The Model 3 starts at $35k, the Bolt at $37.5k. If you're in the market for the Bolt post-Model 3 launch, then there's not much difference in price - why not go for the classier car?
I live in the outer provinces (New York), whose franchise laws are incompatible with Teslas business model. I also don't feel like driving 150 miles to buy a car from a company that basically doesn't allow 3rd party service.
A friend had one that had problems. Getting it towed to Jersey a few times was not fun. When he got into a fender bender, getting it towed to a certified body shop on Long Island was extra not fun.
Or I can pop into the local Chevy dealer about a half mile away.
... all of whom pay kickbacks. Meaning you get less car for your money. And even if you're one of the ones who plays the dealerships against each other, that's just to reach a reasonable price, not get a deal.
It's not like Tesla is trying to put the indie repairman out of business, they're trying to sidestep the big car companies' control of the industry even in the distribution side.
Well dealer distribution is one point. You don't have to go far to find mechanics that can service your Chevy. If you live outside a major city it's a pia to get your tesla serviced.
Additionally Chevy allows people to buy parts for their cars and you can service it yourself or at an independent shop.
Be careful though, the dealership might be able to order and sell it, but if they don't sell many in your area, I can guarantee they won't be good at fixing issues.
I have to believe when there are millions of Teslas on the road you'll be able to find Tesla mechanics locally. The danger is the Model 3 flops and you're forever stuck going to the closest Tesla service station.
Yes, and those totally do not get resold on eBay... ;-)
Electric AC induction motors have very few breaking parts. The things that can break are more along the inverter/controller (capacitors, FET avalanche wear, etc) and auxiliary systems (A/C, etc.)
One great thing about electric cars is that you don't need oil changes, belt replacements, or spark plug tune ups!
In my experience, post-2000 engines are pretty reliable too. I have a 03 Honda Pilot with 225k miles and an 05 Odyessy with 130k.
No real issues with engines other than maintenance. I think I had a bad EGR valve on the Pilot 10 years ago. Know what breaks? Electronic crap. Doorlock servos ($400), side door motors and rails ($800), various little modules, AC sensors, airbag crap not covered by recall, defective key cylinders, etc.
One great thing about electric cars is that you don't need oil changes, belt replacements, or spark plug tune ups!
Name two of those three things I haven't done to our Scion (Toyota) xB in 12 years and 80K miles.
Happy Leaf owner here, but the reality is that, other than oil changes, modern cars are just as maintenance-free as an electric. Okay, I take that back, I did have to do a pads/rotors/calipers brake job on the Scion, whereas I expect the pads on the Leaf to last the life of our ownership (or maybe I'll have to do the same job due to minimal use).
Good point, and one I have posed myself. However, if you see GM's dealerships as marketing channels, then there's simply a lot more people who would even know about the Bolt vs. the Tesla Model3 (using the logic). If you don't know an alternative exists, maybe what's in front of you is your best rational choice?
Translation: I can afford a luxury car, Tesla is one of the nicer luxury cars and happens to be electric.