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JustAnExpat

macrumors 65816
Nov 27, 2019
1,009
1,012
I'm kicking around the idea of getting an electric car myself. I have my eye on a GWM Good Cat or a BYD ATTO 3, but I can't find too many reviews online about them. They are both about 30K USD. Anyone has any experience with those two cars?
 

The-Real-Deal82

macrumors P6
Jan 17, 2013
17,314
25,463
Wales, United Kingdom
We pick our Audi Q4 E-Tron up on Saturday once we are back from Spain. I’ll be sad to hand the A7 back if I’m honest but hopefully that thought will soon be forgotten. The dealer has changed the heat pump which is a bizarre recall on a brand new car with no miles on the clock, but at least it’s sorted. Got a weekend away at the end of August in an apartment in Devon which has free EV charging, so that will be a nice little road trip in the coming weeks.
 

JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
2,068
1,397
We pick our Audi Q4 E-Tron up on Saturday once we are back from Spain. I’ll be sad to hand the A7 back if I’m honest but hopefully that thought will soon be forgotten. The dealer has changed the heat pump which is a bizarre recall on a brand new car with no miles on the clock, but at least it’s sorted. Got a weekend away at the end of August in an apartment in Devon which has free EV charging, so that will be a nice little road trip in the coming weeks.

Just going to post this here:
me-waiting-for-5cde95.jpg
 

Apple fanboy

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Feb 21, 2012
57,003
56,027
Behind the Lens, UK
We pick our Audi Q4 E-Tron up on Saturday once we are back from Spain. I’ll be sad to hand the A7 back if I’m honest but hopefully that thought will soon be forgotten. The dealer has changed the heat pump which is a bizarre recall on a brand new car with no miles on the clock, but at least it’s sorted. Got a weekend away at the end of August in an apartment in Devon which has free EV charging, so that will be a nice little road trip in the coming weeks.
Enjoy the Audi. Just remember you can only fast charge on the one side, slow charge on the other. Then you’ll be better off than that poor sod I met at Oxford services!

And yes pictures when you get it. What colour did you choose?

My i3 goes in for its new bumper in the morning.
 

The-Real-Deal82

macrumors P6
Jan 17, 2013
17,314
25,463
Wales, United Kingdom
Enjoy the Audi. Just remember you can only fast charge on the one side, slow charge on the other. Then you’ll be better off than that poor sod I met at Oxford services!

And yes pictures when you get it. What colour did you choose?

My i3 goes in for its new bumper in the morning.

We opted for Pebble Grey, which is the most popular colour from the ones I’ve seen on the road. It’s like a flat non-metallic grey. I will surely post some images once it’s home, I’m yet to see it myself at this point lol.
 

cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
4,081
2,754
UK
We opted for Pebble Grey, which is the most popular colour from the ones I’ve seen on the road. It’s like a flat non-metallic grey. I will surely post some images once it’s home, I’m yet to see it myself at this point lol.
Naturally, colour is a very personal choice. I'm not a fan of flat colours, it was made fashionable following the Audi RS models in Nardo grey, but on standard models it looks naff and cheap in my opinion. Especially so in non-sunny climates, I think it withers to a very anonymous ordinary presence. But fair enough, it is the free paint option. I guess that is one of the answers why it is common.
 

4sallypat

macrumors 601
Sep 16, 2016
4,034
3,782
So Calif
Naturally, colour is a very personal choice. I'm not a fan of flat colours, it was made fashionable following the Audi RS models in Nardo grey, but on standard models it looks naff and cheap in my opinion. Especially so in non-sunny climates, I think it withers to a very anonymous ordinary presence. But fair enough, it is the free paint option. I guess that is one of the answers why it is common.
Like Crayola crayon colors ???
 

cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
4,081
2,754
UK
After saying no, no, no…I went and bought a model 3 LR with some upgrades.

What was the final nail in the coffin for the word “no” was:
1. The federal tax credit
2. The state instant tax reduction
3. Lack of sales tax on EVs
4. Utility company discounts for green chargers

Should have it in two weeks.
Would you have, if it didn't come with those incentives?
 

The-Real-Deal82

macrumors P6
Jan 17, 2013
17,314
25,463
Wales, United Kingdom
After saying no, no, no…I went and bought a model 3 LR with some upgrades.

What was the final nail in the coffin for the word “no” was:
1. The federal tax credit
2. The state instant tax reduction
3. Lack of sales tax on EVs
4. Utility company discounts for green chargers

Should have it in two weeks.

Congratulations, it makes sense when there are financial incentives to help with the transition. I wish we had the same level of incentives in the UK, but it comes at a huge cost on the whole for the country. Enjoy the new whip.
 

I7guy

macrumors Nehalem
Nov 30, 2013
35,155
25,259
Gotta be in it to win it
Would you have, if it didn't come with those incentives?
I don’t think so. My som bought a model 3 LR and to my surprise I liked the car and that’s what started my thinking.

Project Highland is imminent and while I wanted to see what the prices would be I decided between the price reductions, incentives and tax credits to go for it before the new model is available.

I got the Model 3 LR with 19 in. wheels. Out the door price with everything including NJ instant incentive was $41K. Taking into account the FTC the price is reduced to $33.5. A very compelling purchase.

So no, for my usage that’s an amazing price.
 

Apple fanboy

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Feb 21, 2012
57,003
56,027
Behind the Lens, UK
Congratulations, it makes sense when there are financial incentives to help with the transition. I wish we had the same level of incentives in the UK, but it comes at a huge cost on the whole for the country. Enjoy the new whip.
There were earlier incentives. My boss as an early adopter got a free charger etc.
The 2024 vehicle tax for EV’s is all wrong for me. Not saying we shouldn’t pay anything, but it shouldn’t be more than I was paying for my Golf or for my wife’s Kia.
Should be based on emissions as it has for a while. Start EV’s on one rate, then higher for the more polluting cars.
 

BigMcGuire

Cancelled
Jan 10, 2012
9,832
14,032
I don’t think so. My som bought a model 3 LR and to my surprise I liked the car and that’s what started my thinking.

Project Highland is imminent and while I wanted to see what the prices would be I decided between the price reductions, incentives and tax credits to go for it before the new model is available.

I got the Model 3 LR with 19 in. wheels. Out the door price with everything including NJ instant incentive was $41K. Taking into account the FTC the price is reduced to $33.5. A very compelling purchase.

So no, for my usage that’s an amazing price.
What color did you get?

Like you I had a friend get an M3 and that significantly influenced our decision to get one.

We love our M3 LR (2018). We bought it used early last year. Best car we've ever had. It came with FSD and Acceleration Boost and the 19' wheels. We don't have a level 2 charger at home but the 110v outlet has been working for us for the last 1.6 years - helps my wife can plug into a 20amp outlet at work (if she gets there early enough).

Going to that from a Civic was ... an eye opening experience. We won't be buying anything but Tesla going forward due to our experience. I could care less about the CEO - the car, the features, the charging network, the reliability we've had has been amazing. We got it with 32k miles and we have almost 80k on it now - we'll be driving this thing till it falls apart.

Hopefully helpful advice:
If you haven't already, highly recommend watching some videos to learn all the features.

So nice never using the brakes. Get ready for 38-40k tire changes that are $800 for a pair even if you're mostly doing highway miles. Your back tires will wear out a LOT faster than your fronts especially if you do any acceleration boost takeoffs like I do <cough>.

Don't trust the range indicator too much, rule of thumb I deduct 20%+ - so don't feel bad if you can never get exactly what it says - it is way too optimistic especially if you do 80+ on the freeway (normal here in CA).

Try to keep the battery at or under 80%. The app will complain if you charge past 90 and don't intend to use it right away. The LR makes it pretty easy to do this without any inconvenience (especially for us). Right now my Tesla is sitting in the garage, not charging, at 68% (or 185 mile range). :D Highly recommend using the % not the mile reader.

During long trips - if you precondition for supercharging (tell the car maps to go to a supercharger in your direction of travel - it can precondition over an hour away if cold enough), you can usually be on your way after a short 10-15 min charge. Note superchargers have a peak charging time (usually 12pm-8pm) and outside of that time it is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper to charge but expect a line at the price change time.

I usually prefer to map out my own travels because the Tesla map will try to maximize time resulting in you being at a very low state of charge during travel. My wife and I prefer to charge more often and be at a higher state of charge just in case.

Most 3rd party chargers are 6kW and are almost not worth your time especially if you have L2 charging at home. Also, expect some hostility from other EV'ers because they expect Teslas to only use Tesla supercharging (they'll call you an evhog if you use 3rd party options especially at a popular place - despite most 3rd party options having a 2-4 hour limit). You'll need the J1772 adapter for most 3rd party charging. If you're lucky your malls will have a row of free 30-50amp Volta chargers (J1772 adapter needed). ChargePoint is the best 3rd party charger here in CA - by miles.

You'll find (despite the above comment) a lot of EV'ers are really friendly and love to chat and talk if you want to. Us Red Teslas love to wave at each other lol.
 
Last edited:

I7guy

macrumors Nehalem
Nov 30, 2013
35,155
25,259
Gotta be in it to win it
What color did you get?

Like you I had a friend get an M3 and that significantly influenced our decision to get one.
I got a grey with black interior.
We love our M3 LR (2018). We bought it used early last year. Best car we've ever had. It came with FSD and Acceleration Boost and the 19' wheels. We don't have a level 2 charger at home but the 110v outlet has been working for us for the last 1.6 years - helps my wife can plug into a 20amp outlet at work (if she gets there early enough).
I’m going to get a 240v NEMA 1450 installed in the garage. Trying to get it in before I take delivery of the car.
Going to that from a Civic was ... an eye opening experience. We won't be buying anything but Tesla going forward due to our experience. I could care less about the CEO - the car, the features, the charging network, the reliability we've had has been amazing. We got it with 32k miles and we have almost 80k on it now - we'll be driving this thing till it falls apart.
Exactly. I’m not buying the ceo, I’m buying the car and the reputation of the car company.
Hopefully helpful advice:
If you haven't already, highly recommend watching some videos to learn all the features.

So nice never using the brakes. Get ready for 38-40k tire changes that are $800 for a pair even if you're mostly doing highway miles. Your back tires will wear out a LOT faster than your fronts especially if you do any acceleration boost takeoffs like I do <cough>.
Acceleration boost isnt a thing on my car and while I was considering the performance model I ultimately decided against it. As far as the tire changes my sons Tesla had a flat tire away from home.(but in a safe place) Tesla service came some hours later and put a new tire on…$400 later.
Don't trust the range indicator too much, rule of thumb I deduct 20%+ - so don't feel bad if you can never get exactly what it says - it is way too optimistic especially if you do 80+ on the freeway (normal here in CA).

Try to keep the battery at or under 80%. The app will complain if you charge past 90 and don't intend to use it right away. The LR makes it pretty easy to do this without any inconvenience (especially for us). Right now my Tesla is sitting in the garage, not charging, at 68% (or 185 mile range). :D Highly recommend using the % not the mile reader.
Yep it’ll be like watching my iPhone battery go down. Lol.
During long trips - if you precondition for supercharging (tell the car maps to go to a supercharger in your direction of travel - it can precondition over an hour away if cold enough), you can usually be on your way after a short 10-15 min charge. Note superchargers have a peak charging time (usually 12pm-8pm) and outside of that time it is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper to charge but expect a line at the price change time.
Did t know that about peak and off peak charging times. Thanks!
I usually prefer to map out my own travels because the Tesla map will try to maximize time resulting in you being at a very low state of charge during travel. My wife and I prefer to charge more often and be at a higher state of charge just in case.
In the NY area I rarely need navigation for direction because I’m a NY lifer…I use it for traffic.
Most 3rd party chargers are 6kW and are almost not worth your time especially if you have L2 charging at home. Also, expect some hostility from other EV'ers because they expect Teslas to only use Tesla supercharging (they'll call you an evhog if you use 3rd party options especially at a popular place - despite most 3rd party options having a 2-4 hour limit). You'll need the J1772 adapter for most 3rd party charging. If you're lucky your malls will have a row of free 30-50amp Volta chargers (J1772 adapter needed). ChargePoint is the best 3rd party charger here in CA - by miles.

You'll find (despite the above comment) a lot of EV'ers are really friendly and love to chat and talk if you want to. Us Red Teslas love to wave at each other lol.
Thanks for the advice. Love the red color, but it’s not for me personally. I’m more of a grey and black kind of guy.
 

The-Real-Deal82

macrumors P6
Jan 17, 2013
17,314
25,463
Wales, United Kingdom
I’m curious looking right now. Looked at a KIA EV6 while waiting on service for my K5. Sticker shock @$65,000!

We had a Kia Niro EV for a few weeks on a lease and it was a decent car, good build quality too. The EV6 is a nice looking car and seen quite a few of them on the road. Nice to see the quirks of the design without it being bland. They do seem pricey, even for the base models, but they do have a very good reliability record in regards to the brand.
 
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jerryk

macrumors 604
Nov 3, 2011
7,421
4,208
SF Bay Area
I’m curious looking right now. Looked at a KIA EV6 while waiting on service for my K5. Sticker shock @$65,000!
That was the sticker. Did it have a dealer uplift.

I hate those. I love that buying a Tesla is like buying anything else online. The price is the price. No negotiations. Sign and done.
 
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BigMcGuire

Cancelled
Jan 10, 2012
9,832
14,032
I got a grey with black interior.

I’m going to get a 240v NEMA 1450 installed in the garage. Trying to get it in before I take delivery of the car.

Exactly. I’m not buying the ceo, I’m buying the car and the reputation of the car company.

Acceleration boost isnt a thing on my car and while I was considering the performance model I ultimately decided against it. As far as the tire changes my sons Tesla had a flat tire away from home.(but in a safe place) Tesla service came some hours later and put a new tire on…$400 later.

Yep it’ll be like watching my iPhone battery go down. Lol.

Did t know that about peak and off peak charging times. Thanks!

In the NY area I rarely need navigation for direction because I’m a NY lifer…I use it for traffic.

Thanks for the advice. Love the red color, but it’s not for me personally. I’m more of a grey and black kind of guy.
I am a black / grey car guy too. My first car was black and my civics were dark grey. When we were looking for used Teslas last year (height of the used car ... whatever you wanna call it last year) there were only 2 red teslas available near us, lol. Oh well, trying to make the best of it.

NICE on the 240v 14-50 in garage. I hope to one day have this. :D

Also if Acceleration Boost hadn't come with the used car, I don't think I'd get it. I almost never use it and because I have it, I use it more than I should (not very often) - but it destroys tires and isn't the safest thing I could be doing with my car lol. 4.2 0-60 is still insane vs 3.6 0-60. I don't think I would pay for it if it hadn't been included.

Tesla service is amazing here in CA... Used to have AAA but when my wife got stuck on the freeway (a metal object popped 2 tires), AAA told us it would be hours while Tesla got there in half the time.

Hope you have as much fun as we are! :D
 

The-Real-Deal82

macrumors P6
Jan 17, 2013
17,314
25,463
Wales, United Kingdom
I am a black / grey car guy too. My first car was black and my civics were dark grey. When we were looking for used Teslas last year (height of the used car ... whatever you wanna call it last year) there were only 2 red teslas available near us, lol. Oh well, trying to make the best of it.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a red Tesla on this side of the pond. I’ve only seen them in black, grey, navy blue or the most common which is white. Yours would be quite a head turner here I’d say :)

Tesla service is amazing here in CA... Used to have AAA but when my wife got stuck on the freeway (a metal object popped 2 tires), AAA told us it would be hours while Tesla got there in half the time.
We’ve got 3 years of Audi assistance which I hope we never have to use but sounds good. There’s a button to press in the car that reports a breakdown and sends a diagnostic report through to Audi, who then organise recovery. Nice to have as I’d bet EV’s are much more difficult to recover when issues arise.
 

culo77

macrumors regular
Mar 4, 2010
219
221
Chicago
That was the sticker. Did it have a dealer uplift.

I hate those. I love that buying a Tesla is like buying anything else online. The price is the price. No negotiations. Sign and done.

Gosh the US dealer experience is so dreadful. The old ways on negotiating is so draining and the average consumer is not even close to the level of dealers tricks to screw over the customer.

There is a huge reason CarMax and similar grew so quickly. The buying experience is simplified, Tesla copied it and it works.
 

Apple fanboy

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Feb 21, 2012
57,003
56,027
Behind the Lens, UK
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a red Tesla on this side of the pond. I’ve only seen them in black, grey, navy blue or the most common which is white. Yours would be quite a head turner here I’d say :)


We’ve got 3 years of Audi assistance which I hope we never have to use but sounds good. There’s a button to press in the car that reports a breakdown and sends a diagnostic report through to Audi, who then organise recovery. Nice to have as I’d bet EV’s are much more difficult to recover when issues arise.
I bet they need assistance a lot less though. I’m yet to see an EV pulled over on the hard shoulder. Not saying it can’t happen, but with a lot less moving parts, it’s less likely to breakdown than an ICE car.
 

jz0309

Contributor
Sep 25, 2018
11,387
30,046
SoCal
I’m curious looking right now. Looked at a KIA EV6 while waiting on service for my K5. Sticker shock @$65,000!
where are you located? in my area in California a Ioniq5 or 6 can be had for between $7.5k and $10k off sticker, so around $43k - $48k before tax/fees ... in the case of the Ionia 5 its a SEL trim with AWD
 
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