nice/powerful side by side but the rest need to be golf carts.  No maintenance.  Plug em in every few days.  If you really need to haul something heavy thats what the other machine is for.  No oil changes, cooling systems, starters/alternators to deal with.  It just goes. 

thats where I draw the line,   I am not giving up my wheelers or ranger,    a golf cart is fine for Sticky to run around his elderly retirement housing complex in florida :p ,  or even for getting around a golf course,  but I would hate to see how bad I would fuck one of those up trying to be out fixing fence or moving cattle or about anything else we use the atvs and utvs for around our farm.  if I lived in town though I think I would definitely have a steet legal golf cart though.

@"minny65" said:

@"Nichelle" said: Oh, so we're not talking about just trucks? Cool, I can participate a tiny bit. :) 

I've driven a couple of Tesla models and think they're amazing. Nice choice @minny65. I even put down a deposit on the model 3 before it was released. The timing didn't meet up with my needs so I stuck with gas for now (Cad XT5, Garnet color). I love the dark purplish color on my baby and love driving it.

But I am determined to make my next car an electric one. I'm sold. And I love seeing the choices expand in the market. Since I get employee pricing with GM, I'm really hoping there is an appealing offering when I'm in the market again.

Your Caddy sounds awesome.  I like the darker colored cars and of course yours is on the purple side :)   My Model S in a rather unique British racing Green with the all black wheels that I put silver/chrome calipers on to match the silver/chrome trim.  I actually like the look of these older Model S then any of the new models.  

I'm not sure if we can put pictures on here but I will try.  

@"Nichelle" said:

@"minny65" said:

@"Nichelle" said: Oh, so we're not talking about just trucks? Cool, I can participate a tiny bit. :) 

I've driven a couple of Tesla models and think they're amazing. Nice choice @minny65. I even put down a deposit on the model 3 before it was released. The timing didn't meet up with my needs so I stuck with gas for now (Cad XT5, Garnet color). I love the dark purplish color on my baby and love driving it.

But I am determined to make my next car an electric one. I'm sold. And I love seeing the choices expand in the market. Since I get employee pricing with GM, I'm really hoping there is an appealing offering when I'm in the market again.

Your Caddy sounds awesome.  I like the darker colored cars and of course yours is on the purple side :)   My Model S in a rather unique British racing Green with the all black wheels that I put silver/chrome calipers on to match the silver/chrome trim.  I actually like the look of these older Model S then any of the new models.  

I'm not sure if we can put pictures on here but I will try.  

Saw the pic - that looks awesome. My old boss had a beautiful dark blue one via lease and he decided to buy. He loved it so much that he found one that an owner hadn't driven much at all and had been just keeping it in a garage. He was downsizing his car collection so my old boss flew to Texas, bought it on the spot and drove it back. I can't recall the price now but I remember being shocked at how much he was able to save. And with all of the automatic updates with a Tesla, it's hard to go wrong as it still stayed up to date.

I went all dark this time... interior and exterior.

 I know that Caddy has the new electric 'Lyriq' coming up but I'm not quite so sure about it yet. I've driven GM all of my life, with one exception, as my father worked there for 40 years and I worked there as a college engineering student. We'll see what happens and if I end up with a Tesla or not. I'm definitely a fan of those.

@"Nichelle" said: Congratulations on your subscription to the Athletic!

(I don't know a thing about trucks)

Me either. But I love my CTS Performance, so freaking quick and handles like a dream.

Nichelle, I wonder if your boss went down to Texas too AutoCentrix because that is where I got mine..check out front plate:

AutoCentrix specializes in  used Tesla's.  I had mine shipped up to PA for $500 

So quick question...do all these electric vehicles makers have a universal charging system or are they being stupid and trying  do their own thing like apple?

I am looking at doing an addition and new garage and I would think a charging station would be a wise part of the plan but if they are all gonna be different then maybe not?