Purchased my first Model S in 2013. Have had several since. Even tried a Model 3, but that was a very short-lived experiment. Having been spoiled with the higher quality levels of the Model S, the Model 3 for me was a huge downgrade. Tech wise, it nearly matches it, but the extra $40,000 or so is clearly felt throughout the vehicle. After a couple of months, went back to the Model S and was happy again.

I’ve always been one that keeps cars for 2 – 3 years, then am ready for a change. I work out of my car, so I spend a lot of time in them. Am in and out of them many times a day. Which is likely why I disliked the Model 3 as much as I did. Tesla was the only EV game in town. It assured that I’d never go back to an ICE vehicle again. Loved the tech. Never got tired of that part. But, did get bored with looking at basically the same car from the exterior for the past 8+ years.

The biggest issue for me was that, everything I hated about the Model 3, Tesla incorporated into the new refreshed Model S and then some I understand Elon is building these cars to be driverless, but, the fact is, we’re not there yet. As long as they have to be driven, I want driver friendly functions. I don’t want to go tapping through screen menus that I have to visibly look at, distracting my attention from the road, rather than just simply and instinctively feeling for the physical controls. Remove the stalks, shifter, half of the steering wheel and even a trivial item like the glove box button, in addition to moving the horn to a tiny button, were all just too much. I’ve driving the refreshed version, hoping I could get used to it and it’s just not for me personally. So for the first time, in 8 years, decided it was time to move on as Tesla no longer has anything in their line up that satisfies my personal needs. Not a knock them, just a matter of personal preference. When the Model 3 didn’t work, I at least had the option to go back to the Model S, which still had more driver friendly functions.

I’ve loved the Tesla. sure, nothing is perfect. But the fact that I drove basically the same type of car for 8 years, considering my prior 2-3 year history with cars, says how much I liked it. Actions speak louder than words! I’ve always preferred either, sportier, more luxurious cars or bigger SUV’s or trucks.

With the new world we live in, in which you have to reserve cars 2-3 years in advance (ridiculous), I’ve placed reservations on many cars / trucks. That included the F-150 and Rivian. Figured, with the timing of selling the Tesla (sold and picked up by new owner on Monday), whichever of the two showed up first would likely be the one I kept. Somehow, by a miracle of coincidence, BOTH literally showed up within TWO DAYS of each other. Still couldn’t make a decision, so just bought both. Won’t keep both, but with both coming so close together, didn’t have time to really decide which I preferred. Fortunately, the market is strong on both, so will just sell whichever one I decide not to keep.

Anyway, it’s been a great 8 years. Right now, Tesla still has more demand that product, so they’re not going to change anything. Possibly, with there now being some actual competition, that will change and Elon will start listening to customers rather than deciding his way is the only way. We did finally get Waypoints after 8 years!! That’s progress. Maybe, someday, Full Self Drive will become reality and I won’t car about driver friendly functions / controls, at which time, I’d consider Tesla again. But, sounds like others are right there with them in that development, so they may not even be the first to offer true Full Self Driving, where you can be a passenger and the car drives you around. Time will tell. Still a huge fan. Maybe someday, they’ll offer something that appeals to me again, but for now, I’m Tesla free for the first time and going to really found out if the grass might be greener on the other side.

Decisions, decisions, which one to keep???????????????​