Why I Love Tesla Model 3: An Enthusiast's Journey

By an Auto Enthusiast

I have a 2021 Model 3 Dual Motor Long Range. It’s the best car I’ve ever owned by a very long way. The only car I’d replace it with is another Model 3 or possibly a Model Y. So yes, I like my Tesla very much indeed.

My Infatuation with the Model S Plaid

I am a huge fan. My recent experience with the Model S Plaid has made my macho gun-store-owning friend scream like a little girl. The adrenaline-pumping acceleration is simply unmatched.

My Decision: Model 3 Wins

I like them all but the Model 3 best suits my needs. I don't enjoy big vehicles because of the hassle of finding parking spaces, not to mention the fact that I don’t often need to haul a lot of stuff. Hence, the Model X is unnecessary for me. While its gull-wing doors are pretty cool, I can live without them. If money were no object, I might consider a Model S, but my Model 3 does everything I need comfortably.

Achieving Miles and Mileage

You can take the length of this post as a reflection of my enthusiasm. I love my Model 3 Long Range. Manufactured in June 2018, I picked it up in early July, and now in February 2023, we've driven it over 76,000 miles. It has been our primary car throughout this time, and we've taken any number of trips up and down the entire East Coast. We live in a rural, cold, icy, snowy, and hilly terrain in Western MA.

A Lifelong Auto Enthusiast

I have been an auto enthusiast since I was 13, and my extended family also shares this passion. As a result, I have had many opportunities to drive very nice cars, even beyond the ones we have in our garage. My father once quipped, 'If you ever know as much about anything else beyond cars, you will probably be able to actually make a good living.' I have driven on a race track and ridden a motorcycle across the US twice.

In that context, I would say the Tesla is my favorite all-around vehicle of all. From the first right to now, it is so easy to own, even with the closest authorized service being over an hour away. I've made several visits to the shop, and now several visits from the mobile service to my garage. Seamless and quick.

Reliability and Quality of Tesla

Any issues have been inconvenience rather than safety or finishing a trip. All to date were during the warranty period. Refueling in my garage is an incredible convenience, especially with the nearest service station 8 miles away. I was initially concerned about driving such a powerful RWD car with wider tires in our winter AWD was not yet available. Very good winter tires have been enough unless you get stuck in a snow bank. Ice is ice anyway, having had multiple Audi Quattros I know.

The much-reported quality problems are overreported. Just look at the consistently high owner satisfaction rates. I have no doubt that there are issues on some cars and some lemons. But mine and all those I have spoken to are fine with the quality. The fit is not APlus like most German cars or some Japanese but not enough to catch my eye even when I am washing the exterior. The interior 'luxury' is Scandinavian rather than Baroque like a Mercedes. Not satisfying for everyone. The car looks almost new, both inside and out. The comfort is first-rate, despite my back trouble. Surprisingly roomy luggage capacity for a smaller sedan not hatchback. For trips, we pack our overnight necessities in fitted 'canvas' bags in the frunk. Have fit two road bikes plus small dog plus luggage for a month-long trip all in the back.

Driving Experience and Safety

It is a very simple and relaxing car to drive. It is relatively quiet, vibrationless, and to my surprise, the great acceleration for this model allows me to be patient when people need to do their thing in front of me because regaining speed happens so easily. My wife appreciates nice cars but is not really an enthusiast. She loves the car for its ease. When we travel long distances, we arrive more rested even if a bit later. I would never buy another brand EV for trips until I can access the Tesla Supercharger system with that brand. BTW, as one gets older, one has to make pit stops anyway, long before the battery range dictates, say 150 miles. In all this time, we have only been delayed at one supercharger to wait, and that charger now has other nearby locations as well. The ride is sports sedan firm. Occasionally annoying on our roads which really deteriorate by Spring. If you are concerned, try one or rent one for the day.

Handling and Brakes

The handling is the way I like it: small steering wheel, quick turn-in, and great visibility. To plant the nose of the car, neutral until you are going too fast for most roads. Things can get a bit floaty over 75 MPH on turns, but not enough to switch to sportier rubber for us and sacrifice ride and range. Brakes are very good for street driving, and I LOVE the resistance braking. True one-pedal driving on back curvy roads. Just so simple. Most of the time, our road speed is only limited by wanting to avoid a ticket or our sense of self-preservation.

Comparisons to Other Cars

Would I rather be driving a Porsche 914/6 GT or an Audi RS? Of course, occasionally, I loved shifting, love the sound of machinery, and used to drive with the window open to enjoy the exhaust sound. But I love this car. There will be other electric cars that are as satisfying to own but not quite yet.

Environmental and Economic Considerations

Be aware tires are the main upkeep expense because of the immense torque and the weight. Remember this is a 'premium' car like a smaller Cadillac, Lexus, or BMW. Hourly rates and parts are priced accordingly. But my insurance has been very reasonable.

My Perspective

To the OP’s question, I’ve never driven a Model X. Have driven a number of Model S loaners. Not my type of driving experience. But if I liked larger, more 'luxury' class cars, the Model X could be a good choice. I will mention the environmental benefits. So nice to be able to drive with less guilt. BTW, I also charge off my solar panels on my barn. And the elephant in the room: I have tremendous trust in Elon’s engineering decisions. His political decisions are beyond distasteful to us. It’s a dilemma. In the US, we can't come even close to meeting our climate goals without his work. So we grit our teeth and root for Tesla. We own shares as well. It's what makes us adults. Few choices are pure.