Memoir
/ˈmemˌwär/ noun. a record of events written by a person having intimate knowledge of them and based on personal observation. Usually memoirs. an account of one's personal life and experiences; autobiography. the published record of the proceedings of a group or organization, as of a learned society.
It’s a fact that material things can never bring us ultimate happiness in life. But every so often something you purchase elevates the quality of your life so much that you begin to feel a certain emotional bond with that object. This has definitely been the case with my Tesla Model 3. It was expensive, yes, but has delivered an ridiculous amount of joy for those dollars.
Memoir Monday has grown so much that I won’t be able to comment on everyone’s posts anymore (and get my own work done) but I’ll still be supporting your posts with reblogs, votes, and shares on my other social media accounts (X, Facebook, etc.).
For all of those who’ve regularly participated in Memoir Monday - keep going, you’re making great progress in chronicling your very own life story for future generations to enjoy.
For those who missed the inaugural post explaining what the Memoir Monday initiative is all about you can find it here.
Now for next week’s Memoir Monday prompt:
What is one of the most expensive things that you’ve ever bought?
My answer:
Aside from a home, the most expensive thing I’ve ever purchased is my 2022 Tesla Model 3. I first test drove a Model 3 in 2019, shortly after its release, and was instantly captivated. The car felt like a time machine, propelling me 20 years into the future. Right then and there, I decided: someday, I would own one. So, I started diligently saving.
Fast forward to March 2022…I finally decided to make my dream a reality, though not without some jitters. While vacationing in Sedona, AZ, I placed my order through Tesla’s website from our Airbnb. At the time, Tesla was struggling to keep up with demand, and my delivery date was delayed several times. I ultimately had to wait until August to take delivery.
In April, I sold my 2016 Toyota Prius to Carvana for an exceptional price, thanks to the still-inflated used car market driven by pandemic-era supply chain disruptions. Remarkably, I made a profit on a car I’d driven for four years which was a first for me. That fortunate timing softened the blow of overpaying for the Tesla, which I later realized cost nearly twice the current price of the same Model 3.
During the four carless months (April to August), I dove into Tesla content, binge-watching videos to learn everything I could about my soon-to-arrive EV. Despite Tesla’s reputation for user-friendly design, there’s a surprising learning curve for first-time electric vehicle (EV) owners. After over three decades of driving gas-powered cars, it felt like my brain needed rewiring. Sure, you can just get in and drive, but I wanted to understand the nuances: charging, maintenance, settings, and how to make the most of the experience.
Finally, delivery day happened on August 10 of 2022. It was a "contactless pickup" so I didn't even talk to a salesperson. I picked up my key card and the app told me where my car was on the lot. Embarrassingly, I couldn't even figure out how to get the car to go at first. It took about two years to fully adjust to the ins and outs of owning an EV. But now, all those initial uncertainties are behind me. I get in my Model 3 and drive it like any other car—only significantly better.
GreyMatter (you have to name your car in the Tesla app) is, without question, the best, most capable, and most enjoyable vehicle I’ve ever owned. Every drive still feels futuristic. The car’s technology is at least a decade ahead of most internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and Tesla’s over-the-air software updates continually improve existing features and introduce new ones. The climate control preconditions the car so it’s warm in winter and cool in summer. It can either out-accelerate most muscle cars or be as tame as a Prius, depending on the settings you choose.
In nearly three years of ownership, the only maintenance I’ve done is rotating the tires and refilling the windshield washer fluid. The Model 3 performs as well in the snow as our Subaru and has saved me thousands of dollars in fuel costs. Honestly, it feels odd now to fill up the Subaru at a gas station.
The only downside has been the disdain some people have for electric vehicles. The media’s disinformation campaigns have turned many against them, and the negativity can be disheartening. Are EVs for everyone? Probably not. But for me, this car has been a perfect fit—and worth every penny. I don’t believe EVs should be mandated, but they’ve undeniably earned their place in the global transportation mix.
Happy New Year to all of my regular readers! I thank you for the support and engagement you've given me in 2024. I hope 2025 brings you all that you've wished for!
~Eric Vance Walton~
