Tesla Model 3 - 3 Years Later | Costs, Battery Degradation, Things I Love and Hate

Summary

In this detailed review, the owner shares their three-year experience with the Tesla Model 3 Performance, highlighting its impressive speed, comfort, and practicality. They discuss the initial cost savings from not opting for full self-driving, the car's reliability, and the convenience of over-the-air updates. Despite minor issues like windscreen wipers and window noise, the owner praises the car's acceleration, handling, and quiet drive. They also touch on the cost-effectiveness of owning an EV, the Supercharger network's benefits, and their overall satisfaction with the vehicle, even considering extending the warranty.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The speaker has owned their Tesla Model 3 Performance for three years, which is the longest they've ever kept a car.
• 💰 The car was purchased in December 2019 for £55,000, and now similar models cost around £60,000.
• 🛑 The decision not to opt for full self-driving capability has saved the speaker money, as it is not yet fully functional, especially in the UK.
• 🔄 The car has been wrapped in 3M Satin Dark Grey, which has protected the paint and kept it in great condition after three years.
• 💨 The car's windscreen wipers are a significant downside, with a camera-based system that doesn't perform reliably.
• 🌡️ The lack of a heat pump affects the car's range in winter, which is a common issue for electric vehicles in cold conditions.
• 🔋 The car has had some issues, such as a recall for the front upper control arm ball joints and a low 12-volt battery, but all were resolved free of charge.
• 🛋️ The white leather interior has held up well, is comfortable, and easy to clean, which is a positive aspect of the car.
• ⚡ The electric speed of the car is addictive, especially with the performance model's quick acceleration, which hasn't lost its appeal after three years.
• 🔍 The car's visibility is excellent, with a low bonnet and large windows making everyday driving and parking easier.
• 🔁 The regenerative braking allows for 'one-pedal driving,' where the car can be driven without touching the brake pedal, which is efficient and easy to learn.

Q & A

How long has the owner had their Model 3 and what is their overall experience like?

The owner has had their Model 3 for three years, which is the longest they have owned a car. They have a mix of positive and negative experiences but overall, they are very happy with their purchase.

What is the Model 3 Performance and how much did it cost when the owner first bought it?

The Model 3 Performance is a high-performance version of the Tesla Model 3. The owner bought it in December 2019 for £55,000 with specific features including the Midnight Silver color and white interior.

Why did the owner decide not to purchase the full self-driving capability when buying the car?

The owner decided not to purchase the full self-driving capability because, even three years later, the technology is not yet fully functional, especially in the UK, making it a waste of money in their view.

What was the owner's experience with the car's windscreen wipers and why were they problematic?

The owner found the windscreen wipers to be the worst they have ever seen, as they seemed to have a mind of their own due to the use of a camera instead of a traditional sensor, leading to inconsistent performance.

How has the car's range been affected by the lack of a heat pump and what is the owner's view on this?

The lack of a heat pump has caused the car's range to plummet in winter conditions, which is a downside the owner acknowledges as part of owning an electric vehicle.

What issues did the owner experience with their Model 3 and how were these handled by Tesla?

The owner had a recall for the front upper control arm ball joints and a low 12-volt battery. Both issues were resolved for free by Tesla, with the battery replacement done at the owner's home for convenience.

What are some of the features the owner loves about their Model 3 and why?

The owner loves the white leather interior for its durability and ease of cleaning, the comfortable seats, the addictive electric speed, the handling, the silence, the visibility, and the autopilot feature.

How does the owner feel about the touchscreen controls in the Model 3 and what are their suggestions for improvement?

The owner is not a fan of the touchscreen controls for everything in the car, suggesting that physical buttons for the aircon and windscreen wipers would be more practical and user-friendly.

What is the owner's opinion on the charging experience with the Model 3 and the importance of the Supercharger network?

The owner appreciates the convenience of home charging and the reliability of the Supercharger network, which they believe is a significant advantage of owning a Tesla and a major selling point.

What are the owner's thoughts on the cost of running and maintaining a Tesla Model 3?

The owner finds the cost of running and maintaining a Tesla Model 3 to be very low, with significant savings on fuel costs and minimal servicing needs.

How has the battery health of the owner's Model 3 held up after three years and 25,000 miles?

After three years and 25,000 miles, the owner's Model 3 has experienced 7.2% battery degradation, which is considered good and still within the expected range for the vehicle.

What feature does the owner wish was added to the Model 3 and why would they find it useful?

The owner wishes for a heads-up display to be added to the Model 3, as it would allow them to see important information like speed and battery level without looking away from the road, enhancing safety and modernity.

Would the owner recommend a Tesla Model 3 and under what circumstances?

The owner would recommend a Tesla Model 3, especially for those who can charge at home and mostly do short journeys. They also highlight the value of purchasing a used Model 3 due to the significant price drop.