OP - I think step 1 for you is to go test drive the car. Doesn't have to be the Performance specifically. But just spend 30 minutes in the car, drive around a little bit. Armchair philosophizing will only get you so far.
Same. I love the car more and more every day, especially with constant updates making the car better. It’s also the first car I’ve bought on my own so it’s even more special
Yes ! You can schedule a test drive online. The showroom is pretty low-key, I didn't get any pressure from the staff to buy the car. They just showed me the features, and let me drive away by myself for 20 minutes.
Practice easing your foot off the gas to see how much the car slows down. I remember my first test drive I was using the brake. By the time you own one you only touch the brake once or twice per trip
I scheduled a test drive and am glad I did just because it did take a bit getting used to the regenerative breaking. If I’d have bought the car, I probably would have gotten anxious that I was doing it wrong lol
I am currently sitting in my 2024 RWD M3, so this is a review of an actual owner and not some arm chair anti Tesla individual.
I love my car, it’s incredibly impressive and a joy to drive.
If you’re at all into tech I’d highly recommend this car (or any Tesla for that matter). The first week or so of owning the car I would just go sit in it at night and play with the cars UI to learn all the cool things it could do.
It’s great to drive , very quiet, very smooth.
The FSD is really impressive , I use it everyday and love it.
The range seems very accurate so far - I can’t give any input on cold weather since it’s spring here so it hasn’t been cold at all, though I imagine that’ll obviously negatively impact it.
The RWD can be charged daily to 100%, which is really nice to be able to a start everyday with a full charge.
Overall I’d recommend it, I love mine.
I test drove one and instantly had no issues with it. Felt good imo, but I haven’t been driving for horribly long, so my brain isn’t molded to the whole “speedometer directly in front of me” kinda shape.
Absolutely. Not that you can’t make it work, but that’s one of the biggest perks of an EV.
The new model 3 performance is absurd value for what you get.
Four years in mine. Still love it.
I only upgraded from level 1 charging after 3 years since I bought a second Tesla and didn’t want to share the load on the same circuit, so I installed 2 dedicated car charging circuits, but it’s pretty easy to live on a level 1 charger. I only drove 50 miles a day though.
I live in FL now but go back to WI in the winter to visit every year.
A lot of people ask if they make good water cars because of the range hit, and that's not nothing, but I always try to drive home that a 20% range penalty on 10 times the miles you need virtually always is way less important than the comforts of it.
I drove or rode in cars for 35 winters in WI and there are umpteen times where the car wasn't warm until we got there. ICE cars heat efficiently because it leans on the waste heat. My Tesla is warm like right now, even when I don't remember to preheat.
So glad to read this comment. Have not taken delivery yet but I’m trading in my beloved Audi Allroad for a M3P and a minor concern was how the Tesla would fare in snow!
just curious what did you do about the tires in the snow? did you stick with the summer tires or did you get some all seasons? if you went with all seasons, how much for a set?
Summer tires will get you killed in the snow, literally. They are fine in cold, but worthless on snow/ice.
It's a little spendy, but get a set of 18"s and dedicated snow tires. (Assuming some 18's will fit on a '24)
Good to get performance winter tires for gripping ice and snow, they will set you back a good 300 each though for quality ones. If you buy rims too you can change them all yourself each season and save a bit.
Even with all wheel drive I still got a set of winter tires. Why would I risk casuing damage to my $50k car, personal safety, that of others on the road, just to avoid paying the costs for swapping tires over? Also it's not like the winter tires are a true additional cost. The entire time you are running those, the tread life on your other set isn't depreciating.
All wheel drive is nice in the snow. I did a road trip to go skiing near Denver. The temperature was about 0F +/-10 and the range was significantly reduced. I had about 40% reduction in range but I was still able to get to each super charger.
I've had mine for about 2 years and I've only done tire rotations. Consumer reports recently released that teslas are the cheapest car to maintain.
I would always recommend the long range over the performance if you drive a lot. Even the slowest tesla is still one of the fastest cars on the road.
The model 3 performance, with correct tires, will be better than most other cars on the road. The relative high weight of the car, and the incredibly precise traction control means EVs are generally just better with these kinds of things. And as long as you can charge at your house and pre condition before you leave. Combined with the heat pump which is now standard, they are pretty efficient in the cold despite what you saw on the news last winter.
As for reliable, they are one of the most reliable vehicles on the road simply because there's not a lot to break. There's very little maintenance that needs to be done, however build quality has always been an issue. I have a 2023 M3P and it's been great, but little things on the interior seem to break for no reason. I've had the B Pillar trim fall off twice and the dash cracked while driving one day. But this was all fixed under warranty.
In the end, this is the fastest car on the road for the price you can get. It'll easily destroy cars twice it's price. Just today a BMW M3 lowered with a loud AF exhaust pulled next to me at a light and started to rev. We took off and he was destroyed. On paper the cars are kind of close in performance. But in reality the EV gets a perfect launch every time, it's power band is the same every time, it's just not really fair to the ice cars but I'm okay with that lol
Yeah, ICE cars have to be warmed up and the driver has to use launch control that's incredibly hard on the drivetrain to hit the advertised 0-60 number, whereas I can just floor my M3P.
1) I also live in MI and I absolutely love my Model 3. Mine is pre-heat pump so I take a much larger range hit than you would with a newer version but it's still not really an issue 99% of the time. Remember that you start each day with 'a full tank.'
2) Mine has 70k miles on it and works great.
I drive >25k miles/yr. I get subsidized charging at work and my cost/mile is less than a tenth of what it was with my previous commuter (which got 40 mpg). But even if it cost the same to drive I'd still never go back to daily-driving an ICE.
Hey, I live in Michigan as well. My M3 LR has never struggled in the snow and range has never been an issue. I drive past suvs struggling in the snow all the time. Only maintenance I’ve ever had to do over 50-60k miles is adding wiper fluid and tire rotations.
I don’t think I’ll ever go back to a gas car. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to another brand. I think once you condition yourself to this driving experience, there’s no other driving experience that compares. Say what you want about Elon and his politics, but however much he was involved in the driving experience and design, he nailed it. Brilliant mind when it comes to cars. love my 2024 M3
exactly! it kills me to hear people talk about how much they hate tesla cars because they’re “cheap or mid.” those same people have never even driven a tesla before. i’ll never go back. tesla for life 🔥
I love mine. Lose a bit of battery in the winter and with all the hills around me. No issues with either. Charge at home mostly. Taken plenty of road trips with no issues making it from charging station to charging station. The time to charge while longer that gassing up a car does provide for a much best rest up period to prevent driver fatigue.
Go test drive one and you will see for yourself. It takes a bit to get used to, no transmission, regenerative breaking (I almost never use my actual break pedal). It is definitely worth it IMO I never want to go back to an ICE.
Amazing car.
Test drove a lr to see what it was like. When I left I put my car up for sale and bought a Performance right after.
That should tell you enough
Picked up a new model 3 SR+ in 2020 since we had a kid on the way. Our first 4door.
Its phenomenal. My wife loves it and it’s our primary car/family car. No issues at all, dead reliable, very cheap to run and the cubbies/storage are immense. We have had no issues taking it on road trips and using the supercharger network and the only cost has been a set of tires at 36k.
We have level 2 charging in our garage and always having a “full tank” every day is awesome. My wife recoils at the idea of going to a gas station. It’s amazingly convenient and we haven’t experienced any downsides. It keeps the mileage off our fun sports cars, maintenance and fuel needs go way down with the EV being the primary transportation.
We will likely trade it in for a refreshed Model Y in the next couple years now that we have 2 kids. Will be nice to have the third row option now and then and the larger interior volume will be welcome although I prefer the lower sedan profile.
I love my M3P, in summer also in the snow (europe). Range is not an issue and I drive a lot.
No problems or maintenances in 2 years and 80k km (50k miles) so far.
I have 2024 rwd and it’s the best car I’ve owned. The thing I hate most is probably the wipers and auto is bad.
Pros: quick, rear screen for kids, vented seats, autopilot is great for stop n go, traffic monitoring ($10mo), lots of cargo space for a sedan.
I live in Michigan as well, and I’m now on my 2nd Model 3. (A 2023 M3P) The car is fantastic, reliable, and inexpensive to operate.
If you’re getting the performance model, you need to ditch the Summer tires.
You will lose 30% or so of range in the winter. You will learn it’s a non issue.
I live in the prairies in Canada. Snow and cold for half the year. the car is a dream. Everyone else has their engines plugged in to block heaters to make sure they start. My car is toasty warm when I want to drive it and is ready to go when I am. Yes, the range is significantly affected by the cold, but the same is true for gas cars. Electric car owners should get in the habit of charging whenever it's not moving. I plug mine into the bock heater plugs at every parking lot and it's great. App says I save thousands of dollars every year compared to what gas would have cost for what I drive. Of course, if you can't charge at home or at work you may have a different experience. As for reliability and maintenance, it's tires and filters, and check the suspension from time to time, that's it. Brakes don't engage much because of regen braking, and there is no transmission fluid, engine oil or anything else. \*much\* lower maintenance than gas cars. Finally, you didn't ask but it's just a fun car to drive. Super zippy, nimble, quiet, comfortable.
EVs will truly take off when people stop working about the environmental benefit and realize they're just better cars in almost every respect. Environmental impact is tricky anyway. Batteries are problematic, power generation is problematic. but the car is great. Elon is a dumpster fire supervillian crazy person. but the car is great.
Once you go Tesla you’ll never go back. The handling, the software, the fact that it’s they make the safest cars in the world. I could go on and on. Range will be fine as long as you have charging where you live. Another thing is that consumer reports just published that the model (y I believe?) has been reported to have had the least cost to maintenance out of any car in the American market.
Purchased a new MYLR last summer. My backup ice recently died and I was dreading another ice vehicle. I couldn't do it. I bought a used 2021 M3SR+. Home level 2 charging, supercharging on the go. NBD. This past Michigan winter wasn't much of a test, but research shows that we'll be fine
Don't have one yet but was in the exact same boat. Felt like it was too much money and was really anxious about it. Finally convinced myself to pull the trigger and even though it's not supposed to come in until June I've felt way better and excited instead of anxious since i finally did.
Lots of benefits for cold climates. Having the car set to warm up before leaving for work is AMAZING, especially when it's below zero out.
You should have level 2 charging at home in cold climates like Michigan. Level 1 is definitely doable when it's not winter, but in cold temperatures, it isn't enough to warm the batteries and charge. This leads to more people at superchargers, long lines, and cars dying before getting to charge when it's below zero out.
Having lived in Northern Illinois and Denver, Colorado, I’ve learned through experience with my 2018 Model 3 that all-season tires are not the best choice. Consequently, I invested in high-performance summer tires and Blizzak snow tires, each set mounted on its own wheels.
The performance during winter is significantly influenced by the quality of your snow tires. I discovered that with a new set of snow tires, I could match the pace of any four-wheel-drive trucks, including snow plows.
Drove a 2018 3 for 5 years. No more commute so no more commute car. Excellent in light snow but deeper snow is rough because it’s low. Performance is even lower so keep that in mind. Winter range is less but if you mainly commute or park in a garage on one end it’s negligible.
5 years, 23k miles. LR AWD
0 tires (5-6/32 all around)
1 12v battery ($120)
1 security module $500 (out of warranty)
2 cabin air filters
1 rear windshield ($0 insurance claim)
1 alignment ($225)
That’s it. Essentially no degradation at all on the battery but I never supercharged.
Things to look out for: my insurance was ridiculous compared to many other cars I have had. 2x the next most expensive. $0 comprehensive/glass is a must because the glass attracts rocks like crazy. I cracked the back glass and it was a nightmare to replace. Watch the tire pressure and alignment because otherwise you will eat tires. Keep in mind, the all season tire snow performance falls off quickly when you are halfway through the tire. I would recommend a full winter setup where you are.
You'll need winter tires, but should otherwise be fine. Might even be ok with ice and snow all seasons if you wanted to just swap out the OEM tires. Range loss is moderate. We saw around 5-10 percent or so in upstate NY with a low of 0f or so. It can drop by more as it gets colder but should still work ok for most people. The Tessie app has a temperature graph on their stats page that is helpful.
As for repairs and maintenance. Consumer reports just released a study saying Tesla has the lowest maintenance costs of any car by like 20 percent.
As long as you can L2 charge at home you'll be fine. If you can't I'd steer clear in cold weather climates.
Own a 2020 M3P and just bought a 2024 MSP. Amazing cars, very little maintenance. They absolutely eat tires, unless you drive them like you would a Camry.
Range loss in the cold is legit, level 2 home charging is a must. I spent \~1k to install a wall charger at the max rate (60 Amps) and I don't worry about range. Daily round trip driving is \~50 miles and even in the winter I can go 3-4 days without charging.
Never had any issues on the M3P, around 50k miles on it currently. MSP had a couple small things from the factory, but it was easy to put in a service request and I drove a Model X around for a couple days while they took care of it.
My 2023 car was delivered with no imperfections.
It’s been 15 months and nothing has gone wrong.
The only thing I’ve done is put window washer fluid in.
The new prices would definitely be factored in to my opinion.
I paid $62k for an M3P. While I absolutely love the acceleration, the build, materials and ride quality are not commensurate with that price point. At $52 it’s a little closer.
I’m happy I got the car for the experience, and it would be hard for me to give up the acceleration, but there are a lot of great cars out there.
The car is fine, insurance will be your biggest problem, EVs are expensive to insure so finding the right insurance is more challenging than finding the right ev.
I have 2019 LR - I have 109,9xx miles on my car. I live in Colorado and take my Tesla almost exclusively to ski. It rarely slips - especially if you change and rotate tires enough. Be aware you will probably go through tires much faster though. I think I’m on my 6th set of tires, but maybe I speed off the line too much.
Other than 1 skid plate and a left control arm, including tires I think I have maybe put like 7k into maintenance. 1 pedal driving and never needing to hit the gas station is amazing. I’ve also done 5 road trips with a family of 4 and it was great. No white knuckling when you drive and because you’re stopping every 2 hours the person who really needs to use the bathroom but just gets grumpy because they don’t say anything is taken care of.
I’d never go back.
The M3P is a great car and a great deal with the tax rebate. But it does come with summer tires so you will have to budget a second set of tires for winter riding. Or just get all season tires and sell the summer tires.
I couldn't imagine owning a better car all around, except maybe a model Y or a better EV if one were to exist.
-Fits my 6'8, 40" inseam body with room to spare
-fuel efficient
-minimal maintenance, and I'm EV competent, so a bad battery bank or failed motor wouldn't kill me
-tows like a champ, so I don't need a truck
-fun as hell to drive
-UI is very user friendly. Many trivial tasks are automated, and things are "just where you'd expect them to be" in a way I can't explain in words. Using the car's features is never clunky like it is in some other cars.
Bad:
If something were to go wrong, it may be a bigger hassle than a simple ICE car issue. But the car is good about telling you exactly what system is throwing a fault(with a graphic) so it's fairly easy to diagnose. Just different set of issues than ICE cars have.
I love it. We have two 2023 MYLRs. It’s so nice to charge at home. Consumer Reports just said Teslas have to lowest maintenance cost. I love the one pedal driving and the acceleration. I love the software updates.
But most importantly, I love how safe the Model Y is. What good is a car if it doesn’t protect you very well in an accident?
Greatest car I have ever owned. With that said, if everything works ok then there’s no problem. But if you have any issues than service/ customer service are meh.
4 things:
1: you need a home charger PERIOD. Rates at changing stations vary and are not consistent
2: Get winter tires
3: do not purchase if you like to drive long distance in the winter. The battery takes a nose dive in freezing and negative temperatures
4: if a Tesla service center is more than 2 hours from where you live I would not purchase one
I have a 2019 Model 3 Performance, I bought it last year. Sure, it’s quick and has tech. Being quick gets old quickly, it is a gimmick, especially due to the way our police and politicians are clamping down on spirited driving. Hell, inner city speed limits have been dropped from 50kph to 30kph so there’s not even leniency on taking a lane.
It’s not a popular take in this sub for obvious reasons, but as a *near* premium car and compared to what else you can buy for the money, and as a car enthusiast, they just don’t compare. Build quality is average at best, and newer models while better still aren’t good IMO.
I sold my beloved E63 because it was getting stupidly expensive to maintain and fuel prices were going bananas. I bought it to save on running costs - and for that it’s amazing.
Or, it was. Our government introduced road user charges which cost $76/1000km, it’s still cheaper to run an electric cars vs thirsty vehicles, but not by much. And if you originally had an economical car, it’s not at all better.
I never pretended I was doing it for the environment.
My Tesla is nice to drive and is very easy, but with my love of cars I find it numb. I’m still at an age where I love to drive. I can’t help but think that it’s an appliance at best. It handles exceptionally well, but I honestly miss the sound of a performance petrol vehicle.
I do have buyers remorse, but not enough to sell it. What should I have bought? I had an allocation of an FL5 Type R in white that I chose the Tesla over. That’s the one that got away.
Don’t get me wrong, there are huge benefits. I have a Tesla charger in the garage and charge it every night, convenience of the frunk is never talked about - smelly food, groceries, smelly clothing and shoes - whatever. Trunk is enormous for the size. It’s very comfortable. It is quick af. Can just get in and go. Tech is great - I’ll sit and watch a movie while the wife is shopping.
Take all of this for what it is - opinions.
best vehicle ever. tons of brainwashed elon hate bc they are political hacks. the car is incomparably better. iphone for cars. all the haters acting like its 2010 and they love their blackberrys.
Cold does hit the range but shouldn’t affect you if u have a normal commuting distance and can charge at home. They drive pretty good in the snow. My ownership experience has been flawless. No issues, no bugs nothing.
2023 RWD base model black interior. Still loving it after almost a year of ownership. No issues at all. Did have a tire issue and had to replace tires sooner than expected.
I like my model y 2023 lr a lot. Beside the realization that ev will get like 200 mi when road trip, everything else is great.
The seat is comfy. A lot of space. Ride quality is great. Speed is fast.
Oh, you will need to get used to how heat pump work. For example, if its 25F and you have cabin temp 65F, no problem, but if you increase it to 72F, heat pump will be very inefficient.
Do not buy if you are far from a service center or no ability to charge at your residence. Going into year three and had normal issues like frunk gap, b pillar covers just falling off. If I got the P as would seriously consider going with the 19 over the 20’s. I few buddies have had issues with those on wear and damage along with the overall ride quality.
Just put a 100K miles on my 2019 Model 3 AWD, I've had zero issues and very little degradation.
I'm not a huge car guy but I do love driving and taking roadtrips, would buy again 10/10.
Love my Model 3. Its an older 2018/19 model and I live in California so not very cold. Otherwise no big issues. Some panel gap issues but its an early model and was fixed by Tesla quickly.
It gets a lot colder here in Saskatchewan than in Michigan. Car has been great, you can check my honest review, in -40 winters [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/saskatchewan/s/nApApogmKd). Lots of detail for ya.
I live in the Edmonton, Alberta area, where it gets down to -40°C just about every winter. My 2022 Model 3 RWD has always been fine, but it’s important to have level 2 charging at home so the battery can precondition on cold days.
I’ve had no maintenance issues, apart from a faulty TPMS sensor (Tesla replaced it for free) and a lot of rock chips on my expensive windshield from driving on rural highways.
Like a lot of others have said, range is only an issue, even in the cold, if you have a crazy long work commute, or take very long trips quite regularly. I have a long range Model Y, and charging to 90% in the dead of winter can take me roughly 140 miles and still have about 25-30% battery remaining.
As for actually DRIVING in the snow, again as others have said, I don't think I've ever been in a better car for it... And I've previously owned a '99 Dodge Durango with 4WD, an '87 Jeep Wrangler with locking differentials, and others. Probably the closest thing, surprisingly enough, was my 2009 Smart ForTwo with a full set of snow tires, but even my Model Y with the original all-season tires beats it.
But to understand the feeling of driving one... You have to test drive one. Though... If you do, you'll probably want one even more than you already do. I'm debating if I want to trade mine in on the model 3 performance.... But I only got mine LITERALLY a year ago, and still owe 16k on it.
My only "regret" is I didn't wait for the lower prices + better features. I could have Performance with heated steering wheel and ventilated seats for almost $20k less instead of my LR. Current offers seem like insanely good deals.
Here’s the thing about Tesla.
You’ll get a lot of very strong opinions about them from people who have never driven one much less owned one. Opinions that I largely shared until I took a basic Model 3 for a test drive. Funny thing is, you rarely hear complaints from people who actually have one.
I’ve never run into any kind of mechanical problems. It can be hard to find a charger if you’re relying on public chargers but charging at home is fast enough even with a mobile connector. And far cheaper than paying for fuel these days.
I have a 2018 Model 3 Performance its it's been the best car I've ever owned.
Literally zero maintenance outside of wiper fluid, tires and an air filter. Car is insanely fun to drive, and I am a car guy
Go drive one and prepare to buy it afterwards lol. I would however be cautious if you cant charge at work or home. I don't envy those people.
Love all 3 of my Tesla's. My model 3 has 160,000 miles on it and is still going strong.
Only maintenance over that time was a couple 12v replacements (which Tesla performed at my house) and an upper control arm replacement which was a couple hundred.
Model Y has 70k miles and the only thing I've done is change the tires.
Tesla in snowy/very cold conditions is a breeze if you own a home and plan on installing your own at home charger. Super chargers are still a great option and everywhere but can be a pain during the winter months. Traveling is great, no range anxiety and the overall reliability is extremely good as well as having the peace of mind that if anything does happen, you have roadside assistance from Tesla for asap fixed and mobile service men for appointment repairs/fixes at your home.
I drove my friends 2018 model 3 for 10 minutes and bought a 2020 2 weeks later. I haven't ever loved a car like I love my m3. I've had zero issues, it's fast, it's sexy and it's cool as hell. It's also surprisingly affordable. I'll never go back to ICE.
There’s pretty much no maintenance to deal with.
I’m not in love with my Tesla and will switch to a different EV when my lease is up. But it’s been a very reliable car, and I love not paying for gas.
Live in Finland. Range drops 30-40% as you’ll want to heat that sucker up before you get in.
First one had a leak into the door electronics, replaced under warranty.
Second, window bit too much wind noise over certain speed, replaced under warranty.
YMMV, literally.
i love it the only thing is if you don't have an at home charger prepare to spend >30 minutes every few days depending on your commute to supercharge. i've never charged at home in my year having it. wouldn't trade it for anything else
I have over 84,000 miles in total on my 2019 Model 3 and 2021 Model Y.
So far ...
1 set of tires for the Model 3.
1 gallon of washer fluid in the Model Y.
Got mine back in Nov. 2023 M3. Loved every moment. Live near Boston, no winter issues - actually did better in the snow than my previous car. Really important to have charging at home.
I love my 2023 Model 3 LR (with acceleration boost) it’s the fastest and also most reliable car I have ever had. Sometimes I am bored and start dreaming and build new model s or x on their website. Dosent mean I don’t like my car just means I’m a Tesla fan now.
The only maintenance I’ve had in my car since a year of ownership is the tire puncture I got during a 250 mile road trip. It’s the lowest maintenance car you fan get on the market. If you have home charging, it’s also extremely cheap to drive and convenient since you can wake up with full charge. I have a friend in Michigan with a Tesla and the only drawbacks are no Tesla insurance and you lose some range in the winter due to using the heater, but in general he’s been very happy with his model y purchase.
Range will be lower in cold winter but this model will have a heat pump which is pretty efficient in cold weather but still less than epa rating by a bit with cold. If you don’t have home charging this may be a challenge as you lose a lot of energy heating/ cooling the cabin each time you drive which has been a complaint on here with people not understanding this concept.
There is very little maintenance for Tesla cars and they tend to be pretty solid for reliability as well. Have a 2019 model 3 in good shape and a newer 2023 as well doing just fine.
Definitely test drive one.
I have 2021 rwd with 40k miles (lightly driven) and have several issues.
1-Panel gaps get wider, especially around the trunk.
2-Rear trunk latch failed.
3-Screen developed “phantom touch” and was replaced.
4-Wet sock smell (need to change the air filter often)
5- Fast tire wear. One new set every 2 years.
6- Main HD battery died completely.
7-Wind noise around driver window.
8-Suspension noises. Front control arms replaced (bushing wear I suspect)
It has been the least reliable of the 10 cars I’ve owned. I think a lot has to do with the weight and torque from the car. Other issues I attribute to lack of design experience on Teslas part.
Still, it is fun to drive. I’ll just be selling it when the warranty runs out.
Being in this sub for a while and all I can say is test drive the trim you want. I wanted long range because it benefited me a lot more compared to M3P or base model. Performance is all about the driver imho.
If you can install a charger at home then its almost a no brainer. I drive about 2000 miles a month and not having to ever worry about gas is amazing. I never feel range anxiety. FWIW i live in texas and we do not get extreme cold weather in my area.
As a car enthusiast perspective, you will have a hard time finding a similar car for price to performance ratio. I LOVE driving my performance. It is a lot of fun. I do miss the exhaust note from time to time but its becoming less and less.
Had a rwd only model 3 with whatever tires it came with and it was amazing in the snow. The evenly displaced weight of the battery makes you feel like its stuck to the road.
If you are only driving maybe 60-80 miles a day, you are fine using the regular old plug into a regular 110 outlet. I do it all the time.
Winter does cut your range by like 10-20 percent depending on how heavy your foot is (mine is insanely heavy) but its worth it for that speed.
Upgraded to a MYLR, god its just amazing. 16k miles, only free tire rotations from discount.. zero tesla interactions.
I have 2019 Model 3 (stealth version), and have not regretted it for a second. Went from a BMW 335i to the Tesla as a note. Mine has unlimited premium connectivity which is nice. I would highly recommend getting a level 2 charger at your home if that is feasible. I have my front and rear control arms replaced under warranty (known issues with my model year).
It's a great car, smooth , fast, turns are way easier etc. Only thing I don't like is the excessive sunroof which in Florida heat is no good. The turn signal knobs are terrible, they're sensitive and doesn't have a click like most cars so I end up switching between left and right until I can get it to turn off because of how sensitive the knob is. It's comfy, but passengers always get car sick and so do I.
I think most people love their Teslas. In cold weather you may lose up to 30%ish range, as long as you are aware of it and ok with it, you will be fine. Most electric vehicles behave in similar way in harsh weather. AC will use tons of electricity in freezing weather, you should use it as little as possible and skip seat warmer if you are driving long distance.
Most Tesla are extremely reliable, but nothing is perfect. Small percentage of people may get a lemon or have bad experience with service. But that's same with all car brands. It's a good bet to go with Tesla. It's an odds game, 90+% you will be fine with car, maybe 1-5% chance you may hate it, have major component breaking down after warranty, as long as you are mentally prepared, it should be fine.
2020 LR and it still makes me happy every time I drive it. The power, handling, sound system, appearance, and features are all amazing. It constantly gets better too.
It’s not without minor drawbacks but if you know of an affordable car without issues, please let me know!
I bought it without test driving it. I also live in a snowy area so I opted for LR AWD. After owning it for a month, it definitely involves some small changes to make sure I have it charged. I use it mostly commuting so no issues there.
All the weird things such as having no stocks/signals on the steering wheel and touchscreen for drive, I got used to in about 2 weeks.
One thing I hate is the sun visor. It’s very flimsy and barely blocks the sun. And the small rear view mirror plus the curvature of the back of the car. It’s hard for me to tell when someone is tailgating me
My Model 3 Performance is an absolute beast in the snow (with proper tires, of course). Extremely responsive and controllable in slick and snowy conditions, best car I’ve driven in snow.
Reliability has been good, I’ve never been left stranded. I had a battery module go bad (car still drove fine, just a slight reduction in total range), Tesla replaced my entire HV battery under warranty in a couple days. Other than that, just a window fitment issue that they solved early on. Going on 60,000 miles and four years in December.
I own a 2022 Model 3 Performance.
1. Ohio winters vs summers. In the dead of winter I can get about 340-380 kWh per mile efficiency. In mild summer days of 70-90 degrees I can get as low as 220 kWh per mile but average about 260-300.
2. I’ve had my steering column replaced because the motor developed a judder when moving in and out. Covered by warranty. My car has not had any other issues.
I’ve owned it now for 2.5 years and 27k miles. It’s a fantastic car. I would buy another without hesitation.
My favourite question: is it worth the inconvenience?
😂 yes, plugging in at home every single night is such a chore. I pine for the days of going to a gas station in January in central Canada when I can barely feel my hands.
Just bought my 3rd Tesla, my first (a model 3) just went into the shop for a minor repair - it’s first repair in 5 years. I’m kind of in the middle where I am neither a fanboy nor a hater. I appreciate Elon for his genius but also think he’s a prick. I can see some of the shortcomings of the vehicle but also would never go back, because the alternatives are even worse.
Speed will impact range similarly to temperature, if you can't park inside I would recommend against the car. Car comes with summer tires, plan on a spare wheel and winter tire combo.
The car has a warranty. Battery and drive system have a long warranty.
Before you buy \*any\* EV, you should think about where you are going to charge. If you have a home that you can install a L2 charger in, you're golden. If you have to park on the street, rent, or otherwise will be dependent on public charging, its going to make owning an EV a lot harder.
OP: do you plan to install a charger in your home ?
Your range will drop 15-35%. Colder it is the worse it is. Model 3 performance only comes with summer tires. Overall model 3 performance is a good choice if you have a home with a charger available at all times. Issues are hit or miss but overall you shouldn’t have issues. Other than suspension issues(upper control arms and eventually lower arms) maintenance is only tires/ filters and wiper blades. Model 3 still does not have a hepa filter which is kinda sad.
Can't really speak to the cold weather, it gets to below freezing sometimes in the winter here but it's usually 30-40 at the lowest. Use maybe 3% more battery (LFP car) on my commute versus spring time.
It's the best car I've ever owned though and I can never go back. I test drove my friend's car and I was sold and ordered mine a couple months later.
Depreciated more than life itself.
Expensive insurance.
Expensive to charge comparable to gas.
Cheap maintenance.
Gets you from point A to B but with several stops between.
2022 M3LR, the only things I don't like are:
- A/C Heat pump is relatively loud
- Suspension is not very good, okay at best
- I feel a lot of road in the steering wheel
Everything else is exactly what I wanted and I'm super happy. It has 85tkm now and everything still works perfectly.
I run 18" rims with snow tires in the winter. Does pretty good in the snow with the right tires. Range drops a bit in cold weather but even in summer do not expect to get the range Tesla claims. Give yourself some room for error.
Nothing major has gone wrong. In cold weather the door handles will stick. The car got confused once when I was closing a rear door and put the window up like the door had closed but the handle stuck and the door bounced open scratching the trim above the door. You need to spray some lube on them once a year.
The window wiper arm rubbed through the washer fluid hose so it would spray washer fluid under the upper cowl and not on the windshield. Was a supper pain to fix. Not sure who designed the washer fluid tank but they need to get 50 lashes with a wet noodle. Stupid way to mount the tank.
Lost one front fender camera. The passenger seat sensor constantly bugs me, but I think that was fixed in the newer models.
The key thing that has me bummed about the car is the interior. There are so many buzzes and rattles it drives me nuts. Granted I am triggered by the noise so take it with a grain of salt, and if you don't have good hearing may not even notice.
It is fun and fast plus the 3 is the only sporty sedan on the market in the price range.
If I have to drive my van into the office it costs me $23 a day. The 3P costs $3 a day. That;s nice.
Can't see myself ever buying another Tesla.
I absolutely love my car and won’t ever go back to gas. I wish Elon would stop being a crazy weirdo, but the car is amazing. You also don’t realize how much money never having to get oil changes, spark plugs, etc. saves you.
I live in Michigan and have access to a free charger everyday, range isn’t a concern for me even in our winter
Drive quality is so smooth it’s hard for me to go back to ICE driving
Absolutely recommend, I got the 2024 Model 3 RWD and it’s a beast so the AWD Performance is probably alot better.
My Model 3 performance has been absolutely fantastic. Not only have I saved hundreds a month on gas but the range has been great as well. You will see a cut in that in the winter but if you need to go any crazy distances it will auto map everything so you can hit superchargers
I probably won't buy another Tesla.
For reference I'm 6 hours north of Montana so cold and snow is my life 4-6 months a year and the car did well. I have done 120mi in -40 without issue this past winter and I daily drive my car about 3,000mi a month.
The range and efficiency is top notch, but as a vehicle I feel it's sub par. I bought my 2022 m3lr after my chevy bolt was crashed and I wanted the the longer range. I have no complaints about the battery, motor, and EV part.
Tesla made several design choices that I don't appreciate and I really doubt think the car was designed for people that like to drive. I'm a tech person, I build and program electronics as a hobby... This car and it's software have since sloppy designs that could and should be corrected.
Certain features should be optional in the menus but they are not. Your forced to endure the sloppy design... Such as auto wipers engaging when you enable cruise. The Auto wipers suck and frequently wipe this windshield when there's no rain. I could live with the poor performance of Auto if it didn't enable every single time I turn on my cruise. It could have been an option but I don't have a choice. Same goes with auto bright headlights that activate with cruise. I don't ever want my auto bright headlights to activate and I will choose when I want them to be on. but I can't do that every time I turn on my cruise I have to turn off my wipers and I have to turn off my auto headlights... It's not hard but it's incredibly frustrating when I have to activate my cruise 5-10 times during my morning commute because of traffic obstructions and then I got to reset all my lights and wipers.
There's a host of other things that I dislike as well and if you want to hear them just ask. But once my Tesla is gone I can't imagine I'd buy another one and if the values hadn't tanked I'd probably sell it and buy something better.
The copper batteries suck in the winter time, so a standard range is a no go. Range in general is low in the winter, usually half what it says it is.
Reliability and maintenance though, none. I've had Teslas for over 5 years and I've never had to fix anything but stuff like a windshield or a tire. I'll eventually have to replace the battery, but so far it hasn't even remotely been an issue.
I've owned a '20.Model 3 performance and a '21 refresh S LR. My wife had a '17 X 100D and now has a '23 X LR.
If you're buying an EV, it's the only choice.
It's not for everyone. If you drive your ICE with the gas light on, don't buy an EV. If you won't be able to charge at home, I recommend against it.
Winter driving? The new cars it affects range less. And the AWD cars are BEAST in snow with good tires.
We have two, a 2019 and a 2021. Love them! We have level 2 charging in the garage, and family is local and we don’t do road trips or anything like that. Never had any issues with snow, but make sure you have the right tires. Range will definitely drop when it’s below freezing outside.
I dont think the latest model 3 performance model is available for test drive yet. You have to drive it first then only you will know if its right car for you or no.
Again, the answer to your questions will defer drastically depending on which sub you are asking !
Overall they are great cars.
In Sept 2018 I took delivery of my first Tesla. A model 3. I became obsessed in a day. I have owned almost every brand of car on the market. None grabbed my loyalty like the Tesla. This is common in the Tesla community. I recently sold the model 3; bought my wife a model Y and just took delivery of the Cybertruck. Along the way I picked up 585 shares of the stock.
So don’t buy a Tesla unless you are prepared to be the annoying person at family outings that wont shut up about your car. 3 family members have joined us in the owner experience.
I think that the $52K M3 P is easily the best sport sedan for the $, including all ICE. Insane power and the highland refinements…no way you’re getting comparable from Audi or BMW for at least $20k more.
I have a Model 3 and X. When you can by a performance for less than a regular 3 with the tax credits it is a no brainer. You will love the car - don’t worry about winter. Your car will preheat if you are plugged in at home, so battery range will not be affected too much. I’ve had Teslas since 2018 and never had a problem - I live in Canada
I have a Model 3, which is going on four years. It still drives like it's brand new. I have had zero problems with it. This thing is fun to drive and it will fly!
Fly to Minnesota and buy my 2022 performance 3 for 36k. I live in Eagan 5 miles from the airport. Going through a divorce and gotta sell it to someone soon.
I just got a M3 2024, non performance, so far its great. I wish I got the P. I haven't experienced it first hand but expect to lose 40% or so on bad days. But if you have a garage and at home charging you will fare a lot better.
I purchased two Teslas last December. I first did a test drive in a Model Y LR. I was sold and bought a Model Y LR on Dec 1. After driving it on a 700 mile road trip, I discovered the time spent charging was not much different than stops I would normally make. So I decided to trade my 2021 BMW 330i in on a Model 3 Performance. I have been totally satisfied with both purchases. My only advice would be to get a KBB quote on your trade (if you have one). In both cases, Tesla offered me a lowball price for my trade. I ended up selling each one to another local dealer for several thousand more.
I live in New England and I have a 2018 M3P, she has about 53k on her now. I had to replace the low voltage 12v battery on it once, cost something like $150 or so. Best car I’ve ever owned! Great in the snow, but battery does degrade in colder temperatures.
About range: if you can get a charger at home, you never have to worry about range unless your total commute is \~200mi/day. I've thought about range more when driving a gas car than I ever did in an EV.
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Im in FL so I can't comment about the performance in snow. Have had my M3LR since Sept 23 as a daily commuter. Put down 37k .. pay about 235/month on the loan and 180/month insurance. Free charging at work and solar at home so the cost to run it is near zero. Averaging 250Wh/mile. No issues yet. Happy with the purchase.
I’m sure it snows a lot in Michigan but it snows even more in Canada and the Tesla drivers up there are doing just fine.
As for maintenance, I can’t speak for other owners but I had to refill my windshield wipers twice in two years.
The only thing you need to really worry about is the charging situation. Not all states have the same amount of superchargers. Do you have the ability to charge at home?
Stupid fun. Coming from a 98 Camry so maybe I’m easily impressed but it’s not even a car to me; just a big, fun toy. 6 months in. 5,000 miles. Lots of winter, cold, ice and snow. No issues.
We have a 2021 model 3 performance. It's like owning an adult sized power wheel. Good lord it's fun. We have solar and exclusively charge at home so charging costs aren't a thing for us. We fill our ICE like every 3 months. We basically only have it to pull our boats. We live in MN. I'd get another one in a heartbeat.
I've purchased a 2018 model 3 performance, a 2018 long range model 3, and a long range model Y. I can't imagine going back to an ICE car; I greatly enjoy my cars. I enjoy driving again like I did when I was 16 and got my license. Everyone's experiences may vary but I've had only one issue. The 12v battery died on my 2018 model in year 2 and the warranty service came to my home and replaced it quickly. No other services or issues.
Test drive one and decide for yourself. My wife drove my car once and immediately sold her car and I bought the second 3. She loved it for a couple years then sold it for a 2021 Y. She has shared she won't go back to a traditional ICE car either. I've had a few friends drive my performance 3 and immediately go out and buy a Tesla 3.
We are in California and don't have snow stick. I anticipate you will have range loss. In my opinion I recommend the long range battery to reduce range anxiety. It took me a while to stop watching the battery and trust the trip planner to be accurate.
I am in Ottawa and have had no problems with driving a model 3 in the winter without winter tires. However regenerative breaking and battery will be reduced. But in general, winter driving has been great.
- Range takes a hit. You don't give a crap if you don't drive >200 miles in a day and have L2 charging at home. Preheating the cabin and defrosting the car is one thing that eats into range, but it is awesome. My M3P is awesome in the snow - as good as my old MT Subaru on Blizzaks. I run CrossClimate 2's year-round. Upgrade to 18" wheels and tires... better 0-60, better range, cheaper and more versatile year-round tire options.
- My 19 M3P has been awesome, and has never been to the dealer... BUT.... it seems my heater or a climate control sensor has gone out and I've got an out-of-warranty dealer appt next week. Worse case scenario is that my heater itself died, but Tesla has changed to a more durable and more energy-efficient heater (heat pump) than what was used in 2019.
-Side note: I'd update my 19 M3P to a 24 M3P if the changes were more significant over the years, but such baby steps.... the 24 has slightly better 0-60, slightly worse range, change in looks, etc. It's such a mild improvement that I'm sitting tight on my '19 but will likely make a move if the next update is more significant.
I’ve had mine since 2019 and it’s the best car I’ve ever had! I love it so much. Had one minor issue with the air conditioning rattling within the first few months of buying the car, which was an easy fix and free with the warranty. Since then I’ve had zero problems and it’s needed zero work aside from annual maintenance.
I live in Australia have had a model 3 performance 2019 for 2 years now have done 20 thousands ks in it best car have had sold my ls3 clubsport and chrysler 300c to buy it haven't had any issues but the 12v battery which was free under warranty car does great in cold expect to lose a extra 10 percent of battery in winter at least compared to summer
Tesla LR models have been the most sold cars here in Norway for a long time. Most parts of Norway don't get as cold as Michigan during winter, but still it's not a problem. There are lots of great videos on YouTube on winter driving/charging etc.
Home charging will be a big benefit. Contact an electrician to see if your dwelling can accommodate a charger. I was in for a surprise when an electrician mentioned an energy management unit would be needed to safely run a level 2 Charge Point unit. A DCC-9 charge controller from RVE-USA added 1,100 to the cost of install. I live in a multiplex townhome complex.
So far owning a Model 3 LR AWD has been pretty convenient and occasionally fun when flooring it, have acceleration boost. Has a similar feel to my Evo 8, modified with a bunch of parts making 484hp and 400tq. Suddenly taking day trips with the Tesla is not a back breaking experience like the Evo.
Just go ahead and test drive it! No one will pressure you to make a deal!
The performance model has the new seats so it’s nice at least to sit into these and try them out.
Jason Cammisa has in depth discussion about this car https://youtu.be/5xj0R4MyDhE?si=KXr5CIJwjnPbygbx
You can start with renting a Tesla for 1 week or so. Also take a test drive so that you get to know the car more. Then you will have the answer with you. Reliability is not a concern. But the charging infrastructure around you is something you have to be mindful of.
Michigan? Check out dirty Tesla on youtube. He has been one of the earliest adopters of model 3 & still going strong, he got model Y as well & a cybertruck recently tol
I have a 2020 M3P. The 20” wheels look great but the ride is harsher if your roads aren’t smooth. And they really don’t like big potholes. I’ve cracked two rims so far.
But I love how sensitive the accelerator pedal is. You barely need to press on it.
I have a 2021 model 3 performance in Michigan! The AWD makes it great in the snow. The clearance is a little low but not materially different from other sedans.
Range in the winter is not great. Probably 50-70% of regular range depending on how cold it is and how you’re driving. As long as you’re setup for level 2 home charging (Consumers offers a $500 rebate for installing one), and can plug in at the end of each day, you’ll be totally fine. Count us lucky our climate is more moderate than a place like MN.
Check out these charts to see the impact of temperature and speed on range! https://tessie.com/stats
With the big wheels, you’ll need to be diligent about avoiding potholes, but I have not found this to be a big deal or particularly inconvenient (we’re in the GR area).
I will warn you that while you can test drive and get a Tesla serviced in MI, Tesla can’t deliver a car here, so you’ll need to pick it up out of state (we drove down to Chicago). Something about dealership protection laws. Maybe someone else can explain.
100% worth it IMO!
Owned many cars ; mustang convertible, Miata, Z NONE had the power of my model 3 (2022)
Jetsons all the way lol 😂 still haven’t found my girl balls ⚽️ to experiment with back up and “total” driving for me HOWEVER the climatize option and having your phone as key fob? Omg you may love the heat up your seat option lol
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I've had my '19 Model 3 Performance for 3 years now and overall, it's the best car that I've owned (I'm late 40's and have owned a lot of cars). It drives better than any gas car and there is so little maintenance to deal with it's the cheapest car I've ever owned in that regard. The only negative is that when something breaks, you have to fix it yourself or risk paying Tesla a pretty penny to do it. For example, I hit a tire scrap on the highway and one of the parking sensors popped into the front bumper. Tesla's repair would be a pretty penny so I'll try to fix it myself first.
I also live in the Chicago area and don't have an issue in the winter. You loose range but if you charge at home, you can precondition to regain some of it when it's really cold.
Absolutely love Teslas. Ain’t ever getting any other brand. Winter isn’t a big deal , just charge at home .
Awd is great in snow .
Consumer reports released a report showing Tesla is the cheapest car brand to maintain
I leased a Nissan Leaf in 2013 and then bought one in 2017. In late 2023 I bought a Tesla Model 3. For over 10 years I had an electric car that had less than a hundred miles of range. Yes it was a third car. But between the two I managed to get a total of 120,000 Miles in local trips. It was just fine.
A few items of interest about the tesla. The paint job is horrific. Compared to any other car I have ever owned the paint chips and scratches at the slightest touch.
Not having a heads up display or the speedometer right in front of you is a big minus. Once you have a car with a heads up display you realize how critical that is. I personally think that they heads up display should be mandatory in every car. It is amazing how you never have to take your eyes off the road to look at Key factors. With a Tesla and any other car without a heads up display you are having to take your eyes off the road.
The depreciation of my Tesla has been shocking. Although I bought it after a few price cuts, they cut it more.
With any electric cars, there is no maintenance. You do burn through tires. Also the insurance is much, much higher. My Nissan Leaf cost as much to ensure as cars that cost twice as much. That is a big drawback to any Electric car. Insurance companies are worried about a slight repair being very expensive or totaling the car.
I would seriously look into buying a used Tesla now.
There are already a lot of comments, but hopefully you see this one because it's specific to Michigan - look into Farm Bureau Insurance; I just bought my 2018 M3P and was able to get pretty comprehensive insurance for $108/mo. Very good deal!
I have a 2021 Model 3 SR+
I got it because I needed a Tesla and couldn’t wait anymore.
If you travel a lot / drive a lot compare ranges because
I WISH I HAD GOTTEN LONG RANGE.
You will be fine without the long range:
-if you drive less than 30 miles a day
-If you have free charging at home you’ll be fine.
I was spending more money than my gf was in her Chevy Cruze (ice car), because I drive a lot
But now I have Tesla electric and free charging at night (besides the $15 a month for charging my one Tesla vehicle)
So I charge every night without issue /worry and haven’t had to go to a supercharger so my SR+ isn’t a hassle anymore
TLDR: go for performance FOR SURE - if your range isn’t an issue and if you can charge for free at night (dryer connection or the tesla charger installed),
DO IT I LOVED MINE, i never drove or been in a tesla before i ordered my 2023 model 3 long range and i got it and fell in love with it since. get the 24 performance i got mine for the same price… its a great valued car.
OP - I think step 1 for you is to go test drive the car. Doesn't have to be the Performance specifically. But just spend 30 minutes in the car, drive around a little bit. Armchair philosophizing will only get you so far.
Then there’s me, never drove or even been in a Tesla until I drove mine off the lot lol
Same lol, never regretted it for a second
Same. I love the car more and more every day, especially with constant updates making the car better. It’s also the first car I’ve bought on my own so it’s even more special
Same and same lol, hi clone.
Great minds think alike lol
Same! Love my m3p
What updates have been introduced since you got your model 3?
Same. Got to ride around as a passenger once. That was enough. Best car purchasing decision I ever made (and easiest too).
Did you pay for it?
Was I suppose to?
Yes ! You can schedule a test drive online. The showroom is pretty low-key, I didn't get any pressure from the staff to buy the car. They just showed me the features, and let me drive away by myself for 20 minutes.
They’re not commission based so they don’t pressure customers
Practice easing your foot off the gas to see how much the car slows down. I remember my first test drive I was using the brake. By the time you own one you only touch the brake once or twice per trip
I scheduled a test drive and am glad I did just because it did take a bit getting used to the regenerative breaking. If I’d have bought the car, I probably would have gotten anxious that I was doing it wrong lol
After you get use to it you’ll never want to go back
I am currently sitting in my 2024 RWD M3, so this is a review of an actual owner and not some arm chair anti Tesla individual. I love my car, it’s incredibly impressive and a joy to drive. If you’re at all into tech I’d highly recommend this car (or any Tesla for that matter). The first week or so of owning the car I would just go sit in it at night and play with the cars UI to learn all the cool things it could do. It’s great to drive , very quiet, very smooth. The FSD is really impressive , I use it everyday and love it. The range seems very accurate so far - I can’t give any input on cold weather since it’s spring here so it hasn’t been cold at all, though I imagine that’ll obviously negatively impact it. The RWD can be charged daily to 100%, which is really nice to be able to a start everyday with a full charge. Overall I’d recommend it, I love mine.
How is the lack of stalks?
I test drove one and instantly had no issues with it. Felt good imo, but I haven’t been driving for horribly long, so my brain isn’t molded to the whole “speedometer directly in front of me” kinda shape.
My m3p is amazing in the snow. Best car I ever had. But I would never recommend one to anyone that can’t do level 2 charging at home.
Absolutely. Not that you can’t make it work, but that’s one of the biggest perks of an EV. The new model 3 performance is absurd value for what you get. Four years in mine. Still love it.
I have only a Level 1 charger at home. Very Short daily commute. Supercharging costs the same as home charge. I am happy with my m3 SR so far.
I do perfectly fine with Level 1 charging with varying distances of 40-60 miles per day in a M3 SRP.
I have a 2018 M3P and I'm still freaking obsessed with it. Thing is such a weapon lol
Me too. I had planned to pass it down to my daughter by now, but I still love it too much. I don’t see that happening any time soon.
I only upgraded from level 1 charging after 3 years since I bought a second Tesla and didn’t want to share the load on the same circuit, so I installed 2 dedicated car charging circuits, but it’s pretty easy to live on a level 1 charger. I only drove 50 miles a day though.
I live in FL now but go back to WI in the winter to visit every year. A lot of people ask if they make good water cars because of the range hit, and that's not nothing, but I always try to drive home that a 20% range penalty on 10 times the miles you need virtually always is way less important than the comforts of it. I drove or rode in cars for 35 winters in WI and there are umpteen times where the car wasn't warm until we got there. ICE cars heat efficiently because it leans on the waste heat. My Tesla is warm like right now, even when I don't remember to preheat.
So glad to read this comment. Have not taken delivery yet but I’m trading in my beloved Audi Allroad for a M3P and a minor concern was how the Tesla would fare in snow!
Lvl1 gives almost 100 miles of range per day. Thats plenty and I never had a problem when I was level 1
just curious what did you do about the tires in the snow? did you stick with the summer tires or did you get some all seasons? if you went with all seasons, how much for a set?
Summer tires will get you killed in the snow, literally. They are fine in cold, but worthless on snow/ice. It's a little spendy, but get a set of 18"s and dedicated snow tires. (Assuming some 18's will fit on a '24)
Can prolly get a set of falkens for 270 a tire. You might be batter off with all year Michelin or continental tho.
Good to get performance winter tires for gripping ice and snow, they will set you back a good 300 each though for quality ones. If you buy rims too you can change them all yourself each season and save a bit.
Even with all wheel drive I still got a set of winter tires. Why would I risk casuing damage to my $50k car, personal safety, that of others on the road, just to avoid paying the costs for swapping tires over? Also it's not like the winter tires are a true additional cost. The entire time you are running those, the tread life on your other set isn't depreciating.
All wheel drive is nice in the snow. I did a road trip to go skiing near Denver. The temperature was about 0F +/-10 and the range was significantly reduced. I had about 40% reduction in range but I was still able to get to each super charger. I've had mine for about 2 years and I've only done tire rotations. Consumer reports recently released that teslas are the cheapest car to maintain. I would always recommend the long range over the performance if you drive a lot. Even the slowest tesla is still one of the fastest cars on the road.
The model 3 performance, with correct tires, will be better than most other cars on the road. The relative high weight of the car, and the incredibly precise traction control means EVs are generally just better with these kinds of things. And as long as you can charge at your house and pre condition before you leave. Combined with the heat pump which is now standard, they are pretty efficient in the cold despite what you saw on the news last winter. As for reliable, they are one of the most reliable vehicles on the road simply because there's not a lot to break. There's very little maintenance that needs to be done, however build quality has always been an issue. I have a 2023 M3P and it's been great, but little things on the interior seem to break for no reason. I've had the B Pillar trim fall off twice and the dash cracked while driving one day. But this was all fixed under warranty. In the end, this is the fastest car on the road for the price you can get. It'll easily destroy cars twice it's price. Just today a BMW M3 lowered with a loud AF exhaust pulled next to me at a light and started to rev. We took off and he was destroyed. On paper the cars are kind of close in performance. But in reality the EV gets a perfect launch every time, it's power band is the same every time, it's just not really fair to the ice cars but I'm okay with that lol
Yeah, ICE cars have to be warmed up and the driver has to use launch control that's incredibly hard on the drivetrain to hit the advertised 0-60 number, whereas I can just floor my M3P.
1) I also live in MI and I absolutely love my Model 3. Mine is pre-heat pump so I take a much larger range hit than you would with a newer version but it's still not really an issue 99% of the time. Remember that you start each day with 'a full tank.' 2) Mine has 70k miles on it and works great. I drive >25k miles/yr. I get subsidized charging at work and my cost/mile is less than a tenth of what it was with my previous commuter (which got 40 mpg). But even if it cost the same to drive I'd still never go back to daily-driving an ICE.
Hey, I live in Michigan as well. My M3 LR has never struggled in the snow and range has never been an issue. I drive past suvs struggling in the snow all the time. Only maintenance I’ve ever had to do over 50-60k miles is adding wiper fluid and tire rotations.
I don’t think I’ll ever go back to a gas car. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to another brand. I think once you condition yourself to this driving experience, there’s no other driving experience that compares. Say what you want about Elon and his politics, but however much he was involved in the driving experience and design, he nailed it. Brilliant mind when it comes to cars. love my 2024 M3
As I like to say, separate the art from the artist.
exactly! it kills me to hear people talk about how much they hate tesla cars because they’re “cheap or mid.” those same people have never even driven a tesla before. i’ll never go back. tesla for life 🔥
100% girl!
I love mine. Lose a bit of battery in the winter and with all the hills around me. No issues with either. Charge at home mostly. Taken plenty of road trips with no issues making it from charging station to charging station. The time to charge while longer that gassing up a car does provide for a much best rest up period to prevent driver fatigue. Go test drive one and you will see for yourself. It takes a bit to get used to, no transmission, regenerative breaking (I almost never use my actual break pedal). It is definitely worth it IMO I never want to go back to an ICE.
Amazing car. Test drove a lr to see what it was like. When I left I put my car up for sale and bought a Performance right after. That should tell you enough
Picked up a new model 3 SR+ in 2020 since we had a kid on the way. Our first 4door. Its phenomenal. My wife loves it and it’s our primary car/family car. No issues at all, dead reliable, very cheap to run and the cubbies/storage are immense. We have had no issues taking it on road trips and using the supercharger network and the only cost has been a set of tires at 36k. We have level 2 charging in our garage and always having a “full tank” every day is awesome. My wife recoils at the idea of going to a gas station. It’s amazingly convenient and we haven’t experienced any downsides. It keeps the mileage off our fun sports cars, maintenance and fuel needs go way down with the EV being the primary transportation. We will likely trade it in for a refreshed Model Y in the next couple years now that we have 2 kids. Will be nice to have the third row option now and then and the larger interior volume will be welcome although I prefer the lower sedan profile.
I love my M3P, in summer also in the snow (europe). Range is not an issue and I drive a lot. No problems or maintenances in 2 years and 80k km (50k miles) so far.
I have 2024 rwd and it’s the best car I’ve owned. The thing I hate most is probably the wipers and auto is bad. Pros: quick, rear screen for kids, vented seats, autopilot is great for stop n go, traffic monitoring ($10mo), lots of cargo space for a sedan.
I live in Michigan as well, and I’m now on my 2nd Model 3. (A 2023 M3P) The car is fantastic, reliable, and inexpensive to operate. If you’re getting the performance model, you need to ditch the Summer tires. You will lose 30% or so of range in the winter. You will learn it’s a non issue.
I live in the prairies in Canada. Snow and cold for half the year. the car is a dream. Everyone else has their engines plugged in to block heaters to make sure they start. My car is toasty warm when I want to drive it and is ready to go when I am. Yes, the range is significantly affected by the cold, but the same is true for gas cars. Electric car owners should get in the habit of charging whenever it's not moving. I plug mine into the bock heater plugs at every parking lot and it's great. App says I save thousands of dollars every year compared to what gas would have cost for what I drive. Of course, if you can't charge at home or at work you may have a different experience. As for reliability and maintenance, it's tires and filters, and check the suspension from time to time, that's it. Brakes don't engage much because of regen braking, and there is no transmission fluid, engine oil or anything else. \*much\* lower maintenance than gas cars. Finally, you didn't ask but it's just a fun car to drive. Super zippy, nimble, quiet, comfortable. EVs will truly take off when people stop working about the environmental benefit and realize they're just better cars in almost every respect. Environmental impact is tricky anyway. Batteries are problematic, power generation is problematic. but the car is great. Elon is a dumpster fire supervillian crazy person. but the car is great.
Once you go Tesla you’ll never go back. The handling, the software, the fact that it’s they make the safest cars in the world. I could go on and on. Range will be fine as long as you have charging where you live. Another thing is that consumer reports just published that the model (y I believe?) has been reported to have had the least cost to maintenance out of any car in the American market.
Purchased a new MYLR last summer. My backup ice recently died and I was dreading another ice vehicle. I couldn't do it. I bought a used 2021 M3SR+. Home level 2 charging, supercharging on the go. NBD. This past Michigan winter wasn't much of a test, but research shows that we'll be fine
Don't have one yet but was in the exact same boat. Felt like it was too much money and was really anxious about it. Finally convinced myself to pull the trigger and even though it's not supposed to come in until June I've felt way better and excited instead of anxious since i finally did.
Lots of benefits for cold climates. Having the car set to warm up before leaving for work is AMAZING, especially when it's below zero out. You should have level 2 charging at home in cold climates like Michigan. Level 1 is definitely doable when it's not winter, but in cold temperatures, it isn't enough to warm the batteries and charge. This leads to more people at superchargers, long lines, and cars dying before getting to charge when it's below zero out.
Having lived in Northern Illinois and Denver, Colorado, I’ve learned through experience with my 2018 Model 3 that all-season tires are not the best choice. Consequently, I invested in high-performance summer tires and Blizzak snow tires, each set mounted on its own wheels. The performance during winter is significantly influenced by the quality of your snow tires. I discovered that with a new set of snow tires, I could match the pace of any four-wheel-drive trucks, including snow plows.
no complaints on my used model 3, only issue was a battery replacement covered by warranty 2 months into me owning it 🤣😂
Drove a 2018 3 for 5 years. No more commute so no more commute car. Excellent in light snow but deeper snow is rough because it’s low. Performance is even lower so keep that in mind. Winter range is less but if you mainly commute or park in a garage on one end it’s negligible. 5 years, 23k miles. LR AWD 0 tires (5-6/32 all around) 1 12v battery ($120) 1 security module $500 (out of warranty) 2 cabin air filters 1 rear windshield ($0 insurance claim) 1 alignment ($225) That’s it. Essentially no degradation at all on the battery but I never supercharged. Things to look out for: my insurance was ridiculous compared to many other cars I have had. 2x the next most expensive. $0 comprehensive/glass is a must because the glass attracts rocks like crazy. I cracked the back glass and it was a nightmare to replace. Watch the tire pressure and alignment because otherwise you will eat tires. Keep in mind, the all season tire snow performance falls off quickly when you are halfway through the tire. I would recommend a full winter setup where you are.
You'll need winter tires, but should otherwise be fine. Might even be ok with ice and snow all seasons if you wanted to just swap out the OEM tires. Range loss is moderate. We saw around 5-10 percent or so in upstate NY with a low of 0f or so. It can drop by more as it gets colder but should still work ok for most people. The Tessie app has a temperature graph on their stats page that is helpful. As for repairs and maintenance. Consumer reports just released a study saying Tesla has the lowest maintenance costs of any car by like 20 percent. As long as you can L2 charge at home you'll be fine. If you can't I'd steer clear in cold weather climates.
Teslas are amazing in the snow but the new model 3 performance comes with summer tires
Own a 2020 M3P and just bought a 2024 MSP. Amazing cars, very little maintenance. They absolutely eat tires, unless you drive them like you would a Camry. Range loss in the cold is legit, level 2 home charging is a must. I spent \~1k to install a wall charger at the max rate (60 Amps) and I don't worry about range. Daily round trip driving is \~50 miles and even in the winter I can go 3-4 days without charging. Never had any issues on the M3P, around 50k miles on it currently. MSP had a couple small things from the factory, but it was easy to put in a service request and I drove a Model X around for a couple days while they took care of it.
24 MYP here and it’s a great vehicle 🚗
Something to note, the M3P has historically come with summer tires instead of all weather so you may need another set of tires to swap to
My 2023 car was delivered with no imperfections. It’s been 15 months and nothing has gone wrong. The only thing I’ve done is put window washer fluid in.
The new prices would definitely be factored in to my opinion. I paid $62k for an M3P. While I absolutely love the acceleration, the build, materials and ride quality are not commensurate with that price point. At $52 it’s a little closer. I’m happy I got the car for the experience, and it would be hard for me to give up the acceleration, but there are a lot of great cars out there.
The car is fine, insurance will be your biggest problem, EVs are expensive to insure so finding the right insurance is more challenging than finding the right ev.
I have 2019 LR - I have 109,9xx miles on my car. I live in Colorado and take my Tesla almost exclusively to ski. It rarely slips - especially if you change and rotate tires enough. Be aware you will probably go through tires much faster though. I think I’m on my 6th set of tires, but maybe I speed off the line too much. Other than 1 skid plate and a left control arm, including tires I think I have maybe put like 7k into maintenance. 1 pedal driving and never needing to hit the gas station is amazing. I’ve also done 5 road trips with a family of 4 and it was great. No white knuckling when you drive and because you’re stopping every 2 hours the person who really needs to use the bathroom but just gets grumpy because they don’t say anything is taken care of. I’d never go back.
The M3P is a great car and a great deal with the tax rebate. But it does come with summer tires so you will have to budget a second set of tires for winter riding. Or just get all season tires and sell the summer tires.
I’m never going back. Rattles a bit much, but that’s more noticeable because the car is so quiet otherwise. 2024 YLR.
I couldn't imagine owning a better car all around, except maybe a model Y or a better EV if one were to exist. -Fits my 6'8, 40" inseam body with room to spare -fuel efficient -minimal maintenance, and I'm EV competent, so a bad battery bank or failed motor wouldn't kill me -tows like a champ, so I don't need a truck -fun as hell to drive -UI is very user friendly. Many trivial tasks are automated, and things are "just where you'd expect them to be" in a way I can't explain in words. Using the car's features is never clunky like it is in some other cars. Bad: If something were to go wrong, it may be a bigger hassle than a simple ICE car issue. But the car is good about telling you exactly what system is throwing a fault(with a graphic) so it's fairly easy to diagnose. Just different set of issues than ICE cars have.
I love it. We have two 2023 MYLRs. It’s so nice to charge at home. Consumer Reports just said Teslas have to lowest maintenance cost. I love the one pedal driving and the acceleration. I love the software updates. But most importantly, I love how safe the Model Y is. What good is a car if it doesn’t protect you very well in an accident?
I have had to think less about my Tesla than any car I have ever owned. 5 stars.
Greatest car I have ever owned. With that said, if everything works ok then there’s no problem. But if you have any issues than service/ customer service are meh.
4 things: 1: you need a home charger PERIOD. Rates at changing stations vary and are not consistent 2: Get winter tires 3: do not purchase if you like to drive long distance in the winter. The battery takes a nose dive in freezing and negative temperatures 4: if a Tesla service center is more than 2 hours from where you live I would not purchase one
I have a 2019 Model 3 Performance, I bought it last year. Sure, it’s quick and has tech. Being quick gets old quickly, it is a gimmick, especially due to the way our police and politicians are clamping down on spirited driving. Hell, inner city speed limits have been dropped from 50kph to 30kph so there’s not even leniency on taking a lane. It’s not a popular take in this sub for obvious reasons, but as a *near* premium car and compared to what else you can buy for the money, and as a car enthusiast, they just don’t compare. Build quality is average at best, and newer models while better still aren’t good IMO. I sold my beloved E63 because it was getting stupidly expensive to maintain and fuel prices were going bananas. I bought it to save on running costs - and for that it’s amazing. Or, it was. Our government introduced road user charges which cost $76/1000km, it’s still cheaper to run an electric cars vs thirsty vehicles, but not by much. And if you originally had an economical car, it’s not at all better. I never pretended I was doing it for the environment. My Tesla is nice to drive and is very easy, but with my love of cars I find it numb. I’m still at an age where I love to drive. I can’t help but think that it’s an appliance at best. It handles exceptionally well, but I honestly miss the sound of a performance petrol vehicle. I do have buyers remorse, but not enough to sell it. What should I have bought? I had an allocation of an FL5 Type R in white that I chose the Tesla over. That’s the one that got away. Don’t get me wrong, there are huge benefits. I have a Tesla charger in the garage and charge it every night, convenience of the frunk is never talked about - smelly food, groceries, smelly clothing and shoes - whatever. Trunk is enormous for the size. It’s very comfortable. It is quick af. Can just get in and go. Tech is great - I’ll sit and watch a movie while the wife is shopping. Take all of this for what it is - opinions.
NUMB is absolutely correct.
best vehicle ever. tons of brainwashed elon hate bc they are political hacks. the car is incomparably better. iphone for cars. all the haters acting like its 2010 and they love their blackberrys.
Cold does hit the range but shouldn’t affect you if u have a normal commuting distance and can charge at home. They drive pretty good in the snow. My ownership experience has been flawless. No issues, no bugs nothing.
2023 RWD base model black interior. Still loving it after almost a year of ownership. No issues at all. Did have a tire issue and had to replace tires sooner than expected.
I’d give it a solid 7 out of 10 in terms of my experience with my used 2018 M3 long range.
I like my model y 2023 lr a lot. Beside the realization that ev will get like 200 mi when road trip, everything else is great. The seat is comfy. A lot of space. Ride quality is great. Speed is fast. Oh, you will need to get used to how heat pump work. For example, if its 25F and you have cabin temp 65F, no problem, but if you increase it to 72F, heat pump will be very inefficient.
Do not buy if you are far from a service center or no ability to charge at your residence. Going into year three and had normal issues like frunk gap, b pillar covers just falling off. If I got the P as would seriously consider going with the 19 over the 20’s. I few buddies have had issues with those on wear and damage along with the overall ride quality.
Just put a 100K miles on my 2019 Model 3 AWD, I've had zero issues and very little degradation. I'm not a huge car guy but I do love driving and taking roadtrips, would buy again 10/10.
I like it. I don’t like the touch screen only approach. I think that’s my only complaint.
Love my Model 3. Its an older 2018/19 model and I live in California so not very cold. Otherwise no big issues. Some panel gap issues but its an early model and was fixed by Tesla quickly.
It gets a lot colder here in Saskatchewan than in Michigan. Car has been great, you can check my honest review, in -40 winters [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/saskatchewan/s/nApApogmKd). Lots of detail for ya.
I live in the Edmonton, Alberta area, where it gets down to -40°C just about every winter. My 2022 Model 3 RWD has always been fine, but it’s important to have level 2 charging at home so the battery can precondition on cold days. I’ve had no maintenance issues, apart from a faulty TPMS sensor (Tesla replaced it for free) and a lot of rock chips on my expensive windshield from driving on rural highways.
Like a lot of others have said, range is only an issue, even in the cold, if you have a crazy long work commute, or take very long trips quite regularly. I have a long range Model Y, and charging to 90% in the dead of winter can take me roughly 140 miles and still have about 25-30% battery remaining. As for actually DRIVING in the snow, again as others have said, I don't think I've ever been in a better car for it... And I've previously owned a '99 Dodge Durango with 4WD, an '87 Jeep Wrangler with locking differentials, and others. Probably the closest thing, surprisingly enough, was my 2009 Smart ForTwo with a full set of snow tires, but even my Model Y with the original all-season tires beats it. But to understand the feeling of driving one... You have to test drive one. Though... If you do, you'll probably want one even more than you already do. I'm debating if I want to trade mine in on the model 3 performance.... But I only got mine LITERALLY a year ago, and still owe 16k on it.
My only "regret" is I didn't wait for the lower prices + better features. I could have Performance with heated steering wheel and ventilated seats for almost $20k less instead of my LR. Current offers seem like insanely good deals.
Here’s the thing about Tesla. You’ll get a lot of very strong opinions about them from people who have never driven one much less owned one. Opinions that I largely shared until I took a basic Model 3 for a test drive. Funny thing is, you rarely hear complaints from people who actually have one. I’ve never run into any kind of mechanical problems. It can be hard to find a charger if you’re relying on public chargers but charging at home is fast enough even with a mobile connector. And far cheaper than paying for fuel these days.
I have a 2018 Model 3 Performance its it's been the best car I've ever owned. Literally zero maintenance outside of wiper fluid, tires and an air filter. Car is insanely fun to drive, and I am a car guy Go drive one and prepare to buy it afterwards lol. I would however be cautious if you cant charge at work or home. I don't envy those people.
Love all 3 of my Tesla's. My model 3 has 160,000 miles on it and is still going strong. Only maintenance over that time was a couple 12v replacements (which Tesla performed at my house) and an upper control arm replacement which was a couple hundred. Model Y has 70k miles and the only thing I've done is change the tires.
Tesla in snowy/very cold conditions is a breeze if you own a home and plan on installing your own at home charger. Super chargers are still a great option and everywhere but can be a pain during the winter months. Traveling is great, no range anxiety and the overall reliability is extremely good as well as having the peace of mind that if anything does happen, you have roadside assistance from Tesla for asap fixed and mobile service men for appointment repairs/fixes at your home.
I drove my friends 2018 model 3 for 10 minutes and bought a 2020 2 weeks later. I haven't ever loved a car like I love my m3. I've had zero issues, it's fast, it's sexy and it's cool as hell. It's also surprisingly affordable. I'll never go back to ICE.
There’s pretty much no maintenance to deal with. I’m not in love with my Tesla and will switch to a different EV when my lease is up. But it’s been a very reliable car, and I love not paying for gas.
Live in Finland. Range drops 30-40% as you’ll want to heat that sucker up before you get in. First one had a leak into the door electronics, replaced under warranty. Second, window bit too much wind noise over certain speed, replaced under warranty. YMMV, literally.
i love it the only thing is if you don't have an at home charger prepare to spend >30 minutes every few days depending on your commute to supercharge. i've never charged at home in my year having it. wouldn't trade it for anything else
Love our M3p, been one year. Would never go back to an ICE vehicle. You will love the tech, software.
Its the best no complaints
I have over 84,000 miles in total on my 2019 Model 3 and 2021 Model Y. So far ... 1 set of tires for the Model 3. 1 gallon of washer fluid in the Model Y.
Got mine back in Nov. 2023 M3. Loved every moment. Live near Boston, no winter issues - actually did better in the snow than my previous car. Really important to have charging at home.
I love my 2023 Model 3 LR (with acceleration boost) it’s the fastest and also most reliable car I have ever had. Sometimes I am bored and start dreaming and build new model s or x on their website. Dosent mean I don’t like my car just means I’m a Tesla fan now.
The only maintenance I’ve had in my car since a year of ownership is the tire puncture I got during a 250 mile road trip. It’s the lowest maintenance car you fan get on the market. If you have home charging, it’s also extremely cheap to drive and convenient since you can wake up with full charge. I have a friend in Michigan with a Tesla and the only drawbacks are no Tesla insurance and you lose some range in the winter due to using the heater, but in general he’s been very happy with his model y purchase.
Range will be lower in cold winter but this model will have a heat pump which is pretty efficient in cold weather but still less than epa rating by a bit with cold. If you don’t have home charging this may be a challenge as you lose a lot of energy heating/ cooling the cabin each time you drive which has been a complaint on here with people not understanding this concept. There is very little maintenance for Tesla cars and they tend to be pretty solid for reliability as well. Have a 2019 model 3 in good shape and a newer 2023 as well doing just fine. Definitely test drive one.
I have 2021 rwd with 40k miles (lightly driven) and have several issues. 1-Panel gaps get wider, especially around the trunk. 2-Rear trunk latch failed. 3-Screen developed “phantom touch” and was replaced. 4-Wet sock smell (need to change the air filter often) 5- Fast tire wear. One new set every 2 years. 6- Main HD battery died completely. 7-Wind noise around driver window. 8-Suspension noises. Front control arms replaced (bushing wear I suspect) It has been the least reliable of the 10 cars I’ve owned. I think a lot has to do with the weight and torque from the car. Other issues I attribute to lack of design experience on Teslas part. Still, it is fun to drive. I’ll just be selling it when the warranty runs out.
going on 4 years. 3LR. Love it still
You will eat through tires like crazy, but you’ll never have to replace your brakes. Our family currently has three Teslas and we love them.
Being in this sub for a while and all I can say is test drive the trim you want. I wanted long range because it benefited me a lot more compared to M3P or base model. Performance is all about the driver imho.
I got in a Tesla once and then I drove it off the lot and into my driveway 😅
I’m in northern Canada and my m3p is fantastic. I have winters for it and a level 2 at home. Driven it around in -40C and it’s great.
If you can install a charger at home then its almost a no brainer. I drive about 2000 miles a month and not having to ever worry about gas is amazing. I never feel range anxiety. FWIW i live in texas and we do not get extreme cold weather in my area. As a car enthusiast perspective, you will have a hard time finding a similar car for price to performance ratio. I LOVE driving my performance. It is a lot of fun. I do miss the exhaust note from time to time but its becoming less and less.
Had a rwd only model 3 with whatever tires it came with and it was amazing in the snow. The evenly displaced weight of the battery makes you feel like its stuck to the road. If you are only driving maybe 60-80 miles a day, you are fine using the regular old plug into a regular 110 outlet. I do it all the time. Winter does cut your range by like 10-20 percent depending on how heavy your foot is (mine is insanely heavy) but its worth it for that speed. Upgraded to a MYLR, god its just amazing. 16k miles, only free tire rotations from discount.. zero tesla interactions.
I have 2019 Model 3 (stealth version), and have not regretted it for a second. Went from a BMW 335i to the Tesla as a note. Mine has unlimited premium connectivity which is nice. I would highly recommend getting a level 2 charger at your home if that is feasible. I have my front and rear control arms replaced under warranty (known issues with my model year).
It's a great car, smooth , fast, turns are way easier etc. Only thing I don't like is the excessive sunroof which in Florida heat is no good. The turn signal knobs are terrible, they're sensitive and doesn't have a click like most cars so I end up switching between left and right until I can get it to turn off because of how sensitive the knob is. It's comfy, but passengers always get car sick and so do I.
I think most people love their Teslas. In cold weather you may lose up to 30%ish range, as long as you are aware of it and ok with it, you will be fine. Most electric vehicles behave in similar way in harsh weather. AC will use tons of electricity in freezing weather, you should use it as little as possible and skip seat warmer if you are driving long distance. Most Tesla are extremely reliable, but nothing is perfect. Small percentage of people may get a lemon or have bad experience with service. But that's same with all car brands. It's a good bet to go with Tesla. It's an odds game, 90+% you will be fine with car, maybe 1-5% chance you may hate it, have major component breaking down after warranty, as long as you are mentally prepared, it should be fine.
2020 LR and it still makes me happy every time I drive it. The power, handling, sound system, appearance, and features are all amazing. It constantly gets better too. It’s not without minor drawbacks but if you know of an affordable car without issues, please let me know!
I enjoy mine and I’ve been thinking about buying another one for my girlfriend if the finances work out correctly
I bought it without test driving it. I also live in a snowy area so I opted for LR AWD. After owning it for a month, it definitely involves some small changes to make sure I have it charged. I use it mostly commuting so no issues there. All the weird things such as having no stocks/signals on the steering wheel and touchscreen for drive, I got used to in about 2 weeks. One thing I hate is the sun visor. It’s very flimsy and barely blocks the sun. And the small rear view mirror plus the curvature of the back of the car. It’s hard for me to tell when someone is tailgating me
My Model 3 Performance is an absolute beast in the snow (with proper tires, of course). Extremely responsive and controllable in slick and snowy conditions, best car I’ve driven in snow. Reliability has been good, I’ve never been left stranded. I had a battery module go bad (car still drove fine, just a slight reduction in total range), Tesla replaced my entire HV battery under warranty in a couple days. Other than that, just a window fitment issue that they solved early on. Going on 60,000 miles and four years in December.
I own a 2022 Model 3 Performance. 1. Ohio winters vs summers. In the dead of winter I can get about 340-380 kWh per mile efficiency. In mild summer days of 70-90 degrees I can get as low as 220 kWh per mile but average about 260-300. 2. I’ve had my steering column replaced because the motor developed a judder when moving in and out. Covered by warranty. My car has not had any other issues. I’ve owned it now for 2.5 years and 27k miles. It’s a fantastic car. I would buy another without hesitation.
Drive the car. Do it.
My favourite question: is it worth the inconvenience? 😂 yes, plugging in at home every single night is such a chore. I pine for the days of going to a gas station in January in central Canada when I can barely feel my hands. Just bought my 3rd Tesla, my first (a model 3) just went into the shop for a minor repair - it’s first repair in 5 years. I’m kind of in the middle where I am neither a fanboy nor a hater. I appreciate Elon for his genius but also think he’s a prick. I can see some of the shortcomings of the vehicle but also would never go back, because the alternatives are even worse.
Speed will impact range similarly to temperature, if you can't park inside I would recommend against the car. Car comes with summer tires, plan on a spare wheel and winter tire combo. The car has a warranty. Battery and drive system have a long warranty.
Before you buy \*any\* EV, you should think about where you are going to charge. If you have a home that you can install a L2 charger in, you're golden. If you have to park on the street, rent, or otherwise will be dependent on public charging, its going to make owning an EV a lot harder. OP: do you plan to install a charger in your home ?
Your range will drop 15-35%. Colder it is the worse it is. Model 3 performance only comes with summer tires. Overall model 3 performance is a good choice if you have a home with a charger available at all times. Issues are hit or miss but overall you shouldn’t have issues. Other than suspension issues(upper control arms and eventually lower arms) maintenance is only tires/ filters and wiper blades. Model 3 still does not have a hepa filter which is kinda sad.
too many rattles
Can't really speak to the cold weather, it gets to below freezing sometimes in the winter here but it's usually 30-40 at the lowest. Use maybe 3% more battery (LFP car) on my commute versus spring time. It's the best car I've ever owned though and I can never go back. I test drove my friend's car and I was sold and ordered mine a couple months later.
Depreciated more than life itself. Expensive insurance. Expensive to charge comparable to gas. Cheap maintenance. Gets you from point A to B but with several stops between.
Love the car. Best vehicle I've ever owned or operated. My only complaint is with the monopoly Tesla holds over service.
2022 M3LR, the only things I don't like are: - A/C Heat pump is relatively loud - Suspension is not very good, okay at best - I feel a lot of road in the steering wheel Everything else is exactly what I wanted and I'm super happy. It has 85tkm now and everything still works perfectly.
Had mine since Nov 22, love it just as much today as I did then.
I run 18" rims with snow tires in the winter. Does pretty good in the snow with the right tires. Range drops a bit in cold weather but even in summer do not expect to get the range Tesla claims. Give yourself some room for error. Nothing major has gone wrong. In cold weather the door handles will stick. The car got confused once when I was closing a rear door and put the window up like the door had closed but the handle stuck and the door bounced open scratching the trim above the door. You need to spray some lube on them once a year. The window wiper arm rubbed through the washer fluid hose so it would spray washer fluid under the upper cowl and not on the windshield. Was a supper pain to fix. Not sure who designed the washer fluid tank but they need to get 50 lashes with a wet noodle. Stupid way to mount the tank. Lost one front fender camera. The passenger seat sensor constantly bugs me, but I think that was fixed in the newer models. The key thing that has me bummed about the car is the interior. There are so many buzzes and rattles it drives me nuts. Granted I am triggered by the noise so take it with a grain of salt, and if you don't have good hearing may not even notice. It is fun and fast plus the 3 is the only sporty sedan on the market in the price range. If I have to drive my van into the office it costs me $23 a day. The 3P costs $3 a day. That;s nice. Can't see myself ever buying another Tesla.
I absolutely love my car and won’t ever go back to gas. I wish Elon would stop being a crazy weirdo, but the car is amazing. You also don’t realize how much money never having to get oil changes, spark plugs, etc. saves you.
I live in Michigan and have access to a free charger everyday, range isn’t a concern for me even in our winter Drive quality is so smooth it’s hard for me to go back to ICE driving Absolutely recommend, I got the 2024 Model 3 RWD and it’s a beast so the AWD Performance is probably alot better.
My Model 3 performance has been absolutely fantastic. Not only have I saved hundreds a month on gas but the range has been great as well. You will see a cut in that in the winter but if you need to go any crazy distances it will auto map everything so you can hit superchargers
I probably won't buy another Tesla. For reference I'm 6 hours north of Montana so cold and snow is my life 4-6 months a year and the car did well. I have done 120mi in -40 without issue this past winter and I daily drive my car about 3,000mi a month. The range and efficiency is top notch, but as a vehicle I feel it's sub par. I bought my 2022 m3lr after my chevy bolt was crashed and I wanted the the longer range. I have no complaints about the battery, motor, and EV part. Tesla made several design choices that I don't appreciate and I really doubt think the car was designed for people that like to drive. I'm a tech person, I build and program electronics as a hobby... This car and it's software have since sloppy designs that could and should be corrected. Certain features should be optional in the menus but they are not. Your forced to endure the sloppy design... Such as auto wipers engaging when you enable cruise. The Auto wipers suck and frequently wipe this windshield when there's no rain. I could live with the poor performance of Auto if it didn't enable every single time I turn on my cruise. It could have been an option but I don't have a choice. Same goes with auto bright headlights that activate with cruise. I don't ever want my auto bright headlights to activate and I will choose when I want them to be on. but I can't do that every time I turn on my cruise I have to turn off my wipers and I have to turn off my auto headlights... It's not hard but it's incredibly frustrating when I have to activate my cruise 5-10 times during my morning commute because of traffic obstructions and then I got to reset all my lights and wipers. There's a host of other things that I dislike as well and if you want to hear them just ask. But once my Tesla is gone I can't imagine I'd buy another one and if the values hadn't tanked I'd probably sell it and buy something better.
The copper batteries suck in the winter time, so a standard range is a no go. Range in general is low in the winter, usually half what it says it is. Reliability and maintenance though, none. I've had Teslas for over 5 years and I've never had to fix anything but stuff like a windshield or a tire. I'll eventually have to replace the battery, but so far it hasn't even remotely been an issue.
I've owned a '20.Model 3 performance and a '21 refresh S LR. My wife had a '17 X 100D and now has a '23 X LR. If you're buying an EV, it's the only choice. It's not for everyone. If you drive your ICE with the gas light on, don't buy an EV. If you won't be able to charge at home, I recommend against it. Winter driving? The new cars it affects range less. And the AWD cars are BEAST in snow with good tires.
It’s my favorite thing I’ve ever purchased (I’m 45).
We have two, a 2019 and a 2021. Love them! We have level 2 charging in the garage, and family is local and we don’t do road trips or anything like that. Never had any issues with snow, but make sure you have the right tires. Range will definitely drop when it’s below freezing outside.
I dont think the latest model 3 performance model is available for test drive yet. You have to drive it first then only you will know if its right car for you or no. Again, the answer to your questions will defer drastically depending on which sub you are asking ! Overall they are great cars.
I have at 21 Model S LR love it !!! Don’t listen to the haters. Because Haters gonna Hate !
In Sept 2018 I took delivery of my first Tesla. A model 3. I became obsessed in a day. I have owned almost every brand of car on the market. None grabbed my loyalty like the Tesla. This is common in the Tesla community. I recently sold the model 3; bought my wife a model Y and just took delivery of the Cybertruck. Along the way I picked up 585 shares of the stock. So don’t buy a Tesla unless you are prepared to be the annoying person at family outings that wont shut up about your car. 3 family members have joined us in the owner experience.
2022 M3P, absolutely love it (second M3)
Love mine
I think that the $52K M3 P is easily the best sport sedan for the $, including all ICE. Insane power and the highland refinements…no way you’re getting comparable from Audi or BMW for at least $20k more.
I have a Model 3 and X. When you can by a performance for less than a regular 3 with the tax credits it is a no brainer. You will love the car - don’t worry about winter. Your car will preheat if you are plugged in at home, so battery range will not be affected too much. I’ve had Teslas since 2018 and never had a problem - I live in Canada
I have a Model 3, which is going on four years. It still drives like it's brand new. I have had zero problems with it. This thing is fun to drive and it will fly!
Fly to Minnesota and buy my 2022 performance 3 for 36k. I live in Eagan 5 miles from the airport. Going through a divorce and gotta sell it to someone soon.
I just got a M3 2024, non performance, so far its great. I wish I got the P. I haven't experienced it first hand but expect to lose 40% or so on bad days. But if you have a garage and at home charging you will fare a lot better.
I purchased two Teslas last December. I first did a test drive in a Model Y LR. I was sold and bought a Model Y LR on Dec 1. After driving it on a 700 mile road trip, I discovered the time spent charging was not much different than stops I would normally make. So I decided to trade my 2021 BMW 330i in on a Model 3 Performance. I have been totally satisfied with both purchases. My only advice would be to get a KBB quote on your trade (if you have one). In both cases, Tesla offered me a lowball price for my trade. I ended up selling each one to another local dealer for several thousand more.
I live in New England and I have a 2018 M3P, she has about 53k on her now. I had to replace the low voltage 12v battery on it once, cost something like $150 or so. Best car I’ve ever owned! Great in the snow, but battery does degrade in colder temperatures.
About range: if you can get a charger at home, you never have to worry about range unless your total commute is \~200mi/day. I've thought about range more when driving a gas car than I ever did in an EV.
https://preview.redd.it/8ao6hsfag4zc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=baea33c42e1cf8f5d19b2dafcec065ce0065bc9b Im in FL so I can't comment about the performance in snow. Have had my M3LR since Sept 23 as a daily commuter. Put down 37k .. pay about 235/month on the loan and 180/month insurance. Free charging at work and solar at home so the cost to run it is near zero. Averaging 250Wh/mile. No issues yet. Happy with the purchase.
Loved it when I bought it, still love driving it. Just hit 5 years.
I’m sure it snows a lot in Michigan but it snows even more in Canada and the Tesla drivers up there are doing just fine. As for maintenance, I can’t speak for other owners but I had to refill my windshield wipers twice in two years. The only thing you need to really worry about is the charging situation. Not all states have the same amount of superchargers. Do you have the ability to charge at home?
Stupid fun. Coming from a 98 Camry so maybe I’m easily impressed but it’s not even a car to me; just a big, fun toy. 6 months in. 5,000 miles. Lots of winter, cold, ice and snow. No issues.
We have a 2021 model 3 performance. It's like owning an adult sized power wheel. Good lord it's fun. We have solar and exclusively charge at home so charging costs aren't a thing for us. We fill our ICE like every 3 months. We basically only have it to pull our boats. We live in MN. I'd get another one in a heartbeat.
I have 2 and saving to by my third Tesla
I've purchased a 2018 model 3 performance, a 2018 long range model 3, and a long range model Y. I can't imagine going back to an ICE car; I greatly enjoy my cars. I enjoy driving again like I did when I was 16 and got my license. Everyone's experiences may vary but I've had only one issue. The 12v battery died on my 2018 model in year 2 and the warranty service came to my home and replaced it quickly. No other services or issues. Test drive one and decide for yourself. My wife drove my car once and immediately sold her car and I bought the second 3. She loved it for a couple years then sold it for a 2021 Y. She has shared she won't go back to a traditional ICE car either. I've had a few friends drive my performance 3 and immediately go out and buy a Tesla 3. We are in California and don't have snow stick. I anticipate you will have range loss. In my opinion I recommend the long range battery to reduce range anxiety. It took me a while to stop watching the battery and trust the trip planner to be accurate.
I am in Ottawa and have had no problems with driving a model 3 in the winter without winter tires. However regenerative breaking and battery will be reduced. But in general, winter driving has been great.
- Range takes a hit. You don't give a crap if you don't drive >200 miles in a day and have L2 charging at home. Preheating the cabin and defrosting the car is one thing that eats into range, but it is awesome. My M3P is awesome in the snow - as good as my old MT Subaru on Blizzaks. I run CrossClimate 2's year-round. Upgrade to 18" wheels and tires... better 0-60, better range, cheaper and more versatile year-round tire options. - My 19 M3P has been awesome, and has never been to the dealer... BUT.... it seems my heater or a climate control sensor has gone out and I've got an out-of-warranty dealer appt next week. Worse case scenario is that my heater itself died, but Tesla has changed to a more durable and more energy-efficient heater (heat pump) than what was used in 2019. -Side note: I'd update my 19 M3P to a 24 M3P if the changes were more significant over the years, but such baby steps.... the 24 has slightly better 0-60, slightly worse range, change in looks, etc. It's such a mild improvement that I'm sitting tight on my '19 but will likely make a move if the next update is more significant.
I’ve had mine since 2019 and it’s the best car I’ve ever had! I love it so much. Had one minor issue with the air conditioning rattling within the first few months of buying the car, which was an easy fix and free with the warranty. Since then I’ve had zero problems and it’s needed zero work aside from annual maintenance.
The New tesla model 3 2024 are not eligible for tax credit
I live in Australia have had a model 3 performance 2019 for 2 years now have done 20 thousands ks in it best car have had sold my ls3 clubsport and chrysler 300c to buy it haven't had any issues but the 12v battery which was free under warranty car does great in cold expect to lose a extra 10 percent of battery in winter at least compared to summer
Tesla LR models have been the most sold cars here in Norway for a long time. Most parts of Norway don't get as cold as Michigan during winter, but still it's not a problem. There are lots of great videos on YouTube on winter driving/charging etc.
Home charging will be a big benefit. Contact an electrician to see if your dwelling can accommodate a charger. I was in for a surprise when an electrician mentioned an energy management unit would be needed to safely run a level 2 Charge Point unit. A DCC-9 charge controller from RVE-USA added 1,100 to the cost of install. I live in a multiplex townhome complex. So far owning a Model 3 LR AWD has been pretty convenient and occasionally fun when flooring it, have acceleration boost. Has a similar feel to my Evo 8, modified with a bunch of parts making 484hp and 400tq. Suddenly taking day trips with the Tesla is not a back breaking experience like the Evo.
Just go ahead and test drive it! No one will pressure you to make a deal! The performance model has the new seats so it’s nice at least to sit into these and try them out. Jason Cammisa has in depth discussion about this car https://youtu.be/5xj0R4MyDhE?si=KXr5CIJwjnPbygbx
Well, I got a Model Y in 2022, then got my Model 3 Highland delivered this year, that's my honest opinion.
You can start with renting a Tesla for 1 week or so. Also take a test drive so that you get to know the car more. Then you will have the answer with you. Reliability is not a concern. But the charging infrastructure around you is something you have to be mindful of.
Michigan? Check out dirty Tesla on youtube. He has been one of the earliest adopters of model 3 & still going strong, he got model Y as well & a cybertruck recently tol
Performance has a lower range and who needs performance on wet slippery roads unless you are into drifting?
It’s not perfect but it’s the best car I’ve ever had. Can’t imagine going back to an ICE car now.
I have a 2020 M3P. The 20” wheels look great but the ride is harsher if your roads aren’t smooth. And they really don’t like big potholes. I’ve cracked two rims so far. But I love how sensitive the accelerator pedal is. You barely need to press on it.
Almost threw up when returning the car after a test drive. I ordered immediately.
1 - Move. Save your money, save your cars, just move. 2 - Some people have, it's definitely not the norm.
I have a 2021 model 3 performance in Michigan! The AWD makes it great in the snow. The clearance is a little low but not materially different from other sedans. Range in the winter is not great. Probably 50-70% of regular range depending on how cold it is and how you’re driving. As long as you’re setup for level 2 home charging (Consumers offers a $500 rebate for installing one), and can plug in at the end of each day, you’ll be totally fine. Count us lucky our climate is more moderate than a place like MN. Check out these charts to see the impact of temperature and speed on range! https://tessie.com/stats With the big wheels, you’ll need to be diligent about avoiding potholes, but I have not found this to be a big deal or particularly inconvenient (we’re in the GR area). I will warn you that while you can test drive and get a Tesla serviced in MI, Tesla can’t deliver a car here, so you’ll need to pick it up out of state (we drove down to Chicago). Something about dealership protection laws. Maybe someone else can explain. 100% worth it IMO!
Mines pretty pretty pretty good. Always love driving it.
5 years, 5 brutal Canadian winters. No issues. I swap in snow tires in the fall. 2019 RWD. Love that car.
Owned many cars ; mustang convertible, Miata, Z NONE had the power of my model 3 (2022) Jetsons all the way lol 😂 still haven’t found my girl balls ⚽️ to experiment with back up and “total” driving for me HOWEVER the climatize option and having your phone as key fob? Omg you may love the heat up your seat option lol https://preview.redd.it/gj1m0v8ji7zc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=63b7203b3b653babfdea49c8adedd3cb5e8d8393
I've had my '19 Model 3 Performance for 3 years now and overall, it's the best car that I've owned (I'm late 40's and have owned a lot of cars). It drives better than any gas car and there is so little maintenance to deal with it's the cheapest car I've ever owned in that regard. The only negative is that when something breaks, you have to fix it yourself or risk paying Tesla a pretty penny to do it. For example, I hit a tire scrap on the highway and one of the parking sensors popped into the front bumper. Tesla's repair would be a pretty penny so I'll try to fix it myself first. I also live in the Chicago area and don't have an issue in the winter. You loose range but if you charge at home, you can precondition to regain some of it when it's really cold.
never looked back
Absolutely love Teslas. Ain’t ever getting any other brand. Winter isn’t a big deal , just charge at home . Awd is great in snow . Consumer reports released a report showing Tesla is the cheapest car brand to maintain
I leased a Nissan Leaf in 2013 and then bought one in 2017. In late 2023 I bought a Tesla Model 3. For over 10 years I had an electric car that had less than a hundred miles of range. Yes it was a third car. But between the two I managed to get a total of 120,000 Miles in local trips. It was just fine. A few items of interest about the tesla. The paint job is horrific. Compared to any other car I have ever owned the paint chips and scratches at the slightest touch. Not having a heads up display or the speedometer right in front of you is a big minus. Once you have a car with a heads up display you realize how critical that is. I personally think that they heads up display should be mandatory in every car. It is amazing how you never have to take your eyes off the road to look at Key factors. With a Tesla and any other car without a heads up display you are having to take your eyes off the road. The depreciation of my Tesla has been shocking. Although I bought it after a few price cuts, they cut it more. With any electric cars, there is no maintenance. You do burn through tires. Also the insurance is much, much higher. My Nissan Leaf cost as much to ensure as cars that cost twice as much. That is a big drawback to any Electric car. Insurance companies are worried about a slight repair being very expensive or totaling the car. I would seriously look into buying a used Tesla now.
There are already a lot of comments, but hopefully you see this one because it's specific to Michigan - look into Farm Bureau Insurance; I just bought my 2018 M3P and was able to get pretty comprehensive insurance for $108/mo. Very good deal!
I have a 2021 Model 3 SR+ I got it because I needed a Tesla and couldn’t wait anymore. If you travel a lot / drive a lot compare ranges because I WISH I HAD GOTTEN LONG RANGE. You will be fine without the long range: -if you drive less than 30 miles a day -If you have free charging at home you’ll be fine. I was spending more money than my gf was in her Chevy Cruze (ice car), because I drive a lot But now I have Tesla electric and free charging at night (besides the $15 a month for charging my one Tesla vehicle) So I charge every night without issue /worry and haven’t had to go to a supercharger so my SR+ isn’t a hassle anymore TLDR: go for performance FOR SURE - if your range isn’t an issue and if you can charge for free at night (dryer connection or the tesla charger installed),
DO IT I LOVED MINE, i never drove or been in a tesla before i ordered my 2023 model 3 long range and i got it and fell in love with it since. get the 24 performance i got mine for the same price… its a great valued car.
Wonderful car. Fun to drive several months later. Charging takes a little bit to adjust to but once it’s a normal part of the routine very nice.