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Why does everyone want the Foundation Series?

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I couldn't tell you why anyone would want one second hand, but first hand? Let's see....... Tesla gave me a lot of accessories I could use with the truck, lifetime premium connectivity, FSD, free lifetime supercharging, Powershare with a free install at my home (yes, I got both free supercharging AND Powershare), legitimately tons of fun having the truck serviced for minor things that I could live with no problem, and even getting another brand new in box offroad lightbar because I took such good care of my original one installed 14 months ago that they reused it - so now we're doing something special that no one has done before with it, stay tuned.........

Add in the thousands of core memories I've had with it over the last 17 months and my kids reactions to when I surprised them picking it up (see avatar), and absolutely I've had the best experience with owning a vehicle ever!
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doggod

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I have charged 15,302 killowatts since I bought my foundation for free. Even at a low average price of $.36 killowatt that is $5,508.72. That’s is one year of ownership. If i keep it 10 years that will be $55,000. Plus i get FSD and free premium connectivity. I am pretty sure the premium connectivity is for as long as I own the truck. And I got $8k off with a demo model with 8 miles on it.
 

doggod

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I have over 23000 miles on my FS and have had no issues other than the PCS valve. Great vehicle!
I have not had the PCS issue with 26,000 miles however i only charge at supercharger as it is free. Save the home charging for the lightning so it is free to charge with my solar off grid house.
 

Jhodgesatmb

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The foundation series has nothing but problems from what ive seen online and I dont think everyone wants one. Maybe for the fsd that it comes with but I would never buy the foundation series, I bought my 2025 cybertruck and would never replace it. I have 17k miles on it with no problems and build quality is just about perfect maybe I'm one of the lucky ones.
I have had almost no issues with mine. Sure, a couple of visits to reduce wind noise and get the correct windshield wiper, and a couple of visits for recalls, but all in all its been a wonderful experience and truck. I do wonder how many people have really had big issues with theirs. Clearly some, and that is more than too bad for them, but I do wonder what the numbers really are.
 


MisterChilidog

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I couldn't tell you why anyone would want one second hand, but first hand? Let's see....... Tesla gave me a lot of accessories I could use with the truck, lifetime premium connectivity, FSD, free lifetime supercharging, Powershare with a free install at my home (yes, I got both free supercharging AND Powershare), legitimately tons of fun having the truck serviced for minor things that I could live with no problem, and even getting another brand new in box offroad lightbar because I took such good care of my original one installed 14 months ago that they reused it - so now we're doing something special that no one has done before with it, stay tuned.........

Add in the thousands of core memories I've had with it over the last 17 months and my kids reactions to when I surprised them picking it up (see avatar), and absolutely I've had the best experience with owning a vehicle ever!
I'd like to echo and amplify this response. I bought my FSAWD two years ago, when it was unclear how long the wait would be to get a non-FS. I decided the $20k premium was worth it because I wanted purchased FSD, PowerShare, Premium Connectivity, etc; and the shorter the wait for delivery rounded out the $20k, in terms of value, for me. I was confident that Tesla would make right any problems that might be associated with a new model - and they have, so far as I'm concerned.

The cantrails and wiper motor have been replaced, and they were never an issue for me. The PCS problem that so many have complained of has not manifest in my truck, and I've done half my charging at home, half at Superchargers. I've logged 34k+ miles and the truck has given me exactly zero cause for complaint, zero problems.

On the other hand, in that two years of CT ownership, I've saved a small fortune in fuel and maintenance costs versus my old Dodge Ram. I've traveled more BECAUSE the experience in the CT is so much better than in vehicles I've owned before - that's a tough benefit to quantify, but it's a very real benefit. I'm also very introverted, and the early days of the Cybertruck included a great deal of extra attention that forced me to come out of my shell. I COULD count this as a Con, but I'm not going to - coming to terms with all that unwanted attention was a growing experience, and I believe that personal growth should be considered a Pro.

So, while there have been plenty of reports of problems that probably do stem from a brand new, revolutionary product, I think they're not as common as it would appear. I think the instances of problem-free Cybertruck ownership are, by nature, underrepresented and more numerous. The more-visible cases, where growing pains are experienced, naturally get outsized representation in the Public Eye. Like those who believe contrary to myself, I do not have access to the actual statistics. This is all strictly conjecture, but conjecture based on water cooler conversations I've had with other Cybertruck owners in online forums and at Superchargers, etc.

Whatever the actual numbers may be, the full value of Foundation Series can only be determined by the person asking the question. The old adage "beauty lies in the eye of the beholder" rings true here. "One man's trash is another man's treasure", if you prefer. All I can say is that I paid the premium price tag, and I feel like I got a pretty darn good deal. As for what someone else MIGHT pay me, for my FS CT AWD, it's a moot point - I won't sell it. There simply isn't a better vehicle, for my money, at any price. Feel free to disagree - it won't change my assessment. And for those here who have been thinking along these same lines, here's some validation - you're not wrong to feel that way, and there's no reason someone else's experience needs to weigh heavily on yours.

And the last thing I'm going to say is that none of this is meant to invalidate anybody's bad experience. Bad experiences happen (unfortunate as it is), and it's natural, reasonable and understandable for those who have them to feel soured by them. I've had my share of bad experiences with other products that have loyal followings who get angry when I share my stories about them. I'm not pooping on those with criticisms; I'm reminding everyone that customers with good experiences aren't as likely to take to the Interwebs and talk about them. But there ARE plenty of us - even if you don't often hear from us.
 
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4 SPACE

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Well ill add to the bragging because mine has lifetime free super charging and lifetime FSD
and the gas pedal rivet at no extra charge
 

MCraft99

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Lifetime charging, premium connectivity, FSD. Hopefully I can put 500K miles without too much out of pocket servicing.
 

3PinkyToes

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I just did my 2 year review (Vin 6965 - Logrus turns 2). I plan to keep mine forever, maybe give to a grandkid... on my death bed

FS was about being one of the 1st to own, for me it was a chance to be on the leading edge of something. I saw it as the 'iPhone" moment in my life, and I wanted to be part of it.

I believe in the mission, the technology, I am a long term investor and hope to get some SpaceX stock at some point.

Now with the change to FSD being subscription only.... I will not trade it in..unless a deal to transfer FSD and Premium Connectivity come along again, and even then I would debate.....

Sadly my wife picked up her 1st TESLA last Friday (Model Y she loves it) - as much as she loves FSD the monthly fee is to her.... Well let me quote her answer to the delivery lady

"I got over bleeding every month years ago... TESLA can F***K off thinking they get to return me to that ".

She is an amazing lady!

Tesla Cybertruck Why does everyone want the Foundation Series? Korg
 

bg002h

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It's a false premise. "Everyone" doesn't want a Foundation Series". Some might prefer it because you can no longer buy FSD, on newer vehicles it's only available as a subscription with no guarantee of pricing as it develops into a fully autonomous vehicle.
Can FSD be sold with the vehicle?
 


mitch9

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I just bought a used 2025 with paid for fsd. Was tough to find, very few had it.
That's what I bought :) Paid $7,000 for the FSD because I had an early $100 reservation, and I got %0 financing because of it, it was a no-brainer, as it saved me at least $3K in interest, which i looked at as reducing the cost of FSD monthly (because I don't ever have to pay for it monthly), and it also is insurance against FSD Unsupervised price increases, and trust me, they will increase the price, just look at the recent StarLink price increases (which is known as "window dressing") for the IPO
 

petercyber

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The Foundation series got botched from the get go. I was one of many that got it feeling that it was going to be something special. A limited version, showing the support for such a vehicle and also having some extra goodies that wouldn't hurt. Mine was a FS Cyberbeast. The first dissapointment came when they started rolling out the AWD FIRST. Then when finally we were taking delivery of the Beast, it came without FSD, WITHOUHT the light bar, and WITHOUT the wheel covers. Nothing was distinguishing the beast from the rest. And the nail in the coffin was when they EXTENDED the FS production. First was going to be a very small limited edition, then almost everyone got it. That's when I realized that maybe not intentionally, Tesla screwed us real good. Now I dont give a crap for any special edition anymore, and if I ever decide to get another Tesla, It won't be the first edition. Having said that, I still have it and will not sell it.
 

Art138

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Well for me the FS CYBERBEAST embodied a symbiotic ecosystem . A credit of 4k for the installation of PowerShare and 2.5k for the gatewa/powerwall was a cool inducement when I think of it. Nothing like having the extra comfort of powering half you house and other eVS during hurricane season. The light bar and extra bling I.e lifetime connectivity & FSD were added flavor. BTW not one single issue since purchase.
 

Speedr

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I was lucky to get one of the first few in Florida back in February of 2024 (placed order in middle of the night right after the reveal). It was a priceless experience watching middle aged women in their cars mouth "What the F!@#" as I went by. People asking if I had built it. Random people asking to see inside it. You really felt like a celebrity.

It faded over time as more were on the road, then politics got involved and it took a more negative tone. Now it's more indifference as they are even more on the road (although sadly, not as many as I imagined).

Back then it was a VERY small premium to pay if you had planned to buy FSD (which I did). With it and all the accessories, plus the Powershare equipment and install (which ended up being a $2,500 store credit), I think the delta was only a few thousand dollars.

Elon once said that the best time to buy a Tesla was when they were just starting to be made, or after they had pumped out tens of thousands. My VIN was under 2,000, and have had basically no problems except some recalls (refused the Cantrails since in Florida with cold weather is no issue).

Not sure there's any special meaning to an FS, just glad I was able to experience it, along with owning the best Tesla ever made (we have a Model S Plaid and have had Model 3s and Ys). Regardless of whether it's a Foundation Series or a brand new one, definitely get it! It's awesome!!!
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