7 Tesla Myths Busted after 200,000 Miles, Two 48 State Road Trips, 1800 Uber / Lyft Rides & 150 Turo Rentals

May 12, 2019 by Steve

If the title sounds vaguely familiar, it’s because it is. I wrote this viral post 3 years ago “How I Used & Abused My Tesla – What a Tesla Looks Like after 100,000 Miles, a 48 State Road Trip, 500 Uber Rides, 20 Rentals and 2 AirBnB Sleepovers”. Read this to catch up on the crazy details on the first 100,000 miles. Don’t worry, I’ll wait.

This is the followup report as I crushed the 200,000-mile barrier on April 16 in my 2012 Tesla Model S.

Read on to discover the dirty details including how much I spent on repairs since I’ve been out of warranty for the last 150,000 miles. Check out the video below after 200,000 miles to see what it looks like now.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNJVQfn5Nkk[/embedyt]

Myth #1. “Don’t Share Your Tesla. You’ll Destroy the Car & Resale Value.”

Guess what?

Your car will depreciate whether you use it or not. Squeeze every dollar out of it while you can.

For example, a 2012 P85 like mine with just 50,000 miles is worth $33-38K tops.

My car, with 200,000 miles, is worth 26K (when I sold at 214,000 miles) or a $7,000 to 11,000 difference.

However, in that time, I made $33,501 on Turo, the Airbnb of Cars, and $16,685 on Uber/Lyft for a total of $50,186, all while still using it as my only car until late 2017, when I added this Model X.

But wait, just like a cheesy infomercial, there’s more!

I can write off business mileage, which over the life of the car would be about $97,200 to date, as well over 90% of my mileage is business miles. 200,000 miles x .90 = 180,000 miles X .54 cents a mile = $97,200. That doesn’t save me 97K, but I don’t have to pay taxes on 97K, meaning with an average tax bracket rate of 25% this saves $24,300 in taxes over the 200K miles.

In total here’s what the Tesla cost to “Use & Abuse” it vs. keeping it to myself and only driving 50K miles:

$79,000 – Purchase Price of used P85 with 35,000 miles August of 2014.

-$33,000 – Turo Earnings

-$17,000 – Uber/Lyft Earnings

-20,000 – Tax Savings

-26,000 – Sold August 26, 2019 exactly 5 years after purchase (Private Party)

$17,000 – Amount I was paid to own and drive the hell out of a Tesla. Keep in mind, I could have made a lot more as I only averaged 1 Uber ride a day over 4.5 years, and I only rented it seriously starting in 2016. I was having too much fun doing massive 48 State road trips and running my Flagstaff Vacation Rental business to really focus on maximizing the earnings. Sure $17,000 doesn’t sound like much, but compare that to paying 39K (79K – 40K resale = 39K if I didn’t share it) which is a $56,000 positive difference. Yes, that $56K did take some of my time, but if you like driving and sharing your Tesla like I do, it’s time well spent.

* Additionally, I’ve also earned almost $95,000 worth of prizes with the Tesla Referral Program which rewards those that help promote Tesla since they do zero advertising. I’ve already won about $15,000 in prizes including some Tesla Powerwalls, a set of wheels, etc. The other $80,000 I’ve yet to cash in, but it’s a discount on the $250,000 Founders Series Tesla Roadster. Yeah, that little gem that will do 0-60 in a mind-blowing 1.9 seconds and is one of the sexiest cars I’ve ever seen.

Out of Pocket Repairs

The first 100,000 miles I had about $1050 in repair cost.

Since then, I’ve had the following issues:

$2,215 – Center Screen replaced June of 2018
$790 – Charge port replaced January 2019
$515 – Door handle March of 2019
$845 – Miscellaneous smaller items over 3 years

All in, after 200,000 miles I’ve spent about $5415. Good luck spending that little on a 100K German luxury car. Your total will probably be 2 to 4X that total to make it to 200K.

I’ve spent money on tires, and two regular 12v car batteries (yes, Tesla still has those) and brakes. However, these are all items that regularly wear out regardless of what kind of car you have so they are not included.

Please note, my first and only brake job was at 130,000 miles for $700. Most cars need brakes every 60,000 miles or so, but since Teslas use regenerative braking which charges the battery, your brakes last much longer. Just one of the many hidden benefits of electric cars.

Gas Savings – This is HUGE

During this same period, figuring that 50% of my miles were free on the Tesla SuperCharger network, and the average cost to go 200 miles was $7 in electricity at home, that would mean it cost me $3500 to go 200,000 miles. Even if you paid for SuperCharging that’s still only about $7,000 total.

The cost to go 200,000 miles on gas, assuming 25MPG and $3 gas would be $24,000.

That means I saved over $20,000 by driving a Tesla vs. a gas car

Myth #2 – “You Can’t Road Trip in a Tesla”

Hahahahahhahah.

Not only can you, in my opinion, a Tesla is THE BEST Road Trip Vehicle on the planet.

Yes, when I did my first 48 State trip in 2015, it was somewhat of a challenge when there were just 185 SuperChargers in the USA. Now there are almost 650. It’s so easy a cave… you get the point. Simply enter your final destination, and the Tesla calculates all your stops and navigates you there.

No stress & zero planning needed.

A perfect example beside the obvious 48 State trips, is my recent trip from Scottsdale AZ to Cape Canaveral FL since I was invited to see the SpaceX Rocket Launch as part of the Tesla Referral Program.

The funny thing is I could have taken a $300 RT flight and been there in 4 hours. However, the Tesla is such a dream to drive that – without a gun to my head – I chose to drive for 4 DAYS each way instead. I had 100% confidence my old beater Tesla would get me there flawlessly…and it did.

Did I mention my 2012 Tesla doesn’t even have AutoPilot? Any Tesla owner will tell you AP takes Road Tripping to a whole new level, so if it’s that good without AutoPilot…

Still, I know what you’re thinking…”Are you out of your mind to drive that far?”

Absolutely – But that’s how enjoyable Teslas are to drive…they make you consider crazy adventures. That being said, road tripping does have its benefits.

Only on a Road Trip…and yes, I slept in the Tesla Hotel several times on the trip.

One is getting to see new places & meet people along the way. Another is getting to visit a place you were born, like Del Rio, a small border town in Texas where I had not been back to since I was 2 months old. When both your parents have passed away over 15 years ago, it brings back fond memories thinking about where they were around the time I was born.

By the way, the small 2 lane road from Del Rio to Ozona was a driver’s dream. A twisty, deserted 113-mile road where I saw maybe 5 other cars was the perfect place to let the Tesla loose. Living in a city, there’s something refreshing about being in a place where you are the only human in sight.

Road Tripping Back Roads in a Tesla — The empty backroads of Texas were food for the soul

In August of 2018, I set out on my Second 48 State Road Trip. This time it was to promote the last chance to get Free SuperCharging for life. To make it more interesting, I also visited ALL 107 Tesla Stores in the USA and met over 500 incredibly passionate Tesla employees. Thanks for keeping the stores open, Elon! These people are tremendous assets to Tesla. Please note, I did the first 42 States in the 2012 P85, I did the last 6 in my new Performance Model 3. I literally took off within 45 minutes of taking delivery of the lightning-quick Silver Bullet below.

The Tesla Crew that welcomed me to Store #100

Myth #3 – “Yeah, But SuperCharging Adds So Much Time to Your Trip”

I don’t know about you, but stopping every few hours to eat, use the restroom, catch up on emails/work is a good thing. And since most stops are 20-40 minutes (and will be 1/2 that with the new chargers coming online later this year) often times the car is done charging before you are even done taking care of business.

On a full day of driving for 9 hours in a regular car, it might take you 10 in a Tesla. This is assuming you’re not eating in your car and peeing in a bottle at 80 MPH just to avoid stopping.

But guess what? You will arrive feeling fresher & less stressed from breaking up the drive and have already knocked out some work that would have to be done anyway if you arrived an hour earlier. Let’s not forget SuperCharging is also much cheaper, usually about 1/3 the cost of gas, or like in my case, 100% free if you have an older Tesla.

Myth #4 – “Charging a Tesla is So Inconvenient Compared to Gas”

This is a myth I once believed too.

But once you own one and have a home charger, it’s actually much easier. The “gas station” is in your garage, with – bonus – no oil spots. It takes 5 seconds to plug in at night, and you awake with a full battery every day. Unlike a gas car, you are always multitasking when charging. You’re either sleeping while charging at home, or on a road trip you’re eating, using the restroom or shopping while the car is charging. No more sucking gas fumes while watching your credit card get dangerously close to its limit.

Myth #5 – If You Get in a Wreck it Takes 6 Months to Fix.

Just like the rare Tesla car 🔥, which is headline news even though it happens way more often in gas cars, there’s another blown out of proportion myth that Teslas take forever to get fixed. Yes, there absolutely have been some instances of this, but no one talks about the many times when it gets done quickly. Thanks to a streak of bad luck, I had 4 fender bender incidents (across all 3 Teslas) while the cars were rented out. 3 of the repairs had the parts from Tesla inside of a week, the 4th within 2 weeks. Contrary to what the biased news and haters would have you believe, it’s usually a quick turn around.

Myth #6: “If I Uber or Lyft, People Will Puke in My Tesla”

This is blown way out of proportion. I’ve never had an incident in 1800+ rides and is easily avoided by not driving at 2am. Even for those that choose to work the late shift, it’s pretty rare. The cleanup fee will cover the cost to take it to a detail shop so you’re not stuck dealing with it either way. Personally, I only drive during the day, as I want to have business conversations with sober people.

My goals when driving for Uber or Lyft:

Spread the word about Tesla
Replace a polluting gas car with each ride
Network & meet interesting people
Discover new parts of town
Make a bit of extra $

Yes, you can make more $ per hour working late night. However, that’s not what I want to do and the beauty of Uber/Lyft is you can make it work for your own goals.

Coming soon? The Tesla Network That Will Disrupt Ridesharing & Taxis

As much as I like doing Uber & Lyft, the second the Tesla Network of “Self Driving RoboTaxis” is available, I will ditch those services & put my cars on the Tesla Network. Why wouldn’t I? Imagine, I’m at the beach playing volleyball while my car earns me money.

As Elon Musk recently said, I believe it’s a horrible financial decision to buy anything other than a Tesla right now. If you buy a 45K Tesla, in 5 years, you could have made that much back on the car by doing nothing but pressing a button on your app telling your car to go work when you don’t need it. The value of that income-producing car on the used market will FAR outpace any regular car that is now completely outdated. Even if you don’t want to earn $ with the car, the resale values will be incredibly different, as the utility of a Tesla that can go run errands for you will be massively valuable.

Oh, and for those that doubt Tesla & Elon Musk…remember this one small detail.

There is a Tesla Roadster FLOATING IN FREAKING SPACE. Any questions?

Myth #7 – “Nobody Can Afford a Tesla”

Actually, you can’t afford NOT to get a Tesla. Let’s run my same numbers on a $45K Tesla Model 3 with Full Self Driving (a base model is available for $35,000) and owning it 6 years. Let’s assume zero rentals and zero Uber, but putting it on the Tesla Network in year 3 when it’s available – Elon says it will be sooner but let’s be conservative. This means you can get the same effect, a free Tesla, but without all the time & effort I put into it. A Tesla is still the only car that actually gets better over time with free software updates.

$45,000 – Cost of Tesla Model 3 with Full Self Driving

-$15,000 – Saved on gas

-$45,000 – Just 15K a year for 3 years with light Tesla Network usage.

= FREE Tesla. Plus $15,000 saved on gas

Even if you don’t want to send your car out to earn you money, the utility of the car (and resale value) will be so much higher than any other car you can buy today.

Imagine having a car that can go pick up your kids at soccer practice while you’re busy fixing dinner? Or having the car drive you home after a few too many drinks at the company Holiday party where you embarrassed yourself in front of the boss’s wife? Don’t worry, the Tesla won’t laugh at you…at least until the next software update.

Final Thoughts

I think the numbers from 100,000 to 200,000 miles bear out the fact that buying a Tesla is not only incredibly fun and rewarding from a driving standpoint, but also a smart financial decision. Couple that with the spacious cargo room, ability to camp in the car, it’s record as the safest car ever tested make it a complete no brainer.

Will I ever consider going back to a gas car?

LOL

Interested in owning a Tesla? Get 5000 Miles of Free SuperCharging

If I’ve inspired anyone to consider a Tesla, please use my Referral Code to order online (or just use the link to configure your dream Tesla) and get 5000 free miles of SuperCharging. Or use the code “Steve1939” if you go to a Tesla Store. Ask them if they met the guy who visited every store…and say hello from me!

Here’s a little recap of my 2015 Road Trip that was 27,615 miles.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h4pS_E-td4[/embedyt]

Follow TeslaRenter on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.

The Amazing 27,615 Mile 48 State Tesla Road Trip

January 21, 2016 by Steve

As many of you know, I took the Tesla on an incredible road trip. One that was longer than the circumference of the EARTH.

My mission? Meet and interview inspiring people in the Tesla as we travel down the road. Here is the recap video from the trip. To see all the videos, please visit Million Dollar Tesla Trip.

8 Reasons Baton Rouge Residents Should Buy a Tesla

November 16, 2015 by Steve

If there was a Free Gas Station in Baton Rouge….but ONLY for a specific brand of car….would you buy that car?

What about Free Electricity for a Tesla? Yes, the high price of a Tesla limits this to those with above average earnings, but for those that do, it should be highly considered. I give you the 8 ReasonsBaton Rouge LA residents should be buying up Tesla’s faster than a dog snaps up piece of dropped steak:

1) Did you know there’s a Tesla SuperCharger (Free Fuel) in Baton Rouge?

How lucky are you? The Tesla SuperCharger (the red dot on the map below) is a FREE fuel source for you. Yes, it’s an expensive car. But if you already drive a BMW, Mercedes, Tahoe or any car over $50,000 you should really consider a Tesla. This 100% electric car means you are no longer contributing to local pollution. No longer sending your $ to the Middle East every time you fill up the tank.

2) Yes, you have Free access to a SuperCharger. But what’s even better?

Charging up your Tesla in your own garage. Imagine waking up every morning with a full 250 mile range. It’s as easy as plugging in your cell phone every night. Takes about 5 seconds. Costs about $7 if you actually used all 250 the day before. With gas, that would cost at least $25 assuming a 20Mpg car and cheap $2 gas.

Yes, you may need to install a 50Amp plug in your garage. This is a one time cost and can range from $100 to $1000+ depending on how much custom work needs to be done. Mine cost $335.

Of course, if you have solar panels installed, you can run your car entirely on sunshine.

3) You get a $7,500 Federal Tax Credit & an $8,000 Louisiana Credit when you buy a new Tesla online.

That’s right, the $15,500 Tax credit effectively lowers the cost of a Tesla for you. Louisiana has the largest state credit in the USA, making your car very easy to sell to out of state buyers. However, most Tesla owners are so happy they don’t sell unless upgrading to an even newer model.

4) Tesla is the safest car on the road. Period.

The Tesla Model S has the highest safety rating of any car ever tested. Why is this? Two main reasons: One, since there is no massive metal engine that can be smashed into the cockpit (and your defenseless body), that space is now a crumple zone to absorb the impact of a collision. Two, since the large battery runs across the entire bottom of the car, it makes it extremely strong. It also has an extremely low center of gravity, so it’s almost impossible to flip. Isn’t your family worth protecting?

5) AutoPilot – Even more safety & convenience features.

Tesla now has the technology to drive itself – if you choose. Even without this, it has many safety features such as side collision avoidance & adaptive cruise control. Hate parallel parking? No problem, the Tesla will do this for you as well. Look ma, no hands!

6) A Tesla can replace an SUV in terms of practicality.

I went from a Ford Explorer and soon found the 4 door, 5 passenger Tesla had as much cargo room as my old SUV. You can fold the seats down and have enough room to carry a bike, a huge flatscreen TV, or even a full size mattress to sleep in the car! Try that in a Porsche, or 7 series BMW.

7) Think you can’t road trip in a Tesla?

Think again. I just completed a 27,615 mile road trip to all 48 States plus Canada this summer in my Tesla. I used the Tesla SuperChargers, which cost $0. The same trip in a regular car would have cost $4000.

8) Want to get $1000 Off a New Tesla?

Simply use this link: TeslaRenter.com/Save to get $1000 off your new car. Yes, that’s right you actually order this car ONLINE. Tesla does everything differently…for the better. No haggling with a car dealership who’s trying to rip you off at every chance.

Have any questions about owning or buying a Tesla? Contact me here.

8 Reasons Flagstaff Residents Should Buy a Tesla

November 15, 2015 by Steve

If there was a Free Gas Station in Flagstaff….but ONLY for a specific brand of car….would you buy that car?

What about Free Electricity for a Tesla? I give you the 8 Reasons Flagstaff AZ residents should be buying up Tesla’s faster than a dog snaps up piece of dropped steak:

1) Did you know there’s a Tesla SuperCharger (Free Fuel) in Flagstaff?

How lucky are you? The Tesla SuperCharger (the red dot on the map below) is a FREE fuel source for you. Yes, it’s an expensive car that not everyone can afford. But if you already drive a BMW, Mercedes, Tahoe or any car over $50,000 you should really consider a Tesla. This 100% electric car means you are no longer contributing to local pollution. No longer sending your $ to the Middle East every time you fill up the tank.

Charging for Free in Flagstaff — Charging up for Free at the Flagstaff Courtyard by Marriot

2) Yes, you have Free access to a SuperCharger. But what’s even better?

You may need to install a 50Amp plug in your garage. This is a one time cost and can range from $100 to $1000+ depending on how much custom work needs to be done. Mine cost $335.

Of course, if you have solar panels installed, you can run your car entirely on sunshine.

3) You get a $7500 Federal Tax Credit when you buy a new Tesla online.

That’s right, the $7500 Tax credit effectively lowers the cost of a Tesla for you.

4) Tesla is the safest car on the road. Period.

5) AutoPilot – Even more safety & convenience features.

6) A Tesla can replace an SUV in terms of practicality.

7) Think a Tesla isn’t tough enough for the Flagstaff winters?

Think again. Tesla is the number 1 selling vehicle in Norway, and has been for several years. This was before their 4WD version was even available. Obviously, this car performs great in long, cold winters.

8) Want to get $1000 Off a New Tesla?

Have any questions about owning or buying a Tesla? Contact me here.

Why Every Realtor Should Drive a Tesla

October 14, 2015 by Steve

Why Every REALTOR should drive a Tesla

Realtors rely on their cars not only for performing their job and driving clients around, but to make a statement about who they are.

Agents have been known to spend top dollar on Mercedes, BMWs & Cadillacs all to help craft the image that they are successful.

While most high end cars will do that, driving a Tesla not only implies you’re a successful Realtor but does much more.

Driving a Tesla says:

You are technologically advanced.
You care about your community and clean air.
You buy American – this shows your loyalty.
Not only is your car American made, so is the electrical energy. No more funding the terrorists.
You care about your passengers – it’s the safest car ever tested.
You are a successful agent, yet practical – it’s more efficient than a Prius.

Benefits to you as a Realtor:

It’s an incredibly practical car. That’s what blew me away almost as much as the fun of driving it.
Even though the Tesla is faster than most Porsche’s, remember it’s a 4 door that fits 5 adults comfortably. Need storage room? Where other cars have engines, the Tesla has open space. The front trunk offers lots of space and there’s plenty of room in the back for signs, posts, golf clubs etc, without even folding down the back seats. Want even more space? Fold the seats down you’ve got enough room to carry bikes, a huge TV, or even a twin size mattress.

Tesla Cargo for Realtors

You wake up with a full charge every morning. No more wasting time or money at a gas station.

The GPS Navigation system makes giving tours a breeze. Just say the address into the navigation system and it will guide you there. You can focus on the client…not the directions.

All the new Teslas come with AutoPilot features that vastly increase safety and will eventually let the car drive itself, allowing you to catch up on emails or focus more on your clients, etc as you commute. It’s still a ways off before you can fully disengage attention, but it will happen and it will increase your safety & productivity, and lower your stress on the road.

The large 17″ screen controls the car and can show your website, or the list of houses you want to see on your tour.

20151014_134244Realtor

It’s a conversation starter. Realtors understand the need to always be meeting NEW people. Nothing gets more questions or attention than a TESLA. Just be ready, always have your cards handy and don’t be afraid to give someone a test ride. They won’t forget you.

Need a marketing edge? Use the Tesla to stir up business. Offer rides in the Tesla to see new homes. Brand yourself as the “Green Realtor” if you are authentically interested in that. Don’t be afraid to put a professionally designed logo or web address on the car. Please – no tacky “door magnets” as those won’t stick to the all aluminum body anyway. A professionally designed web address on the bumper or door can dramatically increase calls and awareness in your market. Just make sure it doesn’t degrade the look of the car.

Some Realtors will argue that you don’t want to have too nice a car, as it can be off putting to some clients. To me, the Tesla has the perfect combo of appeal coupled with an understated yet sexy style. It’s not ostentatious like an Italian sports car or an Escalade with blinged out wheels. This feeling is also offset by the fact it’s also just as practical and green as a Prius or Subaru.

What Realtors should NOT get a Tesla?

Maybe if you are a Realtor in west Texas who only deals with Ranches and Horse Property, you might want to stick with your pickup and boots to be true to your market. But for a large percent of Realtors, a Tesla would be the perfect car for you.

Common Questions about a Tesla:

How far does it go on a charge? If you get the 85 or 90 Kwh battery (which I highly recommend) it will get 250+ miles on a charge. The great part is the “gas station” is in your garage. You just plug it in at night like you would a cell phone and wake up with a full charge every day. There are also a quickly growing number of public chargers available in every city that you can access if needed, some are pay to use but many are free. While charging at home it’s typically less than $10 for a full 250 mile charge.

How long does it take to charge? Typical home charging can take 1 to 8 hours to fully charge your Tesla…but since this is all happening while you sleep, it doesn’t really matter.

Concerned about winter driving? Don’t be. The 4WD Tesla is one of the surest footed cars on the road. In fact the Tesla was the best selling car in icy Norway even before the 4WD version was even available.

What about Road Trips? No problem. With the Tesla SuperCharger network, you get FREE access to the nationwide system that Tesla is rapidly building out. These super fast chargers can fully charge your Tesla in 30-45 minutes, quicker than it takes to grab lunch. In fact, I just completed a 27,615 mile road trip in my Tesla this summer. All for free. If you happen to live near a SuperCharger you are really ahead of the game, but it’s not needed to still make sense.

What if something goes wrong? Tesla’s warranty is 50,000 miles / 4 years on everything plus an 8 year Unlimited Miles warranty on the drive train and battery. Keep in mind, there is much less that goes wrong with a Tesla. There is NO transmission. NO oil changes. NO radiator. NO spark plugs. NO muffler. You get the idea. Consumer Reports also gave the Tesla the highest score it’s ever given to a car.

Considering a Tesla Model S?

If you are seriously considering a Tesla, you can save $1000 by ordering before Dec. 31st, 2015. The Tesla Referral program gives $1000 off a new Tesla by using this link If you are in the Phoenix area, I’m happy to give you a free test drive before Dec. 31st.

Options you MUST get if you are a Realtor

The Panoramic Sun Roof – Not only is the sunroof great for you the driver, it actually adds 2 to 3″ of headroom in the back of the car. This is important if you plan on driving clients around and want to ensure their best experience.
At least the 85 kWh battery – You don’t want to skimp on the range even though most days you will never need all of it. It will also help the resale if you ever sell it. Avoid the 60 or 70 kWh versions.

All the other options are purely based on where you live and your own personal needs.

Want to test drive a Tesla for a day or two?

Rent a Tesla on Turo…I have mine listed in Phoenix AZ but they are available in lots of markets to rent for a day or two before buying. This is a great way to decide if a Tesla is right for you.

Use this link to find a Tesla Rental in your market.

55 Things I Love About The Tesla Model S

February 17, 2015 by Steve

Made in the USA.
Zero emissions.
You can have the car on in your garage – and not commit suicide.
Automobile Magazine‘s 2013 Car of the Year, a unanimous decision.
Driving by gas stations and just smiling.
It’s sexy as hell.
You are actually happy to catch a yellow light so you can be first out on the green.
As much storage space as my old Explorer SUV.
Motor Trend “Car of the Year 2013.”
With the low center of gravity it has amazing handling and is almost impossible to flip.
No oil leaks in my garage.
No oil changes.
Hardly ever using the brakes since the regenerative braking does the work & recharges the battery.
You actually invent reasons to drive.
Time Magazine Best 25 Inventions of the Year 2012 award.
The feeling you are driving the future, right freaking now.
265 miles on one charge.
Zero to 60 in about 4 seconds with the P85 version. The new P85D is even faster, 3.2 seconds.
Free coast to coast driving with the Tesla SuperCharger network.
It’s more practical than most ugly mini-vans.
4 doors, 2 trunks & massive storage areas.
So much room you could even sleep in the back like this.
Consumer Reports gave the Model S a score of 99 out of 100, its highest ever.
You wake up every morning with a full charge.
I’m NOT subsidizing foreign oil and funding the terrorists.
Safest car ever tested by the NHTSA.
Getting a quick follow-up call from the exceptionally customer focused Tesla Service Center.
The random “thumbs up” you get pulling up to a stop light.
2013 World Green Car of the Year.
Cooling off the Tesla remotely before I get in with the Tesla mobile app.
Unlimited Internet music and radio.
Consumer Reports survey of owner satisfaction produced a score of 99 out of 100, “the highest the magazine has seen in years.”
Marveling at how quiet the car is.
Laughing at the online haters, most of who will change their tune once they experience a Tesla in person.
It seats 5 very comfortably.
Two people can easily sleep in the back with the seats down AND have the A/C or heat running all night to keep you comfortable.
The air conditioning works really well, even in the sweltering Phoenix AZ summers.
The sound system is incredible.
HomeLink which has both my garage door openers programmed and automatically pops up when I approach.
When I walk away from the car it locks automatically.
That the Air Suspension remembers (with GPS) where you need it raised to get over curbs or bumps.
Tesla is run by Elon Musk, the boy wonder who also runs SpaceX and SolarCity. Can you say Henry Ford and Steve Jobs rolled into one?
When I return to the car the handles pop out and unlock automatically.
Freaking out kids when you show them the “engine” and it’s the front trunk.
I no longer worry about trying to cluster my trips to save gas.
My used 2012 Tesla gets automatic updates and is just as current as a brand new car.
Tesla’s 8 year unlimited milage warranty for both the battery and drive train/engine.
The Panoramic Sunroof blocks out the sun when you want, but is much larger than most when you want it open.
It’s as easy to charge as your cell phone.
Knowing you will never buy another gas vehicle ever again.
That the engine is about the size of a watermelon, has one gear and is very simple.
No tailpipe.
2 USB ports, plus a regular Cigarette Lighter Adapter.
Bluetooth access on your phone that pulls up on the 17″ touchscreen.
As much as I love the Model S, I want the Model X even more!

What about you? What do you love about the Tesla Model S?