Worth getting a 4S with Limited Options?

[bdy0627]

Given the supply constraints and crazy market, the only decent option for a 4S I have found is a very slightly used 2021 CPO 4S with 740 miles optioned with Performance Battery Plus, Premium Package, Sport Chrono, and Adaptive Cruise Control. It actually has more warranty years now with the CPO than a new vehicle. I absolutely would not buy a 4S without these options but I would love to have the Performance Pack or at least Rear Axle Steering. I would also like to have insulated windows and the power charge port cover, but I feel those are more optional. I have looked into securing an allocation for a new 4S but dealers are marking them up a bunch. I'm not doing that.

Any thoughts on how hampered this 4S will feel without the RAS in particular? That's the one option that is nearly a must for me based on everything I have read but it seems very hard to come by on the used market, especially in combination with Adaptive Cruise Control, which is even more important to me. I think I'm probably over-obsessing about these things but I also don't want to feel like I am really missing out by compromising.

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[KensingtonPark]

That’s reasonably well-optioned, actually. You’ll definitely miss RAS in parking lots and driveways, but I think you’d be fine otherwise. I have an acquaintance who doesn’t have RAS, and when we drove each other’s cars, the parking lot was the place where we really noticed it.

Insulated windows and power charge port cover are definitely not in the must have category. (I have both and would not really miss them.)

 

[Jhenson29]

I have the insulated glass and wouldn’t miss it if it were gone.

I don’t have RAS and it’s fine. The car is not difficult to drive or park. I have to make a three point turn sometimes to turn around, but I’m not sure I wouldn’t still have to do that with RAS.

It doesn’t seem that lightly spec’d. I would say moderately spec’d.

But it’s ultimately up to you on the importance of options. There were people talking about canceling orders due to unavailable matrix headlights that weren’t even functional in the US. Your car. Your priorities.

 

[bdy0627]

That’s reasonably well-optioned, actually. You’ll definitely miss RAS in parking lots and driveways, but I think you’d be fine otherwise. I have an acquaintance who doesn’t have RAS, and when we drove each other’s cars, the parking lot was the place where we really noticed it.

Insulated windows and power charge port cover are definitely not in the must have category. (I have both and would not really miss them.)

Thanks for the response. So, RAS isn't a deal-breaker but more of a nice to have option in your opinion? The car I'm looking at is $121k without RAS and I can't find a car with both RAS and ACC for less than $10k more. Lots of Taycans seem to have either RAS or ACC but it's rare to have both. I do lots of highway driving and I'm used to Tesla smart cruise so ACC is essential for me. This vehicle is nearly new and in pristine condition. Sounds like I should probably just go with it and deal with the parking lots!

 

[bdy0627]

I have the insulated glass and wouldn’t miss it if it were gone.

I don’t have RAS and it’s fine. The car is not difficult to drive or park. I have to make a three point turn sometimes to turn around, but I’m not sure I wouldn’t still have to do that with RAS.

It doesn’t seem that lightly spec’d. I would say moderately spec’d.

But it’s ultimately up to you on the importance of options. There were people talking about canceling orders due to unavailable matrix headlights that weren’t even functional in the US. Your car. Your priorities.

Thanks. I think you're right that it's decently optioned rather than light. It definitely has the really important stuff for me anyway but I realize that we all prioritize options a bit differently. For instance, I'm pretty flexible regarding the interior options. The interior to me will be pretty nice no matter what, especially coming from a Tesla Model 3.

 

[Archimedes]

Personally, I wouldn’t spend $130k on anything that wasn’t exactly to my spec. If I’m gonna compromise, I’d just buy something way cheaper to hold me over until I could get exactly what I wanted. And RAS would be a must have for me on this car.

 

[bdy0627]

Personally, I wouldn’t spend $130k on anything that wasn’t exactly to my spec. If I’m gonna compromise, I’d just buy something way cheaper to hold me over until I could get exactly what I wanted. And RAS would be a must have for me on this car.

Yeah, that's what's bothering me! If I wait long enough something specced how I want should turn up on the used market I think. It's tough because I really like this white one I found EXCEPT for it not having RAS. And, I think in the current market it's reasonably priced. To top it off, I like the dealership a lot. They have been great, which has not been my experience with a lot of the other dealers who seem to hide fees under various descriptions and aren't very upfront about it. So different than dealing with Tesla for the last 8 years...

 

[Archimedes]

There’s always another car. Unless you absolutely need to replace a car right now, or plan to only keep it for a short time, I’d wait for something that doesn’t cause you second guessing. RAS is a huge plus in this car.

 

[bdy0627]

What about Sport Chrono? Having that knob on the steering wheel to jump to Sport+ seems awesome and so convenient. Based on that, I am considering it a must have option but maybe it's not. I really could care less about the clock on the dash. Thoughts on Sport Chrono as a must have vs nice to have? How about compared to RAS?

 

[Tsingtao]

Don't wait!!! The drive/handling even without RAS is sublime. And what if you tragically lose your eyesight or something while waiting for an allocation? You will forever regret not driving a Taycan while you had the chance.

 

[CygnusX-1]

What about Sport Chrono? Having that knob on the steering wheel to jump to Sport+ seems awesome and so convenient. Based on that, I am considering it a must have option but maybe it's not. I really could care less about the clock on the dash. Thoughts on Sport Chrono as a must have vs nice to have? How about compared to RAS?

there are multiple ways to change driving modes. The little dial on the wheel is just one. I wouldn’t go thru all the wait, ADM and logistics to get a new one for that or the things that are missing from your wish list if you have a car in sight that you like.

who is selling this and why? I’d try to make sure this isn’t one of the cars that has had extreme service issues.

 

[Jhenson29]

Thoughts on Sport Chrono as a must have vs nice to have?

I don’t think it’s required on the Taycan the way it is on the ICE sports cars.

The car has launch control standard and the sport button is large and always present on the center console screen.

 

[Archimedes]

SC is a must as well. I use the wheel multiple times on every drive.

 

[bdy0627]

there are multiple ways to change driving modes. The little dial on the wheel is just one. I wouldn’t go thru all the wait, ADM and logistics to get a new one for that or the things that are missing from your wish list if you have a car in sight that you like.

who is selling this and why? I’d try to make sure this isn’t one of the cars that has had extreme service issues.

I have definitely looked into it and there is no indication this car has had any service issues. Looks clean and, like I said, the dealer has been excellent to work with unlike several others that were clearly totally focused on $$$$.

 

[PDACPA]

What about Sport Chrono? Having that knob on the steering wheel to jump to Sport+ seems awesome and so convenient. Based on that, I am considering it a must have option but maybe it's not. I really could care less about the clock on the dash. Thoughts on Sport Chrono as a must have vs nice to have? How about compared to RAS?

I love my Sport Chrono. I like the knob for quick switch to my drive mode. I hate the way the dash looks without the clock (yes there is a little glare at night, but I like the look). I also think you get a thicker steering wheel with it.

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