I was a Day 1 reservation holder and my number came up this April. From the beginning I wanted AWD with white seats, but as we all know that configuration wasn’t available for the first few months. I couldn’t wait so I ordered a beautiful multi coat red with all the options and thoroughly enjoyed the car. I’ve owned BMW (both 3 series and 5 series), Infinity, Mini, Volvo, Ford and Acura - the Tesla is, by far, my favorite car.
I needed two service repairs with the car, 1) driver’s side headlight went out. It was fixed by a mobile ranger. 2) Frunk refused to open. This happened last week on Christmas Eve and it was full of Santa’s presents. Let’s just say that wasn’t the best experience. But other than those two problems nothing else went wrong.
Then on 12/27 or 12/28 , Elon tweeted again about the $7500 tax credit and that he guaranteed that if you ordered, the car would be delivered on time. On the same day my Tesla Solar rep emailed me and thanked me for installing solar this year, so on a whim I asked him if there is a car in my dream configuration: Red, AWD, white interior, sport wheels, EAP, FSD, at a location that I didn’t have to drive hours to get to, and be available before 12/31. At that time, I was 99% sure that it wouldn’t happen because not only did i want that exact configuration, but I also wanted a very “fair” trade in offer.
Tesla got back to me the same day on what they had. Yes, they had a one brand new AWD in that configuration and yes, it was at the location I wanted in Tysons Corner, VA! There was only one other one in Baltimore but it had black seats.
The wheels were turning in my head at that point, but I was ready for disappointment with the trade in offer. My LR had 9,700 miles, some rash on the rims, and was 8 months old. Trade in offer: $45,100! Seriously?! I understand I could have gotten more on my own, but I was blown away with the offer. If you include the $7500 credit then it only cost me about $5000 in depreciation! Let’s just say I took the deal.
Finally, I get to the part of the review and comparison. Sorry this came so late and may not be as complete yet because I haven’t had to drive the new one much. But lets be honest, it’s the same car!
1st Model 3 VIN: 18XXX
New Model 3 VIN: 135,300
My very first impression of the driving difference was the change in steering feel. The AWD is definitely more weighty. More substantial. Both were set to Sport steering. There’s also a slightly different steering “motor” sound when turning the wheel. Elon mentions that there are tweaks and modifications made all the time in the production process, so this may be one of those cases. At least from a user experience perspective.
The ultra white seats are more comfortable than the black ones. I had the 2nd generation ones in my original Model 3 and they are both the same build. But the leather (or fake vegan stuff) is much softer and smoother. And they look pretty cool also. My wife is still on the fence, but my kids love it. My 10 year old son thinks it’s now a racing car! Take that for what it’s worth!
The car is fast! Definitely faster than the LR one. I know this is subjective, but the AWD car definitely reflects the upgraded specs. This was one of the main questions I had because the LR felt fast enough already. But there were times were I wanted more oomph. The AWD absolutely feels faster and sportier, especially tied to the more substantial steering, than the LR.
So there you have it. Went a little long but hopefully it is an informative and good read for all of you!
I needed two service repairs with the car, 1) driver’s side headlight went out. It was fixed by a mobile ranger. 2) Frunk refused to open. This happened last week on Christmas Eve and it was full of Santa’s presents. Let’s just say that wasn’t the best experience. But other than those two problems nothing else went wrong.
Then on 12/27 or 12/28 , Elon tweeted again about the $7500 tax credit and that he guaranteed that if you ordered, the car would be delivered on time. On the same day my Tesla Solar rep emailed me and thanked me for installing solar this year, so on a whim I asked him if there is a car in my dream configuration: Red, AWD, white interior, sport wheels, EAP, FSD, at a location that I didn’t have to drive hours to get to, and be available before 12/31. At that time, I was 99% sure that it wouldn’t happen because not only did i want that exact configuration, but I also wanted a very “fair” trade in offer.
Tesla got back to me the same day on what they had. Yes, they had a one brand new AWD in that configuration and yes, it was at the location I wanted in Tysons Corner, VA! There was only one other one in Baltimore but it had black seats.
The wheels were turning in my head at that point, but I was ready for disappointment with the trade in offer. My LR had 9,700 miles, some rash on the rims, and was 8 months old. Trade in offer: $45,100! Seriously?! I understand I could have gotten more on my own, but I was blown away with the offer. If you include the $7500 credit then it only cost me about $5000 in depreciation! Let’s just say I took the deal.
Finally, I get to the part of the review and comparison. Sorry this came so late and may not be as complete yet because I haven’t had to drive the new one much. But lets be honest, it’s the same car!
1st Model 3 VIN: 18XXX
New Model 3 VIN: 135,300
My very first impression of the driving difference was the change in steering feel. The AWD is definitely more weighty. More substantial. Both were set to Sport steering. There’s also a slightly different steering “motor” sound when turning the wheel. Elon mentions that there are tweaks and modifications made all the time in the production process, so this may be one of those cases. At least from a user experience perspective.
The ultra white seats are more comfortable than the black ones. I had the 2nd generation ones in my original Model 3 and they are both the same build. But the leather (or fake vegan stuff) is much softer and smoother. And they look pretty cool also. My wife is still on the fence, but my kids love it. My 10 year old son thinks it’s now a racing car! Take that for what it’s worth!
The car is fast! Definitely faster than the LR one. I know this is subjective, but the AWD car definitely reflects the upgraded specs. This was one of the main questions I had because the LR felt fast enough already. But there were times were I wanted more oomph. The AWD absolutely feels faster and sportier, especially tied to the more substantial steering, than the LR.
So there you have it. Went a little long but hopefully it is an informative and good read for all of you!