So this compares a new model 3 to a new Camry. But on the principle that most people buy their cars used, I'd be more interested in a breakdown of the ownership cost of buying 1-5 year old vehicles. The purchase price on ICE vehicles goes way down in the first year. Does the same hold for EVs?
Tesla Model 3 Cost of Ownership Slightly Cheaper Than a Camry
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Re: Tesla Model 3 Cost of Ownership Slightly Cheaper Than a Camry
#42Seems to be predicated upon a number of questionable assumptions-- including that - a Model 3 is cheaper to insure than a Camry (thus far, the opposite is true-- and it seems optimistic to attain for a car that costs so much more, has higher performance, and higher repair costs) - the Model 3 will be cheaper to maintain by a massive factor (we'll see; there is maintenance avoided by having an electric car but also Te…
And the cost of financing, which is highly variable based on the individuals credit worthiness.
Cost of taxes are highly variable too. Not just sales tax, some jurisdictions apply yearly property tax to vehicles.
Re: Tesla Model 3 Cost of Ownership Slightly Cheaper Than a Camry
#43Lol... Nobody spends $4k on maintenance over the first five years of a brand new Camry's life.
Id like to see how a Model 3 is cheaper to insure as well... seems questionable at best. I'd have to get quotes to disprove it though.
In fact, right now I have an econocar that's almost 10 years old and I'm certain I've spent less than $4k in maintenance over that decade. I've gotten new tires twice (~$1,300), new battery (~300), brakes (~$400), oil changes (~$300), turn signal bulbs (~$10) and that's really all I can remember.
Re: Tesla Model 3 Cost of Ownership Slightly Cheaper Than a Camry
#44Earlier quoted context omitted.
A mechanic which has put gas equipment for my car said that this is CRAZY. Oil could bear 35K km, but not the oil filter. He said that car should have oil change at ~10K km.
The manufacturer incurs a lot of liability by setting the oil maintenance window so high. So I don’t think they would do that without data to support this requirement. If the oil filter truly couldn’t last, then there would be many more failures. Which would be payable by the manufacture (either through warranty or class action law suit). Based on this simple analysis, I believe the manufacturer docs vs. a mechanic w…
Unless they know it will last 150k miles and don't care beyond that. Or put more cynically, have set the window for artificial obsolescence of their vehicles early enough to goose sales, but late enough that their reputation and liability don't take a hit.
Re: Tesla Model 3 Cost of Ownership Slightly Cheaper Than a Camry
#45Possibly dumb questions: 1. How long would the batteries last on the Tesla? 2. Do they need to be serviced more often if you live in colder climates? 3. Wouldn't battery health affect resale value??
Batteries are damaged by heat, not cold. It's just that the damage is revealed in cold weather.
Re: Tesla Model 3 Cost of Ownership Slightly Cheaper Than a Camry
#46Earlier quoted context omitted.
I've just had a look at quotes where I am (a couple of hours away from London) and got £900/year. That's quite a lot (I think for a Ford Focus and a Volvo V70 I pay about £200 each) but you're really getting screwed! I wonder how much is just the sheer value of the car rather than insurers considering them to be particularly risky?
Strangely, I found that insurance on cars over ten years old gets really expensive, to the point where the car is effectively uninsurable. I don't know why - but it was surprising, coming from a place where I insured a '95 Mazda for about $35 a month
Manufacturers stop keeping new parts in stock around that time, so spare mechanical parts and/or body panels begin to become scarce.
Re: Tesla Model 3 Cost of Ownership Slightly Cheaper Than a Camry
#47Earlier quoted context omitted.
I've just had a look at quotes where I am (a couple of hours away from London) and got £900/year. That's quite a lot (I think for a Ford Focus and a Volvo V70 I pay about £200 each) but you're really getting screwed! I wonder how much is just the sheer value of the car rather than insurers considering them to be particularly risky?
Strangely, I found that insurance on cars over ten years old gets really expensive, to the point where the car is effectively uninsurable. I don't know why - but it was surprising, coming from a place where I insured a '95 Mazda for about $35 a month
There's no point in paying for comprehensive insurance on a car that old. You only need liability.
Re: Tesla Model 3 Cost of Ownership Slightly Cheaper Than a Camry
#48The savings from 1-3 years of depreciation on a comparable Camry makes this a complete non-debate. I love Tesla(s) as much as anyone else, but their cars are still luxury goods.
Re: Tesla Model 3 Cost of Ownership Slightly Cheaper Than a Camry
#49Earlier quoted context omitted.
Oil in a diff (AWD car), oil in gearbox, oil filter. Break pads and discs (EV use regen breaking so the wear difference is significant). In 5 years you may need to replace clutch etc. No sure if EV needs any coolant replacements.
How would you drive in order to renew a clutch after 5 years? Usually a clutch lasts well beyond 10 years. Costs for break pads and and discs are also very low, unless you have ceramic break.
Speaking as a brand new manual transmission driver: Learning
Re: Tesla Model 3 Cost of Ownership Slightly Cheaper Than a Camry
#50How are the repairs for a Tesla Model 3 cheaper than for a Camry. $60 oil change x 20 = $1200. Everything else is the same or pricier for a Tesla.
I think you forgot fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs and couple of belts.
A Camry at 5 years needs none of that. Plugs last until 120k, fuel filter might actually be lifetime, chain drive timing, which is recommended change at 100k but most people don't, because most people who own Toyotas don't do maintenance, air filter should be every 20kish, but won't hurt the average car too much to go 120k.