What ELM got next!

ELM327

So following on from the other posts , I picked up my Tesla yesterday.
The process was not straight forward so I'm going to put a detailed writeup in the hope that I can help others thinking the same. I ordered a CPO car direct from Tesla.



The purchase:
"Buy Now".Online, easy, direct from Tesla, pay the deposit on a credit card. Ignore the disclaimer at the bottom of the listing. They will sell to Irish buyers, they just won't ship it to Dublin.


Finance: Tesla will not help with finance, you need to have the funds or get your own loan. Word to the wise, I could not get finance for a car on UK plates in Ireland.


Communication: They will not contact you, you must contact them. Repeatedly and often



Travelling over: Manchester South is located right beside heaton chapel train station. With sail and rail it is only 40 quid to go over , and another 40 quid to stay in the Travelodge at Holyhead. Much more relaxed than flying. If you go club class (18 quid) you get a nice lounge, better wifi, nice food and complimentary coffee + snacks. Arrived at holyhead around 1am and checked in to the travelodge.



Getting to Tesla: Up at 8am, 3 trains and a 10 minute walk later, I arrived at Tesla Manchester.


Service centre experience: Nice coffee and snacks, loads of model 3, lovely raven model X on display (my next one!!). Given full walkthrough of car. They let me off without the type 2 cable so I had to go back. They also didnt give me the V5 doc as agreed on the phone so are posting it to me. Staff very very friendly but there seems some haphazardness.



The drive home: 2 hours from Manchester to Holyhead. Enjoy


I've owned many fast cars in my time, big v8s, jdm v6s, supercharged, turbocharged, drag racing crate engined cars, the lot. Nothing matches the take off in this. It feels like a roller coaster. And I don't even have a performance model, standard S90D only!


(I'm having an issue in that the car will not DC charge - but as I bought from Tesla I'm happy to have the warranty)

liamog

Well wear ELM327, now that your a paid up member of the Teslarati, I expect you to start dumping on all other EVs! Especially those from premium manufacturers.

zilog_jones

ELM327 wrote: »

Word to the wise, I could not get finance for a car on UK plates in Ireland.

What options are there when buying a car (and dealer is not offering finance) besides getting a bank loan? I wasn't aware of anything else when I imported a car from the UK - I got a bank loan and although I said it was for a car, they didn't really care what I did with the money.

They also didnt give me the V5 doc as agreed on the phone so are posting it to me.

What was their reasoning for this? I'd be very reluctant to leave the dealer without the V5 in my hand. I've heard of too many stories of painful experiences with UK dealers doing the wrong thing in this situation. If it got lost in the post it would be a pain in the arse.

ELM327

zilog_jones wrote: »

What options are there when buying a car (and dealer is not offering finance) besides getting a bank loan? I wasn't aware of anything else when I imported a car from the UK - I got a bank loan and although I said it was for a car, they didn't really care what I did with the money.



What was their reasoning for this? I'd be very reluctant to leave the dealer without the V5 in my hand. I've heard of too many stories of painful experiences with UK dealers doing the wrong thing in this situation. If it got lost in the post it would be a pain in the arse.

It's difficult to find a bank these days to give unsecured finance for a 50k purchase.


It was a mistake on their part, the v5, but I could not turn back again or I would have missed my ferry. So I accepted the posting of it. It's not like a private seller, I'm pretty sure I can accept Tesla's word to post it to me!!

Mike9832

CPO

Nice

Thought you got from a private dealer, cpo much better, good choice there

Do you have free supercharging or that gone?

Glad you finally got a proper EV, always liked your posts, didn't sugar coat your experiences with ioniq, Leaf etc, kept it real

unkel

Well wear, we need pics too

And yeah the performance of the S90D is pretty decent. Similar to Model 3 LR AWD and probably quicker off the line than most of today's supercars (who will eventually overtake you). I have driven both, but have yet to try out ludicrous mode in a Tesla

ELM327 wrote: »

Getting to Tesla: Up at 8am, 3 trains and a 10 minute walk later, I arrived at Tesla Manchester.

Bloody hell, you are some masochist. Why on earth did you not just fly over, unless of course you have a fear of flying?

Last car I picked up in the UK (also in Manchester) My flight (about €30) left Dublin at 19:30. Picked up the car, drove to Liverpool and took the overnight sailing (about €100 including a hot meal, clean private cabin with shower and hot breakfast in the morning). Was back home before 11:00 in the morning.

ELM327

Mike9832 wrote: »

CPO

Nice

Thought you got from a private dealer, cpo much better, good choice there

Do you have free supercharging or that gone?

Glad you finally got a proper EV, always liked your posts, didn't sugar coat your experiences with ioniq, Leaf etc, kept it real

Cheers! No free supercharging. Looks like the car was initially sold with free AP but Tesla removed it as a CPO car. I won't need it much anyway so don't mind paying.

I will always call the BS and will continue to do so, don't worry!

unkel wrote: »

Well wear, we need pics too

And yeah the performance of the S90D is pretty decent. Similar to Model 3 LR AWD and probably quicker off the line than most of today's supercars (who will eventually overtake you). I have driven both, but have yet to try out ludicrous mode in a Tesla



Bloody hell, you are some masochist. Why on earth did you not just fly over, unless of course you have a fear of flying?

Last car I picked up in the UK (also in Manchester) My flight (about €30) left Dublin at 19:30. Picked up the car, drove to Liverpool and took the overnight sailing (about €100 including a hot meal, clean private cabin with shower and hot breakfast in the morning). Was back home before 11:00 in the morning.

I don't have a fear of flying, but it was a lot easier to get the ferry. As a larger gentleman I prefer the comfort of club class lounge on the ferry vs a cramped ryanair seat.

as for photos, here's two I put on FB earlier. On the ferry on the way back, and the DC issue this morning!

ELM327

So I may have established what is causing the lack of DC fast charging
I googled the error message and found this
https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/model-s-ccs-upgrade-done-uk.158982/

Essentially it looks like they didnt check a box after the CCS upgrade. Ugh.

unkel

That's good news. Looks like Tesla UK made a beginners mistake here. I'd say they haven't done too many CCS installs yet. I presume they can do that remotely or will they send out the mobile service man?

ELM327

Just off the phone to Tesla Dublin. Over the air fix coming. They saw the log. Apparently the car will receive the update in 48 hours

unkel

Some strong cons in owning a Tesla (once it is out of warranty), but lots and lots of pros too. I guess I will have to just wait a while longer for them to be a bit more comfortably within reach for me financially

tw0nk

ELM327 wrote: »

Just off the phone to Tesla Dublin. Over the air fix coming. They saw the log. Apparently the car will receive the update in 48 hours

that is pretty cool

ELM327

It sure is, but sure let's see what happens in 2 days time.
I only have 11kW AC so it's pretty painful with no DC support. Interestingly supercharging should still work, just non tesla DC doesnt right now. So I can still take my trip to cork in a couple of weeks even if this is not sorted before.

80sDiesel

Did you get a 50k loan to buy the car ?

gally74

unkel wrote: »

Well wear, we need pics too

And yeah the performance of the S90D is pretty decent. Similar to Model 3 LR AWD and probably quicker off the line than most of today's supercars (who will eventually overtake you). I have driven both, but have yet to try out ludicrous mode in a Tesla



Bloody hell, you are some masochist. Why on earth did you not just fly over, unless of course you have a fear of flying?

Last car I picked up in the UK (also in Manchester) My flight (about €30) left Dublin at 19:30. Picked up the car, drove to Liverpool and took the overnight sailing (about €100 including a hot meal, clean private cabin with shower and hot breakfast in the morning). Was back home before 11:00 in the morning.

Liverpool overnight is the best option,

unkel

gally74 wrote: »

Liverpool overnight is the best option,

Done it twice in the last few years with classic cars. Love it. The ferry is mainly for freight, mostly trailers only (no tractors) so no drivers. Very few people on board. It's very quiet on a week night. No frills, but clean. Get a few hours kip, a hot shower, a cooked breakfast and then go home after the morning rush hour is over. Very relaxing experience. Away from the madness of the hectic home for one night

If only the second hand prices of EVs in the UK would not have gone through the roof in the past few years, I would have done it on a very regular basis.

ewj1978

My purchase loans advice: avantcard do 6% on loans over 20k. Simple straight forward process. Its a personal loan so its not actually tied to the car.

gally74

unkel wrote: »

Done it twice in the last few years with classic cars. Love it. The ferry is mainly for freight, mostly trailers only (no tractors) so no drivers. Very few people on board. It's very quiet on a week night. No frills, but clean. Get a few hours kip, a hot shower, a cooked breakfast and then go home after the morning rush hour is over. Very relaxing experience. Away from the madness of the hectic home for one night

If only the second hand prices of EVs in the UK would not have gone through the roof in the past few years, I would have done it on a very regular basis.

Yep, Ive done most options, but its by far the best, the outlet mall in cheshire is a great place for a few hours, food is good, no huge queues, and the sleep is oh some welcome,

Think i might have been a merchant marine in a different life,

unkel

gally74 wrote: »

the outlet mall in cheshire is a great place for a few hours

I'll think about that one the next time, thanks. Somehow I thought that was near Manchester. Only half an hours drive from the port. Only open till 22:00 though. Still a long wait till it sails

ELM327

ELM327 wrote: »

So following on from the other posts , I picked up my Tesla yesterday.
The process was not straight forward so I'm going to put a detailed writeup in the hope that I can help others thinking the same. I ordered a CPO car direct from Tesla.

Nice one, I'm jealous as hell , well wear !

Petetheroadie

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Nice one, I'm jealous as hell , well wear !

Same! Congrats Elm!

zoom_cool

Best of luck with the new wheels it looks nice.

80sDiesel

ewj1978 wrote: »

My purchase loans advice: avantcard do 6% on loans over 20k. Simple straight forward process. Its a personal loan so its not actually tied to the car.

Sure seems alot to throw down on a depreciating asset.

ELM327

80sDiesel wrote: »

Sure seems alot to throw down on a depreciating asset.

It does but you can't take it with you
For the repayments it is working out for me the exact same as PCP monthly on an Audi/BMW similar car (A6/5 series) + my fuel costs. But with the associated savings an EV brings (tolls, tax etc).


I'd be lying if I said this made financial sense. I didnt even try to convince herself of that!

ELM327

80sDiesel wrote: »

Did you get a 50k loan to buy the car ?

Not fully financed, I borrowed approx 40k of the purchase price.
I intend to pay this down aggressively with RSU shares vesting annually each year and bonuses etc.

Idbatterim

ELM327 wrote: »

It does but you can't take it with you
For the repayments it is working out for me the exact same as PCP monthly on an Audi/BMW similar car (A6/5 series) + my fuel costs. But with the associated savings an EV brings (tolls, tax etc).


I'd be lying if I said this made financial sense. I didnt even try to convince herself of that!

50 k or whatever is quite a lot , but the biggest issue is , depreciation. I take it that it would be way less than a new a6 /5 5 series at this stage and that you imported and got it for quite a bit cheaper than you would have here ?

ELM327

Idbatterim wrote: »

50 k or whatever is quite a lot , but the biggest issue is , depreciation. I take it that it would be way less than a new a6 /5 5 series at this stage and that you imported and got it for quite a bit cheaper than you would have here ?

I reckon I "saved" approx 10k on buying the same car here.
For the purchase price I paid (38k gbp/43k eur) on donedeal there is a 2014 nosecone model with no AP.


For the purchase price + vrt , so estimate 5k conservatively, 48k EUR total.
For that you can have a 2016 nosecone S70D.


Mine is a 2016 facelift 90D, and would estimate it would be listed at well over 50 here.

krissovo

80sDiesel wrote: »

Sure seems alot to throw down on a depreciating asset.

Not everyone wants to drive a 10 year old skoda or toyota, plus the bones of 50k has been absorbed.

Sweet ride, wear well!

unkel

What happened with your insurance driving in the UK on UK plates, did your current insurer cover you after all or did you have to chance insurer?

ELM327

unkel wrote: »

What happened with your insurance driving in the UK on UK plates, did your current insurer cover you after all or did you have to chance insurer?

I couldnt get insured (idiots), nor could I get the one day insurance in the UK as all of the companies don't cover Teslas.
So I got a friend with UK third party extension to drive it back. He didnt want to be mentioned so I have not done so in any posts etc - facebook or here.


I think that's enough said about the insurance issue if you catch my drift. It's now covered fully comp in my name here and I can drive it legally so that's sorted anyway.

jusmeig

ELM327 wrote: »

Just off the phone to Tesla Dublin. Over the air fix coming. They saw the log. Apparently the car will receive the update in 48 hours

This is the reason I want to buy a Tesla -> that is excellent!

charlieIRL

Best of luck with it, fantastic looking car.

ELM327

So just off the phone with Tesla and they confirmed the update was successfully pushed and received by the car, no need for a ranger visit,
Will test it myself on way home to be sure, but it seems like the DC charging issue is now resolved

Covered on warranty (thanks to being a CPO car), had been warned by PM on facebook of others being charged for this.

The Mist

ELM327 wrote: »

Cheers! No free supercharging. Looks like the car was initially sold with free AP but Tesla removed it as a CPO car. I won't need it much anyway so don't mind paying.

I will always call the BS and will continue to do so, don't worry!



I don't have a fear of flying, but it was a lot easier to get the ferry. As a larger gentleman I prefer the comfort of club class lounge on the ferry vs a cramped ryanair seat.

as for photos, here's two I put on FB earlier. On the ferry on the way back, and the DC issue this morning!

Absolute beauty!!

ELM327

Charged on CCS at Navan FCP last night successfully.
The V5 document arrived yesterday too and have VRT appt booked for 3 weeks time in Kells.

It's all coming into place!

beertons

Nice. Well wear.

unkel

What speed do you get on the ESB EFACEC CCS, I presume 50kW up to a fairly high SOC, just like Ioniq?

ELM327

unkel wrote: »

What speed do you get on the ESB EFACEC CCS, I presume 50kW up to a fairly high SOC, just like Ioniq?

I didnt stay long enough to check, it was at 37kW in the cold at 75% SOC in the ~1 minute I was there!

unkel

I get ya - just testing CCS was working

We need a lot more narrative from you here though

And as you know, some in here (myself included) would be particularly interested in how you find it in your day to day driving compared to Ioniq

ELM327

unkel wrote: »

I get ya - just testing CCS was working

We need a lot more narrative from you here though

And as you know, some in here (myself included) would be particularly interested in how you find it in your day to day driving compared to Ioniq

I think that testing it speaks for itself. I wont be using it again until probably christmas when I go to the outlaws in wexford and I charge at Ionity.


I charge to 50% at home and to 90% at work (so if the work charger is not available, I can go back home and charge overnight)




Regards to comparing to the Ioniq, there is no comparison. The Ioniq did what it does very well, but the Tesla is in a different league. It's not quite at BMW/Audi premium level but it's still premium feeling.
The AP1 with EAP works super well on the motorway compared to the weaknesses of the Ioniq (eg driving in the left lane it doesnt pull you to the off ramp). The Tesla even adjusts your speed and takes flyovers very well.


The added functionality of having an app is brilliant, that was the major let down with the Ioniq. Not to mention my real world 90% to 10% range at motorway speeds with heating on and random hooning is about 300-325km. And that's at this time of year with no/irregular preheating from the mains.


I'm still getting used to the excess of range but I am happy (seems such a small word to describe the sheer adulation I have) with the car and the decision. Have my pick of Ionity/Tesla for longer journeys and up to 375-400km (at 100%) range leaving home to boot.


My commute (120km), my regular weekend trips (round trips 160-200km), my trips to various family members (round trips 100-250km) and to our regular hotel (220km each way with destination charging) are now all comfortably within range. And that is a great comfort to have. Also there's enough tricks, gadgets and easter eggs to show off (or use practically, summon is great for parking beside trees where there is room to park but not open doors for instance) to keep me entertained. I haven't kept a car for more than 9-12 months in a long time but I think this may be the one!


Unless they release the pickup!!

EDIT to add: The next thing I want to check is the charging rate from <10% to 90% at Ionity. I think the nearest one to me is Athlone (unless they open Kill/Gormanston! soon)

galwaytt

80sDiesel wrote: »

Sure seems alot to throw down on a depreciating asset.

The non-depreciating asset has yet to be invented. Esp vehicular.

Ask any 911 owner :rolleyes::rolleyes:

@ELM327 - well wear btw.

Kramer

ELM327 wrote: »

I'm still getting used to the excess of range but I am happy

I could be wrong but I sense you're relatively happy with your new wheels then?


Congrats & well wear .

eamondunphy

looks looks unreal, congrats!!

Just curious if you considered the model 3?

I've a merceded c350e hybrid and hate when the engine kicks in, cant afford to upgrade yet, but am interested in people opinons of a new model 3 vs used model s seeign as prices are similar

ELM327

I had considered strongly a model 3 performance, even had one ordered.
But the fact it's a saloon vs a hatch and missing the comfort of a larger car, meant the S90D was a better option.

For me it was very much a "used S vs new 3" debate.

Lumen

eamondunphy wrote: »

lam interested in people opinons of a new model 3 vs used model s seeign as prices are similar

The Model 3 feels like a much smaller car on the road, and this is particularly noticable in tight car parks. Whether that's a problem depends on your driving skill and what you're used to.

Performance wise there's not much in it in terms of perception, you'll get used to whatever you have, and most of the S's advantage is dependent on driving modes and state of charge.

Having an extra screen in the Model S is better.

The S looks better and has more "presence". It's The Daddy.

The 3 charges faster at DC fast chargers like Ionity (I think).

The S has more interior colours available.

There's a vague sense that the 3 is better put together, but that's probably psychological.

ELM327

To be honest most of what Lumen says above is spot on.
I do think that , spec for spec, the S is faster.
As in, the LR vs LR, SR vs SR , P vs P etc

My S90D (which is slower than the new raven LR) has a 4.2 0-60 time.

unkel

With your very high yearly mileage and your regular long trips you found out that a short range EV just doesn't cut it for you (but I guess that was before Ionity chargers, any of the new 50kW commercial chargers and any expansion of the ESB network or the CCS option for Teslas). But even with all those extra chargers, you really need a long range EV. And you got a great deal - basically you bought the car from Tesla with some CPO warranty left on it and you paid no more than you would have paid from a third party dealer (with no warranty)

Model 3 is a small semi-premium saloon, no bigger than the BMW 3-series on the inside (which is as small as a D-segment size car gets - the previous model, just replaced, is about the same width as Ioniq for rear passengers). Model S is a full size semi-premium car (I would qualify the newest models as premium). With a hatchback, which is just so practical for modern family living imho. Throw in a washing machine in the boot, a bike, a solar panel, all fine and with a saloon you just can't. And forget it if you have a dog.

S90D has very similar acceleration to the 3 LR AWD. You honestly wouldn't notice the difference.

ELM327 wrote: »

Regards to comparing to the Ioniq, there is no comparison. The Ioniq did what it does very well, but the Tesla is in a different league. It's not quite at BMW/Audi premium level but it's still premium feeling.
The AP1 with EAP works super well on the motorway compared to the weaknesses of the Ioniq (eg driving in the left lane it doesnt pull you to the off ramp). The Tesla even adjusts your speed and takes flyovers very well.


The added functionality of having an app is brilliant, that was the major let down with the Ioniq. Not to mention my real world 90% to 10% range at motorway speeds with heating on and random hooning is about 300-325km. And that's at this time of year with no/irregular preheating from the mains.

I'd love a Model S, but it's much harder for me to justify getting one as I simply don't need it as much as you do. I could do with the 7 seat option occasionally. And I could do with a bit more space in the back as the kids are reaching adult size in the next few years. I don't really care that much about any apps or gimmicks but I appreciate the tech like OTA updates and in particular the AP1. I only tested it very briefly (also in a '16 facelift S90D, exactly like your car), but could you tell me if it keeps working if you take your hands off the wheel (unlike Ioniq, where you have to trick the car into thinking you're still holding the wheel)? Wasn't that impressed with AP2.5 in the Model 3 I drove. Although the automatic start after having come to a stop in very busy traffic (or traffic light) is a big bonus. Your S have that too?

Would also be worried about expensive issues out of warranty. With Ioniq I still have bumper to bumper manufacturers warranty for another nearly 2.5 years. I much prefer the looks of the facelift model and I don't need more than the basic range cars and don't need AWD. But the prices are still outside of my comfort zone really, although I came close to buying a very nice '15 CPO AP1 / 7 seater on Irish plates earlier this year, I didn't want to go over €37k while the seller wanted €40k (it was advertised initially at €55k)

Sorry long post, but I would really appreciate the answers to above

eamondunphy

Thanks fro replies, both loks great cars, think I'll be debating with myself for the next 18 months about which is will be my preference

ELM327

unkel wrote: »

With your very high yearly mileage and your regular long trips you found out that a short range EV just doesn't cut it for you (but I guess that was before Ionity chargers, any of the new 50kW commercial chargers and any expansion of the ESB network or the CCS option for Teslas). But even with all those extra chargers, you really need a long range EV. And you got a great deal - basically you bought the car from Tesla with some CPO warranty left on it and you paid no more than you would have paid from a third party dealer (with no warranty)

Model 3 is a small semi-premium saloon, no bigger than the BMW 3-series on the inside (which is as small as a D-segment size car gets - the previous model, just replaced, is about the same width as Ioniq for rear passengers). Model S is a full size semi-premium car (I would qualify the newest models as premium). With a hatchback, which is just so practical for modern family living imho. Throw in a washing machine in the boot, a bike, a solar panel, all fine and with a saloon you just can't. And forget it if you have a dog.

S90D has very similar acceleration to the 3 LR AWD. You honestly wouldn't notice the difference.



I'd love a Model S, but it's much harder for me to justify getting one as I simply don't need it as much as you do. I could do with the 7 seat option occasionally. And I could do with a bit more space in the back as the kids are reaching adult size in the next few years. I don't really care that much about any apps or gimmicks but I appreciate the tech like OTA updates and in particular the AP1. I only tested it very briefly (also in a '16 facelift S90D, exactly like your car), but could you tell me if it keeps working if you take your hands off the wheel (unlike Ioniq, where you have to trick the car into thinking you're still holding the wheel)? Wasn't that impressed with AP2.5 in the Model 3 I drove. Although the automatic start after having come to a stop in very busy traffic (or traffic light) is a big bonus. Your S have that too?

Would also be worried about expensive issues out of warranty. With Ioniq I still have bumper to bumper manufacturers warranty for another nearly 2.5 years. I much prefer the looks of the facelift model and I don't need more than the basic range cars and don't need AWD. But the prices are still outside of my comfort zone really, although I came close to buying a very nice '15 CPO AP1 / 7 seater on Irish plates earlier this year, I didn't want to go over €37k while the seller wanted €40k (it was advertised initially at €55k)

Sorry long post, but I would really appreciate the answers to above

We - blended family - have 2 kids that spend half the time with us. 9 and 13, so out of car seats and we don't intend on a third so there was plenty of room in the Ioniq but the S is vast and spacious It removes the "you're touching me" or "youre on my half" arguments :D


Re AP1, it's much better than the Ioniq. It takes the known bugs in the Ioniq (filter lanes to the left for example) adds lane change - very handy and almost at human level, and adds much better dealing with stop go traffic. You don't have to press the accelerator to resume unless you've been stopped for several minutes


The nagging is still there, but I like it compared to Ioniq. Ioniq goes from nothing to beeping. The AP1 goes from soft flashing on the background, faster flashing, then beeps. But the intervals are much longer, and - the most important part - resting your hand at 5 o clock on the wheel with left hand on the armrest (apparently my natural driving position on motorways) means no nags at all. In the ioniq this was not sufficient.





I'm only really concerned about the MCU issues out of warranty. Realistically if that goes in 6 months it's going to cost a few k. But I hope by then to wrangle an MCU2 upgrade out of it. Other than that it's a few hundred here or there, which, on a car that cost 100k new is not unexpected. (If you've owned any older 7 series, S class, etc you'll know the bills are the same even after the purchase price comes down)


Have the VRT appointment on the 28th November.

unkel

ELM327 wrote: »

Re AP1, it's much better than the Ioniq. It takes the known bugs in the Ioniq (filter lanes to the left for example) adds lane change - very handy and almost at human level, and adds much better dealing with stop go traffic. You don't have to press the accelerator to resume unless you've been stopped for several minutes


The nagging is still there, but I like it compared to Ioniq. Ioniq goes from nothing to beeping. The AP1 goes from soft flashing on the background, faster flashing, then beeps. But the intervals are much longer, and - the most important part - resting your hand at 5 o clock on the wheel with left hand on the armrest (apparently my natural driving position on motorways) means no nags at all. In the ioniq this was not sufficient.

My natural driving position on motorways too

I'd say the coca cola method probably works fine too, or a sock with a few coins (that's what my mate uses in his Model 3)

ELM327 wrote: »

I'm only really concerned about the MCU issues out of warranty. Realistically if that goes in 6 months it's going to cost a few k. But I hope by then to wrangle an MCU2 upgrade out of it. Other than that it's a few hundred here or there, which, on a car that cost 100k new is not unexpected. (If you've owned any older 7 series, S class, etc you'll know the bills are the same even after the purchase price comes down)

You see I had an excellent BMW indy and none of the cars I owned ever had a big repair bill except for major suspension work on the 7er costing a bit over a grand, which I knew was coming and I went ahead with as I planned to keep the car for another while

If there were Tesla indies around, I'd have more confidence. But I'd say places that will sell you a refurbished MCU board in exchange for your own will start to emerge (probably already there in the states). It will just take some time

DrPhilG

ELM327 wrote: »

I paid (38k gbp/43k eur

Mine is a 2016 facelift 90D, and would estimate it would be listed at well over 50 here.

The big question is what you would hope/expect the car to be worth in 3 years time!

I'd love to man-math my way into a 3 or a used S but I just can't help but fear that the €48k (after vrt) I'd pay would only be worth €15k in 3 years and I'd have spent well over €10k a year for the priveledge!