by "CB" (jrcb)
Published 11/13/2017 at 21:07
by "CB" (jrcb)
Published 11/13/2017 at 21:07
Tags: Discussion
STARS: 1
What do people think of the idea of preordering cars? Good idea? Bad idea? Would you do it for a brand new model, or only for a model update? Would you do it if you knew you would get your vehicle within a few months (like Kia did with the Stinger up until this month in Canada), or if the vehicle existed really in name and concept only and no solid date on when you’d get your car(as with the Model 3)?
Personally, I find the idea a bit silly. Putting down payment for a vehicle you’ve never driven feels absurd to me, much less for a vehicle that is a concept. How are you supposed to know if you’ll actually like it, versus liking the idea of it? I mean, preordering makes a bit of sense to me for lower cost items, but when you’re dedicating a thousand or a few thousand to something, why not wait until something more concrete exists?
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/13/2017 at 21:15, STARS: 2
For the Model 3 I don’t think it’s a big deal. The people buying those aren’t buying them for how they drive. They’re buying them to have a piece of T H E F U T U R E. And Teslas already shown it’s “futuristic” (trendy) enough.
Now for something like the stinger I would say no. Because for a performance car I’d definitely want to drive that before spending any money.
Also IIRC the deposit on the model 3 is completely refundable.
"daender" (daender)
11/13/2017 at 21:16, STARS: 0
Maybe for a model update. One of the most desirable NB2 Miata colors, Laser Blue, was only available as a preorder and only 151 brave people took the chance in 2002. I wish more people did it because it’s a beautiful color and it’s rare to see a survivor come up for sale.
"MrDakka" (mrdakka)
11/13/2017 at 21:16, STARS: 3
Preordering is just a bad idea
"CB" (jrcb)
11/13/2017 at 21:19, STARS: 0
I suppose being completely refundable does take some of the risk out of it as it’s just holding your place in line, but still, the idea of going “here’s $1000 for you to hold onto so I have a spot in line” is absurd to me. What happens if Tesla goes under? Can you revoke your reservation up until delivery of the vehicle? And I’ve seen people going “I have enough money to reserve the car but not to buy it if it were to come out tomorrow”. Does Tesla refund the money if you can’t take order of the car? Maybe I have some reading to do.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
11/13/2017 at 21:20, STARS: 1
I might order if I can drive a lot example and know I want it but can’t get the options I want there. But I wouldn’t preorder a car I’d never driven.
"CB" (jrcb)
11/13/2017 at 21:20, STARS: 3
I preordered Watchdogs, can confirm. Not making that mistake again.
"Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras" (jegoingout)
11/13/2017 at 21:27, STARS: 1
Never.
"Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire" (arch-duke-maxyenko)
11/13/2017 at 21:29, STARS: 0
I hesitate pre-ordering games and I would never pre-order a car. But, I did buy every one of my cars without driving them first. There may be something wrong with me.
"Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish" (mrfist)
11/13/2017 at 21:31, STARS: 0
I was 19 when I ordered my FiST before they were available. Never drove one, never even saw one in person. Absolutely did not regret my decision.
"Birddog" (maintmgt)
11/13/2017 at 21:49, STARS: 0
It depends on the vehicle. Buying new off the lot wasn’t big until the 1970s.
"404 - User No Longer Available" (toni-cipriani)
11/13/2017 at 21:51, STARS: 0
I actually like it, was planning on buying it till it became free. Driving is a bit wonky but otherwise it was fun.
"CB" (jrcb)
11/13/2017 at 21:52, STARS: 0
I only ever put two hours into it. Wasn’t worth full retail price to me.
"dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter" (dsigned001)
11/13/2017 at 22:21, STARS: 0
I will say that it’s not exactly my cup of tea, especially for what was being promised: hypothetically less of a wait than simply waiting until production got up to speed.
For me, it somewhat violates the “wait and see” aspect of the first couple of recalls, as well as the “never buy new” for cars bit.
If I was much wealthier, I likely wouldn’t be in the market for a 3 anyway - I’d either buy a P90D used (or new).
That said, I’m not going to be too judgemental as Elon’s ability to part fools from their money is one of the only reasons Tesla has survived this far and other similarly innovative companies haven’t
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/13/2017 at 22:35, STARS: 0
I don’t want the first of anything. Let them work out the bugs on someone else. And I damn sure would never buy a car that I’ve never driven.
"SpeedSix" (speedsix)
11/14/2017 at 00:32, STARS: 0
I doubt most Opponauts would preorder, what with all our automotive ADD ... ooh shiny Twingo!
"Montalvo" (m5goesroundtheoutside)
11/14/2017 at 07:19, STARS: 0
It depends on the car. Anything really mass market isn’t worth it. For something more exclusive with a 6+ month wait list then you might be able to justify it. My family was one of the first to receive the BMW M6 GC in the U.S. because we got our names on the list before there was even a list. It should be done for something that is certain to be special and produced in lower numbers. Depending on your relationship with the dealership you might get a couple perks tossed in too.
"RutRut" (RDR)
11/14/2017 at 08:37, STARS: 0
Working in the auto industry and specifically involved with launches for some prominent models right now; I would never, for any reason, buy the first year of a vehicle.
"MINIGTI" (76tr6)
11/14/2017 at 23:09, STARS: 1
I actually did put the $1000 deposit on a model 3 about a week after launch because though I like older cars (own an XJ6 and have a TR6 on extended loan) I’m ready for the F U T U R E too.
I fully embraced that the 2017 start of delivery was hilariously optimistic. I accept that Tesla could fold and I could loose the money.
I thought it was worth the risk to have the chance to be a somewhat early adopter.
We’ve told absolutely no one because I can’t wait to surprise friends and family.