Did anyone else notice that the Tesla website no longer lets you order the 35k model 3 option.. added lease option however does not allow a buy option made standard plus 2k more but includes autopilot standard.
Meanwhile, Chevrolet is offering $3,000 customer cash on the 2019 Bolt. Chevy is also offering 15% off MSRP for "Current Competitive Owners". "Offer includes price reduction below MSRP and cash allowance." I'm not quite sure if on a 2019 Bolt Premier if that is just $6,560 (15%) off the MSRP or $6,560 + $3,000 for a whopping $9,560 off. The MSRP for the Bolt Premier loaded is $43,230. Even with just $6,560 off, that prices the top end Bolt at or below a low end Model 3. If the extra $3,000 is included, that puts the top end Bolt below the "magic" $35,000 sticker price. The Tesla 3 is a much better looking vehicle and the Tesla charging network is a great plus for any Tesla, but it seems Chevy is giving Tesla a bit of competition.
You can still get the base model but not online (https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/12/tech/tesla-model-3/index.html ) Tesla announced Thursday that it would no longer sell the $35,000 version online. Every other Tesla can be purchased that way. Customers who want a Tesla at rock bottom price will have to order it by phone or go into a service center or one of its shrinking number of stores.
The InsideEVs News article about the situation is here: "Tesla Announces Model 3 Leasing, Autopilot Now Standard" As noted above, you can still get a $35k Model 3 if you call Tesla, or visit your local Tesla Store. However, the "smart money" says that option probably won't last for long. If you want a base $35k Model 3, you'd best order it within the next few days!
Again, I understand this is a sensitive subject in this forum, but Tesla needs to have a pricing and marketing structure that is stable for a reasonable period of time. This constant changing model variants and pricing appears to be more knee jerk and whimsical responses to short term issues. May be there is a larger strategy that is not apparent, and it definitely does not inspire confidence that the company has a strategy. Tesla unfortunately lives under a magnifying glass and even small flaws are magnified. Trying to avoid self inflicted wounds is the maturity I have been harping about. If you introduce the base version and then make it difficult to buy, the impression it was not a serious product but something to check a box of off. The idea of Tesla is "no high pressure sales". I am certain if you call the number, there will be an attempt to up sell you. I can understand the $35K model makes no money but then you should have thought about it before it was introduced, not after. Just my 1 -c-
Would you address how local dealers offer stable prices too? Be sure to address ‘negotiation’ of the purchase price. Bob Wilson
