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Selling Dream car Roadster #786, need advice: Buy used Model S or 3?

Which car is better overall? Model 3 or Model S?


  • Total voters
    24

RealGreen

Member
Aug 22, 2019
22
1
Washington DC
Sadly, I am going to sell my new (to me) Roadster. I bought it 7 month ago as a daily driver, about the same time as buying a condo in Washington DC. After driving in this traffic and terrible roads, I realized that the car will be terribly abused in no time and this beauty does not deserve that. No matter how much I love it! I will be selling soon and anyone looking to purchase should message me off-forum. It is a 2010 in Mint condition with 4000 miles, and has a like-new, refurbished battery pack, and comes with the sport package.

I want to purchase a used Tesla S or possibly model 3 and would like to get feedback from anyone that has owned or leased both of them. I love the S but was told by a 3 owner that I should seriously consider the 3. I have been driving 2 different Nissan Leafs over the last 9 years and am very familiar with EV’s. Been wanting a Tesla forever because of the extra range and amazing speed and handling - I have test driven the S twice and LOVE it. Thank you for your feedback!
 

ChadS

Last tank of gas: March 2009
Jul 16, 2009
3,317
2,660
Redmond, WA
I have owned a Roadster, S, and 3.

The 3 has better handling, between that and the smaller size it is closer to the Roadster driving experience. But the S has more space and a better ride. There are definite differences, but which one is better depends on how you are going to use it.

Here is the thread where I discuss differences between the cars: Which Tesla should you buy? A decade-long comparo: Roadster, S, X, 3
 
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RealGreen

Member
Aug 22, 2019
22
1
Washington DC
I have owned a Roadster, S, and 3.

The 3 has better handling, between that and the smaller size it is closer to the Roadster driving experience. But the S has more space and a better ride. There are definite differences, but which one is better depends on how you are going to use it.

Here is the thread where I discuss differences between the cars: Which Tesla should you buy? A decade-long comparo: Roadster, S, X, 3
I have owned a Roadster, S, and 3.

The 3 has better handling, between that and the smaller size it is closer to the Roadster driving experience. But the S has more space and a better ride. There are definite differences, but which one is better depends on how you are going to use it.

Here is the thread where I discuss differences between the cars: Which Tesla should you buy? A decade-long comparo: Roadster, S, X, 3

Excellent article - thank you for that. I am impressed with your long history of Tesla ownership! Mother Earth thanks you : )
 

AEdennis

Active Member
Jul 23, 2013
2,713
937
We have all three in our garage...

They each drive differently, and what is common is we have RWD on all three cars, so when I get AWD loaners, those things feel "stickier" to the road, but as an ex-BMW driver, I really enjoy getting pushed by the cars...

S feels the most luxurious as far as the ride, but the Roadster is a go-kart and the 3 is a good compromise from the choice...

What are you selling your Roadster for and specs?
 

RealGreen

Member
Aug 22, 2019
22
1
Washington DC
Thank you for your help on this. I am definitely leaning toward the S right now, but not 100%. It''s really helpful to get owner's feedback! My car is going for $60k. Is there a way to have people interested message me off-list? I didn't see that option on the forum, but if there is I can give you more details. I have not put it on the market yet but when I do, I can get all the info to anyone that is serious. Thanks again
 

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EV206

New Member
Nov 23, 2017
1
0
Seattle
Thank you for your help on this. I am definitely leaning toward the S right now, but not 100%. It''s really helpful to get owner's feedback! My car is going for $60k. Is there a way to have people interested message me off-list? I didn't see that option on the forum, but if there is I can give you more details. I have not put it on the market yet but when I do, I can get all the info to anyone that is serious. Thanks again

I've owned a Model 3 since April 2018 and love it. I like the size as it's similar to my previous car, a BMW 3 series. I had a Model S as a loaner for about a week and its definitely a bigger car (felt more like a BMW 5 or 7 series), which has it's positives like extra room and larger trunk. But, the larger size can make it harder to park in tight spots/garage or drive down narrow city streets. Both are great cars, but I prefer the Model 3.

I'm interested in your roadster and sent you a private message. (To send a private message - you click on the individual member name and then "start conversation" option.) Thanks!
 

domodan

Member
Jul 15, 2020
377
167
UT, United States
Personally, I prefer the additional amenities in the S. I couldn’t stand not having an instrument cluster. The minimalist interior on the 3 is not for me.

For the $$$ you’ll get better tech in the 3, and a comparable priced S is going to be at least several years old.
 
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