I Bought A Car Online: The Tesla Model S

[quote]I think it is often easier to make progress on mega-ambitious dreams. Since no one else is crazy enough to do it, you have little competition.

-Larry Page[/quote]

When I was young, I learned that it’s best for me to set mega-ambitious goals and then work hard towards achieving them. So, as a car-guy and technology enthusiast (aka nerd), I set an aggressive goal in August of 2012 to purchase a fully-loaded, fully-electric Tesla Model S with within a year. Somehow—all credit to God—I took delivery of the vehicle on Tuesday, February 19th and I’ve been smiling ever since!

There are a few interesting things to note about my buying and ownership experience.
1) I ordered this car, configured it, paid for it, and signed the documents for it 100% online. As my biggest purchase outside of my college education and my house, this was terrifying. I had the thought in the back of my mind, “what if this is all an elaborate hoax in order to embezzle billions of dollars from early-adopters across the world?” I’m proud to report that this was not a hoax and the cars really do exist.

2) I am in disbelief that this car actually exists. A fast car that seats up to 7 people, costs about $15 a week to power, has a full-blown computer built-in, is whisper quiet, can be controlled via an iPhone app, and has automatic, retracting door handles. I feel like I’m a Jetson!

3) As of last week, I was the youngest person on the East Coast with a Model S. This is truly humbling and also hilarious. Whenever I park in a public place, I usually return to the vehicle to find many people standing around it and they are always surprised to find out that I am the owner. When I returned to my car from the barber shop this weekend, there were a few older men standing around the car. When I walked towards it, one man said, “if you work really hard, you can have a car like this someday!” I responded, “I agree!” Then I hopped in.

4) I can’t take much credit for the car. I am completely confident that it was 100% God who made this happen. Everything from the reservation process to the delivery of the car was incredibly smooth and stress-free for me. In fact, I received the car five months ahead of schedule, ended up paying 40% less in insurance and got a great deal on the sale of my former car all because of God! If I was able to do all of those things with my own power, I would rename myself to “GEREMY THE GREAT” and I would sell my seemingly-magical services.

With all of this said, I would like to introduce my newest addition to the world: My Tesla Model S with all of the bells and whistles**

** Except the 22″ wheels… which I must avoid because of NJ potholes. And the child seats… i’ll cross that bridge when I have a bunch of little Geremys running around!