Elon Musk: Always A Douche

[Valmy]

Somebody gave me a ride in Tesla once.  I couldn't figure out how to open the door from inside in darkness, because of course Tesla had to do it differently and make it a button that I didn't know to look for. 

Wouldn't want to drive one just because of that; who knows what I'll fuck up in an emergency where I will have to default to instinct, and then have it fail me because in Tesla and only Tesla it would be counterproductive.

I was always glad Tesla existed, well until recently anyway, but yeah I never had any desire to drive or own one. I like my cars reliable and boring.

[Barrister]

I was always glad Tesla existed, well until recently anyway, but yeah I never had any desire to drive or own one. I like my cars reliable and boring.

Aren't Tesla's supposed to be quite reliable (albeit sometimes with build quality issues)?

I would love to get something like a Model Y as my next car.  Just something for commuting, that takes no gas, but can hold up to three full hockey bags in the back.

Or at least I used to.  Now I'd worry people would think it's some kind of political statement.

[Grey Fox]

KIA's EV9 is the car for you, BB.

I expect I'll see many of them this summer at the Baseball fields replacing all those Model Ys.

[Barrister]

KIA's EV9 is the car for you, BB.

I expect I'll see many of them this summer at the Baseball fields replacing all those Model Ys.

I'd still be looking at used though, and there are just so many more Teslas out on the roads.

[celedhring]

Is it a good idea to get an used electric car though? Because of battery life issues.

[Barrister]

Is it a good idea to get an used electric car though? Because of battery life issues.

I'm in the "it's always a good idea to get used" camp.

Battery life is an issue, but so is saving maybe $10k or more.  It's all a question of how old.

[Neil]

Is it a good idea to get an used electric car though? Because of battery life issues.

I'm in the "it's always a good idea to get used" camp.

Battery life is an issue, but so is saving maybe $10k or more.  It's all a question of how old.

I like the peace of mind of driving something new off the lot, and having the warranty standing behind me.

[HVC]

While it's good that tesla helped create a market, they  have always had bad fit and finish. Luxury car prices with Lada level quality. Can't blame new company growing pains, since they're not new. Add weird decisions like aforementioned door handles, no dash, and stupid wheel. Never got the appeal, especially now that othe car brands are inntge game. And ranges are getting better ( tesla numbers werent reliable anyway).

[Valmy]

Is it a good idea to get an used electric car though? Because of battery life issues.

I did, but the battery had just recently been replaced.

[Barrister]

Is it a good idea to get an used electric car though? Because of battery life issues.

I did, but the battery had just recently been replaced.

I'm pretty sure you did tell us before, but I forgot.

What's the story here?  What did you get?  How do you like it?  How is the battery life / charging situation like?

[Norgy]

Is it a good idea to get an used electric car though? Because of battery life issues.

We've been at the forefront of electrifying the vehicles in Norway with tax credits and other incentives. The used car market is thriving.

Since we're civilised society, requesting a certified battery test is fairly easy, and many motorist organisations offer them for free.

I am still sticking with my diesel car for five more years, as the low temperatures here add some measure of uncertainty I don't need.

[Neil]

That's my concern.  I'm considering a hybrid (not the plug-in kind) for my next vehicle purchase, but we'll see.  Hopefully that won't be for another few years. 

[Valmy]

Is it a good idea to get an used electric car though? Because of battery life issues.

I did, but the battery had just recently been replaced.

I'm pretty sure you did tell us before, but I forgot.

What's the story here?  What did you get?  How do you like it?  How is the battery life / charging situation like?

I got a 2013 Nissan Leaf in the fall of 2023. The range is terrible, as it is very old. Only about 60 miles. But haven't had any problems with the battery. Thing runs great and has next to no upkeep costs. My only ways to charge it are slow, but fast charging exists I just don't know how to use it. It is in great condition and I got it for cheap.

But it is perfect for my purposes.

It costs next to nothing to charge it as well. Unfortunately the government gets me with a big electric vehicle fee, $200 a year, to make up for not paying gas taxes. Jesus Christ I cannot imagine how many miles I would have had to drive in my old ICE car to pay THAT much in annual gas taxes but whatever. So far I think having an electric car is great.

But I might be singing a different song in a decade or so.  I will let you guys know.

[crazy canuck]

EV battery and charging tech is developing so rapidly that used car EVs are not going to maintain their resale value. So if you buy used, plan that to be your car until it breaks down - complete with poor range and all.

[Barrister]

I got a 2013 Nissan Leaf in the fall of 2023. The range is terrible, as it is very old. Only about 60 miles. But haven't had any problems with the battery. Thing runs great and has next to no upkeep costs. My only ways to charge it are slow, but fast charging exists I just don't know how to use it. It is in great condition and I got it for cheap.

But it is perfect for my purposes.

It costs next to nothing to charge it as well. Unfortunately the government gets me with a big electric vehicle fee, $200 a year, to make up for not paying gas taxes. Jesus Christ I cannot imagine how many miles I would have had to drive in my old ICE car to pay THAT much in annual gas taxes but whatever. So far I think having an electric car is great.

But I might be singing a different song in a decade or so.  I will let you guys know.

60 miles?  Yikes.  That's barely one trip around Edmonton's ring road.

But yeah that's absolutely ancient in terms of electric vehicles.

Nissan is kind of funny.  With the Leaf it was absolutely a pioneer in electric vehicles, and was at one time a strong seller.  But like most of Nissan's models they allowed it to stagnate and Nissan is now an afterthought when it comes to EVs.