December 2021 marked a significant milestone in my life as a Tesla owner. The news had arrived that my eagerly awaited Tesla was ready for pick up. The surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins, reminiscent of a restless child unable to sleep on Christmas Eve in anticipation of unwrapping a long-awaited gift. From the moment I drove the car away from the Tesla dealership and headed home, I experienced an overwhelming sense of pride. Friends bombarded me with questions about the car’s design and what it was like to own a Tesla. I was deemed special, even lucky, for being a Tesla owner.
With excitement still in the air, I embarked on a journey from New Jersey to the VA Train station, en route to Florida. However, as 2022 unfolded, reality set in, and the once-enviable Tesla faced turbulent times. Elon Musk, the charismatic figure behind Tesla, found himself embroiled in controversies on Twitter, which unfortunately dragged the company down with him. The stock stumbled, plummeting close to 90 percent, while the ongoing Twitter controversies only worsened the situation. As if these challenges weren’t enough, non-Tesla owners seemed to grow increasingly aggressive on the road once they spotted me driving a Tesla. I unwittingly found myself caught in the middle of Tesla’s divisive public image.
In addition, I faced logistical hurdles when planning long-distance trips to take my children to camp. The need for frequent recharging became a tedious reality, requiring two or three stops whenever I hit the road in my Tesla. The buyer’s remorse began to creep in, as the drawbacks of owning a Tesla outweighed the initial allure and pride that came with the purchase. To add irony to the situation, there were times when I felt more at ease driving my trusty old 2009 Toyota Camry, beaten up and weathered as it was. Despite all the shortcomings, however, I couldn’t help but remain impressed by the Tesla. It was, quite literally, a computer on wheels. The prospect of enjoying a movie during any journey, coupled with the vehicle’s simplicity, became aspects I truly admired.
Moreover, the cost savings on fuel were undeniable, despite the fact that charging stations weren’t free. Perhaps, I pondered, the upcoming Cybertruck would change my perspective and compel me to own another Tesla. Meanwhile, I soldiered on with my reliable old Toyota, which had only set me back $4,000. It had faithfully taken me from New Jersey to Canada and from Canada to Florida, without fail.
The moral of my story is that the experience of owning a Tesla undoubtedly enriches Elon Musk’s coffers by a staggering $70,000, allowing him to revel in these experiences. Yet, at the end of the day, I remain steadfastly in love with my Toyota. It serves as a reminder that true value lies not in the price tag or the latest technological advancements, but in the intangible factors that forge an emotional connection.
This article first appeared on StreetAsset.com