Very cool... when you say the Model S will be cheaper than your previous cars to run, what cars does that include?

My current '08 Boxster and previous '08 CTS. I ran the numbers against the Boxster, but the CTS payment was nearly identical, and it got similar mileage. The CTS maintenance cost was bit lower though...

I included loan payments, fuel cost, maintenance, and annual registration. I didn't include insurance -- but I don't think it will change significantly (the Boxster is slightly less than the CTS to insure)

I saw a Model S stopped at a light right by my office this morning - probably the same one I've seen 3 times now within a few blocks of the office.

It is white with tan interior and the panoramic roof. That's the same color combo I would order...

seem like they are everywhere nowadays. This one is probably too blingy for this board but I thought it looked good. Think it was P.85 as the version.

It would be interesting to know how insurance/repair costs stack up for a Tesla v a regular IC car.

There's a thread on TMC about insurance cost. Premiums seem to be all over the map -- speculation is that some companies underwrite by going high first, then bringing it down as they get a claim history, while others start low and increase premiums as they get actual cost experience. Another speculation is that Tesla is coming up a "exotic" -- probably because of the Roadster.

I did ask my insurer for a quote, but they don't have Tesla in their database. Kind of ironic since their name is "Electric Insurance". They did a quick quote based on the MSRP, and that indicated that insurance would be ~$300 higher annually (but our rates just dropped by that much for our current policy, so its really a wash from what I'm used to paying...).

My own speculation will be that it will be higher to insure since there is a very high Aluminum content -- including most of the structure (with high-strength steel in safety areas)...

Perhaps Fil can weigh in?

I take it there are no out of pocket maintenance expenses during the warranty other than maybe wipers and tires? Post warranty what other maintenance would there be (battery replacements aside)?

Actually, maintenance will be nearly identical to the Porsche. I've averaged $600 per year on the Boxster (its been in for 3 visits in 2.5 years -- one of which was a "major service")...

Tesla requires service inspections at 12 month or 12,500 mile intervals -- and they void the warranty if any are missed (although this may not hold up in many states...). They charge $600 each for these if done from a service center (one is opening in Scottsdale shortly), and $100 more if done by their "ranger" service (they come to you...). Similar coverage to the BMW "free" service (basically all wearable parts like wipers and brakes, except tires are excluded).

They also sell a pre-paid service plan -- 4 year / 50k miles. $1900 at a service center; $2400 for ranger. If you live someplace far from a service center, the ranger plan also includes unlimited ranger visits (which cost $100, even for warranty work without the plan)...

Info here: http://www.teslamotors.com/service

I like the sound of that "ranger" service. Would be great to not have to visit a dealership. I really can't stand service writers.

Apropos of which:

http://jalopnik.com/watch-a-tesla-mo...of-l-450994644