Tesla Model 3 Performance

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
That massive etch-a-sketch screen is a horrendous distraction for me.

It was even more of a distraction for a colleague who was showing off his Tesla....let’s say his passenger seat had rouched leather..
I actually thought similar prior to test driving. However, whilst it’s a reasonable size it contains everything you need to look at or alter whilst driving in that one space, compared to a more normal car like my CLS which has a dashboard, steering wheel controls and a massive centre console containing a screen and multiple switches. In that respect it works for me and compared to my AMG it’s actually a much smaller space to look at to use switches / view info.

It is taking some getting use to but suppose it’s a marmite feature.
 
Yup - I prefer a knob or button I can use without having to look at it...but I’m old school and not too hot with touch sensitive screens...
 
Good luck with it J.

I am warming to the idea of a leccy car.

We are considering replacing the other half's 2012 Joke with one at some stage although I am not sure with what yet.

Be interesting to see how you get on with the ownership experience.
 
Yes it is a bit of an unknown on the newer models. But so far residuals after a year / two years on the model 3 are very strong indeed (5-10% v 35% on ICE). However, this could be driven by current high demand v limited supply (even during CV-19). Batteries currently are targeted to last between 300-500k miles, with the million miles battery due later this year or 2021. So for me not a major issue as mine will unlikely get to 50k miles before I move it on.

Many go down the lease route v buying, many are company cars, which becomes attractive due to the current BIK at 0/1/2%. Many are buying outright, some then trade back in against newer models with minimal loss (model 3’s).

Servicing is minimal. No engine and associated items to worry about. The battery condition is visible on the screen and is a non serviceable item. So it’s just the regenerative brakes that’ll need replacing (discs and pads), but these should last beyond 100k miles. Outside of that are windscreen wipers and tyres.

Charging options are interesting. I’m awaiting my home charger to be installed. So currently I’m using a 3 pin plug so it’s slow. However, there is a free 150kW charger nearby that I’ve used a couple of times to top it up. We’ve also looked at switching electricity providers who offer incentives for EV cars which should see us pay less per month v what we pay now despite having the car as well.

Hope this helps.

Cyclone1,

Thanks for a really useful post/reply....I found the battery life info really useful & interesting. As for motors combustion engines and significant parts can fail too.



The problem with rent to buy, lease, PCP or other financed options is penalties residual loss &/or depreciation if doing considerable business mileage........this is the same for any new car. arguably the issue with the latest model 3 is there aren't may used ones that represent a significant saving over new or near new.

Early Tesla S models came with free access & use of superchargers...a significant inventive but since removed for genuine & declared business use.

I suspect my current high mileage 2001 220cdi will remain in my hands a while. If I eventually do replace it then I suspect a ULEZ compliant Euro 6 Diesel equivalent either a facelift late S212 or maybe S213 would be the next logical vehicle on my driveway.

Presently I don't see myself likely in a Tesla 3 anytime soon but I remain open minded subject to change(s)....................Assuming I am still around....In 5 years or so, I may be later looking at the Tesla 3 as a used option.....By that time used EQE models & other offerings will hopefully also be on the radar......(assuming we have functioning infrastructure & its safe to drive/travel out there).

In the meantime.... Tesla (& Mr Musk's other endeavors), continue to capture my interest.

Thanks again :)
 
Cyclone1,

Thanks for a really useful post/reply....I found the battery life info really useful & interesting. As for motors combustion engines and significant parts can fail too.



The problem with rent to buy, lease, PCP or other financed options is penalties residual loss &/or depreciation if doing considerable business mileage........this is the same for any new car. arguably the issue with the latest model 3 is there aren't may used ones that represent a significant saving over new or near new.

Early Tesla S models came with free access & use of superchargers...a significant inventive but since removed for genuine & declared business use.

I suspect my current high mileage 2001 220cdi will remain in my hands a while. If I eventually do replace it then I suspect a ULEZ compliant Euro 6 Diesel equivalent either a facelift late S212 or maybe S213 would be the next logical vehicle on my driveway.

Presently I don't see myself likely in a Tesla 3 anytime soon but I remain open minded subject to change(s)....................Assuming I am still around....In 5 years or so, I may be later looking at the Tesla 3 as a used option.....By that time used EQE models & other offerings will hopefully also be on the radar......(assuming we have functioning infrastructure & its safe to drive/travel out there).

In the meantime.... Tesla (& Mr Musk's other endeavors), continue to capture my interest.

Thanks again :)
Some good points there. I’ll keep the thread updated.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AW8
So I’ve finally bitten the bullet and have a Tesla. Curiosity killed the cat and given the advances in the capability of electric vehicles, then for me it’s the right time to give it a go.

The car is far from perfect. It’s common knowledge that the overall quality isn’t on a par with more mainstream brands such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi, however it’s not far behind. It is clear that it is the technology that you are buying and the “structure / build quality is getting there”. So if you go in with your eyes wide open, then you know what to expect.

Mine appears to be a decent example with only one minor blemish on collection from Tesla. It drives very well indeed, it’s comfortable, but with very decent handling and performance. I am enjoying the technology as well as the minimalist fuss free interior. Everyone who has been in the car have been impressed.

It is fair to say it’s no beauty to look at, but with a few subtle enhancements I’ve got it looking how I want it to. Which I am happy with.

Do I prefer It to my AMG? Absolutely not, but Am I glad I’ve switched to electric then yes! If the AMG sells then I will replace it with an older Mercedes or similar that I will restore, enhance, modify etc. I’ve wanted to do this for a while, so would mean I still have an exciting ICE alternative.

A few pics......
View attachment 97668View attachment 97669View attachment 97670View attachment 97671View attachment 97672View attachment 97673View attachment 97675View attachment 97676View attachment 97677
Like that!! Colour Combo is great. 👍 :cool::)
 
I think they’re very interesting and intriguing! Looks a good choice, I hope it delivers as a daily runner especially when your home charging position is upgraded. I’ll follow with interest
 
UPDATE

The car has now done 1400 miles and not missed a beat.

On collection of the car a small scratch was found on the inner drivers door pillar, by the Tesla rep. It was therefore booked into a Tesla Service Centre 4 weeks later to have it corrected, so I had my first experience of Tesla Service. Unfortunately the experience was poor.

Prior to the appointment Tesla contacted me to say they’d reserved a Courtesy Car (Model X) and that my car was booked in to have the paintwork scratch sorted, along with another issue I raised (door seal needing replacing).

So on the day I arrived ahead of time for my 9am appointment, booked the car in confirming the work, signed for the Model X and then I was off home from Tesla Birmingham to Nottingham. All good so far.

I arrived home about 11 and settled in to my new normal working day in the office. At 11.15 my phone rang, it was Tesla! I was told they’d inspected the scratch and that they wouldn’t be able to sort it as it’ll need to be done by a “paint specialist”, so would have to be booked in again in another 4 weeks time! Also they didn’t have a door seal in stock so that would also need to be booked back in lol! I asked them to confirm that they don’t do any paint jobs at the service centre and they said that’s correct, plus they only do minor paint repairs on Wednesdays, as that the day the person attends lol! So I asked why did they book me in on a Thursday as my job was clearly a “paint” job and she just said they like to check first! Even though they had pictures of the scratch in advance and it was raised by a Tesla rep, I find that hard to believe!

The Rep then casually asked if I could “pop” the courtesy car back and collect my car, as she wanted to book it out for another customer later in the day. I explained that I’d already driven a 110 mile return journey, so I’d hardly be popping the car back, plus I asked why didn’t they tell me when I arrived that they were just “inspecting” the car, as I would have just waited. I politely told the Rep I wouldn’t be popping the car back that day which they accepted. However, I later decided to drive it back and collect my car. Not the best first experience so will see how the next visit goes.
 
UPDATE

No issues with the car.

it has had x4 over the air updates from Tesla, adding things like two additional camera angles to reversing, updated sat nav info and other minor software improvements.

I’ve bought a few “accessories” for the car as follows;

Front and rear boot mats
Rear full length raised side boot mat
USB Hub with 6 sockets
SSD / Card reader for capturing sentry footage from the cameras
Carbon fibre centre console cover
Screen protector
Rockbros Suction Bike mount

I’ve also had my Home Charge point installed (New Motion Advanced).

The low speed acceleration novelty hasn’t worn off just yet, but it’s fair to say that compared to the CLS the acceleration at motorway speeds whilst good, is for me a tad underwhelming, it’s still very quick, but not what I was used to.

The car itself despite not being built to Merc standards is holding up well. I had a slight rattle from the rear seats which I’ve sorted. The white vegan leather interior is quite robust and isn’t marking up yet, in fact cleans up very well indeed. Brake dust is minimal and the ceramic coating on the bodywork is helping keep the car cleaner and is certainly easier to clean when washing the car.

The Tech in the car and use of controls is already second nature. So no concerns there either.

I’ve planned a week away in Scotland soon so will see how the car performs on that.....a first chance to stretch its legs and use the supercharger network enroute.

BD114BAE-1201-4265-A16E-69CCFE60FF43.jpeg763FB609-686B-44B9-B83D-1B13DAD79CA6.jpegBAA6684E-B518-4107-966E-4573862F7EC3.jpeg
 
What an incredibly-annoying waste of everyone's time.

Totally avoidable from the dealer.
I was fuming as it was almost comical. I had read mixed reviews depending on which service centre people had attended. But this was just poor. I’ve priced up having the scratch sorted myself, firstly because I don’t now trust they will do a good job and secondly because it’ll be quicker and less stressful lol.
 
How do you find the ride quality compared to the CLS (AirMATIC presumably)?

Is the Tesla air also?
 
The low speed acceleration novelty hasn’t worn off just yet, but it’s fair to say that compared to the CLS the acceleration at motorway speeds whilst good, is for me a tad underwhelming, it’s still very quick, but not what I was used to.

Thats the one thing electric propulsion motors don't like to do, change speed and load simultaneously due to torque decreasing as output speed increases. Nothing tops V6/V8 etc to be able to call on peak torque at any given road/engine speed.

I like how you have an open view too it. Most Tesla drivers are so evangelical about them its nauseating, the low speed 100% torque from rest is all it has going for it really.
 
Thats the one thing electric propulsion motors don't like to do, change speed and load simultaneously due to torque decreasing as output speed increases. Nothing tops V6/V8 etc to be able to call on peak torque at any given road/engine speed.

I like how you have an open view too it. Most Tesla drivers are so evangelical about them its nauseating, the low speed 100% torque from rest is all it has going for it really.
I’m open yes, but wouldn’t agree that “the low speed 100% torque from rest is all it has going for it”. It has so much more than just that. You have to remember that my last 3 AMG’s equate to 2100bhp, so whilst I’m not stupid enough to expect the car to have the luxury, build, noise or high end performance, it does have a lot of aspects I like. Up against a normal AMG like a C63 or E63 it wouldn’t be lacking at most speeds, ahead in some and behind in others. But as a car it drives really well, steering feel is very good, it’s very planted, corners well and shifts it’s hefty weight well, I can certainly hustle it around with a lot more confidence and pace than I could my CLS. For now I’m enjoying it, but in time when there’s loads on the road and the novelty starts to wear off (if), then I may move on to another EV, chances are the S replacement will be out, the Taycan already has appeal, plus the mainstream will hopefully have comparable offerings.

I do though agree with you about some Of the Tesla hardcore fanboys, they are grating and won’t hear a bad word. Many aren’t car enthusiasts but are Tech enthusiasts......I lie low on the Tesla forums as they prefer to talk about range, autopilot, software updates and the fart button.....
 
I see a few people wanting to modify having issues with tesla's approach to its product family, not unlike Apple and its expensive protected eco system being closed to anyone who does not cross its palm with (a lot of) silver.

Over two decades ago people threw fits because of Intel sticking serial numbers into the Pentium CPUs.

Now we see companies selling connected software and hardware products like phones, cars, software packages that basically make your use of the product *you buy* conditional upon their ability to control and advertise.

And people barely bat an eyelid - or become fans of these companies.

Somehow nobody seems to be that bothered. There really needs to be some severe consumer protection legislation that reigns things back to a more reasonable level.
 
How do you find the ride quality compared to the CLS (AirMATIC presumably)?

Is the Tesla air also?
Sorry John missed this.

It doesn’t have air just standard spring set up. I’ve then lowered it a little. It rides fine, firm without being “crashy”, relatively smooth on decent roads, but not really CLS levels of comfort. It’s just been back into Tesla so they gave me a Model S P90D, this has a much more “Mercedes” ride quality feel to it. But over small bumps and imperfections on the road didn’t absorb them as well as the 3 does. However you can feel the overall difference in general ride quality between the cheaper 3 and the S or a CLS Merc.
 
Is the cls advertised anywhere? how much are you looking for?
 
A few pics while the suns out. Still going strong, a few niggles, but manageable.....
5623E543-30E6-4DBD-915B-AB6734926B03.jpeg90E808A9-C301-4B3F-B5A9-3929EA85DD53.jpeg18592147-8B56-4CCE-B239-A241FFB2DD46.jpegE4E515B1-8254-4B0F-8E42-5AEF44F1743A.jpegC61F289A-E3FD-43CF-8D41-9ED220F5232F.jpeg
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom