Uh, wait. They're taking the Model 3 Standard off the menu....so.....that means the $35k version just got stopped?<p>Sigh. It's a bit sad for me because I have been a bigger fanatic for this company than almost anyone, for maybe 9 years now, and my passion is fading.<p>I recognize how hard the thing they're doing is, and how they're doing everything they can...but the repeated dishonesty is just very off-putting to me. I don't believe the ends justify the means, and many things could have been done better. Over and over Elon's PR has been profoundly deceitful.
I think the title of this submission should be changed to 'Tesla removes 35k Model 3 option' or similar. Their cheapest option is now a bit under 40k USD because they're including autopilot as standard.
Contrary to the standard short story, there must still be significant demand for the 3 if Tesla is raising prices rather than lowering them. Yes, the $35k model 3 is still technically available, but obviously they don't want to sell them.<p>If there was little demand, they would rather sell a $35k 3 at no profit than idle their factory.
>> Please note, customers who choose leasing over owning will not have the option to purchase their car at the end of the lease, because with full autonomy coming in the future via an over-the-air software update, we plan to use those vehicles in the Tesla ride-hailing network.
So to summarize:<p>- Tesla launches 35k Standard model along with 37,5k Standard Plus Model<p>- Tesla raises price of Standard Plus Model to 39,5k<p>- Tesla discontinues Standard Model<p>So Tesla just increased the base price of the Model 3 from 35k to 39.5k, but tried to do some marketing tricks to make you feel like it's a great deal.
I assume this means that the promised 35k Model 3 will never come to Europe, just as all the sceptics predicted.<p>I preordered a Model 3 on launch day, but I requested a refund when I saw that the car costs 60000€ instead of 35000€ to 40000€ that I had hoped for.<p>It's unfortunate -- I love the Model 3's minimalist interior design (judging from pictures) -- but this is not a car I can afford to buy right now.
> Model 3 Standard Plus used to cost $37,500, plus $3,000 for the Autopilot option. It now costs $39,500, with Autopilot included<p>It's just $1000 cheaper now. Good for Tesla as they will get more data.
I love Tesla and Elon Musk for what he's doing for the humanity but paying $21,144 ($3000+36*$504) for 36-month, 10K miles/year lease is insanely costly. I can think of buying a Tesla but can not think to lease it at this price point.
According to the website, it looks like a Model 3 base (i.e., with Standard Plus Rear-Wheel Drive; Solid Black Paint; 18" Aero Wheels; All Black Partial Premium Interior; Autopilot) would have a purchase price of $39,500.<p>This would have an estimated lease payment of $504/month, with $3,000 down, 36 months, 10,000 miles. And then estimated savings would be added depending on one's respective EV state rebates.<p>At the end of the page, it says that there's a Destination & doc fee of $1,200, so that may need to be adjusted into the lease price.
What's incredibly interesting is that you are required to put a minimum of a $3000 dollar down payment.<p>What was also interesting is that you forgo your right to buy back the car if you lease it, which is also odd.
if tesla 3 with all that pricing failed to lure customers, then 3 or 4k will not help them at all. It's very sad but looks like nothing going to save Tesla. With this level of income, their valuation is a bubble.
These guys snake oil, like never before. Full Autonomy coming soon, when they can't even detect simple things on the road. Dear ancestors help us!
The HN profile of the user who posted this is "currently working at Tesla"<p>Edit: removed my comment about insider information per the link provided in replies.
With no financing partner in place this is a major cash-negative move for Tesla. Some shorts have been predicting Musk would do this to try and clear out inventory and improve demand optics before filing for bankruptcy.<p><a href="https://twitter.com/whistlerian1834/status/1096584893482463232?s=19" rel="nofollow">https://twitter.com/whistlerian1834/status/10965848934824632...</a>