Thanks to a couple of local owners, I was finally able to test drive the Model 3 recently. That car is a blast to drive! Smooth and quick. Most people rave about auto pilot and it lives up to the hype. I want one!
I did notice a couple of issues, though.
I am 6' tall, but with long legs. I am guessing I end up positioning the seat like a 6'2" person. In that position, I was not able to position the left side view mirror out far enough. At its maximum setting, I could still easily see the side of the car. The right side mirror did not have that issue and I was able to position it perfectly. The side mirrors are so small that getting them positioned correctly seems important. I read that Tesla somehow added adjustability to the right side mirror recently, and they need to do the same to the left.
I also, apparently, have a big head. With the seat back angled where I like it, the head-restraint constantly pushes against the back of my head. My neck is forced into a forward angle and I have to "look up" to see forward. I can angle the seat back a bit, which alleviates the pressure against the back of my head, but still leaves my neck angled "forward". With so many body types out there, I am surprised that Tesla does not offer any adjustability in the head-restraint. Maybe Tesla is willing to pay a monthly chiropractic bill?
I was also able to do a short test drive in a Model 3 with first generation seats. The problem with the head-restraint was even a little worse with it, so Tesla has made the situation better. They need to go further, though.
I am going to wait until next year, to order the car. I am hoping Tesla will continue to improve it. I realize that no car is perfect (the navigation system in my BMW 335 is a joke, and BMW should be ashamed to charge money for it), and I am glad Tesla is making improvements. I just hope it doesn't take them too long to fix some of these issues.
I did notice a couple of issues, though.
I am 6' tall, but with long legs. I am guessing I end up positioning the seat like a 6'2" person. In that position, I was not able to position the left side view mirror out far enough. At its maximum setting, I could still easily see the side of the car. The right side mirror did not have that issue and I was able to position it perfectly. The side mirrors are so small that getting them positioned correctly seems important. I read that Tesla somehow added adjustability to the right side mirror recently, and they need to do the same to the left.
I also, apparently, have a big head. With the seat back angled where I like it, the head-restraint constantly pushes against the back of my head. My neck is forced into a forward angle and I have to "look up" to see forward. I can angle the seat back a bit, which alleviates the pressure against the back of my head, but still leaves my neck angled "forward". With so many body types out there, I am surprised that Tesla does not offer any adjustability in the head-restraint. Maybe Tesla is willing to pay a monthly chiropractic bill?
I was also able to do a short test drive in a Model 3 with first generation seats. The problem with the head-restraint was even a little worse with it, so Tesla has made the situation better. They need to go further, though.
I am going to wait until next year, to order the car. I am hoping Tesla will continue to improve it. I realize that no car is perfect (the navigation system in my BMW 335 is a joke, and BMW should be ashamed to charge money for it), and I am glad Tesla is making improvements. I just hope it doesn't take them too long to fix some of these issues.
