Cybertruck might be too unique and good

[Cyber Man]

I'm having an interesting challenge with getting CT right now, which I never imagined I'll run into when I made the reservation within a minute of unveiling. I started working on some side weekend projects that need me to interact with multiple contractors. When I call them to get a quote on phone, they are reasonable. The moment I meet them in my Porsche, the quote magically double or sometimes even triples. The difference sometimes is in the range of thousands of dollars. Some of these guys have even told me on my face that the price shouldn't be a problem as I drive an expensive car. They don't know most new trucks cost more than my used Porsche. I love great driving experience, and absolutely don't care about status symbol. If Porsche appeared from outside like a cheap 10K SUV, but still drove like a Porsche, I would buy it in a heartbeat, but I'm done owning ICE sports cars. They are super expensive to maintain.

I worry about what would happen once I get Cybertruck. I have two CT reservations, which are couple of years apart. I'm seriously considering to go with F150 Lightning to avoid this perception problem and cancel first CT reservation. Probably in a few years CT doesn't get perceived as celebrity truck. I plan to continue on these side projects, and hope to have some side revenue. So, this is not a temporary situation. I'm sure I'll not have this problem if I have a F350 Platinum that would cost more than CT.

Has anybody ran into this perception problem where others think you are super affluent because you own these vehicles, and they make you pay a premium price for whatever service they are offering? I'm curious to hear others thoughts on this.

Sponsored

 

[GatorCyber]

If you are talking construction, they are doing you a favor. If they comment that you can afford to pay more because of your car, run the other way. They have a serious chip on their shoulder and you are lucky to find out before you do business with them.

 

[Cyber Man]

If you are talking construction, they are doing you a favor. If they comment that you can afford to pay more because of your car, run the other way. They have a serious chip on their shoulder and you are lucky to find out before you do business with them.

I totally agree, and that’s what I did. Sometimes it’s subtle though. Somehow the perception is that the owners who drive these luxury cars have deep pockets, though some full ton trucks cost more than these cars.

 

[Fodderof4]

It's called the Doctor tax... you need an undercover car...

 

[Cyber Man]

It's called the Doctor tax... you need an undercover car...

lol! You are right. A friend of mine is selling a very well maintained old manual Toyota sedan for 2K. I was hoping to not maintain one more car for the sake of it, but I might have to consider an undercover car now!

 

[JJ_CT]

Maybe rent a cheap car for the day?

 

[HaulingAss]

Deal with reputable, smart people and it shouldn't be a concern, particularly as Cybertrucks become more ubiquitous and the prices are in line with ICE pickups.

I think a Cybertruck would project a particularly positive image for an electrician. I mean, what kind of self-respecting electrician would drive a truck that required gasoline to run, rather than just plugging it into the wall?

Am I right?

 

[Boo23]

A $100k truck doesn’t really scream “super affluent“ more doing reasonable. I’d give it 6-12 months before you can pick up a used one for $50k so you won’t have a problem.

 

[elyliu]

I think it’s best to go with an undercover car. Maybe a used e golf or something. Or don’t work with those contractors.

I don’t think the perception for CT will wear off in a couple years. Like you said, regardless of the actual value of the car, your used Porsche is still perceived as a rich man’s toy. I think the same will be for CT for a long time.

 

[Cyber Man]

Deal with reputable, smart people and it shouldn't be a concern, particularly as Cybertrucks become more ubiquitous and the prices are in line with ICE pickups.

I think a Cybertruck would project a particularly positive image for an electrician. I mean, what kind of self-respecting electrician would drive a truck that required gasoline to run, rather than just plugging it into the wall?

Am I right?

Yeah my hope is that more and more contractors, electricians, and traditional truck guys start buying Cybertruck, so that it doesn’t get perceived as a luxury premium car.

 

[HaulingAss]

I think it’s best to go with an undercover car. Maybe a used e golf or something. Or don’t work with those contractors.

I don’t think the perception for CT will wear off in a couple years. Like you said, regardless of the actual value of the car, your used Porsche is still perceived as a rich man’s toy. I think the same will be for CT for a long time.

If you have seen how much it costs to keep a used Porsche on the road, you would know it really is for rich people (or people who never want to become rich). Parts prices are insane!

That's what I love about Tesla, they keep the parts prices real.

 

[Cyber Man]

I think it’s best to go with an undercover car. Maybe a used e golf or something. Or don’t work with those contractors.

I don’t think the perception for CT will wear off in a couple years. Like you said, regardless of the actual value of the car, your used Porsche is still perceived as a rich man’s toy. I think the same will be for CT for a long time.

Very true! It’s the perception problem irrespective of market value. Most won’t even realize that a premium ICE truck is same or more expensive. Lightning seems to fit the bill. It blends in as any other regular truck but has all the benefits of an EV. I just have a hard time letting go of CT for a few years.

 

[elyliu]

Very true! It’s the perception problem irrespective of market value. Most won’t even realize that a premium ICE truck is same or more expensive. Lightning seems to fit the bill. It blends in as any other regular truck but has all the benefits of an EV. I just have a hard time letting go of CT for a few years.

Or just ignore the perception and enjoy the truck

 

[Cyber Man]

If you have seen how much it costs to keep a used Porsche on the road, you would know it really is for rich people (or people who never want to become rich). Parts prices are insane!

That's what I love about Tesla, they keep the parts prices real.

lol! 100% agree. I owned it for 3 years, and I’m done with it. I was almost ready to buy electric Taycan at that time, but I needed something to tow as well. Probably I’ll consider 911 Turbo in the future when they electrify it. It’s just so hard to let go of Porsche once you drive them, just like Cybertruck.

 

[Cyber Man]

Or just ignore the perception and enjoy the truck

You are right! I’m one of those who care least about what others think on my lifestyle. In this case, I don’t want to have a lower hand while negotiating prices because of what I drive. As you said, if I can’t let go of CT, I might just get an undercover car. I have 4 months to decide. I just extended my FS reservation till end of Sep.

Sponsored