Thanks guys - good inputs for future consideration. At this point, I'm back solid in the camry camp unless some new critical consideration arises.

My friend uses FSD daily for almost all driving. I wouldn't use it; I only drive 3-5K miles annually. I'm driving mostly empty rural or residential / suburban streets. Or short stints on highway. I don't need to drive in commuter traffic anymore. And usually commuter traffic here means crowded but not bumper to bumper, stop and go; just speed limit-ish smooth but crowded flow.

There will come a day when I am comfortable with FSD and when I will benefit from it. But don't need or want it now - and driving is exercise for my brain.

Tesla repair times are concerning, especially since they can't keep up with mfg demand. If true, that would be a hesitation unless they provide free loaners for the duration.

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Originally posted by konata88:
2. Electricity: $4500; convenience of re-fueling at home. May need to upgrade my electrical panel for the charger - I don't have any more empty slots in the current panel. Sounds like this may cost an additional $2-4K.

Not sure how you're arriving at your charging cost

You already have solar panels, so there would be no additional cost during the day. Most folks who charge at night, set their timer to charge after midnight when the rates are lowest

Not sure about the age of your home, but mine that was built in 2000 had a required electric charging port installed when it was built. Does yours not have this.

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3. Proven car but expensive to fix and limited to dealer service. RWD only (can't afford AWD trim). Expect to pay additional insurance premium.

I understand that insurance offered through Tesla is very afforable

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4. Requires a little more trip planning for re-charges. May or may not introduce inconveniences. But, for trips, I'd likely take my truck anyway to allow for off-road options.

Folks who drive Teslas on trips use to built-in software to plan recharging...it's linked to their navigation system. Based on your charge state and your use rate, it plans out where and when you should stop to recharge...as it is aware of all Tesla chargers and their current use state

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5. FSD available for long highway drives. Note: could use FSD around town and may do so as I age and also build confidence in FSD. But I'm fine w/o FSD and probably want to exercise my brain anyway.

That was my initial thought also, but I've talked to users and surveys have found that drivers are using their FSD about 93% of the time

Thanks. Assessed all that and still ended up with camry.