At Only $35K Are You Tempted To Add A Tesla Model 3 To Your Stable?

Despite having a backorder of vehicles to complete, Tesla has closed its San Francisco manufacturing plant in order to launch its sport-utility model. Industry observers say the company's emphasis on the SUV is a response to sales trends: "SUVs (and crossover models) passed a milestone in May by outselling sedans in the American market for light vehicles (36.5% to 35.4%)."

But if Tesla is truly looking for mass appeal, it may find it in the upcoming Model 3 vehicle. "At a starting price of around $35,000, a third of the cost of a top-range Model S, Tesla wants the car to compete against the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedans."

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TheSteve - 7/29/2014 3:34:06 PM

+1 Boost

Not for me, thanks. I saw one in the flesh for the first time at a car show, and mistook the "T" on the hood for the Dodge Ram. The styling looks too "Generic North American" for my taste.

Eyecarehawaii - 8/1/2014 2:01:15 PM

+1 Boost

Yes please! Competion is always a good thisg for the consumer. Let's see what they come up with.

TomM - 7/29/2014 3:38:56 PM

+4 Boost

I think we need a LOT more information about the car before such a question could be asked and answered. In addition - right now in New Jersey they are not selling the car

MorePower - 7/29/2014 7:22:04 PM

0 Boost

Just because you may live in NJ does not mean you have to buy the car in NJ.

TomM - 7/30/2014 7:45:14 AM

+2 Boost

Sorry - but a trip out of state for service is not in the cards for someone who lives on the eastern shore of Central New Jersey

One of the criteria I use to purchase a vehicle is proximity to service and the quality of the dealer - which on other vehicles - they compete for sales and service.

Tesla is essentially a monopoly - and can set their own rates without competition - both for sales and service - and parts too. This is a MAJOR negative to purchase. In fact - it is the likely factor AGAINST purchase

JRobUSC - 7/29/2014 4:41:11 PM

+4 Boost

Tesla loses money every quarter selling a sold out $100k car. Suddenly they can build one for $35k and make it profitable?

leej - 7/29/2014 5:30:10 PM

-2 Boost

ABSOLUTELY!!!

MattDarringer - 7/29/2014 5:49:54 PM

0 Boost

I would never buy a car from a company that has no track record in building and engineering cars. Five minutes ago Tesla was bolting batteries into Lotuses and pretending to be a car company. The Model S has no baseline of reliability/durability to justify its Mercedes price. I would argue that building a $35K vehicle is infinitely more tricky that creating a $100K bauble.

Big prediction: the Model 3 is the next step in Elon Musk's swindle to get some big company pay him tens of billions of dollars for his "emperor's new clothes" car company before it all implodes.

That said, if I could get into a Tesla dealer I would do so in a heartbeat because Teslas are sold on the vapor that they are something revolutionary and somehow "better" than the established premium brands rather than anything tangible. That's a pure profit strategy for the short term. It would be an in and out investment.

Vette71 - 7/29/2014 6:17:56 PM

+1 Boost

Matt, I would predict that if you got to sit in a Tesla and look it over you would conclude it is not even up to Audi standards as far as fit, finish and everyday "livability". And we know you have some definite ideas about VW/Audi products. Outside of the huge computer screen the rest of the Tesla interior reminded me of a mid 90s GM intermediate. Lots of quirks in the operation as well. Not well though out. Just not worth the price. You called Elon's game plan exactly.

w222 - 7/29/2014 6:47:46 PM

+1 Boost

The interior of the model S doesn't justify its price. However majority of the cost is in the technology and its battery design. As with any new tech, you have to pay a premium until the tech is mass produced and prices are lowered. There is definitely room for improvement in all aspects of the car. But to have a car like the model S as their first try is pretty impressive. Currently they do not have any competitors with the same performance. If they are able to reduce the battery cost from the gigafactory then a $35k car is very enticing for the masses. To me, I care more for the technology to move forward so we can finally have a viable alternative energy to power our cars.

MorePower - 7/29/2014 7:29:32 PM

+2 Boost

What the Model E does is put GM, Toyota and Nissan on notice. As is, Tesla has better brand recognition with the wealthy and "fashionable" than the three mention earlier. At $35,000, which will probably be POST rebate, it still places the car outside the reach of many Americans, but still within reach of many Volt, Leaf and Prius buyers. Given the chance, many of these buyers will probably prefer having the Tesla in their garage and any of the other three.

MattDarringer - 7/29/2014 8:15:31 PM

0 Boost

It does no such thing.

pepito66 - 7/29/2014 10:08:02 PM

+2 Boost

Yes of course , I am ready.

rnsaza - 8/1/2014 2:23:06 AM

+2 Boost

Elon Musk is flying rockets to the International Space Station after only being in the rocket business for a few years. That guy has more than just vision and words, he makes things happen!

If I could afford a Tesla electric car I'd have one by now, I'd have one of each Tesla available.