Sept 2024 All-topic thread
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,865
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On behalf of Auntie Kamala, I accept your generous offer of a new Mustang Mach E. As parking is limited here in The City, I nominate Jim to be the caretaker. Jim can take physical custody of the care, keep it charged, and test drive it a few times a week to make sure that everything works. So that when the Emhoff clan is in Fresno, the car will be at their disposal.
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,071
Likes: 245
From: Fresno, CA.
Someone here owns a Tesla or used to. I don't know if they still live here or not. However, since there are no charging stations they would have to charge it somewhere else. I am more surprised that someone who can afford a Tesla would bother living in this apartment complex. Although, there is also a Range Rover here too, so there are at least two rich people living here. Of course, I could be wrong and there are just two people living beyond their means, which would explain why they are here. I would be willing to bet their car payments are higher than their rent payments.
Jim
Jim
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,884
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From: Morgan Hill, CA
I wouldn't call being able to afford a $12k car rich.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto...781618711.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto...781618711.html
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 21,314
Likes: 8,047
From: North Central Washington
Jim, When I was working for a living, I would see that all the time. A family living in a one room cabin and have a Cadillac Escalate and maybe some other fancy sports car parked in front.
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,071
Likes: 245
From: Fresno, CA.
I wouldn't call being able to afford a $12k car rich.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto...781618711.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto...781618711.html
Jim
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,884
Likes: 180
From: Morgan Hill, CA
Tesla prices have cratered, along with all the other used EV's. They are probably great first cars for high school and college kids at this point.
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,071
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From: Fresno, CA.
Other than the initial cost, I wouldn't buy any EV for fear the battery would go dead and I would be stuck with a car I can't use, sell, or buy a replacement battery for...
Jim
Jim
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,865
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Battery packs are repairable. Battery packs are replaceable. Not cheap. Maintenance costs for electric vehicles and hybrids can be pricey. But that will change, as more people learn to work on those cars, and more people need those cars serviced.
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,071
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From: Fresno, CA.
Being on a fixed income, all EV's are out of my price range. So, I will stick with my 20-year-old F150 and pray it doesn't give me an expensive headache any time soon. As I am still recovering from the whole smog test/timing chain fiasco.
Jim
Jim
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,872
Likes: 357
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
Yeah. Teslas are not all that expensive any more. With incentives from the Feds and state, you can probably get a new Model 3 for less than $40K. If you're willing to take one that's in stock, you might even be able to get one for around $30K. About in line with ICE cars these days. Except for the battery, an EV should be cheaper to make than an ICE car. Battery prices are coming down fast, and I can imagine in a year or two or three, EVs will be the better buy.
We have several friends with Teslas now, and they all seem to be pretty happy with them. They especially like not going to gas stations any more, and all of them charge up overnight at home.
Around Saratoga/Cupertino (or anywhere in the south bay) you can't swing a cat without hitting a Tesla.
We have several friends with Teslas now, and they all seem to be pretty happy with them. They especially like not going to gas stations any more, and all of them charge up overnight at home.
Around Saratoga/Cupertino (or anywhere in the south bay) you can't swing a cat without hitting a Tesla.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,865
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The real setback for me is charging. Not just daily charging. Sure, maybe you can charge it once or twice a week, depending on your commuting needs. It also helps to have 220 volts. And it helps to own your real estate. Some people do not have the luxury of home charging, because they don't own the home. Apartment dwellers do not have such a luxury. Most condo owners do not have electrical outlets at their assigned parking spaces. In suburban areas, shopping centers often have charging stations. Maybe for the right buyer, there's a trip to The Mall every weekend, where they will spend hours shopping, watching a movie, and eating. I can't imagine a road trip where I have to plan on the available charging stops, and allow the extra time. I can refuel my car everywhere I go. It takes about 10 minutes total, and I'm rolling again. I don't know if I want to spend hours waiting for a charge. Travel centers with EV charging will make a fortune off the captive audience. While your car is charging, you can buy meals, snacks, souvenirs, do laundry, play video games, and take showers.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 13,011
Likes: 742
From: Here in No. Calif
Jim, my friends who have teslas all cant stand em for the charging aspect. Taking Bobby and Cindy to school is fine but for traveling, No way Jose. Huge PITA A 4 hour trip to La will double , longer if you cant find a open spot. No personal exp here just friends telling me
FJB
FJB