The Model 3 ruined my life

[HicBuda]

Engineering explained guy did a great piece on a 1900mile trip that highlighted many things about reality of owning a Tesla. The most important take away I had was the fact that Tesla has an integrated super charging infrastructure that other makers are no where near as matured. I live in New Mexico and see stations in tinyassed towns. The model 3 I drove was base but it was a great place to be and the power off the line. My S3 will stay in the family long term, but I am looking at the Tesla seriously as the next purchase.

 

[inc55]

Engineering explained guy did a great piece on a 1900mile trip that highlighted many things about reality of owning a Tesla. The most important take away I had was the fact that Tesla has an integrated super charging infrastructure that other makers are no where near as matured. I live in New Mexico and see stations in tinyassed towns. The model 3 I drove was base but it was a great place to be and the power off the line. My S3 will stay in the family long term, but I am looking at the Tesla seriously as the next purchase.

Yeah, I can't even look at an ICE car the same way anymore. It just feels like outdated technology at this point. One of the things I hate the most about my GTI is the amount of time it takes for the turbo to spool up and go. Some circumstances require immediate response and the Tesla gives you that. Want to quickly move out of the way of a car about to ram into you? Well now you can. It truly is the future, and the charging infrastructure will only grow exponentially with time. In the Arizona heat, I want to go to my phone and set my cars AC to a certain temperature so that I can go from my AC home to my AC car. With my GTI I can't do this because of the carbon monoxide.

 

[VL3X]

I too test drove a 3 (i have no intentions of buying one but there was a test drive being hosted in my area) and it was amazing... only you can decide if you want to be on the bleeding edge of the EV world or if you want to wait until things are more "stable". Whats the lead time on a model 3 right now anyway?

A friend of mine ordered his last Tuesday and got it Saturday.

 

[VL3X]

Plus to preserve the battery it is recommended not to charge beyond the 80% range.

What? Why? Is there a source on this? I imagine that missing 20% greatly decreases range..

 

[scrapin240]

Yeah, I can't even look at an ICE car the same way anymore. It just feels like outdated technology at this point. One of the things I hate the most about my GTI is the amount of time it takes for the turbo to spool up and go. Some circumstances require immediate response and the Tesla gives you that. Want to quickly move out of the way of a car about to ram into you? Well now you can. It truly is the future, and the charging infrastructure will only grow exponentially with time. In the Arizona heat, I want to go to my phone and set my cars AC to a certain temperature so that I can go from my AC home to my AC car. With my GTI I can't do this because of the carbon monoxide.

There's very little lag in a GTI. But, considering your mods, performance doesn't seem to be on your list of important things. So a Tesla probably fits your style best.

 

[dr_mat]

What? Why? Is there a source on this? I imagine that missing 20% greatly decreases range..

I think this is not a hard requirement. Most people will charge overnight and leave the car very close to 100% for best range. It is however quite true that LiIon batteries degrade quicker if they're kept fully charged.


Reality:

https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110149_tesla-model-s-battery-life-what-the-data-show-so-far

"But, overall, the data offer some basis for confidence that a Tesla Model S will lose—on average—less than 15 percent of its battery capacity over the average 150,000-mile (250,000-km) life of a vehicle."

 

[dr_mat]

More:
https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-s-quality-durability-on-display-in-450k-mile-car-still-going-strong/

 

[VL3X]

More:
https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-s-quality-durability-on-display-in-450k-mile-car-still-going-strong/

Thanks. I've since gotten more clarification on this since posting my reply too. Apparently, you can use the app to set certain charge points/times too. Pretty cool.

Anyway, I have my AWD Performance model test drive scheduled for tonight at 6:30. I'm fully expecting the experience to "ruin my life" as well.

Side note: Lotus just announced their new EV hypercar beast: 2020 Lotus Evija (with ~2000HP!!)

 

[VL3X]

Reporting back from my test drive and.......


Meh, I'm not impressed. Yes, it's cool technology. Yes, it accelerates fairly quickly (the Performance model I wanted to drive wasn't available, so I drove the mid tier AWD model with a mid 4 second 0-60), and the auto pilot feature is kinda cool. Why am I not impressed?

It felt cheap for a $55k car (that's the price point for the Performance). It even feels cheap for a $35k car (the base Model 3). The glass roof is pretty awesome and the seats seemed comfortable enough, but that's not enough for me to look past the cheap plastic trim, lame steering wheel, and disengaging driver experience.

Maybe it's because I've been a car guy my whole life, but it just felt underwhelming. Not hearing the engine work and not fully understanding what was happening behind the scenes when I pushed the throttle was weird to me and I didn't like it. I was very happy to get back in my GTI after the test drive!

Braking and steering felt good enough (there are some settings for "chill" and "normal" steering modes) and it looked good enough in person (minus the hideous wheels). But that's the target demographic: People who want a car that's good enough.. good for the environment and good for their wallet. I totally understand why there are lots of there 3s appearing everywhere, but it is certainly not a driver's car. Even the Performance Model 3 shouldn't be expected to bring the same joy to those of us with true sports car love and experience. I'd take a new WRX or loaded GTI for $35k all day over a base Model 3. For the $55k price tag of the performance model? Ha, give me a brand new STI or Golf R with $10k modding money, a new Audi RS3, or a preowned Cayman S or GT-R or hell.. an old Ferrari 360. $55k is stupid money to pay for a Tesla 3 IMHO.

/end rant

 

[jimlloyd40]

Reporting back from my test drive and.......


Meh, I'm not impressed. Yes, it's cool technology. Yes, it accelerates fairly quickly (the Performance model I wanted to drive wasn't available, so I drove the mid tier AWD model with a mid 4 second 0-60), and the auto pilot feature is kinda cool. Why am I not impressed?

It felt cheap for a $55k car (that's the price point for the Performance). It even feels cheap for a $35k car (the base Model 3). The glass roof is pretty awesome and the seats seemed comfortable enough, but that's not enough for me to look past the cheap plastic trim, lame steering wheel, and disengaging driver experience.

Maybe it's because I've been a car guy my whole life, but it just felt underwhelming. Not hearing the engine work and not fully understanding what was happening behind the scenes when I pushed the throttle was weird to me and I didn't like it. I was very happy to get back in my GTI after the test drive!

Braking and steering felt good enough (there are some settings for "chill" and "normal" steering modes) and it looked good enough in person (minus the hideous wheels). But that's the target demographic: People who want a car that's good enough.. good for the environment and good for their wallet. I totally understand why there are lots of there 3s appearing everywhere, but it is certainly not a driver's car. Even the Performance Model 3 shouldn't be expected to bring the same joy to those of us with true sports car love and experience. I'd take a new WRX or loaded GTI for $35k all day over a base Model 3. For the $55k price tag of the performance model? Ha, give me a brand new STI or Golf R with $10k modding money, a new Audi RS3, or a preowned Cayman S or GT-R or hell.. an old Ferrari 360. $55k is stupid money to pay for a Tesla 3 IMHO.

/end rant

Just don't get embarrassed at a stoplight against one. 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds.

 

[scrapin240]

Just don't get embarrassed at a stoplight against one. 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds.

let's see who wins in a race from say NY to VA

 

[VL3X]

Just don't get embarrassed at a stoplight against one. 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds.

Lol, I'm not one to race from a light anyway.. especially not in a GTI. These cars are made for the circuit courses, not dragstrips.

Besides, that's like lining up next to a street bike and initiating a race you'll surely lose. EVs are in a different category.

 

[dr_mat]

Lol, I'm not one to race from a light anyway.. especially not in a GTI. These cars are made for the circuit courses, not dragstrips.



Besides, that's like lining up next to a street bike and initiating a race you'll surely lose. EVs are in a different category.

And yet people criticise them for not "feeling the same"! Yes, they are in a different category. The Tesla 3 Performance, fwiw, was quicker around the race track than all its contemporary petrol engined peers, so not just good at drag strips either.

The performance secret is that infinite fine control electric drive train - it is capable of making use of so much more of the available grip than a petrol car because of a petrol engine's incredibly crude and slow to react torque control capabilities, so in any given scenario the petrol car just can't put as much torque on the ground as the electric one, *particularly* in corners.


...if it creaks, it's probably made by VAG

 

[Golfs everyday]

I'm not a fan of the Model3's shape, but I see them around in my area. Seems to be fairly popular for those that like alternative cars.

I wouldn't mind having that Bimmer's small e-hatch just for the fun of it.

 

[PerceivedShift]

When will people get it's not just about speed, it's about the experience. Going fast will put a smile on your face - at first. But you'll get used to that quickly. The experience along the way is what gives you lasting fun. IMO anyone who goes just by what's on paper and that initial drop of the foot doesn't fully understand the driving experience.


A dual motor Tesla would be fun for a while if I had no issues with it. Would it be fun 3 years after purchase like my GTI? Highly doubt it, my GTI still manages to make me smile ear to ear almost every time I take it out. Making anything too digital and easy makes that activity less fun.



In a few decades everything will be quiet, digital, and automated. Speed won't matter due to speed and acceleration limits imposed by regulations. Kids won't need to learn to drive, people who can drive a manual transmission will be considered wizards. Enjoy explosive powered cars as long as you can, one day we'll be longing for the days where we can floor it on the open road.

 

[It's Sam]

I have input on this, please be nice.

We have a bunch of EVs in our area, most of them Teslas. I've fortunately been able to experience a model 3 dual motor and a model x p90d. The acceleration is unreal, sure, but Teslas have a lot of quirks and things about them in general that turn me off to them.

For one thing the interiors are sleek, but bland, not to mention kind of tacky. The huge screens give you a lot, but visually are ugly and in the long run impractical.

Another thing, there is zero mechanical link between the road and the driver. Lots of cars have electric steering and throttle control, but for me, not feeling the engine's force or the tightness of the steering is something I can't have on a daily basis. I know they're pretty good at simulating it, but in reality it's not the same.

BUT, my biggest issue with electric cars is their "performance". The instant torque is unbeatable for acceleration, sure. However, in reality teslas are only capable of consistent high performance acceleration maybe 3 or 4 times before the motors get too hot. A Tesla really would struggle under very spirited driving. Even if it didn't "suffer", the performance wouldn't be consistent with the performance when you first get in the car. An ICE car can give consistent, reliable performance when you push it (granted, that does depend in the car)


In my opinion, Teslas aren't the way to go right now. They need to refine the batteries and the power delivery to give a truly consistent performance. If there's an EV to keep an eye on, it's the Taycan. Porsche is known for putting immense value on consistent performance, and they've spent enough time and research on EVs that the Taycan could be an incredible machine. Even if the specs don't match the Tesla's, it has the endurance to win on the track.



That's my opinion. I probably spent too much time writing about it...

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[VL3X]

I have input on this, please be nice.

We have a bunch of EVs in our area, most of them Teslas. I've fortunately been able to experience a model 3 dual motor and a model x p90d. The acceleration is unreal, sure, but Teslas have a lot of quirks and things about them in general that turn me off to them.

For one thing the interiors are sleek, but bland, not to mention kind of tacky. The huge screens give you a lot, but visually are ugly and in the long run impractical.

Another thing, there is zero mechanical link between the road and the driver. Lots of cars have electric steering and throttle control, but for me, not feeling the engine's force or the tightness of the steering is something I can't have on a daily basis. I know they're pretty good at simulating it, but in reality it's not the same.

BUT, my biggest issue with electric cars is their "performance". The instant torque is unbeatable for acceleration, sure. However, in reality teslas are only capable of consistent high performance acceleration maybe 3 or 4 times before the motors get too hot. A Tesla really would struggle under very spirited driving. Even if it didn't "suffer", the performance wouldn't be consistent with the performance when you first get in the car. An ICE car can give consistent, reliable performance when you push it (granted, that does depend in the car)


In my opinion, Teslas aren't the way to go right now. They need to refine the batteries and the power delivery to give a truly consistent performance. If there's an EV to keep an eye on, it's the Taycan. Porsche is known for putting immense value on consistent performance, and they've spent enough time and research on EVs that the Taycan could be an incredible machine. Even if the specs don't match the Tesla's, it has the endurance to win on the track.



That's my opinion. I probably spent too much time writing about it...

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Well put! I agree with all of your points on the Tesla.

I haven't heard of the Taycan yet, but will look into it. The EV game is certainly exciting.

 

[vincevtr]

BUT, my biggest issue with electric cars is their "performance". The instant torque is unbeatable for acceleration, sure. However, in reality teslas are only capable of consistent high performance acceleration maybe 3 or 4 times before the motors get too hot. A Tesla really would struggle under very spirited driving. Even if it didn't "suffer", the performance wouldn't be consistent with the performance when you first get in the car. An ICE car can give consistent, reliable performance when you push it (granted, that does depend in the car)


Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Just a thought but it would be cool if EV's offer a "boost"-like function (button/third pedal) where the motor actually outputs 100% for a short period like 5-7 seconds. After, the motor would return to a standard maybe 70% output where the boost function would recharge/cooldown to be used again. pretty much like a racing game with NOS lol.

imo EV's need more drama to win over ICE enthusiasts. right now its just 0-60 times which many car enthusiasts dont really see as a deal breaking/making stat. with the tech we have today and the car being electric im sure something can be done. weird torque curves, NOS power buttons lol etc.

 

[vw671]

Just don't get embarrassed at a stoplight against one. 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds.

They are fast no doubt...but they aren't ludicrust.


Fastest Model-3 Performance I can find on Dragy. Many Golf-R's faster than this.

 

[2slowvw]

Not gonna lie, i rode in my friends Model 3 and it felt quick. I think tesla has a good thing going for it, that and the fact that their is alot less maintenance .. no oil changes, no spark plugs, no engine filter, brakes wear slower, etc etc. Yes there is some maintenance but you will definitely save some money on that aspect. Also on average, you will save money on electricity vs gas prices, especially if you compare gas prices of premium and not just 87.