Why Teslas are Illegal!

[@shaanfliesplanes]

Homie went from actor to flight sim developer to influencer

[@KyleCowden]

Actor? I didn't know that. I started following him in the 90s when X-Plane became the first commercial simulator software to be certified for PCATD use. The contracts caught M$' attention so they developed MSFS EPS which eventually was sold to Lockheed Martin and became PREPAR3D.

[@aorr]

Interesting! So Tesla has gotten around this law in New Mexico by opening two dealerships on tribal land which the state laws don’t apply to. From KRQE News: “Bringing any sort of Tesla dealership to New Mexico has been tricky. A state law requires auto sales to go through independent dealerships which Tesla does not do but that rule does not apply on sovereign tribal land. The state’s first Tesla dealership opened on the Nambe Pueblo back in 2021.”

[@CngDelta757]

Love your spunk! Always a good reminder of this ridiculousness.

[@KyleCowden]

@Austin Meyer, in reference to Texas: I checked with the local Tesla "Display Room" ; I found out that you are correct about direct sales in Texas. How it works is they talk to you about it, show you the model and discuss the options, financing, etc. Then you go to the website and order your vehicle. When it's ready you determine a time and a place to deliver it. From here it got a little confusing but I believe the transfer of ownership happens in one of the states where it is legal then you register it in Texas as an out of state title transfer. Now what wasn't clear by the end of my conversation is whether it requires a trip to the POS state. I didn't get that impression but I didn't nail it down either. Now I'm not a huge fan of Teslas for a number of reasons (they do have that "Oooo shiny" factor though with all of their features and technology)but I am a huge fan of liberty and free enterprise. This is one of many areas that need to be corrected. It's a viable, legal and safe product, the state shouldn't be able to tell a company that they can't market to protect a favored system. Added in Edit: One can also arrange for a test drive except they call it a "product demonstration". I wonder if those semantics are related to the prohibition of sales direct to consumer.

[@austinmeyer]

Yep, there you have it. In SC, it's way worse.. they aren't allowed to show us a car.

[@That-Guy_]

I'm in Texas and have 2 Teslas. They mail you the needed paperwork, pre filled out for the title transfer. You have to go the the DMV/Tax Collector yourself and pay the fee and sales tax of 6.25% at that point. Tax can't be rolled into the loan like with dealerships. Hope that helped.

[@xforcepc]

Nice...

[@lanesigmonmeyer6454]

Austin is the best. Hands-down!

[@simoneh4732]

Wow, thanks for spreading this!

[@cbcdesign001]

Dealer Statute Law! Sounds a lot like a protection racket to me.

[@TimothyChapman]

If we simply enforce the constitution, then dealerships will go out of business.

[@flyer617]

I got my Model 3 Performance online without speaking to a dealer. Best car buying experience ever. Even when I went to pick it up it was easier and far faster than any dealer! I would be perfectly happy never talking to a dealer again.

[@Agg1E91]

Tesla has 3 dealerships in Austin, Texas. I am taking delivery on a 2023 Model Y on the 30th, from that direct Tesla dealership, after test driving a Tesla Model 3, also from that direct Tesla dealership. I'm not sure what "Total Direct Sales Ban" you are referring to in Texas. I count roughly 20 similar dealerships in the state. And at each one you can show up, see Tesla vehicles, test drive , purchase them and take delivery there. And afterwards bring them by for service. If that's a statewide ban, what more could be gained from lifting it??? I can even purchase Tesla insurance in Texas and Texas is going to be the first state (I think) to allow some sort of Tesla renting thing.

[@austinmeyer]

But, But, But the net says this "As of 29 Aug 2023, Texans can't legally buy a Tesla in Texas due to franchised dealer laws, which require all buyers of new automobiles to purchase through a franchised dealer".. I am so confused... also texasview.org/why-you-cant-buy-a-tesla-in-texas/ Imma ask a cousin of mine that lives in TX....

[@austinmeyer]

OK I Just spoke to my cousin in TX... in the showroom, they can let you DRIVE a tesla, but they can not SELL you the tesla... you have to order it online! Tesla is not allowed to SELL you the car at the showroom! So I guess we are down to a technicality? You have to BUY it online. In SC, where I lived when I shot that interview sequence, Tesla can not show a car, test-drive it, sell it, maintain it, NOTHING. So TX is sort of closer now.. you can test-drive but hav to buy online I think.

[@Agg1E91]

@@austinmeyer Dunno. Maybe Tesla has figured out how to meet some definition of "franchised" dealer in Austin, Hoston, San Antonio, DFW, Lubbock, etc.?

[@Agg1E91]

@@austinmeyer Ahh yes. That's a good point. Interestingly though, you can buy it "online" while you are seated at a Tesla "dealership" speaking to and working with Tesla sales people. To-MAY-to, To-MAH-to. It is effectively a normal dealership.

[@austinmeyer]

@@Agg1E91 ah! Interesting!

[@valkilmer329]

No make a documentary about how cars have a back door in there program that can prevent you from running it without "permission"

[@davistolpulitz]

I used Turo to rent one for a week before I got my Model S.

[@bwhaskell]

Austin Meyer is my spirit animal

[@GYTJN]

💀😭

[@Terrillthegreat79]

As new solar is installed on every roof, I can imagine there will be differences in health care costs and outcomes in the states with personal freedoms where EVs can take advantage of cheap charging.

[@2alejandro2008]

absolutelt Austin, I love my Model X and never looking back!

[@KyleCowden]

Not having researched the laws, you have to be wrong about Texas since there's a Tesla showroom not 15 minutes from my house.

[@austinmeyer]

Do the research. Tesla can NOT sell you a car in TX. TX might be one of those hybrid state where they can SHOW you a car, but not SELL you a car... walk into the showroom and find out. In SC they can not even SHOW you a car... but in some states they just aren't allowed to SELL you a car. So they can show it but not sell it. Then the car dealers send in secret shoppers to see if there are any sales going on, and if so they go complain to the lawmakers. So that's car dealers. Complaining. That someone has the nerve to sell a car.

[@KyleCowden]

@@austinmeyer Ah. Hadn't considered that angle. Now I'm curious about how they sell to Texas residents. Goodness knows there are plenty on the roads here. Thank you for the explanation.

[@austinmeyer]

@@KyleCowden Go check it out and report back here in the comment section with what you find! Ask them if they will sell you a car on the spot. I bet you they are not allowed to. Find out and reply below with what you found!

[@KyleCowden]

@@austinmeyer Will do. OT: I'm about to build a new system, can't wait to put XP12 on it.

[@That-Guy_]

I'm in Texas and have 2 Teslas. They mail you the needed paperwork, pre filled out for the title transfer. You have to go the the DMV/Tax Collector yourself and pay the fee and sales tax of 6.25% at that point. Tax can't be rolled into the loan like with dealerships. Hope that helped.

[@shaanfliesplanes]

This guy is giving me vibes of Peter from Deadpool 2

[@kasm10]

great job Austin. illuminating as usual

[@nealjenkins4647]

Good breakdown. I've heard only positive things about the online buying experience for electric vehicles. I have no idea why anyone would cherish the opportunity to hang out at a dealership for hours while paperwork is filled out and upselling is pushed on you. Also, the only sales people I want to deal with are the ones that leave you alone. The Dealership model seems like the salespeople are fighting for their life. As soon as you drive-in, they're ready to pounce. How comfortable of a living is that? Makes me think it's great to own a dealership but not be the guy selling at one. I set up a demo drive on a Model Y (1.5 hours away because I live in a no-go state). It was super casual and no-pressure. You could tell the employees were happy in their environment and not worried about making a sale, the cars were selling themselves. It's got to be frustrating for the wealthy car dealership owners knowing their kids wanna drive Teslas, Rivians, etc. Post more stuff Austin!

[@bartoszskowronski]

anther patent scam

[@PlaneGuyProud]

lol They don't wanna get the Clarkson treatment maybe. But fuck the government.

[@triskellian]

Interesting legislation to limit competition. I must ask, if you buy a Tesla, where do you get it serviced or repaired? Thanks for the video Austin!

[@austinmeyer]

When I lived in SC, I picked it up in NC.. COULD go there for service, IF I ever needed it... which I have not. Now I live in VT... I guess the closest place is in NY? Who knows... I never need service.

[@triskellian]

@@austinmeyer Thanks for the feedback! I figured that because of fewer moving parts and other factors involved with combustion engines, less maintenance was the case. However, I wondered if other mechanics would be willing to work on an electric car if the owner was in a pinch. For example, if one sustained damage to the wheels, or any other part of the car. Of course, the other consideration is the duration of the battery and what to do with it after replacement.

[@austinmeyer]

@@triskellian eh, tons of teslas have passed 500,000 miles, and some are right around a million... battery down 20% at that mileage... maybe how much power you've lost in a recip engine at that age

[@triskellian]

@@austinmeyer Interesting. I've entertained the prospect of owing an electric car, mainly because of the torque it can deliver. Thanks again for your insight!

[@geevnahal7926]

I went to Tesla’s website to lease a car. It showed me a monthly payment and a down payment value for it. It sounded reasonable to me. Then they asked me to pay a non-refundable $250. I trusted them, because they are not dealers! Then I wen’t to the app, to file the documents. The down payment became 2 times, and also the monthly payment somewhat more than the website as well. Now if I cancel it, I lose $250. If I accept it I pay $3000 more than the website for a lease, not to buy, which needs another big cut for a bigger thief called the government. The way I see it is that a bunch of old thief ganged together, to prevent a new thief to join without paying its dues. You may watch godfather movies before considering to get a new car!

[@novemberecho71]

Tesla is simply just a dream come true!...

[@piloto_loco]

austin, this activity makes no progress unless you finally take the steps up First St NE Wasington D.C. and tell your story to the right people. people on the street won't do that job for you, maybe your intentions are different to an assumable attempt of actually changing the corrupt law. but who does in fact care? tesla has no interest in changing their direct sales line (actual statement by Elon), so what you do is fighting some phantom balloon with absolutely no relevance to anyone. Traditional retail is being as dead as ever, electrics taking over the roads, and the chinese are coming. I often have the feeling your track is like 10 years back, in every sense. if you want attention, and not accomplishement, continue. i love your entertainment. If this is only about test driving, my suggestion here and now: Make X-Plane drivable, so we all can own and test Teslas around the clock.

[@austinmeyer]

wrong on all counts. this is all state law, not federal. and my info is that you can get a car off a web site to solve the problem.

[@TheOnlyName]

Just ridiculous what dealers and big oil have tried to do to stop Tesla! Great video though!

[@Flow-.-]

Absolute legend 🫡

[@soeren72]

Living there and not knowing that is even more wild

[@kekke2000]

Not that surprising though, if the news outlets don't talk about, people won't talk about it. Days just go by one by one and you notice nothing different so you don't react.

[@Agg1E91]

The dealers bother me the least. They are in business to make money, and enrich their investors. Period. In a proper economy, they would compete in such a way that their customer service would be almost directly tied to their financial performance. Which brings me to the groups I do have issues with. Elected politicians *should* operate apart from whatever bennies the dealers dole out. But since they see political office as a lifelong multi-generational dynastic endeavor, like the dealers, they see themselves in office to make money to get power. And keep it forever. Business do lot like leaving money on the table. Politicians don't like leaving power and control on the table. Which brings us to the press. The one group who can least defend allowing the most money to have the loudest voice. Print and broadcast media are the worst because they will actively conspire *with* certain businesses to coordinate an attack against a *wayward* politician. Awful. Unfortunately there is little that can be done about the messed up media. But if SC (and other) voters don't act to change their politicians and actively support them if they are doing the people's will but facing headwinds from dealers and the press then nothing's going to change. And their inaction will communicate to all involved that the voters are ok with that.

[@austinmeyer]

Yep! Exactly. Soooooo.... my final sentences in the video: Get your car online, and never look back!

[@embrj1453]

it's a ftup world we live in

[@cannaroe1213]

wow this was a super video for the size of the channel, Austin Meyer is going places with or without a tesla

[@cannaroe1213]

oh ok that's his tesla. shoulda have waited until the end lol. spoiler alert i guess.

[@tc6984]

I am in agreement with you on this but want to ask, while i brought this video up. Now that you know all pro and con on yoiur plane Would you do it all over again and build/buy the Evolution. Or something else i.e. used pilatus . About 95% of my missions will not be over 900NM. Also where for insurance on said plane. TIA

[@austinmeyer]

Evo is faster and smaller than a pilatus, and waaaaaaay cheaper and uses way less gas... no comparison... this is porsche 911 compared to chevy suburban. I fly without insurance... I basically never buy insurance on anything. Look back at how much you have paid to insurance companies in premiums vs how much you have collected to see why.

[@tc6984]

wow very interesting (self insured) thats a video in itself. Understand the low probability but........... I have thought of this in past for my home (no mortgage) but never followed thru. I am airline pilot with few years before retirement and looking at my first plane/hangar. Hangar homes. Im in NC with FL interest. Would prefer not to see big airports again .

[@eljuano28]

Remember when the Constitution said it was part of the purpose of the Federal government to regulate commerce?

[@BrockGunterSmith]

Amen brother! …although I’m in Manitoba, Canada.

[@royendgel]

Such an informative video! how can this even be possible, So to buy a tesla you need to buy it in another state and then register it in California ?

[@austinmeyer]

Yah you have to buy it in a different state and then register it in your state.

[@bartoszskowronski]

good job

[@a-fox]

As I understand it service is Tesla's weak spot so having 2 or 3 service centers that also serve as dealerships might be a good thing. And Musk can own all the dealerships.

[@Nemura12]

EV cars? Where the power comes from? The batteries they use? When they use cero point reactors then we can talk about it. For now, no thank you. If you wonder, 20+ years in the car business.

[@austinmeyer]

For me, the power comes from the solar panels on my roof. SC is the most nuclear-powered state in the country, and i just moved to vermont, where we get our power from quebec hydro. So where do we get our power from? Atoms, sunbeams, and water falling down a hill. And this charges cars that are now beating bugattis in drag-races. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6qnoYSmmLWjq8Usi=1lYABZd2RydK8d6o

[@That-Guy_]

That all or nothing mentality is helping no one. We are in a transition to sustainable power and away from fossil fuels. It will take time but we will get there faster than you would think.

[@johnh9637]

@meyer OK, but you're ignoring the manufacturing inputs, both for Tesla and the solar panels. And what happens to the batteries at end-of-life?

[@austinmeyer]

Redwood recycling is a new company that is going to recycle them.. but even the first0gen batteries are still largely in use!.@@johnh9637

[@dixielandfarm]

Sounds just like the Patent Scam here, Austin. So frustrating.

[@Jonay1990]

Land of the free eh?

[@joaocavalcanti7721]

Let's change our national anthem ...."not the land of the free ...and the home of the afraid ...."

[@marckramer7104]

It’s amazing Elon has accomplished what he has given the headwinds he continues to face.

[@blackhatfreak]

Lol you mean what others have accomplished and he takes credit for?

[@Avazhi]

Unfortunately, Elon's outspoken idiocy on many issues over the past 3 or so years (since he became worth $200+Billion) has kinda shattered the eccentric engineering/business genius idea we all had of him. By idiocy I don't mean his political views on certain topics that differ from mine (I know plenty of extremely smart people whose political views differ dramatically from my own) - I'm talking his propensity to constantly run his mouth - 'Pedoguy', 'Buying at $420 a share, funding secured!', talking his way into overpaying for Twitter and then destroying its value once he bought it, overselling things like Neuralink and the Telsa Truck, and frankly overselling Telsa's Autopilot feature (which Telsa is now being sued for in multiple jurisdictions). I'm a huge Austin fan (didn't know he moved to VT???) and while I'm not a big Telsa fan personally, I can appreciate that this issue is bigger than Telsa and reflects an absolute stifling of market competition. Smells like DOJ antitrust issues from here to me.

[@subthermosphere]

None of them know they are in the prescence of a flight sim god. 🫡

[@subthermosphere]

Also great video, well informing and great editing.