Tesla Finally Begins Delivering The Elusive Feature Locked $35,000 Model 3

A few months after starting to sell its long-promised ~$35,000 base Model 3, Tesla had yet to actually deliver the vehicles with the listed configuration.

Now it looks like Tesla is starting to deliver the ‘Standard Range’ (SR) Model 3 with software-locked features.

In February, Tesla launched its base Model 3 for $35,000 – something that the company had been promising for years.

But things got increasingly complicated after the launch as Tesla removed the configuration from its website and made it more difficult to order the vehicle just a month later.

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Car4life1 - 5/28/2019 3:28:14 PM

+1 Boost

Such a hideous looking vehicle both inside and out, but at that price point, I can’t think of too many other vehicles I’d rather own, that have that level of performance/efficiency, or such gamechanging features

vdiv - 5/28/2019 3:56:32 PM

-7 Boost

It looks better in person, especially with a nice wrap, dechrome, snazzy wheels.

atc98092 - 5/28/2019 4:47:25 PM

+2 Boost

I still am real iffy about the dash, or rather lack thereof. I'll be waiting to see what VW and others come out with over the next couple of years. I have a 3 year lease on my Niro PHEV, so there should be plenty to choose from at that time. And chances are the full federal tax credit (if it still exists) will be available on most of them.

SanJoseDriver - 5/29/2019 1:00:10 AM

-6 Boost

There is really nothing better you can get new for $35k at this point, although Kia and Hyundai have been doing a good job with compelling cheap EVs. The Model 3 is upgradeable, which is a big win for a long term "investment"... (by investment it might depreciate less than other cars as historical data has already shown).

Truthy - 5/29/2019 12:33:08 PM

0 Boost

There is a lot of better vehicles you can get for 35K. Need a list?

Car4life1 - 5/29/2019 7:25:47 PM

0 Boost

LMAO, the Mirage is slower than walking and was found to be the weakest new small car in crash test

Hey Trendy im still waiting on that list of new cars for $35k as efficient as the Model 3, less of en eye sore than a Prius, Leaf, or i3 with as many features, and the ability to get upgrades live over the air as an owner can afford them...waiting...ok

SanJoseDriver - 6/4/2019 2:47:31 AM

+1 Boost

You would be wrong if you think that.

TomM - 5/28/2019 8:03:27 PM

+5 Boost

Elon has already admitted that they cannot make money on the Model 3 at its base price. I have not seen anything that would change that situation as well. Tesla needs profits - not sales.

SanJoseDriver - 5/29/2019 12:57:42 AM

-6 Boost

I don't think that has been stated recently, they should be making at least a 5-10% margin on the $35k version. In China I think they are going to sell a variant even lower than $35k.

Truthy - 5/29/2019 12:38:05 PM

+2 Boost

Elon did state this and analysts have pointed this out as well. They need to sell mor expensive varients and a lot more Model S and X. Selling more model 3s will burn through cash with no profit. The 5 - 10 percent is an optimisitc gross margin. With all expenses accounted for it is break even at best.
And your comment that "i THINK they are going to sell a variant in China even lower the 35K.." is such a con=man Elon remark. "Maybe, they might, it's possible um...:

mre30 - 5/29/2019 9:42:49 AM

-1 Boost

Tesla should buy Nissan when they want to be removed from the Renault/FCA deal. It would be a reverse merger, the price would be cheap, and it would solve a lot of problems.

Risk = Elon Musk ends up in jail in Japan, like Ghosn did, if there is any accounting funny business.

Worth the risk in my opinion.

Truthy - 5/29/2019 1:19:41 PM

+1 Boost

Tesla barely has enough cash to keep operations running. How will they capitlalize an acquisition? Nissan has already indicated they are fine with the FCA merger. If they do spin off they could buy Tesla for about $80/share and put real management in place. Let Elon go play with his rockets.