[C&D]Tested: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD Is Seriously Improved
Posted by cookingboy@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 169 comments
Posted by cookingboy@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 169 comments
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
For a variety of reasons despite the fact that I really liked Tesla for what they did for the auto industry and how I enjoyed having a Model 3 as a daily, I will ever buy another Tesla as long as Elon is associated with the company.
However that's my opinion, and the fact is that the new Model 3 remains one of the most competitive product in the entire segment.
In buckling industry trends, the new model got lighter than previous model and cheaper.
From the article:
While 3 dB is a huge improvement in cabin noise (decibel is logarithmic, not linear), it's actually surprising how loud the Mercedes is. My i4 got 64dB from the same C&D test, and the BMW iX got 63 dB.
75mph with 300 miles+ range is seriously impressive for this segment. My old Model 3 could barely hit 250 under the same condition.
With $7,500 tax rebate, this car came mostly optioned out (if you don't pay for the scam that is Full Self Driving) at $36,630.
Objectively speaking, that's tremendous value for a daily driver sedan that is RWD and does 0-60 in 4.6s and has more interior and cabin space than a Camry.
However speaking subjectively, despite that I really liked Tesla for what they did for the auto industry and I really enjoyed having a Model 3 as a daily, I will ever buy another Tesla (and I've even sold all my shares) as long as Musk is associated with the company.
austinzone813@reddit
I find this to just be side splittingy hilarious:
You cant grasp the fact that the people who actually are capable of making progress in the world are often assholes. Your mind doesnt work like theirs. Yet, for some reason, you fail to give them the respect they deserve.
Steve Jobs was an asshole on many level but you have one of his phones.
You hate Elon yet own one of his cars.
Know your place in the world young padwan.
six_six@reddit
Elon is actively damaging this country. Fuck him. Fuck his cars. He chose this route.
Parking-Highlight-98@reddit
I find statements like this hilarious given people like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos do the same thing, it just happens to be towards a different political side. So it's only okay when it aligns with your personal beliefs? Reddit users with their wild pseudo intellectual takes lol
six_six@reddit
Wow, it’s shocking that I still use products from tech founders whose politics I agree with?
Parking-Highlight-98@reddit
Okay, maybe others think they are the ones damaging the country too, but aren't screeching babies using profanity about it.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Fortunately, my place in the world is that I can afford to buy or not buy things based on arbitrary personal preferences.
And in many ways, that’s a blessing, really.
Bottlely@reddit
He says in response to a comment that's entirely about acknowledging how competitive the Tesla is
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
I think you replied to the wrong person lol
Bottlely@reddit
Nah, I know who I'm responding to. Sucks to see a well thought out comment like yours getting such a keyboard warrior response
IThatAsianGuyI@reddit
Yah, objectively speaking, it's tremendous value for what you get. I think the only real competitor in terms of $ spent per mile driven is probably something like the Corolla Hybrid, which is only because it's what, $10k cheaper? You need to drive a lot for the gas savings to catch up to the upfront capital costs, but both are excellent value.
Subjectively, even without Musk's bullshit shenanigans (which are hugely negative to the overall perception of the entire brand, given who the brand's core buyers are), I just could not ever buy one.
I test drove one for a bit, and despite being surprised (in the best way possible) about the NVH and overall comfort of the new model, the way you interact with the damn thing from top to bottom just straight up sucks. Using the touch screen to switch gears feels awful. Blinkers on the steering wheel and complete absence of stalks is unintuitive and a change made to stroke an egomanic's, well, ego. Redesigning the wheel for no real benefit, really.
Love how Tesla has forced change for the industry. Love what they represent, but could never buy their specific product. It's funnily enough exactly how I feel about iPhones. Don't care how good they are, don't care what they have as advantages over Android, I'll never interact with it because the way they force you to use the product sucks to me.
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natesully33@reddit
I keep trying to decide how I feel about that. It's really frustrating since the 3/Y are such good cars especially when you include the charging network and general road trip experience and the ease of ordering the car online in the first place. They sell lots of 'em for a reason.
I'm gonna have a rough time replacing my Y when it's time comes. Though, given my experience with it so far, it might be a long time from now and who knows what neat BEVs will be out by then.
longgamma@reddit
Other manufacturers are catching up and exceeding in some aspects. You used to sacrifice a lot by not buying Tesla five years ago. Now not so much.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Which is why I have an i4 M50.
Other OEMs are definitely building viable products now, even if they fall short in certain areas.
I am recommending one of my friends for a Polestar 3, for example, and I think the BMW iX is the best high end EV in the U.S.
But, none of the competitors can touch Tesla in the sub-$50k range in the U.S. market, so those EVs remain out of reach for a majority of consumers here.
NapsterKnowHow@reddit
Well the quality control certainly shows with that lower price. I keep hearing about mismatched/bent body panels even from Tesla's bought in the last few months.
longgamma@reddit
The Blazer EV is getting leased for like 550 cad for 48 months and 16k kilometers/yr.
It’s tempting for sure. As you said, never buying Tesla. That man showed his true colors
Mnm0602@reddit
I love Lucid as a brand and the Air and Gravity seem so appealing but I doubt the current leadership will turn them into a serious competitor. They’re selling like 30 cars a day in the US right now whereas Tesla is selling that many every 8 minutes.
longgamma@reddit
New Chevy EVs don’t have CarPlay btw. Something to think about in the decision process.
Yeah Lucid is very high end like Model S and Porsche taycan. Also new brand. With a lease how does it matter, you jsut drive it for three years and then it’s someone else problem.
Mnm0602@reddit
I’m not sure what the Air or Y go for up there but the Air is nowhere near the Y here.
It’s $349/mo for the Y LR RWD $3k down
Lucid air is $549/mo for the Pure, $5k down. But you can’t actually buy one, they only have 2025s now which start at $649/mo + $5k down.
Thats $15.6k for the Y vs. $28.3k for the Air Pure, almost double.
And the Model 3 is really a better compare since it’s been upgraded and is a sedan and is $50/mo cheaper.
The Air is a beast and a better vehicle overall IMO (compares better with the Model S really) but the 3 is the best value for what it is.
longgamma@reddit
Don’t forget to factor in insurance costs. EVs are more expensive to insure ( vs the same cost ICE) as well.
Jace__B@reddit
For the same price point? There's nothing out there like the Tesla M3P, unless you're prepared to spend like twice as much money.
longgamma@reddit
Lil bro the lease deals on Cadillac EVs are cheaper than shitbox Tesla leases
Jace__B@reddit
And is that Cadillac EV comparable to the Model 3 Performance? One sec while I Google it quick.
Okay, I just looked it up, and LOL yeah dude it doesn't even belong in the same conversation as a Tesla M3P. The Lyriq costs the same MRSP but it's like twice as slow and has shit range. Ain't no one taking Cadillac seriously as an EV manufacturer except you, lil bro.
longgamma@reddit
Model 3 performance isn’t a good sports car. If your idea about “performance” is fast 0 to 60 times then you sound like someone who learnt about cars from Forza.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
It's a fantastic sports sedan. Have you ever driven one on a shorter track or auto-X?
And before you say anything about Forza this was my garage at one point: https://i.imgur.com/729RHZf.jpeg
AkiraSieghart@reddit
Why would anyone take a nearly 2-ton EV to a short track or autocross? An EVs best showing is on straights, and that's precisely where the M3P starts showing its inadequacies.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Because EVs do amazingly at AX:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwGFFkoQrQo
It's the instant torque and fast corner exit speed, plus the lack of shift and low center of gravity that make them extremely good at AutoX.
That's why many events have EVs in their own segment, because they were beating 911 GT3s in some events.
AkiraSieghart@reddit
I'm admittedly not a fan of AutoX in general -- at least with ICE vehicles -- but I'll have to give it another shot in my EV6 GT.
Jace__B@reddit
Looooooool bro it's very clear you have not driven a Model 3 Performance. Just go home.
AkiraSieghart@reddit
He's not entirely wrong. You can't really compete with the M3P's value, but if you're talking about actual performance metrics, the M3P falls short of its rivals. Both the EV6 GT and Ioniq 5 N outperform the M3P in nearly every metric despite being 1000lbs heavier. My coworker has a 2023 M3P with KW V3 coilovers, and my OEM EV6 GT still handles better than it.
To be fair, the Highland is supposed to be much better. If the brakes don't kill you.
longgamma@reddit
Why would I even touch that shitbox ev When lucid air GT is available for a cheaper lease ?
bgarza18@reddit
What did you think of the Lucid Air that you drove?
longgamma@reddit
It was just a 15 min test drive so not super exhaustive. I really liked it definitely felt more premium than say a 5 series. There was this level of solidity to the cabin that felt like an expensive luxury German sedan.
The ride was ultra quiet and it’s very fast thought I was in Vancouver traffic. The rear seat was as room as a large sedan like Camry but the car itself was quite compact. They didn’t have leasing last year in Canada but are offering it now. It’s some 1000 cad for a three year lease while model y is some 900 cad. It’s a no brainer to lease the lucid for three years.
Definitely do a test drive, it’s shockingly good. I wish I could drive it in the freeway but I didn’t have the time. The sales person said I could have an extended test drive if a couple of hours btw. Not sure what’s the case in US but I’m guessing they are desperate to move inventory.
bgarza18@reddit
I remember the first time I saw one in person, I think the model S looks better on the outside but this one had a much nicer fit and finish to it, especially the interior. Would love to drive one
Jace__B@reddit
What the fuck are you even talking about? Where are you getting these numbers from?!
The Model 3 Performance leases for $599 a month with $2999 down.
Your Lucid Air GT leases for $849 a month with $7349 down.
That's straight off both manufacturer's websites, I just looked it up.
longgamma@reddit
Ofc whole world lives in socal
mocoyne@reddit
Great post! Thanks for the worthless opinion about the ceo too! Adds a lot to the discussion man good work.
moonRekt@reddit
4.5 second 0-60 in a RWD car appeals more to me than a low 3 second AWD (electric) car
c0reM@reddit
I’ve owned both. Don’t get too excited about the RWD. You can’t really tell dynamically and traction control can’t be defeated out of the box. It mostly drives like a toaster on wheels.
Still a phenomenal car for actual car uses.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Maybe because I’m lame and suck at driving but I’ve never turned off traction control on public roads for any of the performance cars I’ve driven.
And my unpopular opinion is that 99.9% of the enthusiasts shouldn’t do it either, not on public roads.
tugtugtugtug4@reddit
Ability aside, if you're turning traction control off on a public road and it isn't to work around ice or some slick condition, its because you're trying to do something reckless. Its never right to endanger others on the road to get your kicks.
emurange205@reddit
I doubt that you're lame and suck at driving.
I've had to turn systems off in icy conditions because they cut the throttle when wheelspin is detected. However, I wasn't driving a performance car.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
The RWD Model 3 is the best drivers car in Tesla's lineup.
4.5s to 60 with electric torque is more than quick, and at 3817 lbs (lighter than an ICE C300), it's also the lightest Tesla.
That in combination with the absurdly quick steering ratio (amongst the quickest in the car industry), rigid chassis (thanks to the battery pack), super lower center of gravity and a almost perfect weight distribution, all makes it a supremely fun car to drive on public roads.
Sure it won't be breaking records at tracks or drag strips but that's not the point.
avoidhugeships@reddit
I found it rather dull. It's fast but with no torque buildup, gears or sounds it just not really fun. The ride is awful as well.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Weird, even when you drive an ICE you don't want torque build up, that's why you downshift to get as much torque as you can.
In my 718 GTS 4.0, which is NA, I always downshift to 2nd and go from there when I want to have fun, I don't want to leave in 5th gear and wait for the torque to come up lol.
avoidhugeships@reddit
You want torque but the feeling of it getting stronger and the revs as you move through to gears is fun. EVs are like listening to a song that is just one long note.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Look at my flair, I have an NA flat six manual that revs to 8k RPM.
I also have an EV.
Why are you trying to teach me what my cars feel like lmao (and what you are saying aren't even correct).
olmoscd@reddit
yeah i dont get torque getting higher with revs. Usually you’re losing torque or maybe just barely maintaining torque with revs which equates to higher power. even with a turbo you make torque down low then it tapers off as the turbo surpasses its efficiency zone in the power curve.
i dont know what car just builds torque all the way to 8,000 rpm other than some exotic
BingoPlayer1@reddit
But your car will have a power curve, which enhances the experience of going faster.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Power is just RPM x Torque, what you want is a flat torque curve so the power delivery is linear.
That's completely subjective.
BingoPlayer1@reddit
Yet its true, driving a turbo is, and perhaps should be, a different experience from driving a car without turbo. I want my cars to feel different, not all drive the same with the same acceleration etc.
xlb250@reddit
The Camry has marginally more interior space.
EV sedan packaging is awkward. There’s no engine and transmission constraint, but the battery takes up vertical space. Tesla places the seat closer to floor to compensate. But that means you need use more length to fit in the same space.
hi_im_bored13@reddit
Add some more headroom, legroom, and a much needed hatch for practicality and you end up with the Model Y ... I still have no idea why they refreshed the Model 3 first when the Y is the better car for most and better seller.
That being said, the additional storage space & frunk makes up for the lack of legroom IMO.
tugtugtugtug4@reddit
They refreshed the 3 because 1) its older and 2) its better to work out the kinks on a new design and new manufacturing process on a lower-volume car than on your cash cow.
I think you'll see a Y refresh in the next 12-24 months that incorporates everything from the 3 refresh that wasn't a failure.
noxx1234567@reddit
Because the sales were slowing for model 3 , whole model Y isn't slowing down at all
Why refresh a model which is in huge demand ?
hi_im_bored13@reddit
Where are you getting the numbers for Model Y sales alone? Tesla on their earning reports combines sales of the 3 & Y into one.
They've missed sales forecasts 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarter, and unless they do some record breaking numbers in the 4th quarter are looking for a decrease in annual sales over 2023. Think they need more demand one way or another.
starmiemd@reddit
Numerous publications cited the Model Y as the best-selling car of 2023, which implicitly means the it’s a better seller than the Model 3. Considering that and the fact that the Model 3 is nearly two years older it makes sense why Tesla would focus effort on revitalizing it instead of fixing what isn’t broken.
hi_im_bored13@reddit
Its sells worse because its not a crossover/SUV and this is america, no facelift is going to change that.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
You are right, Camry has slightly more passenger space.
But Model 3 actually has much larger cargo space, 21 cu.ft vs 15.1 cu.ft of the Camry, despite being a smaller car.
TheRealK95@reddit
Is this because of the trunk and an additional frunk? I did love that when I rented a Tesla
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
I think both count toward cargo space.
TheRealK95@reddit
That would easily explain it then. My brother got an i4 and the lack of any frunk was disappointing to me. I know research says most folks don’t use them but the idea of having separate cargo is great for things like going to the beach where you may want to separate anything wet in one area and dry in another for example. I loved the model 3 for that.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Yeah I have the i4 and the packaging is easily the weakest point of this car.
It's much larger than my old Model 3 but has far less interior space, with cramped backseats and an empty transmission tunnel running through the floor and having no frunk, all thanks to it sharing the same platform as the ICE 4-series.
TheRealK95@reddit
Yeup. They just said screw building a dedicated platform and it’s easily the biggest flaw. I don’t think they bothered fixing that with the i5 or i7 either if I recall.
I did love the i4 overall. Does feel like a true bmw driving experience. I just wish they’d have gave customers more true electric car benefits.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
What's a "true" BMW experience these days lol? I had an E92 335i, a F30 335i, an F80 M3, and this i4 M50. I would say "true" BMW driving experience died with the F-generation 3 series lol.
But yes, it drives well for a modern BMW and I take my car over a M440i any day of the week.
skepticaljesus@reddit
that doesn't seem that controversial as long as the potential drawbacks of EV (charging at home, corner cases around range) aren't actual drawbacks for your specific usecase.
TheRealK95@reddit
I just mean in terms of general handling. It did feel like a pretty normal 4 series to me. I’ve always loved the handling and general steering feel of BMWs and it felt good to me lol.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Ah I see. Yes the i4 drives like modern 4 series, but better.
But does a modern 4 series drive like a “good BMW” is up to debate lol. If you like the steering of a 4 series you should try a 3 series from before 2013.
SecretBG@reddit
It’s also worth mentioning that the Model 3 has superior forward visibility compared to almost any other car with that low dash layout.
NCSUGrad2012@reddit
I have a rental 25 Camry LE. I love everything about this car expect the seats are miserable. I have never sat in worse seats, but I am wondering if they're better in high trim levels.
King_in_a_castle_84@reddit
Lol for every person that renounced Tesla because of Musk's politics, another person is nudged to buy one because of them, myself included.
bhauertso@reddit
Narrative violation! You have been downvoted by the Reddit echo chamber.
AllLibsAreBoomers@reddit
You’re in a cult. A really lame corporate cult.
band-of-horses@reddit
Erm... I don't believe that... My 6' 4" son couldn't even fit in the back seat of a Model 3 without the front seat way up and tilting his head sideways. Admittedly I've never made him sit in a Camry but he has sat in the back of an Avalon and my various Mazda 3s without any issue.
Zealousideal-Body532@reddit
I am 6’4 and I fit in the back just fine.
eric535@reddit
From memory even the ford lightning was 65 decibels
soysssauce@reddit
You guys always said Elon musk didn’t do anything for the company, it’s the engineer and workers that made the company, so why boycott the product? You’re essentially boycotting the workers and engineers…
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
He didn’t do engineering but he is sure enjoying vast majority of the financial success from Tesla.
His net worth of $100B+ mostly from Tesla, and he’s wielding that wealth in ways I despise.
So I no longer want to contribute to Tesla’s financial success.
soysssauce@reddit
What abt hundred of thousands of employees at Tesla, and millions of stock owners, just collateral damage is guess.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Tesla shareholders have overwhelmingly voted to keep Elon the CEO and give him that huge pay package, so obviously they care more about Elon than they care about their employees.
So if anything bad happens to Tesla it would be the fault of their shareholders and Elon, and not the fault of a regular consumer like me who simply chose company A over company B.
If Tesla shareholders lose all their money, then they aren’t collateral damage, they are the cause of their own financial misfortune and they deserve to lose everything.
fobbywillie@reddit
Just want to say thanks op for the objective comparisons and subjective views. Not sure why ppl love to argue with some facts and personal views
randeus@reddit
That weight is pretty impressive
Rude_Thought_9988@reddit
This take is hilarious coming from a guy that is constantly defending Chinese shit like every other comment 🤣.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
You don't like "Chinese shit" is your opinion, but like I mentioned in my comment above, our opinions have no impact on facts, which is the leading strength and competitiveness of Chinese EVs in the mainstream segment.
By the way even my opinion is the most mainstream opinions in the entire auto industry. Every major auto CEO, from EU to Japanese to the Big Three to even Musk himself have said the same things about Chinese EVs as I have.
If you can avoid personal attacks I'm more than willing to have a discussion with you on any area in particular.
peakdecline@reddit
You have to be trying really hard to not grasp what this comment is about. Or rather I think you do grasp it but ignored it on purpose.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Obviously I am not as smart as you guys, can you let me know what it's about?
peakdecline@reddit
You seemingly write off Tesla because of moral? ethical? I guess political? reasons for not liking Musk. But toss those same considerations away when discussing or "liking" Chinese products or maybe rather you agree and/or like Chinese ethics/morals/politics. And that's what the comment was getting at.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Well I'm not buying any Chinese OEM cars either if that makes you feel better. I have a Porsche and BMW, neither are Chinese last time I checked.
But just like I can praise Tesla technology and product despite disliking Musk, I think I am allowed to praise Chinese EVs for their tech and product while continue to criticize the Chinese government (which plays less of a role than you think when compared to Elon being the CEO).
peakdecline@reddit
I just thought what that poster was getting at was quite clear and you replied in every way but in how they intended. The rest... well I don't think we'd agree on much politically and this isn't the place to discuss it.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Appreciate you being civil about it, and yeah, let's keep discussion to cars.
And almost half the country don't agree with me on much politically, so there is that lol.
Agloe_Dreams@reddit
Yup, the Lyriq is also ~63 Db, you can totally tell.
Fox2_Fox2@reddit
Price is attractive after rebate for sure but I can’t stand the bare minimum interior though. It’s a moot point for me anyway. Like you, I would never buy a Tesla as along as musk is still at the helm.
Interesting_Dig3673@reddit
This Tesla is simply the best car for that money, ICE or EV. It crushes the competition in efficiency, simply astonishing that this BEV is hardly heavier than the ICE competitors. Low maintenance cost are the icing on that cake provided it is driven like a ICE car (slow acceleration). Staying with a proven design is genius.
Desert_Talbot@reddit
I wonder if journalists will ever compare this vs. Civic Hybrid? Granted, the Civic is slower to 60 but that's not the point of these daily drivers. The Civic has better range, similar size, and can even fit more with the hatchback. The only downsides I see are FWD & slower to 60.
Ancient_Persimmon@reddit
The Hybrid has good mileage, but nothing compared to what a Model 3 returns. And as a '24 Civic owner, five seconds of using Honda's UX will give you a handful of other things to bitch about compared to Tesla's.
The Civic does traditional car things well, but it's pretty mediocre at the new stuff.
UniqueThanks@reddit
Yup, you also get any amazing sound system in the 3 with better seats
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
And operating cost.
Gas isn’t free, and my Model 3 cost me exactly $0 in maintenance in the 4 years I owned it
NapsterKnowHow@reddit
I'd imagine it's far more deadly for the car you hit though
Grouchy_Peanut_9601@reddit
love the sleek design update the model 3 just keeps getting better...what safety features have been added or improved?
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
No idea, in fact I would argue it’s gotten less safe vs. early models of Tesla due to removal of forward radar and ultrasonic sensors and even stalks for gear shifting.
Other than that, as far as collision goes I expect Model 3 to continue perform very well safety wise.
BanEvader2024@reddit
I’ve been using vision parking on my USS equipped 2022 Model 3 since it was enabled 6 or so months ago which basically disabled the sensors on my car.
Haven’t missed USS at all, vision is super accurate, I love being able to fit precisely in a parking spot when I can’t see the lines from the driver seat.
UniqueThanks@reddit
I have a USS equipped Model Y loaner right now while my vision MYP is getting an alignment. I think the Vision actually does work better. As you said, the overhead view is quite good
Super_consultant@reddit
Disagree here. I have a new Model 3 Performance and still have a last gen car, so I’m working with both Vision and USS, respectively.
Vision says STOP way earlier than it should when I park in my smaller garage. That said, I love the 360 overview. So it’s not all terrible. I just dislike the distance inaccuracy.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Localization is a hard problem in CV, I guarantee you it's not as accurate as USS.
Lol that's the thing, that's not a problem for pretty much any other cars in the segment.
BanEvader2024@reddit
True but Tesla didn’t want to pay to license a more standard 360 camera setup so they in house implementation is welcome.
I’d say it’s accurate enough, you don’t need sub centimeter precision to park a car.
KeyboardGunner@reddit
They've added a new center airbag that deploys between the driver and front passenger.
HighHokie@reddit
Interesting. Where the heck is that coming out of???
KeyboardGunner@reddit
It deploys out from the drives seat.
HighHokie@reddit
Neat. Thank you for sharing.
HighHokie@reddit
If I recall they now have ‘pistons’(?) in the hood for pedestrian safety impacts, as well as improved structure for side collisions. Hard to describe, there are these metal hooks on the underside of the doors that fits into a groove on the frame. First time I’ve seen that on a vehicle.
I’m sure they have other refinements.
DocPhilMcGraw@reddit
I think those cons listed are either going to be really important or not at all, dependent on how you think a car should function. I personally love having buttons/knobs and not having to rely on a single screen for everything, but more importantly I want an actual turn signal stalk. I think I would go insane having to use buttons for turn signals after the second day of driving in traffic. There are obviously those that think having a big screen with every function behind it is cool. To each their own.
Also, I would still be hesitant about the build quality. While the review makes it sound like everything is improved, I still see plenty of examples of shoddy builds. Sure you can get those fixed under warranty, but then you’re spending time waiting and waiting for it to be fixed.
hi_im_bored13@reddit
You get used to the buttons after a day or two. Apart from roundabouts I found them no worse than the stalks.
Not justifying the cost cutting, I'd still prefer stalks given the option, but I didn't find them a dealbreaker.
HighHokie@reddit
Same boat. I honestly find the gear selection more awkward than the signals. I think it was a bad design choice overall, especially for one of their two critical models.
Kaiathebluenose@reddit
Agreed
MaybeNext-Monday@reddit
Yeah the signal stuff would actually drive me nuts. There’s a difference between defying convention and defying best practices, and Tesla does the latter equally as much as the former.
TwoMuchSaus@reddit
I keep looking for turn signal buttons in my car after driving Teslas 😆
libcg_@reddit
You can't tell until you actually drive it.
MaybeNext-Monday@reddit
I have driven it.
libcg_@reddit
I respect that.
mishap1@reddit
Hope the durability is improved. Most Model 3 Ubers I've been in are squeaky and feel like the suspension is blown out even though they aren't that old. One drove by yesterday while walking my dog early in the morning darkness and I thought it was an 80s K car from the hooptie suspension squeaks and rattles coasting down the hill.
hi_im_bored13@reddit
On the model 3 until practically the refresh, the upper control arm design is flawed and practically a consumable. After some time, could be a few thousand of tens of thousands of miles, it will start to squeak.
Ancient_Persimmon@reddit
Considering the number of Hondas in your flair, that surprises me greatly. You must have fantastic roads, because control arms have definitely been wear items on all mine.
band-of-horses@reddit
The cybertruck also has an oddly thin control arm compared to every other conventional truck, I'll be curious to see how those hold up over time as well.
FlourCity@reddit
The Autopian did a great article about that and how it should be a non issue due to what forces are actually sent through the upper control arm.
goaelephant@reddit
BMW E60
xXxNoSCoPeZ420xXx@reddit
Pontiac g6 goes through control arms
D4rkr4in@reddit
We’ll see how other first gen EVs fare - suspension components wear out easy as these cars are at least an extra half ton of weight compared to normal cars
WCWRingMatSound@reddit
Other manufacturers have the experience and willing to handle this. I’d bet the farm that Ford and Hyundai have no suspension issues that aren’t relatively the same as ICE cars.
Tesla was slapping Home Depot shims into their cars and painting them in a parking lot. It was built as a POS from the inside out.
bpnj@reddit
Hyundai can’t even make keys that prevent the car from being stolen…
hi_im_bored13@reddit
That generation model 3 was just under the 4000lbs range, which is a bit heavy but not particularly egregious. About the same as a c-class.
MaybeNext-Monday@reddit
That’s still almost midsize SUV weight in a sedan, it’s not amazing. Definitely enough where normal sedan suspension specs don’t cut it.
hi_im_bored13@reddit
I don't think its amazing, but a midsize SUV weighs 5000lbs on the low end and there's a big difference between 500lbs over a civic/camry and half a ton.
Most non-tesla EVs do not have an issue with this and weigh more.
TCMinnesotENT@reddit
I want to argue with the LS460 control arms, but they still last far longer than the Model 3 😆.
Shart_Finger@reddit
Ehh Tesla is just wack. Been selling the same shit for way way too long.
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
The original Model 3 came out 6 years ago, and the new one has better performance, longer range, quieter interior, 80lbs lighter, and cost less (what other cars saw a price reduction from 2018 to 2024???).
I think those improvements over 6 years are not what I'd call "the same shit".
Shart_Finger@reddit
It…it doesn’t even have gauges? It’s propped up by government subsidies. They’re built like crap and they can’t move the volume.
BanEvader2024@reddit
Have you driven on a road in a major US city recently. Have you noticed every 5th car is a Tesla?
NapsterKnowHow@reddit
I see more Kia and Hyundais than Tesla's lol
BanEvader2024@reddit
I said every 5th car not every 3rd
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
The year is 2024 already can we stop with misinformation like that?
Dude the Model Y is literally the 2nd best selling passenger vehicle in the U.S.
Shart_Finger@reddit
You and I both know the reason for that lol
El_Chupacabra-@reddit
So what's the reason bub
Guygenist@reddit
Enlighten me
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
No in fact I don't think you do lol.
yellowcroc14@reddit
All the beef and produce in my fridge are propped up by subsidies but that’s not gonna stop me anytime soon
biggsteve81@reddit
While you are correct that the Model 3 has been significantly improved over the original, this is more a mid-cycle refresh than a "new" Model 3.
MaybeNext-Monday@reddit
I get what you’re trying to say but 80 pounds is not that meaningful when it’s still a 2-tonne sedan lmao, that’s like 2%
cookingboy@reddit (OP)
Yeah I know, but considering how everything else in that segment grew much heavier during the same time period any reduction in weight, while improving all other metrics including ride and cabin noise, is quite impressive.
JS1VT51A5V2103342@reddit
what a low effort take. Tesla makes top 10 best sellers. The "same shit, different year" take is maybe valid for the Model X, but not on any of their other vehicles.
ProAmCanAm@reddit
The design is dated & boring. In my area these are the new corollas—economic back & forth vehicles, nothing more.
Nothing wrong with that for most people
Moronicon@reddit
Same here. It’s like buying a taxi basically and everybody has one. Idk how people drive around in the same car as everybody else. I’d feel like a freakin robot.
smashingcones@reddit
Because Tesla did a great job convincing people their cars are "premium" so people buy them for the badge (for some reason) like a C200/320i etc
wailll@reddit
Because the vast majority of people don’t care about the car they drive? You can get into any hobby of niche items that people use everyday and think the same thing.
El_Chupacabra-@reddit
And yet it's still objectively been one of the best bang-for-buck vehicles around for several years.
mocoyne@reddit
Hard to justify buying anything else.
tugtugtugtug4@reddit
I think Tesla's main issue is they are fast becoming the Mazda of EV segments.
They are (or claim to be) a bit nicer than mainline brands like Chevy or Toyota, but aren't nice enough to compare with actual luxury brands.
So they are a tweener. But, as Mazda has shown that market is not huge even if you make great cars. So they really need to either go fully down market or make the jump up to full luxury.
Things are going to get worse for them as they first benefitted from being the most luxurious option in the early EV days and now benefit from being relatively cheaper than even the economy brands' EV models. But, pricing is coming down and Tesla isn't going to be able to compete on price without a government-protected truck business or bottomless subsidies from the CCP like the US and Chinese rivals.
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bottle_cats@reddit
Sure, I’ll buy one when the muskrat falls
Far_Sandwich_6553@reddit
This shits been on the road for over 12 years and we’re going to mars!
B_n_lawson@reddit
Will never buy one while Musk is still owner.
Pleasant_Reaction_10@reddit
oh wow such a brave and unique viewpoint on reddit
StrongOnline007@reddit
Hopefully it goes mainstream tbh. A good company shouldn’t be saddled with a piece of shit owner
BanEvader2024@reddit
Im definitely replacing my 2022 M3P with a Highland M3P when the time comes.
SkylineRSR@reddit
I’d seriously consider an EV if solid state batteries aren’t just snake oil and we get better charging networks.
MrWestReanimator@reddit
Seems like a pretty good buy.
2Drogdar2Furious@reddit
If I could afford two car notes I'd probably get a Tesla 3 to replace my Mazda 3... but I cant even afford one at the moment. If I could afford one it wouldn't be an electric. Just not practical enough for my uses. I'm excited to see where we'll be at at in 10 years though. I could see it surpassing ICE vehicles by that point.
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