OK, I fully admit that this post is based on here say and assumptions on my part. I am looking for confirmation/correction on my assumptions and conclusions (so don't kill me!) 
I am trying to get an idea of what the very long term expectations might be on the cost of the 18s vs 19s on the Model 3. All aesthetics aside on this conversation (yes, I agree the 19" wheels look better). Here are some of my assumptions, correct me if I am wrong. 1) 18" tires will last somewhat longer than 19". 2) 19" tires will be more expensive to replace (I am assuming about $50 per corner more for the same brand tire). 3) I will have this car for at least 200,000 miles (Not really an assumption as I keep my cars long term). 4) 18" wheel covers add up to 10% to the efficiency of the vehicle (This is the one I am most unsure about).
So, assuming 200,000 miles over the life of the car, I am guessing 3 tire changes on the 18s and 4 on the 19s. That amounts to a $200 savings per tire change and the added $600 for the additional 19 inch tire change. At a 10% efficiency increase I get about 50,000 Kw on the 19s and 45,000 Kw on the 18s. 5,000 Kw difference at my cheap Georgia electricity rates ($.10/Kw) is about $500 in electricity savings.
That means that the 19s will cost me the initial $1,500 plus $1,200 for tires and $500 for the additional power for a total of $3200 over the life of the car. Seems like a lot to justify for the sake of looks, but that's just me. Now, am I close on my assumptions? Does this sound reasonable? Just trying to weigh the long term options.
Thanks for your insights and opinions on this one. I'll look forward to your responses.
Dan
I am trying to get an idea of what the very long term expectations might be on the cost of the 18s vs 19s on the Model 3. All aesthetics aside on this conversation (yes, I agree the 19" wheels look better). Here are some of my assumptions, correct me if I am wrong. 1) 18" tires will last somewhat longer than 19". 2) 19" tires will be more expensive to replace (I am assuming about $50 per corner more for the same brand tire). 3) I will have this car for at least 200,000 miles (Not really an assumption as I keep my cars long term). 4) 18" wheel covers add up to 10% to the efficiency of the vehicle (This is the one I am most unsure about).
So, assuming 200,000 miles over the life of the car, I am guessing 3 tire changes on the 18s and 4 on the 19s. That amounts to a $200 savings per tire change and the added $600 for the additional 19 inch tire change. At a 10% efficiency increase I get about 50,000 Kw on the 19s and 45,000 Kw on the 18s. 5,000 Kw difference at my cheap Georgia electricity rates ($.10/Kw) is about $500 in electricity savings.
That means that the 19s will cost me the initial $1,500 plus $1,200 for tires and $500 for the additional power for a total of $3200 over the life of the car. Seems like a lot to justify for the sake of looks, but that's just me. Now, am I close on my assumptions? Does this sound reasonable? Just trying to weigh the long term options.
Thanks for your insights and opinions on this one. I'll look forward to your responses.
Dan