I am interested in a test drive, but it didn't make sense to bother with one before I'm imminently ready to actually put money down, especially since another car may win me over before then.

I wanted to stick with the slowest station wagon trim because I don't need the car to be super fast. I've also heard complaints from folks with the faster trims that they have issues at usual traffic speeds, basically because the car wants to go fast at all times, even when pulling away from a red light with other cars in front of you.

As for batteries, I'm mostly just making an assumption. If battery performance starts to wane over time, and it's enough to start becoming a range/performance problem, then I imagine there will be a program for paid replacements and upgrades. I think it's the direction the industry will have to go in to keep things sustainable; you buy your car, then upgrade the batteries as part of maintenance/customization over time. So we don't get left behind by advancements in power tech. Especially as early adopters helping it all happen.

But that's my main logic with not being too concerned about cost; I plan on keeping this car for something like 30 years, until it becomes too expensive or non-viable due to self-driving mandates or license costs or something.

Thanks for the tips. I'll likely start saving up for a battery replacement as my next thing after I finally get the car.