Cybertruck might be too unique and good

[SteelMyHeart]

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.

Use home advisor or Angie's list to get a cost range for whatever project the contractor comes out for. Then tell them you know the average cost and if they want the work and any more work from you they can't screw you. I have seen contractors try to screw me with estimates just because my house is nice or zip code is nice.

The trick is reach out to contractors based in less expensive areas just outside your neighborhood. They are more likely to view it as entry into the area and word of mouth from you to other people is worth it. I had a reasonable contractor for a basement reno. He was on time and on budget. I then used him for 3 other jobs and referred him to 3 friends.

I would never let those clowns change your mind on what you want to drive. Find a contractor a little further away that is looking to enter your market. Get the truck if you want it.

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[Cyber Man]

Use home advisor or Angie's list to get a cost range for whatever project the contractor comes out for. Then tell them you know the average cost and if they want the work and any more work from you they can't screw you. I have seen contractors try to screw me with estimates just because my house is nice or zip code is nice.

The trick is reach out to contractors based in less expensive areas just outside your neighborhood. They are more likely to view it as entry into the area and word of mouth from you to other people is worth it. I had a reasonable contractor for a basement reno. He was on time and on budget. I then used him for 3 other jobs and referred him to 3 friends.

I would never let those clowns change your mind on what you want to drive. Find a contractor a little further away that is looking to enter your market. Get the truck if you want it.

Great points on using Angie's list and talking to folks in less expensive areas. That's exactly how I found a great guy who is 5 hours away but very honest and trustworthy. Some of the local guys are just such a rip off, especially if they get a clue about your lifestyle!

 

[Tony2times]

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.

This is true. I have a GT3RS and it’s literally a shit ton of money for every little thing. Not to mention, the dealerships have nothing but DB’s employed there that probably couldn’t afford to change the oil in my car but they love to be snotty to people. The entire Tesla experience is refreshing. I am going to sell the P car and never look back.

 

[Mini2nut]

I had an early water cooled 911 (2000 996) that I purchased used. I was so worried about the infamous IMS (Intermediate Shaft Bearing) going south that I rarely drove it. I ended up selling it after 1.5 years.

It‘s not so much the used Porsche purchase price but the pricey maintenance and parts costs that come with owning a premium German vehicle.

It’s a great sports car for those with FU money though.

 

[Cyber Man]

I had an early water cooled 911 (2000 996) that I purchased used. I was so worried about the infamous IMS (Intermediate Shaft Bearing) going south that I rarely drove it. I ended up selling it after 1.5 years.

It‘s not so much the used Porsche purchase price but the pricey maintenance and parts costs that come with owning a premium German vehicle.

It’s a great sports car for those with FU money though.

I can totally relate to this. I have thoroughly enjoyed my Cayenne, but whenever I service it, there is always one or the other repair needed as part of regular maintenance. On average, I end up paying 4k to 5k a year for maintenance, and I’m told that’s on the lower side I hope CT maintenance, especially insurance and Tire replacement costs, will be way cheaper than Porsche.

 

[65SoYoLO]

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.

hell I am broke, but I am irresponsible. So I have a Cybertruck...

 

[CT Owner Vito]

I’m on the opposite end of this situation. As Cyberbeast and a 2923 MX Plaid owner, and a contractor, I can taker either one to provide estimates, but only the Beast for installs.
Yes, my proposals are slightly to a little above others, but that has nothing to do with the vehicles. It is all about my licenses, certifications, knowledge, education, skills, experience and abilities. The years I have been in this industry have honed my skills to the point where very few others can do the work we do, as neatly, and as competently as we do. Like Tesla, we do not advertise, and have never found a need to. I have owned my business for over 25 years, and have seen many other companies, both larger and smaller, go under, get sold, or purchased (big fish eat little fish), and have been approached a multitude of times, but have always refused all offers.
When you are around as long as we have been, it is proof that we do things right. I always tell prospects, if you are looking for a “cheap” job, we are not for you. We work in NY, NJ & eastern PA, and all of our clients are happy and safe. We provide peace of mind. That is the most descriptive statement I will submit in this venue. Stay safe!

 

[M0unt41nm4n]

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.

I have this exact problem, but with my house. I bought a major fixer-upper and bought the house for .50 on the dollar because it needed so much TLC. I got a crazy deal on it. Needless to say we spent the last 3 years fixing it up. Every time a contractor comes here, I get some crazy bid that is ridiculous. I needed some wallpaper removed from a couple of bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. One guy quoted me 35K!!! I ran the estimated hours and the job should have been about $6k. I interviewed several contractors and got one to do it at $5.5K.

So now, when I call for a contractor, I have a small chat with them explaining my situation (got lucky and the house is lipstick on a pig). That usually gets the bids closer in line to what they should be.
I feel your pain. My wife and I talk about this all the time… it’s a chronic problem and I’m guessing my CT doesn’t help the situation.

 

[SteelMyHeart]

I have this exact problem, but with my house. I bought a major fixer-upper and bought the house for .50 on the dollar because it needed so much TLC. I got a crazy deal on it. Needless to say we spent the last 3 years fixing it up. Every time a contractor comes here, I get some crazy bid that is ridiculous. I needed some wallpaper removed from a couple of bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. One guy quoted me 35K!!! I ran the estimated hours and the job should have been about $6k. I interviewed several contractors and got one to do it at $5.5K.

So now, when I call for a contractor, I have a small chat with them explaining my situation (got lucky and the house is lipstick on a pig). That usually gets the bids closer in line to what they should be.
I feel your pain. My wife and I talk about this all the time… it’s a chronic problem and I’m guessing my CT doesn’t help the situation.

"Give me an estimate based on the size of the job, not the size of my wallet."

 

[gentry1242]

As a former Ford Lightning owner (while I was waiting for my CT order), I would highly recommend not getting one.
It was a bad experience from beginning to end, here are the highlights...
1. Range promised of 240 miles. Best actual range 176 miles.
2. Issues with charging port, adaptive air dam (air cooling system for batteries), water intrusion into light bar. None of these were able to be fixed by the Ford dealer.
3. Most Ford dealers do not have high voltage charging in their shop, so they had to drive my truck to a public charger and bring their tools to try and fix it.
4. Ford bailed on the EV push as a whole and reduced the price of the Lightning by $10,000 overnight. Luckily, I had a deposit on a Tundra deal and a trade value when the announcement hit or it would have tanked by trade value $10,000.
5. Most chargers I tried to use in the Chargepoint network were broken and those that were working had tons of ev owners from other manufacturers who had no idea how to work the charger and wait lines that were crazy. For example, a trip from San Antonio to Houston 210 miles, I waited 5 hours at the only fast charger along the route in Colombus.
6. Ford is not ready for EV. I was silly to think they could compete with Tesla.

 

[gentry1242]

Also, I have the same problem.
A $40,000 Mercedes will offend, a $90,000 F-250 will go unnoticed.
I just drive a pickup for work since it is the way of the world in my industry.

 

[Brandon708]

I had a couple meeting / surveys with clients this morning at some local schools. I decided to take my E-Transit Van. I didn't want to pull up in a Cybertruck and make it a big deal or reflect negativity on in anyway. I just wanted to avoid it at this point and may feel more comfortable once they become more common. I do have small branding logos on the CT. I did pull up on another install the other day with the CT and parked next to several work Pickup Trucks. I don't think anyone noticed, and I felt good about that. As odd as that sounds.

I think you have valid concerns because the CT is very polarizing when it comes to traditional truck designs.

 

[Cyber Man]

As a former Ford Lightning owner (while I was waiting for my CT order), I would highly recommend not getting one.
It was a bad experience from beginning to end, here are the highlights...
1. Range promised of 240 miles. Best actual range 176 miles.
2. Issues with charging port, adaptive air dam (air cooling system for batteries), water intrusion into light bar. None of these were able to be fixed by the Ford dealer.
3. Most Ford dealers do not have high voltage charging in their shop, so they had to drive my truck to a public charger and bring their tools to try and fix it.
4. Ford bailed on the EV push as a whole and reduced the price of the Lightning by $10,000 overnight. Luckily, I had a deposit on a Tundra deal and a trade value when the announcement hit or it would have tanked by trade value $10,000.
5. Most chargers I tried to use in the Chargepoint network were broken and those that were working had tons of ev owners from other manufacturers who had no idea how to work the charger and wait lines that were crazy. For example, a trip from San Antonio to Houston 210 miles, I waited 5 hours at the only fast charger along the route in Colombus.
6. Ford is not ready for EV. I was silly to think they could compete with Tesla.

Wow! Thanks for sharing your experience. I knew it was bad but didn’t know it was this bad. I decided to wait for the non FS CT. I explored Tundra but CT’s power outlet system and adjustable suspension are super important features for me.

How’s your CT experience?

 

[Cyber Man]

I had a couple meeting / surveys with clients this morning at some local schools. I decided to take my E-Transit Van. I didn't want to pull up in a Cybertruck and make it a big deal or reflect negativity on in anyway. I just wanted to avoid it at this point and may feel more comfortable once they become more common. I do have small branding logos on the CT. I did pull up on another install the other day with the CT and parked next to several work Pickup Trucks. I don't think anyone noticed, and I felt good about that. As odd as that sounds.

I think you have valid concerns because the CT is very polarizing when it comes to traditional truck designs.

Thanks for sharing your experience. 100% agree with you. I hope Tesla continues to improve the ramp up and doesn’t increase the price. In my estimation, it might take 2-3 years for CT to become more common amongst hard core truck community.

 

[tingmo13]

it's been there-when you make a deal with electrician to install EV charger in garage-just by saying for my Nissan Leaf will not inflate the price.

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