Help with prepping for first car please

[itsRP]

First time buying a car and I'm soo excited it's a Tesla. Model 3 SR+ MSM exterior w/ white interior. Est Delivery Date Nov 29 - Dec 13, Southern California.

I want to be as educated as possible about my car. Can you all please recommend me what to buy for the car and what to read/watch so I know the in's and out's of the car? Or if there is an existing thread(s) on these topics please direct me to them.
I want to know which accessories are highly recommended/necessary such as a volt reader for the 12v battery, car mats, tire repair kit, etc. And I want to know all about efficiency, charging, range, common problems, etc. Links to websites would be much appreciated!

It's a bit overwhelming and confusing to go through this site for all this info, but I want to be prepared as possible. Thank you everyone in advance .

 

[jkburns]

Greetings and congratulations! I'm in almost the same boat, having ordered just two weeks ago (M3, AWD, Blue w/White). You might want to start with the videos on the Tesla app. They're short and digestible. Then, if you want, dive into the complete M3 Owner's Manual (also available online).

In terms of accessories, I've loaded up prior to delivery, but that's just the way I roll. Give yourself some time with the car and you'll determine what you want/need once you get a feel. There's really no rush.

One big thing I would recommend: Have your at-home charging plans implemented prior to delivery. I took delivery of my "gas station" (wall charger) yesterday, and having it installed today. Once that is done, I think I'm all set.

I plan on having the car for many years, so I'm giving myself permission to accessorize over time as the urge strikes me.

Congrats again! The wait is awful......

Kevin

 

[Big Earl]

Congrats! Read everything you can on this forum. Also, take the time to read the online owner's manual to familiarize yourself with the features and operations of your new car.

Model 3 Support Videos | Tesla

https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/model_3_owners_manual_north_america_en.pdf

Also poke around on www.plugshare.com and familiarize yourself with public charging stations in your area.

If you're planning to go on road trips, check out A Better Routeplanner to get detailed information on energy consumption, where to charge and how much it'll cost. You can also compare the cost to charge your new Model 3 to other vehicles like the Chevy Bolt, Audi E-Tron and more.

 

[itsRP]

Congrats! Read everything you can on this forum. Also, take the time to read the online owner's manual to familiarize yourself with the features and operations of your new car.

Model 3 Support Videos | Tesla

https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/model_3_owners_manual_north_america_en.pdf

Will do, thank you!
EDIT: I see your extra comments about ABRP and plugshare, will def read into those too tysm!

 

[itsRP]

Greetings and congratulations! I'm in almost the same boat, having ordered just two weeks ago (M3, AWD, Blue w/White). You might want to start with the videos on the Tesla app. They're short and digestible. Then, if you want, dive into the complete M3 Owner's Manual (also available online).

In terms of accessories, I've loaded up prior to delivery, but that's just the way I roll. Give yourself some time with the car and you'll determine what you want/need once you get a feel. There's really no rush.

One big thing I would recommend: Have your at-home charging plans implemented prior to delivery. I took delivery of my "gas station" (wall charger) yesterday, and having it installed today. Once that is done, I think I'm all set.

I plan on having the car for many years, so I'm giving myself permission to accessorize over time as the urge strikes me.

Congrats again! The wait is awful......

Kevin

Thank you Kevin and congrats to you too! Something to look forward to after all the craziness this year has brought for everyone. I watched those videos before I placed my order! The simplicity and ease of features of the car made it so tempting to buy ASAP. After I test drove it I knew I had to have it hehe. I do have charging plans in mind and plan on calling an electrician soon. Can't wait to see everyone's posts with the new Model 3s .

 

[mattnis]

Get a new 12v battery right away.

 

[ShaolinJ]

I got these all-weather floormats and they look amazing
autailors custom fit all weather floor mats | Autailors

I also love the blue footwell lights and brighter trunk lights. They are easy to install. Also the M3 performance aluminum pedals...
Model 3

 

[totoro722]

I agree with everything in Big Earl’s excellent post except the part about reading everything you can on this forum. Things you read on this forum can frighten you unnecessarily, as it is full of strongly placed opinions. I believe reading this forum is a good idea, but take things with a grain of salt until you have your new car.

 

[itsRP]

I got these all-weather floormats and they look amazing
autailors custom fit all weather floor mats | Autailors

I also love the blue footwell lights and brighter trunk lights. They are easy to install. Also the M3 performance aluminum pedals...
Model 3

Thank you for the links! Omg almost everything on Abstract Ocean is soo tempting to buy rn! I will def be browsing this site often

 

[Gasaraki]

First time buying a car and I'm soo excited it's a Tesla. Model 3 SR+ MSM exterior w/ white interior. Est Delivery Date Nov 29 - Dec 13, Southern California.

I want to be as educated as possible about my car. Can you all please recommend me what to buy for the car and what to read/watch so I know the in's and out's of the car? Or if there is an existing thread(s) on these topics please direct me to them.
I want to know which accessories are highly recommended/necessary such as a volt reader for the 12v battery, car mats, tire repair kit, etc. And I want to know all about efficiency, charging, range, common problems, etc. Links to websites would be much appreciated!

It's a bit overwhelming and confusing to go through this site for all this info, but I want to be prepared as possible. Thank you everyone in advance .

I would read the manual more than once.

 

[UncertainTimes]

Budget $10k for full PPF wrap and coating. If you get a refresh at least you’ll save some money on chrome delete and center console wrap.

 

[JBHemlock]

Congrats, itsRP! It's a really fun car, and I really feel the whole "waiting for delivery" excitement.

It's a good idea to have a checklist in hand when you go to pick up your car. Delivery-day problems seem to be pretty rare, but they do happen, and it's best to identify them right off the bat. Here's a thread from this forum. I used that checklist when I picked up my model 3, too.

Oh, and I'll chime in to say I agree that floormats (I got the ones from Tesla, they're good in wet Seattle), a tire repair kit, and 12V compressor are necessities.

I don't know if you've seen this, but if you have the standard 18" wheels you can pull off the aero hubcaps and fit little lug nut caps (Tesla sells them), and it gives your wheels a really nice, sporty look. Supposedly it reduces your range a little, but I haven't really noticed it.

 

[DwightKSchrute]

COnsider a Screen protector - I got it in matte, which has less glare
If you have the newest interior 3, some of my mods are not relevant (carbon fiber on console, wireless charger).
I also got all weather mats
Consider paint film protection.
Enjoy

 

[StephenSegari]

Get a new 12v battery right away.

Why's this???

 

[Gasaraki]

Why's this???

Don't listen to that person

 

[StephenSegari]

Don't listen to that person

Thanks.

I'm in the same boat as the OP. My wall charger actually delivered yesterday, and I'll be running a 220 line and installing this weekend in the garage.

I already plan on protective film and ceramic coating. Just need to pick out some floormats for now and then I'll add stuff as I go.

 

[itsRP]

Congrats, itsRP! It's a really fun car, and I really feel the whole "waiting for delivery" excitement.

It's a good idea to have a checklist in hand when you go to pick up your car. Delivery-day problems seem to be pretty rare, but they do happen, and it's best to identify them right off the bat. Here's a thread from this forum. I used that checklist when I picked up my model 3, too.

Oh, and I'll chime in to say I agree that floormats (I got the ones from Tesla, they're good in wet Seattle), a tire repair kit, and 12V compressor are necessities.

I don't know if you've seen this, but if you have the standard 18" wheels you can pull off the aero hubcaps and fit little lug nut caps (Tesla sells them), and it gives your wheels a really nice, sporty look. Supposedly it reduces your range a little, but I haven't really noticed it.

Thank you for the link to the thread! I will bring a checklist with me on delivery day, hopefully my excitement doesn't blind me from noticing any issues . Which repair kit do you have? And I think the new Aero hubcaps look good online, but maybe I'll change my mind once I see them in person. I'll keep the caps in mind!

 

[ThomasD]

Have you looked into insurance? With this being your first car it could be expensive

 

[itsRP]

Have you looked into insurance? With this being your first car it could be expensive

Yes I have. Online quotes seem pricey, I'm hoping if I call local insurance agents I'll be able to get better rates. And I have the option of Tesla insurance since Im in Cali. Ty for the reply!

 

[JBHemlock]

Thank you for the link to the thread! I will bring a checklist with me on delivery day, hopefully my excitement doesn't blind me from noticing any issues . Which repair kit do you have? And I think the new Aero hubcaps look good online, but maybe I'll change my mind once I see them in person. I'll keep the caps in mind!

I ended up getting this repair kit based on someone else's recommendation on these forums. It seems pretty nice, though I haven't had to use it yet. I bought this compressor, too. They both live in the sub-trunk space as cheap peace of mind.