jennigist

A Tesla Model S at Costco Wholesale in Hackensack, N.J., where owners of the all-electric luxury hatchback spend the thousands of dollars a year they save on gasoline. By VICTOR E. SASSON EDITOR The contrast between buying a Tesla Model S and a Toyota or any other car couldn't be starker. Even more remarkable, you rarely read about the many high-pressure car salesmen that give a black eye to all of the major automakers. We bought four Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrids between 2004 and 2009, and paid list for each one.  I guess I should be thankful I wasn't hit with "added dealer markup" for models that are in high demand and short supply. I'll be paying list for my Tesla Model S 60, but was able to pick options and place a $2,500 deposit online, using a credit card. My car will be delivered in late April. California-based Tesla Motors sells its cars directly to the public, and doesn't employ any fast-talking car salesmen or women. What you will find are produc...

On Monday, I test drove an all-electric Tesla Model S 60, the base model, from the company owned showroom and service center on Route 17 in Paramus, N.J., above and below. Today, I logged onto the TeslaMotors.com site and placed a $2,500 deposit on the Model S 60 I had configured a few weeks ago. My luxurious four-door hatchback is scheduled to be delivered in late April. By VICTOR E. SASSON EDITOR After I take delivery of my Tesla Model S in late April, the only reason I'll have to visit a gas station is to adjust tire pressures. With several options, my 60 kWh Model S will cost $79,120, including a "destination and regulatory documentation fee" of $1,170. I won't have to pay New Jersey's 7% sales tax (take that, Governor Christie, you're no friend of the environment). And in a year or so, when my accountant prepares our 2015 tax return, I will able to claim part or all of a $7,500 federal tax credit.* *The caveat is that I have to have a tax liability that m...