With the Tesla M3 so many vehicle journalists, presenters, car programmes on TV raved about the car and in my view they couldn't all be wrong, maybe its my size and build but I've never been in any car that I thought was particular uncomfortable including my very first car - a 65 Mini with the rubber bush suspension - so i had no fears the M3P would disappoint. The fact the car was just 6 months old and a super Tesla guarantee 4,5 and 8 years meant I wasn't concerned about any little issues the car may have. I'm a car nut, a real petrol head, love cars and adore keeping them pristine. I also factored in the fact I'm retired and my annual mileage during Covid is about 1200 miles and prior to the lock down maybe only 3000 at best - so if the car had to go to a service centre and stay for a while - it isn't any hardship - so for my particular circumstances there are no negatives.
Over the 48 years of driving I've lost well over £150K in depreciation and regretted not one single transaction, every car I've had has brought pleasure - only bought one car that was me trying to be practical - a decision with the head and got rid of it 6 weeks later - so the pleasure with that one was seeing it go (A Vauxhall in the 80s) In my world you live once - so enjoy the ride, Never thought I cant afford that - more How can I afford that - Its just a state of mind.
I do take - and see the point
@Neilio made, though don't fully agree with it "Cars for people that don't like cars" Tesla are really computers on wheels, its a tech thing, but something that has surpassed everything the ICE has achieved in well over 100 years,
@15Peter20 hit the nail on the head - "Ice has had its day and it was a good run"
I know range anxiety is foremost in many EV owners minds and more so in prospective purchasers, doesn't help when people tell others not to worry then they see a reply to someone wanting 20 inch wheels or fitting Mud Flaps, or carrying a spare wheel -that It will affect range, Likewise when winter comes and range gets reduced because of heating the car and cold batteries - people are making it a bigger issue than it is.
Its a completely different attitude with ICE fans - they bolt stuff on and all others want to know is how its affected performance, MPG isn't usually considered at all.
Affordability is relative but many consider the Tesla range exceptionally expensive - so their expectations are well above their previous vehicles and are easily disappointed over what I would consider minor peculiarities the car displays, So the testicle heaters in the seats not achieving optimum temperature in a given time provokes intense reaction - OK I made that one up, but a real one is the wipers - just press the button on the stalk or set a speed on the touchscreen if the auto setting makes your blood boil - none of the foibles of the car has even slightly raised disappointment for me. So many more positives than negatives and fingers crossed the foibles will get ironed out in the long run - My Glass is half full not half empty.