12 months? For a car?!?

 

Tesla Model 3 - used w/o permission

I really want my last vehicle purchased - a VW Beetle named George - to be the last one that I buy that uses gasoline. For our purposes when I say "gas", I mean any hydrocarbon fuel (gasoline, diesel). However, the giant, deeply monied auto industry can't find one for me.

Like you didn't see this coming? 

One: No one should give a dealership money for the right to be on a list to consider a car that hasn't been built yet. In video games, that over fat industry has been addicted to pre-order culture for years. It makes no sense to pre order software that is digitally delivered. I admit, in this case, because of ongoing lack of availability, getting your name on the list may matter to you. It may be the only way you can get one. But for me personally, you're not getting a penny from me for a product that only exists in theory. Why should I bear the risk on this? Doesn't matter why. I am not going to.

Two: I need a car. There are 4 drivers and 2 vehicles in my house. And one of them is a very old, very not eco friendly "mini" van.(1) I'm torn by this. There is still a supply chain problem, but I can get a gasoline vehicle in a few weeks. This is OK, if not ideal. And indicates a lack of shift on the supply side to meet demand. Why? Well, I'm not in those board rooms. I'll reserve my Oil Conspiracy Feelings.(3)

Three: Used? That's not a thing. I wish it was. It isn't. I have no problem buying a used vehicle. More than half of the vehicles I have owned have been used. I think a well maintained, used vehicle is an excellent way to avoid paying the "new" premium. If you know someone who has a Model 3 they've grown tired of, throw them my way.

I'm not a supply chain expert. I am a risk management expert. The autos industry has failed to manage a risk. And to appeal to their nature, they are leaving a lot of money on the table.

This is why we can't have nice things.(2)