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Cant decide which car to get, Model S 2016 with MCU1 or new Model 3

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Most owners will tell you to buy the car that they choose. Makes sense.

Two biggest differences are size. 3 is tight and nimble while S is more roomy and comfortable.
S has a Hatch and 3 has a trunk.
Most feel the S is the better looking. More elegant, while the 3 has the latest electronic gadgets.

This decision has been going on for a while, and Tesla has coming soon the Model Y as a comprimise. A slightly larger car with double the space. Has the desirable utility of a Hatch Back design.

People still trying to sort out the looks preference.

In Vegas, pulling up to a casino to discharge a rear seat passenger, the 3 will be a yawn, the S will get some glances, but the X will steal the show.
 
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I would go with the Model 3 because it feels more like a fun sports car to drive around with. It's more practical, seems a little more futuristic.

The Model S feels like a traditional car. Big steering wheel, huge screen....it feels like an electric Mercedes S class.

The Model 3 feels like a very smooth Civic SI minus the engine noise.

The Model 3 is the newer/more thought out/more refined car, with a better chassis.

Model 3 is the winner. I was dabbing with this issue myself. Model 3, dual motor if you can.
 
6mo ago I bought my used 2015 S85 with AP1 & all options (except cold weather) + extended Tesla 4yr/50k warranty instead of a new model 3.

To me, the S is a much better looking car although I don’t dislike the 3. I also bought my model S after it took its biggest depreciation hit.

The bigger size and much larger cargo capacity, quieter and smoother ride (SAS), and especially the FUSC was the ultimate deciding factor. And if I have kids in the near future I can add the rear facing seats!

Either way there’s no bad choice, but one might fit your situation better than the other.

I’m also in the group that thinks FSD is a great goal but it’s years away. I do wish I had dashcam and sentry mode but there are alternative solutions.

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The technology in the M3 will certainly be newer. But not all MCU1 cars will be affected by the flash memory problem


Yes they will- it's the inherent nature of flash memory to wear out with constant writing. It'll take longer for some cars, but absolutely all will be affected by it failing over time.

IIRC Tesla claimed they'd reduced the amount of logging to delay onset- but then folks with access to the code suggest they really haven't.... and even then it'd just delay onset, not prevent it.

MCU2 will have the same issue eventually (as will anything using flash memory with frequent writes for logging) since it also does a lot of constant unneeded logging- but given its a much larger memory card (32GB instead of 8GB) it'll take longer.... though not necessarily much longer if they keep filling up space they'd otherwise use for wear leveling with more, and larger, games and apps....


see here for a lot more technical breakdown on this-
UPDATE: Tesla Cars Have A Memory Problem That May Cost You A Lot To Repair
 
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In any case, this MCU memory failing should not be the deciding factor. There's no clear winner here, it all comes down to what one is expecting from the car:

- more space, more comfortable and quiet ride, hatch, arguably better looks - used Model S
- latest tech (arguably useful), more sporty ride - new Model 3

Warranty, as mentioned somewhere here, should also not be a deciding factor since used Model S bought from Tesla will have the 4 years/50k miles warranty, plus the remaining from the 8 years battery/drivetrain.
 
In any case, this MCU memory failing should not be the deciding factor.

Deciding? No, but should be considered as a potential point of failure/future expense if it happens out of warranty. Speaking of which-

Warranty, as mentioned somewhere here, should also not be a deciding factor since used Model S bought from Tesla will have the 4 years/50k miles warranty, plus the remaining from the 8 years battery/drivetrain.

They might. Or they might not.

Ordering a Used Tesla

Tesla said:
Model S and X will come with either a 4-year or 50,000 additional mile warranty or 2-year, up to 100,000 total mile warranty (dependent on age and mileage at time of purchase)
 
Yes they will- it's the inherent nature of flash memory to wear out with constant writing. It'll take longer for some cars, but absolutely all will be affected by it failing over time.

IIRC Tesla claimed they'd reduced the amount of logging to delay onset- but then folks with access to the code suggest they really haven't.... and even then it'd just delay onset, not prevent it.

MCU2 will have the same issue eventually (as will anything using flash memory with frequent writes for logging) since it also does a lot of constant unneeded logging- but given its a much larger memory card (32GB instead of 8GB) it'll take longer.... though not necessarily much longer if they keep filling up space they'd otherwise use for wear leveling with more, and larger, games and apps....


see here for a lot more technical breakdown on this-
UPDATE: Tesla Cars Have A Memory Problem That May Cost You A Lot To Repair
Fine. Put a few bucks aside each month for the time a repair is needed, if Tesla won't cover it as a manufacturing defect.
 
I cant decide which car to get, Model S 2016 with MCU1 or new Model 3.
I got a new job that will require me to commute about 20 miles. Dont plant to do any long trips with this car.
I did test drive both yesterday and i'm still undecided.
After driving M3 for 30 min i was surprised how it is easy and fun to drive.
My main concern before driving it was size, too small, but after driving i really didnt feel it was much smaller then MS inside.
I like MS exterior more, and a bit more space it trunk but im not sure im going to use that space anyway.
My main concern about MS is older MCU, yellowing screen and slightly higher insurance.
I know this is forum about M3 but if anyone here had same doubts before buying new car please explain what car you choose and why


thanx
I have them both and have a massive preference for the model S there seems to be a lot of teething problems with the model 3. Downloading updates is erratic. The automatic windscreen wipers are set very badly the side mirrors have dairy limited adjustment range and the speed limit recognition is very poor. None of these problems occur with my Model S
 
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During my research phase of this process, I found that most reviewers who owned or drove both preferred the Model 3.

The general consensus that I found was additional range + new MCU + DM AWD + nimble handling were the difference makers. YMMV...
 
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I have them both and have a massive preference for the model S there seems to be a lot of teething problems with the model 3. Downloading updates is erratic. The automatic windscreen wipers are set very badly the side mirrors have dairy limited adjustment range and the speed limit recognition is very poor. None of these problems occur with my Model S


Assuming your S is an older AP1 model?

It's unclear if OP is asking about an AP1 model like yours or an AP2/MCU1 model - the AP2 2016 one would have the same wiper system and same type of speed limit recognition as the 3.

(no sensor- just cameras for the wipers, and no camera, just map database for speed limits respectively)

On the other hand the other driver assist features are generally a lot more advanced on the newer AP2/3 cars than yours (blind spot and auto lane change being a big example where it uses the side cameras instead of just the super short range ultrasonics, plus stuff like Nav on AP where it'll change lanes on its own, handle highway interchanges automatically, etc... plus advanced summon though that's largely a party trick right now... allegedly by end of year is when the other major new FSD stuff for post-AP1 cars will become available like handling red lights and stop signs and city street navigation)
 
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Thank you all for your responses! Very helpful !
We had chance today to test drive both cars.
We like them both, but can buy only one! :(
My wife like M3, but says MS looks better and more comfort.
But she is saying M3 is better for what we need (work,short trips...) and she likes idea of watching youtube while waiting somewhere.
Sales person at Tesla is saying that we need to order one now if we want to get tax credit. (He said we will get our car 100% before year end).
The only thing now that worries me is Tesla as a company, I sent them 4 messages in total asking question(s) about specific vehicle (2 messages via chat, they promised they will get back to me with more info, and 2 messages via email) and still no response after 5 days.
Really?