Tesla model 3/y experiences

[Giovannibravo]

I was looking for a new vehicle after getting into a car accident. I wanted to hear about any ownership experiences of M3/Y owners on their switch from ICE to EV.


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[msnow]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

I was looking for a new vehicle after getting into a car accident. I wanted to hear about any ownership experiences of M3/Y owners on their switch from ICE to EV.


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Not exactly to your specifics but as a former *Model S* owner for 6.5 years I can say a) loved driving the car b) not one mechanical problem during all that time c) never was comfortable taking it on long trips (range anxiety) d) Elon would exaggerate and mistate capabilities and therefore I lost trust and confidence in the brand e) don’t trust autopilot.


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[77T]

Originally Posted by msnow

e) don’t trust autopilot.

Agree with this…
I say this is true for all cars with this feature. Not just a Tesla or an EV issue.

For the OP -
if you plan to keep the car for more than 5-10 years, and
it is your only car, and
you use it for long-range trips,

Then I believe you should seriously consider a high-quality hybrid that runs on regular grade gasoline.

Tesla owners face a looming problem as the growing owner base will be vying for an under-built public recharging infrastructure.


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[Giovannibravo]

This would be my only vehicle. I am considering it for the gas saving. Also, I don't do any long road trips. I would just fly instead.

[pickettt]

It’s completely personal and situational. If you drive less than 250 miles per day, you’re going to be fine as far as range anxiety goes. At 80 mph, that’s 3 hours behind the wheel everyday. If you’re not driving that much every day, you’re good. Now…depending on what car you’re coming out of, you may find the interior and build quality quite the let down. Nothing breaks, it’s just low quality. If you can remind yourself that it’s a commuter car, it’s not so bad. I just expect a little more quality for my money.

[SDGT3]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

This would be my only vehicle. I am considering it for the gas saving. Also, I don't do any long road trips. I would just fly instead.

Run the numbers. You'll see that saving $3-$4 per gallon, given what you already said that you don't drive that much, will not pencil out.

[HHIslander]

Originally Posted by pickettt

It’s completely personal and situational. If you drive less than 250 miles per day, you’re going to be fine as far as range anxiety goes. At 80 mph, that’s 3 hours behind the wheel everyday. If you’re not driving that much every day, you’re good. Now…depending on what car you’re coming out of, you may find the interior and build quality quite the let down. Nothing breaks, it’s just low quality. If you can remind yourself that it’s a commuter car, it’s not so bad. I just expect a little more quality for my money.

If you have any engineering background and are used to higher end luxury products, be prepared for some shock. The overall quality and QC in the ones I’ve been in was horrible. Perhaps things have changed.

[Giovannibravo]

I don't drive more than 500km of range at a time. However, I normally drive to work twice a week (80 km each way). My Lexus uses premium gas, so the cost savings are quite significant. The maintenance on the Model 3 is much cheaper than my Lexus. I know they burn through tires, but the pros outweigh the cons.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

I don't drive more than 500km of range at a time. However, I normally drive to work twice a week (80 km each way). My Lexus uses premium gas, so the cost savings are quite significant. The maintenance on the Model 3 is much cheaper than my Lexus. I know they burn through tires, but the pros outweigh the cons.

A Toyota hybrid can get you 50 mpg, will be reliable, and will be inexpensive to maintain for at least ten years. You won’t recover the EV premium with the distance you drive (no savings buying an EV). A hybrid makes a lot more sense.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by SDGT3

Run the numbers. You'll see that saving $3-$4 per gallon, given what you already said that you don't drive that much, will not pencil out.

Impossible to determine until we know how much “that much” is. Also, nowadays cars cost so much that I don’t think EVs are a ton more money. Now, I wouldn’t go out and buy a car I didn’t need, just to try and save fuel costs.

[Giovannibravo]

Originally Posted by pickettt

Impossible to determine until we know how much “that much” is.

I would say annually I am driving 25,000 km, which is around 15,500 miles.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

I would say annually I am driving 25,000 km, which is around 15,500 miles.

That’s less than 300 gallons a year in my Prius (around $1,000 dollars a year in gas at local prices). The premium purchase price of the EV would never be returned on gas savings.

Did you do the math? Are you really saving any money for the privilege of driving a car with a lot worse fit and finish than a Prius?

[77T]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

This would be my only vehicle. I am considering it for the gas saving. Also, I don't do any long road trips. I would just fly instead.

Then most of the factors I mentioned are moot as long as you factor into your TCO a home charger with enough capacity to top-up the battery array overnight.

Last cost factor - if you have a garage, your homeowner’s insurance might rise if the same company covers your car. They have actuaries who know that tune. If you rent an apartment, you’d want an assigned parking space and permission to install your own charger.

That last part is the limiting addressable market factor - EVs only play well with home owners or condo owners with assigned spaces.


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[77T]

Originally Posted by Maleg

Are you really saving any money for the privilege of driving a car with a lot worse fit and finish than a Prius?

But the Tesla looks 1000% better…


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[pickettt]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

I would say annually I am driving 25,000 km, which is around 15,500 miles.

Is fuel savings your only goal?

[Giovannibravo]

I did the math. I am in Ontario, Canada. Energy is very cheap, since we have tonnes of hydroelectric energy (8.7 cents CAD/kwh). Gas in Canada is more expensive than the US, let's say on average premium fuel is 1.85 CAD/L. The saving are quite significant as soon as you factor in our EV credits and maintenance.

[Giovannibravo]

I would say would like to save on fuel. Also, I am an Engineer. I would like to reduce my carbon footprint. The technology is fantastic, compared to Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Lexus.

[Rolextellstime]

I have my Model Y almost 2 years now. I also switched to MY following an accident when my beloved Acura was a write off. I am very happy that I went with the Tesla mY. The car is super fun to drive and autopilot is just awesome. No range anxiety at all and I took many many long trips. There are chargers everywhere.
I have already 80k km in under 2 years. I save over $6k annually in gas compared to my previous car that used premium fuel. I recommend the model Y over m3 because it is roomier and more cargo space in the trunk.
I would never go back to a gas car after driving the Tesla.
Good luck with car shopping.

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[SDGT3]

Properly maintained, your Lexus will outlive 2 EVs. The savings in gas will never pencil out over cost of new EV(s), but it sounds like you want one so just buy it.

[Giovannibravo]

Originally Posted by SDGT3

Properly maintained, your Lexus will outlive 2 EVs. The savings in gas will never pencil out no, but it sounds like you want one so just buy it.

.... my Lexus was written off.

[Giovannibravo]

Originally Posted by Rolextellstime

I have my Model Y almost 2 years now. I also switched to MY following an accident when my beloved Acura was a write off. I am very happy that I went with the Tesla mY. The car is super fun to drive and autopilot is just awesome. No range anxiety at all and I took many many long trips. There are chargers everywhere.
I have already 80k km in under 2 years. I save over $6k annually in gas compared to my previous car that used premium fuel. I recommend the model Y over m3 because it is roomier and more cargo space in the trunk.
I would never go back to a gas car after driving the Tesla.
Good luck with car shopping.

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Similar situation. Thanks for the advice. I felt that after my test drive.

[SDGT3]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

.... my Lexus was written off.

my misunderstanding, thought you still had it. The answer becomes easier then. It does sound like you want it, it's just a matter of which one. Of course you live in a cold weather city, but range may not be a factor in those conditions if you're commute is short.

[Tricolore66]

If I was looking for basic EV or hybrid transportation, I'd be looking at he new Prius. Attractive design for what is basically an econobox, and build quality that's going to be 100% better than a Tesla. I've got a friend who bought a high spec Model Y, and a few months after he bought it Tesla dropped the price on his car something like 25%. His car is now worth less than half of what he paid for it. Tesla margins are so high that they can wack prices like crazy to hit their sales numbers, and still make more per car than the legacy manufacturers. Great for them, but total disregard for the customers who've already committed to their brand.

[brandrea]

Didn’t Elon say he was going to make a $27000 Tesla … a car for the masses was what I thought I heard.

[Giovannibravo]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Didn’t Elon say he was going to make a $27000 Tesla … a car for the masses was what I thought I heard.

Yes, Brian. But you know how it goes. Elon announces everything years in advance. I highly doubt it would be AWD for our winters.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

Yes, Brian. But you know how it goes. Elon announces everything years in advance. I highly doubt it would be AWD for our winters.

Looking for a car for our daughter and thought this sounded like an interesting option.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Didn’t Elon say he was going to make a $27000 Tesla … a car for the masses was what I thought I heard.

Was he smoking a joint when he said that? A serious question.

Tesla needs their margins where they are. I don’t see them remaining a going concern in a price war with the legacy manufacturers.

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Didn’t Elon say he was going to make a $27000 Tesla … a car for the masses was what I thought I heard.

Elon has also been saying Tesla will have fully self driving cars a year from now since like 2017.

[Giovannibravo]

I didn't think an EV thread on the TRF would be so divisive.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

I didn't think an EV thread on the TRF would be so divisive.

I did.