[TimeFor]

Obviously, the Tesla guys would tell me it’s a good car, but what do you think? I’ve leased two BMW i3. It’s a great car and it’s been amazing value. But I’m getting kind of bored of it and BMW doesn’t offer another full electric vehicle right now.

If I get another i3 today with every single option, nothing down, it seems like my payment will be $550-$570/mo. All of my i3’s have been maxed out with all options. First with tax was ($351/mo) and current is ($401/mo). At 570 its just not the deal it used to be. Higher MF and no MSD is contributing to this difference but it’s got me thinking of other options.

What do you think of a two-year-old Model X? Specially X P100D with all options minus ludicrous mode. It's hardly a bargain at 85 grand. And obviously my payment will be a grand a month more than it is now. But Tesla’s have been holding their value. So maybe the actual ownership cost won’t be much more than the i3. At least that’s the gamble.

I test drove one yesterday. Some of my first thought is, the regenerative braking isn’t as strong as i3. And the headrest doesn’t go up high enough for me. Also, the sexy doors opening and the closing weren’t working right even on the demo car. It seems like those are still finicky. The car also kept saying the key wasn’t near by when it was. Not sure if that’s a common issue or not. But this was on the brand new demo I tested. Not a used one. Is it worth the Tesla nonsense and 1k/mo more just for something different? Model 3, and S aren’t being considered. I like the X solely for the gullwing doors. It’s a gimmick that works for me. Likewise, the Leaf, Bolt and things inferior to the i3 aren’t being considered. I don’t fit in the Jag (6’5”)

This would be a commuter car. Only me in it 99% of the time.

[damageprone]

Depending on your needs, the X is a great car. It's very big, essentially a minivan. Visibility is amazing as the windshield is huge, but you'll be burned alive. I'd like the option to not have to drive all the time. The gullwing doors are a bit annoying at times getting in and out as I feel like I'm going to smack my head on them when I'm a passenger or driver in the front seats (trying to get in or out) and loading people in the back. 7 seats are nice compared to only 4. Again, it depends on what your needs are.

Speaking of value, a used X can be found for around 65-80K I'd probably look from Tesla first. They really don't lose their values like the i3's do, so at least there is that.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by TimeFor

Obviously, the Tesla guys would tell me it’s a good car, but what do you think? I’ve leased two BMW i3. It’s a great car and it’s been amazing value. But I’m getting kind of bored of it and BMW doesn’t offer another full electric vehicle right now.

I agree with your summary about BMW vs. Tesla EV portfolio.
For those reasons, I ended up in a Tesla Model 3 Performance after 4 years of i3's.

Originally Posted by TimeFor

What do you think of a two-year-old Model X? Specially X P100D with all options minus ludicrous mode. It's hardly a bargain at 85 grand. And obviously my payment will be a grand a month more than it is now. But Tesla’s have been holding their value. So maybe the actual ownership cost won’t be much more than the i3. At least that’s the gamble.

MX is about the polar opposite of an i3.
It's a huge SUV, spacious, but not very maneuverable, and not very easy to park. It's wicked fast though, especially with ludicrous mode.

Other than the cost of entry, do yourself a favor and price out insurance cost on MX. It's ludicrously high (pun intended).

TM3 is +15% to insure over i3 (which is also not cheap).
MS is higher.
MX is the highest.

Originally Posted by TimeFor

I test drove one yesterday. Some of my first thought is, the regenerative braking isn’t as strong as i3. And the headrest doesn’t go up high enough for me. Also, the sexy doors opening and the closing weren’t working right even on the demo car. It seems like those are still finicky. The car also kept saying the key wasn’t near by when it was. Not sure if that’s a common issue or not. But this was on the brand new demo I tested. Not a used one. Is it worth the Tesla nonsense and 1k/mo more just for something different? Model 3, and S aren’t being considered. I like the X solely for the gullwing doors. It’s a gimmick that works for me. Likewise, the Leaf, Bolt and things inferior to the i3 aren’t being considered. I don’t fit in the Jag (6’5”)

If you browse MX forums, gullwing door, electronics, panel fit, and water seepage complaints abound.
MX seams to have the most issues relative to the other Tesla models.

https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/forums/model-x.84/

Key advise from me - do super-thorough purchase inspection before taking delivery, and outright REJECT a car if there are any issues, however minor.
Don't get stuck chasing down "we'll fix it later" promises. They will be kept, but with inordinate delays and complications.

Originally Posted by TimeFor

This would be a commuter car. Only me in it 99% of the time.

IMHO, MX would be a very weird choice for a commuter, but do what makes you happy!

a

[TimeFor]

Originally Posted by afadeev

IMHO, MX would be a very weird choice for a commuter, but do what makes you happy!

a

Yeah, I know. What I want is a luxury electric car with a smooth ride. That's what I'm hoping the Model X could be with its raised air suspension.

The 740e would be perfect if it got more than 20 miles of est. range. Going back to gas just isn't an option on my daily driver. Ugh, I worry I'm going to end up with another i3 because its just the only car that ticks the boxes and is still somewhat of a bargain. I'm just bored with it.

[damageprone]

Originally Posted by TimeFor

Yeah, I know. What I want is a luxury electric car with a smooth ride. That's what I'm hoping the Model X could be with its raised air suspension.

The 740e would be perfect if it got more than 20 miles of est. range. Going back to gas just isn't an option on my daily driver. Ugh, I worry I'm going to end up with another i3 because its just the only car that ticks the boxes and is still somewhat of a bargain. I'm just bored with it.

Have you tried the i3S yet? It may be just different enough for you.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by TimeFor

Yeah, I know. What I want is a luxury electric car with a smooth ride. That's what I'm hoping the Model X could be with its raised air suspension.

Yep, that will do it.
Or maybe MS?

Originally Posted by TimeFor

The 740e would be perfect if it got more than 20 miles of est. range. Going back to gas just isn't an option on my daily driver.

Skip the 7.
It depreciates almost as fast as an i3, as hard as that may be to imagine.
And it's an ancient boat, compared to either MX or MS.

Originally Posted by TimeFor

Ugh, I worry I'm going to end up with another i3 because its just the only car that ticks the boxes and is still somewhat of a bargain. I'm just bored with it.

So was I.
There is really not much out there that's an EV, and fun to drive, other than Tesla's. At least not that I found.

YMMV,
a

[RichP]

I got an i3s about 2 months ago.. I had a 2014 i3, and then an F80 M3, before it.

The i3S is more different than you might think. It has a bit more speed to it, all around. Its ALOT more highway stable. And with the '19, there is a lot more range (and not sure how it compares to your 17, but I find the range loss when cold, compared to my 14, appears to be a bit less %wise)

[TimeFor]

Based on some more current information, I've discovered my lease estimates were off. Seems like I'd be looking at payments between $450-$470 for a loaded 2019 i3s BEV. Which really only $50+ a month more than I'm currently paying for my 2017 i3 Rex.

i3 is a bargain again compared to everything else out there. It sure makes the used $1500/mo X P100D look pretty bad money wise. Agh, I just don't even know. I went through his last i3 too. Still no real competitors to the i3 based on the boxes I want ticked (reasonably quality interior, fits a guy 6'5", range to get two and from work, seems reasonably reliable - compared to Tesla)

[damageprone]

Originally Posted by TimeFor

Based on some more current information, I've discovered my lease estimates were off. Seems like I'd be looking at payments between $450-$470 for a loaded 2019 i3s BEV. Which really only $50+ a month more than I'm currently paying for my 2017 i3 Rex.

i3 is a bargain again compared to everything else out there. It sure makes the used $1500/mo X P100D look pretty bad money wise. Agh, I just don't even know. I went through his last i3 too. Still no real competitors to the i3 based on the boxes I want ticked (reasonably quality interior, fits a guy 6'5", range to get two and from work, seems reasonably reliable - compared to Tesla)

From the reviews, the i3S should be different enough to scratch that itch for you. You'll have to test drive it to know for sure. Let us know! That price differential is pretty drastic. it's almost a no brainer.

[jmg]

Where is the $2000 loyalty? Is that gone?

We get a $2500 CA STATE rebate and a $1000 energy rebate. If you front those as a cap reduction your payment will go down by about $183/mo