Why You Should Never Buy A Tesla
Tesla cars have a reputation as sleek, tech-forward and eco-conscious. Who wouldn’t be seduced by the vision of cruising down the highway in a Model S, Model 3, or the Cybertruck, silent as a whisper and leaving zero emissions in your wake?
Plus, there’s the Autopilot feature, making traffic jams more tolerable by reducing your active driving duties.
But hold onto your keys, because not everything that glitters is gold. While Tesla’s allure is indisputable, there’s a flip side to the coin that might make you reconsider opening your wallet for Elon Musk.
10 reasons why you shouldn’t buy a Tesla
1. High upfront cost
Sure, your wallet will enjoy the fuel savings in the long run, but the initial sticker price of a Tesla is significantly higher than most cars in their class. Even the ‘budget’ Model 3, touted as an affordable EV, starts at a price point well beyond the average sedan.
2. Driving distance concerns
Despite the significant strides Tesla has made in terms of battery life, EV range still doesn’t quite measure up to the average gas-powered vehicle.
When you’re used to hopping in your car and knowing you can drive several hundred miles on a single tank, the shorter range of a Tesla can instill a sense of anxiety. Especially when electric charging stations are not nearly as ubiquitous as gas stations.
3. Long charging times
Don’t get me wrong, Superchargers are fast… for electric vehicle chargers. But compared to the couple of minutes it takes to fill up your gas tank, charging a Tesla feels like waiting for a snail to finish a marathon.
Even at a Supercharger, a full charge takes about half an hour, and with a regular outlet at home, you’re looking at overnight charging.
4. Inconsistent build quality
Reports of inconsistent build quality have plagued Tesla over the years. From misaligned body panels to squeaky interiors, the fit and finish don’t always match up to the premium price tag. Tesla has made improvements, of course, but the ghosts of past quality control issues linger.
5. Service center woes
Need a repair? Brace yourself for a potential headache. With fewer service centers than traditional automakers, getting a Tesla fixed can mean long waits and distant travels.
And because Tesla maintains a tight grip on their repair information, finding a third-party mechanic to do the work isn’t always a viable option.
6. High insurance
Insuring a Tesla isn’t cheap. Given the high cost of the cars, the advanced tech they pack in, and the cost of potential repairs, many insurance companies charge a premium to cover Tesla vehicles.
7. Eco-friendliness isn’t absolute
Even though Tesla vehicles produce zero emissions while driving, the production of the electric cars and their batteries does have an environmental impact. Mining the materials for the batteries, in particular, comes with considerable ecological cost.
Plus, the source of the electricity you use to charge your Tesla could still be (and usually is) a polluting power plant.
8. The Elon Musk factor
This one’s subjective, but there’s no denying that Tesla and Elon Musk are intrinsically linked. Some potential buyers might be put off by his erratic behavior, from odd tweets to public spats.
While Musk’s actions don’t directly affect the performance of your car, they can influence your perception of the brand. If you’re not a fan of his antics, this could be a reason to steer clear. I mean, if the guy annoys you, do you really want to put more money into his already overflowing pockets?
9. Availability of spare parts
Obtaining spare parts for your Tesla might be a bit of a pain. Owing to Tesla’s relatively small scale of production compared to traditional automakers, and its tight control over its supply chain, wait times for certain parts can be longer than one might prefer.
10. Don’t jump on the Tesla bandwagon
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of owning a Tesla, especially given the company’s prominence in pop culture and media. The brand is synonymous with innovation, sleek designs, and environmental sustainability, not to mention it’s led by one of the most famous entrepreneurs of our time.
But just because a product is popular doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for you. Trendiness fades, and the realities of owning a Tesla might not align with the hype. Making a decision based on popularity rather than practicality is bound to lead to regret down the line.
Final thoughts
So, after our little excursion into Tesla-land, what’s the takeaway? Well, if your heart’s beating like a drum at the thought of whisper-quiet drives and overnight fill-ups, you might still want to take a Tesla for a spin. If, however, your brows are now furrowed, thinking about dents in your wallet and the sneaky ecological costs, then perhaps you might want to pump the brakes a bit.
Choosing a car is like choosing a pet. Sure, a baby tiger sounds exotic and exciting, but the costs, the feeding times, and explaining the scratches to your friends might not be worth the initial ‘cool factor’. Similarly, a Tesla, while dazzling in its own right, may not fit neatly into your life.
As with everything, weigh up the pros and cons before making that (hefty) purchase.