Tesla - My First 6 Months with the Model S -- A Review

I have now had my Tesla Model S for 6 months.  In that time, I have driven 9,000 miles.  Been rear-ended once.  Had a flat tire.  Heard the news (and have seen the videos) about 3 Tesla fires.  And, have observed Tesla’s stock rise from $48 to $190 -- and now fall back down to $120 (as a result of those fires).

And, all the while, I love my car.  And, I am not alone on that point.  I know several other Tesla owners in my ‘hood -- and all of them feel the same.  We are as passionate about our cars today as we were back then when we first held the keys (well, first sat down in the driver’s seat, since there are no keys).

It is simply a great car.  Not perfect (in fact, several rather “obvious” things were overlooked -- I have written about this in detail several times before -- here are my primary complaints of the 2013 Model S, some of which have already been addressed in later iterations).  But, it is a great piece of technology.  Beautiful.  Utilitarian.  Safe (just listen to the owners involved in those 3 fires -- they will attest to that).  And, good for the planet.  Yes, it is expensive.  But no more expensive than any other high end luxury car like the BMW 750 Li (which was my previous car).  Oh yes, and you don’t need to pay for gas with this one.  Let’s not forget about considering that in your personal financial analysis.  I drive back and forth from San Diego to LA weekly, so I save hundreds of dollars of gas each month -- several hundreds.

After 6 months, the reviews are in.  And, those smiles say it all.

(And no, I am not a paid spokesperson for Tesla.)

Here is my first -- and very deep -- review of the entire Tesla buying experience (from first point of contact to actual car pick-up).

Here is my second review -- my first 30 days with my Model S.

Here is my third review -- my first 60 days with my Model S.

And, my fourth review -- my first 90 days with my Model S.

This post marks my fifth review.  My next likely will be at my one-year anniversary.

(Here’s my bonus to you:  my somewhat crazy -- but perhaps not so crazy after all -- rationale for Apple to buy Tesla.)