Is the Foundation Series worth it?

[Gogster2k]

EDIT: I forgot to add the Destination fee of $1995 to the NON-Foundation Series Loan calculator. I added it to the (Title, registration and other fees). FIXED

I got my Foundation Series Invitation last night, and I stayed awake most of the night with excitement, a sense of "OMG my 6 years of waiting is almost finished" (instead of buying a new truck in 2017, I waited for Tesla to make one of their own) and worry because it way over my budget.

In my head, I could pull it off if I tapped into my emergency fund, sold some Crypto here, sold other things there, etc., but everything inside of me is saying no to all of that. But humor me here, and let's just say I can afford it. Now, is it worth it?

For those who are asking, I am a first 5-minute reservation holder RN11277****, I own a Tesla, and I live in So Cal.

OK, numbers time.

$79,990 - Non-Foundation Series
-$7,500 Fed Tax Credit
- $100 Reservation Credit
+ $7,000 FSD
= $79,390.

EDIT: I forgot to add in the Destination fee of $1995. I added it to the (Title, registration and other fees)

I own a townhouse and have had 1 brief power outage in the 8 years I've been here, and that was due to a planned outage. So, I wasn't interested in the Powershare feature of the Truck at this time. But In the next few years, Ill be moving back east and would highly consider doing Solar and Powershare then.


INCLUDED WITH FOUNDATION SERIES

1. LIMITED-EDITION CONFIGURATION
2. LASER-ETCHED FOUNDATION SERIES BADGE
3. FOUNDATION SERIES CABIN GRAPHIC
4. 20” CYBER WHEELS WITH 35” TIRES - ??? But I would guess $4,000.
5. WHITE DÉCOR - $??? But I would think it costs $1,000 like in other cars.
6. PREMIUM ACCESSORIES
   1. ALL-WEATHER INTERIOR LINERS - $295
   2. GLASS ROOF SUNSHADE - $115
   3. CENTER CONSOLE TRAY - 40
   4. GEAR LOCKER DIVIDERS - $45
   5. VAULT D-RINGS - $40
   6. L-TRACK HOOKS - $25
   7. L-TRACK BOTTLE OPENER - $25
7. POWERSHARE HOME BACKUP
   1. UNIVERSAL WALL CONNECTOR - $595
   2. GATEWAY V3 INCLUDED - $1000? I couldn't find exactly what the cost is
8. POWERSHARE MOBILE CONNECTOR $??? (Standard Moblie Connector is $230).
9. FULL SELF-DRIVING CAPABILITY - $7,000
10. LIFETIME PREMIUM CONNECTIVITY - $10/Month x 120 months = $1,200

The total for all of the above comes to around $15,600.
Now, what is it worth to claim one of the first 1000 VINs? Damn, that is a great question. Will the truck's value go up as a collector's dream to find 10-20 years from now, where the value could increase significantly? Probably, but it's not for sure.

If I don't take this opportunity, how long before my regular ol All-Wheel drive becomes available? 3 months? 6 months? Longer? I've waited 6 years already, and I technically don't need the truck. It's a pure 1000% want for me, more than a want, its a dream come true.

What a conundrum..........

‘Don’t forget auto insurance in your budget calculations as it can become astronomical depending on where you live and how much coverage you want, plus the yearly license registration fee, budget for replacing the tires, etc that wear out, etc.
All these expenses really add up quickly. Make sure you can handle a rainy day situation or it can get ugly.
I was originally going for the Trị-motor, but at the current prices a Dual motor is something I may have to wait and see hoping that the price will drop before I get too old to handle it.
Good Luck on your decision!

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[Sirfun]

All this contemplation on a vehicle that you haven't even sat in. And you said it's not a need, it's a desire. What does the rest of your family think. My wife says no and she wouldn't drive it mostly because of all the attention. In addition to the $7500 fed tax break, there are state and local power company rebates. There's one other thing, how are you going to feel if/when demand isn't enough for production and they lower the price. The Model S Plaid is now $40,000 less than the original price. FOMO is real. Look at "your" financial situation. And make a decision you can live with. BTW, I'm not willing to pay the $30,000 increase in price, from $50,000.

 

[CyberT]

‘Don’t forget auto insurance in your budget calculations as it can become astronomical depending on where you live and how much coverage you want, plus the yearly license registration fee, budget for replacing the tires, etc that wear out, etc.
All these expenses really add up quickly. Make sure you can handle a rainy day situation or it can get ugly.
I was originally going for the Trị-motor, but at the current prices a Dual motor is something I may have to wait and see hoping that the price will drop before I get too old to handle it.
Good Luck on your decision!

I totally forgot about insurance, thanks for that.
California registration fees increase with the price of the vehicle, so you nailed that.

thanks for the input

 

[DWTango]

EDIT: I forgot to add the Destination fee of $1995 to the NON-Foundation Series Loan calculator. I added it to the (Title, registration and other fees). FIXED

I got my Foundation Series Invitation last night, and I stayed awake most of the night with excitement, a sense of "OMG my 6 years of waiting is almost finished" (instead of buying a new truck in 2017, I waited for Tesla to make one of their own) and worry because it way over my budget.

In my head, I could pull it off if I tapped into my emergency fund, sold some Crypto here, sold other things there, etc., but everything inside of me is saying no to all of that. But humor me here, and let's just say I can afford it. Now, is it worth it?

For those who are asking, I am a first 5-minute reservation holder RN11277****, I own a Tesla, and I live in So Cal.

OK, numbers time.

$79,990 - Non-Foundation Series
-$7,500 Fed Tax Credit
- $100 Reservation Credit
+ $7,000 FSD
= $79,390.

EDIT: I forgot to add in the Destination fee of $1995. I added it to the (Title, registration and other fees)

I own a townhouse and have had 1 brief power outage in the 8 years I've been here, and that was due to a planned outage. So, I wasn't interested in the Powershare feature of the Truck at this time. But In the next few years, Ill be moving back east and would highly consider doing Solar and Powershare then.


INCLUDED WITH FOUNDATION SERIES

1. LIMITED-EDITION CONFIGURATION
2. LASER-ETCHED FOUNDATION SERIES BADGE
3. FOUNDATION SERIES CABIN GRAPHIC
4. 20” CYBER WHEELS WITH 35” TIRES - ??? But I would guess $4,000.
5. WHITE DÉCOR - $??? But I would think it costs $1,000 like in other cars.
6. PREMIUM ACCESSORIES
   1. ALL-WEATHER INTERIOR LINERS - $295
   2. GLASS ROOF SUNSHADE - $115
   3. CENTER CONSOLE TRAY - 40
   4. GEAR LOCKER DIVIDERS - $45
   5. VAULT D-RINGS - $40
   6. L-TRACK HOOKS - $25
   7. L-TRACK BOTTLE OPENER - $25
7. POWERSHARE HOME BACKUP
   1. UNIVERSAL WALL CONNECTOR - $595
   2. GATEWAY V3 INCLUDED - $1000? I couldn't find exactly what the cost is
8. POWERSHARE MOBILE CONNECTOR $??? (Standard Moblie Connector is $230).
9. FULL SELF-DRIVING CAPABILITY - $7,000
10. LIFETIME PREMIUM CONNECTIVITY - $10/Month x 120 months = $1,200

The total for all of the above comes to around $15,600.
Now, what is it worth to claim one of the first 1000 VINs? Damn, that is a great question. Will the truck's value go up as a collector's dream to find 10-20 years from now, where the value could increase significantly? Probably, but it's not for sure.

If I don't take this opportunity, how long before my regular ol All-Wheel drive becomes available? 3 months? 6 months? Longer? I've waited 6 years already, and I technically don't need the truck. It's a pure 1000% want for me, more than a want, its a dream come true.

What a conundrum..........

Absolutely worth every penny to obtain a Foundation Series

 

[Bkb13]

EDIT: I forgot to add the Destination fee of $1995 to the NON-Foundation Series Loan calculator. I added it to the (Title, registration and other fees). FIXED

I got my Foundation Series Invitation last night, and I stayed awake most of the night with excitement, a sense of "OMG my 6 years of waiting is almost finished" (instead of buying a new truck in 2017, I waited for Tesla to make one of their own) and worry because it way over my budget.

In my head, I could pull it off if I tapped into my emergency fund, sold some Crypto here, sold other things there, etc., but everything inside of me is saying no to all of that. But humor me here, and let's just say I can afford it. Now, is it worth it?

For those who are asking, I am a first 5-minute reservation holder RN11277****, I own a Tesla, and I live in So Cal.

OK, numbers time.

$79,990 - Non-Foundation Series
-$7,500 Fed Tax Credit
- $100 Reservation Credit
+ $7,000 FSD
= $79,390.

EDIT: I forgot to add in the Destination fee of $1995. I added it to the (Title, registration and other fees)

I own a townhouse and have had 1 brief power outage in the 8 years I've been here, and that was due to a planned outage. So, I wasn't interested in the Powershare feature of the Truck at this time. But In the next few years, Ill be moving back east and would highly consider doing Solar and Powershare then.


INCLUDED WITH FOUNDATION SERIES

1. LIMITED-EDITION CONFIGURATION
2. LASER-ETCHED FOUNDATION SERIES BADGE
3. FOUNDATION SERIES CABIN GRAPHIC
4. 20” CYBER WHEELS WITH 35” TIRES - ??? But I would guess $4,000.
5. WHITE DÉCOR - $??? But I would think it costs $1,000 like in other cars.
6. PREMIUM ACCESSORIES
   1. ALL-WEATHER INTERIOR LINERS - $295
   2. GLASS ROOF SUNSHADE - $115
   3. CENTER CONSOLE TRAY - 40
   4. GEAR LOCKER DIVIDERS - $45
   5. VAULT D-RINGS - $40
   6. L-TRACK HOOKS - $25
   7. L-TRACK BOTTLE OPENER - $25
7. POWERSHARE HOME BACKUP
   1. UNIVERSAL WALL CONNECTOR - $595
   2. GATEWAY V3 INCLUDED - $1000? I couldn't find exactly what the cost is
8. POWERSHARE MOBILE CONNECTOR $??? (Standard Moblie Connector is $230).
9. FULL SELF-DRIVING CAPABILITY - $7,000
10. LIFETIME PREMIUM CONNECTIVITY - $10/Month x 120 months = $1,200

The total for all of the above comes to around $15,600.
Now, what is it worth to claim one of the first 1000 VINs? Damn, that is a great question. Will the truck's value go up as a collector's dream to find 10-20 years from now, where the value could increase significantly? Probably, but it's not for sure.

If I don't take this opportunity, how long before my regular ol All-Wheel drive becomes available? 3 months? 6 months? Longer? I've waited 6 years already, and I technically don't need the truck. It's a pure 1000% want for me, more than a want, its a dream come true.

What a conundrum..........

Installation of the connector is covered up to $4000

 

[Eddyrelik]

Installation of the connector is covered up to $4000

it’s just a new wall charger that has home backup enabled (allows reversal of current). Currently a wall charger is $500-$600. Mine cost $250 for my electrician to charge. But it was litteraly right next to my main panel.

so if you don’t have a wall charger already or have a long run to add one, that’s definitely a plus.

For me, I could buy the new home wall charger (how much more would they charge for this added home charge feature?). Based on OP’s calcs $1,000 more. So a $1,600 charger. I could literally install that myself as I already have the wiring ran.

Damnit, more and more reasons for me not to impulse buy the Fodation series ?

But now that I think of it, there has to be some additional special wiring an electrician has to do because I would think you can’t send power into your main panel through the same breaker that your charging circuit is on. Like there has to be another output power out of the charger that feeds the ENTIRE panel. So that idea does seem like an expensive install….

 

[Bkb13]

it’s just a new wall charger that has home backup enabled (allows reversal of current). Currently a wall charger is $500-$600. Mine cost $250 for my electrician to charge. But it was litteraly right next to my main panel.

so if you don’t have a wall charger already or have a long run to add one, that’s definitely a plus.

For me, I could buy the new home wall charger (how much more would they charge for this added home charge feature?). Based on OP’s calcs $1,000 more. So a $1,600 charger. I could literally install that myself as I already have the wiring ran.

Damnit, more and more reasons for me not to impulse buy the Fodation series ?

But now that I think of it, there has to be some additional special wiring an electrician has to do because I would think you can’t send power into your main panel through the same breaker that your charging circuit is on. Like there has to be another output power out of the charger that feeds the ENTIRE panel. So that idea does seem like an expensive install….

The PowerShare gateway will cost a lot more. It stops any connection to grid before allowing your truck to power your house. If you don’t do this, then you could push power to the grid and hurt anyone repairing the power lines. This will possibly cost more than $4K to install.

You are talking about a universal wall connector which interfaces with your vehicle.

 

[pricedm]

The PowerShare gateway will cost a lot more. It stops any connection to grid before allowing your truck to power your house. If you don’t do this, then you could push power to the grid and hurt anyone repairing the power lines. This will possibly cost more than $4K to install.

You are talking about a universal wall connector which interfaces with your vehicle.

Exactly. In addition to the v3 wall charger, an interface for V2H is required. The Powerwall Gateway is around $1k - $2k. The "up to $4k" installl labor and the hardware put this option in the $4k -$5k range.

OP: Foundation series is very much "worth it" if your income levels put you above tax credits. If below, the decision is more difficult as more intangibles / qualitative variables factor into the decision.

 

[Sandman1962]

The PowerShare feature is very enticing. In preparing for the zombie apocalypse, I have a large solar array and 3 powerwalls. Yet, having the huge Cybertruck battery available to bank and distribute the generated power back will give me a lot of flexibility when the zombies do come.

Now if the PowerShare feature was a paid for add on feature, much like FSD, it would really make the Foundation series a much more palatable expenditure.

As it is, I do expect the price to go down in the future. As mentioned previously, the S and X models are less expensive than a few years ago. But I have had those years of enjoyment driving those vehicles, and still enjoy them. If the CT drops in price in 4 years, I’ve have had 4 years of enjoyment. I’m not getting younger and I choose to seize the day.

 

[cvalue13]

I don’t think the 7500 credit will apply to the foundation series. So if you financially qualify for the under 80,000 credit The Foundation series will cost you 27500 more.

more than that, if you had the $7K FSD locked in

the Foundarion builds basically cost the same as if you selected every currently available option, hardware or software, upon configuring a normal truck at MSRP

put differently, Tesla is saying “if you want an early unit, you have to buy EVERYTHING we’re offering - and PS, no, you don’t get your locked in $7K FSD pricing.”

On the tax credit, to be fair, the AWD base MSRP leaves only ~$10.00 of headroom - so you could but the tax credit cap by adding just the bottle opener, much less the premium wheels and AT tire set.

So for me, I frame the Q as: in order to get sn early truck, am I willing to give up my $7K FSD pricing, and be forced to purchase every hardware/software option, and while I’m at it bust the tax credit availability?

I get that some people really want to be early, or instead already planned on adding every available option - and I high-five them

ain’t for me though

But now that I think of it, there has to be some additional special wiring an electrician has to do because I would think you can’t send power into your main panel through the same breaker that your charging circuit is on. Like there has to be another output power out of the charger that feeds the ENTIRE panel. So that idea does seem like an expensive install….

depending on what your house needs to accommodate, it could be very costly

could be as much as a >$10K install, if you need a panel upgrade, service upgrade, etc.


unfortunately for many people being offered the Foundarion units, no way will they know their install costs before buying the truck.

And the included hardware, plus $4K install credit, all but pot-commits them to tacking the install overage to their all-in cost, price unseen

 

[Rutrow]

?
Is there anyone who's been offered a Foundation Series who doesn't have a Powerwall?

If you already have a Powerwall then the $4000 PowerShare allowance is worthless.

 

[PilotPete]

@CyberT I hope you really aren't putting much weight into faceless keyboard warriors on the internet, an that includes me. Everything in life is a compromise of one type or another. Here you have an opportunity that has a compromise, which is the cost. If you can afford it, then what are you not going to be able to do if you buy it? Then, is owning the foundation worth those compromises. Everyone here has a personal opinion, but how YOU answer that question is all that matters. If you still are thinking yes, then follow your heart and spend your hard earned cash on that which makes you happy. And whichever way you go, congrats on whichever one you get. I wish I had an earlier number.

 

[cvalue13]

?
Is there anyone who's been offered a Foundation Series who doesn't have a Powerwall?

If you already have a Powerwall then the $4000 PowerShare allowance is worthless.

is that right?

Can you elaborate?

maybe @SolarWizard can cure me if this ignorance

 

[Sandman1962]

?
Is there anyone who's been offered a Foundation Series who doesn't have a Powerwall?

If you already have a Powerwall then the $4000 PowerShare allowance is worthless.

Is my present gateway already compatible with PowerShare or will I need the PowerShare gateway? I’m unclear on that matter. But I do know my 2nd generation HPWC (Elon “signed”) will need to be replaced with the Universal wall connector. In any event, I could still use some of the $4000 allowance.

 

[BayouCityBob]

Every situation is different but getting an early vehicle for us also created some off-setting gains. I immediately turned around and sold my R1S for $85k (in one day after ordering). If I had waited until next year for the DM after the Foundation Series etc, I would have definitely eaten an additional $10k in depreciation. I have an older Model 3 I will drive in mean time but it is basically as depreciated as it is going to get and may bump up a little when Tax Credits get reduced. So for my situation, the $99k came with a $10k offset.

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