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Sunday, October 28, 2018

Is Tesla Model 3 actually cheaper than a Toyota Camry?

I am responding to this article. I do not agree with the author.
https://cleantechnica.com/2018/10/28/toyota-camry-honda-accord-buyers-dont-assume-tesla-model-3-is-beyond-your-budget/


I have owned Toyota camry for 14 years and Lexus for 20 years, Toyota Sienna for 11yrs.

I only financed the first car which was camry and paid off the loan in 2yrs. I kept it for 14yrs and sold it for $1000. My cost per yr in 1984 dollars was $1000. I always did oil change ever 7.5k miles and rotated tires and did the recommended 30k mile service. Really had no repairs because it was a reliable car. My average maintenance cost per yr including oil changes was about $500 over 14yrs.

I paid cash for a Lexus LS and disposed it for $10 after an accident. After 14yrs of that car my cosr per yr in 1998 dollars was $3200.  Avg maintenance cost over time was about $600 because I had a reasonable and reliable mechanic. Did not got to dealer after warranty.

I paid cash for another Lexus LS 2006 model Lexus certified 40k miles for $30000. It will last 250 to 300K miles.  It now has only 75k miles.

I know someone with Tesla Model S who paid $70k after rebate. It is no more luxurious than Lexus LS. I saved $40k and even if I drove 100k miles at 18mpg and $4 per gallon it would have cost me $22k. Even with zero fuel cost of Tesla LS that is $8k less. Used Tesla with 40k miles was about $45k when I bought Lexus. That would have be $7k cheaper? Not really. I would now have to replace the battery and it costs way more than $7k. Want to talk about the hassle of charging and range anxiety? Can an electric car be my only car?

My opinion is that plugin hybrid makes more sense.

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