Ask HN: Has Musk Influenced Your Decision to Buy a Tesla? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Has Musk Influenced Your Decision to Buy a Tesla?

4 pointsawb12 comments

For those in the market for an EV, how much or how little has Elon Musk’s non-Tesla activities influenced your buying decision?

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Not really. I didn't have much intention of buying a $30,000+ vehicle with touchscreen controls then, and I still feel the same. That being said, the Twitter debacle didn't really move the needle in either direction for me (maybe because I don't use Twitter?)

It certainly didn't get me to part ways with my Starlink, though. There's quite literally no other service with comparable up/down speeds for me and many others.

What about the Boring Company or the Flamethrowers?

I barely even knew they exist, and knowing they do it doesn't really influence my decision. Is there some big takeaway I'm missing here?

Nah, it is mostly the bad reliability reputation that Tesla now has.

No way I am spending 60k on a car that does not even pass a Fiat level quality control.

Same for me quality is #1

My personal opinion is Tesla is kinda over priced for what you receive overall. It is sort of a novelty/luxury type purchase. If your objective is practical, reliable and afforable transportation, there are more attractive options.

But the fact that Musk seems intent on making purchasing one a political decision as well is an additional negative. I think a majority of consumers would kinda balk at providing material support to an overt political propaganda operation.

Those who think otherwise tend to be fossil fuel fans; which only makes how Musk is positioning himself even less savy.

I'd rather buy an EV from an established manufacturer with an established network of service centers. Toyota, Hyundai, Mercedes, BMW, etc.

The novelty of Teslas has worn off now that there are so many better options. It doesn't help that there are some foolish people who abuse FSD and end up as negative news.

I was a lot more open to it 18 months ago before The Great Descent began. Now I probably never will, because on ideology alone I don't want to contribute to Musk's finances.

If only Rivian could scale up quicker, I'd be tempted to buy the SUV.

Did you consider making this a poll?

https://news.ycombinator.com/newpoll

Great idea! It’s live here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34306263

Teslas are a little too low rent for my taste, but Musk's non-Tesla activities and improving quality have piqued my interest.

On the contrary. Musk's obvious drug addiction and childish antics has influenced me not to buy a Tesla so far.

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