Tesla's Roadster is an undeniably cool looking car, but it might be
better to browse rather than buy.
Here's an excerpt of a funny review of the Roadster that was posted
anonymously to the Tesla Motor Club message board. If you're ever lucky
enough to own a Roadster, this is what you're in for:
It's a very low car.
That makes you more alert when you realize you are a silent mouse in a
world of lumbering elephants. You will drive very carefully until you
settle in. Give it a few weeks.
The headlights don't reach very far. About half the reach of a taller
SUV but it's ironic because on dark twisty roads you want to drive twice
as fast.
Yoga lessons are nearly required for ingress / egress with the top on.
You will look as graceful as a wounded pelican getting in and out for
awhile. You have to relearn all over again to be a passenger.
It's quiet.
If the radio worked you would hear it much better. The good news that
without a radio, you can bathe in the world's coolest sound of a jet
turbine. Enjoy it!
On a quiet road every single rock that flys up to hit the car resonates
loudly and sometimes when going though a dirt pile it sounds like the
car is being pelted by a rock shooting machine gun. Very disconserting.
It's unusual.
People will invade your space. Don't think you can get away with going
out without makeup or unkempt in any way. Other drivers will be looking
at the car and by extension they will want to talk with you. Some will
judge.
You might have to plan a bit of extra time on trips to the mall or
store. It's at 50 percent chance someone will approach you with
questions. Once you say it's electric then prepare to stay another 15
minutes. Don't have anything incriminating in the trunk and carry some
Tesla brochures to hand out.
When giving rides you can actually "feel" moment by moment the
realizations that your passengers have that this is a special car. It's
when they expect the shifts. And that realization builds with the lack
of each expected micro-slowing. Once you are used to it, it plays out in
slow motion. A joy to "watch" as a Tesla grin is born. Continue reading
→
In fairness to Telsa, the AP gave the Roadster a rave review saying "the
ride is astoundingly smooth and quiet. The car navigated TriBeCa's tight
corners and narrow streets with aplomb." Car and Driver also gave it a
decent review.
