Thinking of getting the Model 3

[VinElectric]

Hi everyone,

A little background about myself - I currently drive a 2015 BMW X3 and a 2018 Honda Civic Type R. I use the X3 as my family car and the 2018 Civic Type R as a pleasure car. I am a car enthusiast, love modding cars and have been driving manual since I first got my license.

Starting last year, I started to develop a strong interest in EV. I test drove the Model 3 Performance and really liked it. However, I decided not to pull the trigger because I just bought the Type R 2 months prior so it wasn’t the best financial move at that time. Also, I love driving manual and afraid that I would regret by trading in my Type R so I decided to wait.

A year later, I realize that I don’t get to enjoy the Type R as much as I thought I would. While it’s a fun car, it’s noisy, stiff and not comfortable especially in traffic (NYC). I also don’t have the time to drive it much. Every time I go out with wife and kid, I would take the X3 because it’s more comfortable. My interest in EV sparks again - stronger this time vs. the year before.

I’m debating between the Performance Model 3 vs. Long Range Dual Motor. I’m leaning toward the Performance Model 3 more. I’d like to see your perspective going from a hot hatch/performance ICE car to an EV. How’s the refinement of the Model 3 vs. competitor? Also, I heard horrible stories about how it takes a long time to fix the car if you get into a accident because of the lack of parts. Is it still an issue? Your input is appreciated.

Thank you

 

[UCF3]

Stealth M3 is best for the money

 

[VinElectric]

Is Stealth M3 the Long Range AWD with Performance software upgrade? Is it something you can easily order?

 

[UCF3]

You have to get in contact with a delivery specialist in your area and they’ll let you know when they pop up. It’s every few months

 

[camalaio]

Long Range AWD has plenty more off-the-line punch than the X3 or Type R you drive.

But what are you looking for? Cornering ability? Track performance? Raw 0-60 times in a straight line? Comfort?

It sounds like you want some comfort. It rides a bit stiff for sure, but plenty comfortable IMO (I come from driving a very squishy Honda Crosstour). Our other vehicle is a Honda Fit, which I'd classify as a slightly harsher but more fun ride. Model 3 is somewhere in between those as a daily commuter.

Keep in mind you won't use the extra power of the Performance model 99+% of the time, and it only really makes a difference below 50mph or so. In that range, the "non-performance" AWD is already one of the faster cars you can get while being a very good daily driver.

EDIT: Forgot to answer some bits.

Service times allegedly have gotten better, but this seems to depend on what work needs to be done and where you're getting it done. I just ran into a cardboard box on the highway and it looks like I might need a new bumper, a couple sensors, and maybe a new fog light/indicator. We'll see how long that takes, not looking forward to it.

 

[VinElectric]

You have to get in contact with a delivery specialist in your area and they’ll let you know when they pop up. It’s every few months

Is it available after you buy the car, or Is it only available when you first buy the car?

Long Range AWD has plenty more off-the-line punch than the X3 or Type R you drive.

But what are you looking for? Cornering ability? Track performance? Raw 0-60 times in a straight line? Comfort?

It sounds like you want some comfort. It rides a bit stiff for sure, but plenty comfortable IMO (I come from driving a very squishy Honda Crosstour). Our other vehicle is a Honda Fit, which I'd classify as a slightly harsher but more fun ride. Model 3 is somewhere in between those as a daily commuter.

Keep in mind you won't use the extra power of the Performance model 99+% of the time, and it only really makes a difference below 50mph or so. In that range, the "non-performance" AWD is already one of the faster cars you can get while being a very good daily driver.

EDIT: Forgot to answer some bits.

Service times allegedly have gotten better, but this seems to depend on what work needs to be done and where you're getting it done. I just ran into a cardboard box on the highway and it looks like I might need a new bumper, a couple sensors, and maybe a new fog light/indicator. We'll see how long that takes, not looking forward to it.

At this point in my life, I’m not looking for track performance. I’m looking for a mixture of comfort and performance - a car that is comfortable to drive around when I go out with family and has the performance for spirited driving. I’m leaning toward the Performance because of the goodies that come with it - the big brakes, wheels, lowered suspension and software.

Sorry to hear about the accident. That’s my worry as well because I heard stories of people waiting for months to get their Tesla fixed. My impatience will drive me nuts. Good luck on fixing the car!

 

[UCF3]

Look for threads on the first few pages referencing “stealth”. You will have to wait and specifically order a stealth if that’s what you want. Once you order you’re kinda locked in

 

[camalaio]

At this point in my life, I’m not looking for track performance. I’m looking for a mixture of comfort and performance - a car that is comfortable to drive around when I go out with family and has the performance for spirited driving. I’m leaning toward the Performance because of the goodies that come with it - the big brakes, wheels, lowered suspension and software.

Sorry to hear about the accident. That’s my worry as well because I heard stories of people waiting for months to get their Tesla fixed. My impatience will drive me nuts. Good luck on fixing the car!

Ahh, ok if you want all that you do not want the "stealth" option that others are recommending since you want the vanity performance parts as well.

If you're willing to put in the effort, you could probably save money by getting aftermarket parts instead. There's something to be said about the convenience of just ordering the performance model of course.

 

[N54TT]

Hi everyone,

A little background about myself - I currently drive a 2015 BMW X3 and a 2018 Honda Civic Type R. I use the X3 as my family car and the 2018 Civic Type R as a pleasure car. I am a car enthusiast, love modding cars and have been driving manual since I first got my license.

Starting last year, I started to develop a strong interest in EV. I test drove the Model 3 Performance and really liked it. However, I decided not to pull the trigger because I just bought the Type R 2 months prior so it wasn’t the best financial move at that time. Also, I love driving manual and afraid that I would regret by trading in my Type R so I decided to wait.

A year later, I realize that I don’t get to enjoy the Type R as much as I thought I would. While it’s a fun car, it’s noisy, stiff and not comfortable especially in traffic (NYC). I also don’t have the time to drive it much. Every time I go out with wife and kid, I would take the X3 because it’s more comfortable. My interest in EV sparks again - stronger this time vs. the year before.

I’m debating between the Performance Model 3 vs. Long Range Dual Motor. I’m leaning toward the Performance Model 3 more. I’d like to see your perspective going from a hot hatch/performance ICE car to an EV. How’s the refinement of the Model 3 vs. competitor? Also, I heard horrible stories about how it takes a long time to fix the car if you get into a accident because of the lack of parts. Is it still an issue? Your input is appreciated.

Thank you

I too am a car enthusiast, love modding cars and have been driving manual for 25yrs. My first car was a manual stingray. Really got into modding in the late 90’s early 2000’s. Drove a JDM b16 swapped 2nd gen integra, lightened flywheel, stage 2 clutch, custom tune, suspension exhaust etc........that I auto-x’d pretty competitively in SM class. Went on to modding wrx’s...that I also auto-x’d and hpde. Then went on to bmw and drove a modded 335i....all manuals. I sold the 335 for the performance model 3. Was hesitant...giving up the manual. 14months later. ZERO regret. It handles just as good as my bmw and is comfortable. The acceleration is addicting....you’ll never want to go back to ICE.

If you can afford the performance that’s what I would suggest. I’ve driven both fairly extensively...as I have a friend that has the awd...I definitely notice the difference. Sure it still has the instant ev acceleration and is plenty fast....but honestly didn’t feel much faster than my modded 335. I’ve also heard it can take a while to fix. Someone backed into my friends awd....damage isolated to just the trunk...took 2-3 weeks to fix. I met another owner that got rear ended on the northern state...and took 3 months to fix.

Here’s a few pics of some of my past cars and p3d+

 

[Mr Koopa]

Whats with the infatuation for stealth performance? don't you pay more for less just to not look like M3P?

 

[Akikiki]

Okay, VIN, you are approved to purchase a Model 3. You may proceed.

 

[wariqp3d]

Whats with the infatuation for stealth performance? don't you pay more for less just to not look like M3P?

About 7k cheaper, same plant without the brakes, wheels, alum pedals and rear spoiler. Some say to go stealth and use the 7 grand to go aftermarket wheels, brakes and other goodies (you can get some nice volks for that price and more). Personally, i just stayed the P3D route. An SA called me on stealth availability but i declined. I feel like a lot of people jumped on the stealth bandwagon because they became available sooner than our p3d's.. I'm not in a rush so i can wait it out.

 

[Mr Koopa]

About 7k cheaper, same plant without the brakes, wheels, alum pedals and rear spoiler. Some say to go stealth and use the 7 grand to go aftermarket wheels, brakes and other goodies (you can get some nice volks for that price and more). Personally, i just stayed the P3D route. An SA called me on stealth availability but i declined. I feel like a lot of people jumped on the stealth bandwagon because they became available sooner than our p3d's.. I'm not in a rush so i can wait it out.

Gotcha, excuse the newbness- are breaks that much better?

I ordered Performance model, I like the idea of it being lower and better breaks, I can live with 18's and add a spoiler later

 

[Akikiki]

Brakes?

 

[Fernand]

IMHO put the money on the full automation package ("FSD") and get the Dual Motor Long Range. Hard to beat that. Once you're above the SR+ all the "trims" are the same, anyway. A Tesla is a computer-car, it's both very fast and very different, e.g. you almost never use the brakes. But when you get the hang of it, after a while, you'll appreciate letting the car do the chores in NOA on the highways much more than burning some rubber once in a blue moon, as you're apparently noticing.

As to parts, I had an entire steering assembly replaced (needlessly BTW) the next day, but there's no question that there's a wait on some parts, and service is still not Tesla's strong suit. Conversely, these cars don't need any service at all normally, just add windshield washer liquid and rotate tires. But the need for body work is sometimes unavoidable.
.

 

[Mr Koopa]

I like burning rubber

 

[Mr Koopa]

I like FSD but I like speed without doubt more... I know the M3P isn't the quintessential drivers car but P3D fits my bill more then FSD... I'm thinking twice about P3D vs Stealth

 

[Mr Koopa]

Brakes?

yea the second wider peddle, to the left of the accelerator, you press it to come to a halt

 

[Fernand]

... then get the Performance for the rush on the pedal, and FSD for daily driving. As to that bigger pedal, for regular driving it's better to let the car regenerate that energy back into the battery.

 

[Mr Koopa]

I'll call my SA, maybe I'll do the stealth with FSD...