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It might be a good car, but not at that price tag. If I had to spend 50+k$ for a car, I would definitely not go for a Tesla Model 3. I would go with a reliable

It might be a good car, but not at that price tag. If I had to spend 50+k$ for a car, I would definitely not go for a Tesla Model 3. I would go with a reliable BMW/Mercedes/Audi that is way more luxurious and offer more functionalities for the same price. So far, the Tesla Model 3 is still for people that want to make a statement that they are part of the "green revolution" or for Elon Musk fans. Even at 35k$ (before taxes), it is still pretty expensive for a car that will be very very basic. Look what you can get for that price tag with other car manufacturers.

ericd 8y ago
Depends on what you value. I value fun driving over nice finishes, so I'd pick the Model 3.
- ironjunkie 8y ago
  But is it though ? for 50+k$ I can think of a couple cars that I think are way more fun to drive than a middle class Model 3. (we are not talking Model S here) For example an Audi S4/S5, or for a bit cheaper, a fully jacked up VW Golf R. The whole value of the model 3, is the brand name and what it projects I think.
  - ericd 8y ago
    Have you ever driven a Tesla? It's really not comparable to any ICE car below hybrid supercar level. Having no perceptible throttle lag plus crazy torque really puts it in a class of its own in terms of fun. It has nothing to do with brand name.
    - ironjunkie 8y ago
      I was a passenger to a Tesla (Both model S and 3) and drove an Audi S4/S5 and a Golf R. While I agree that the "feel" is different between gas and electric, I think you are overestimating what the Model 3 can do. To come back to my examples, Any of the Audi S4/S5 [1] or Golf R will get 0-60 faster than all the Tesla Model 3, except the performance one [2]. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_S5 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_S5 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_S4 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_S4 [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Model_3#Specifications https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Model_3#Specifications
      - codeulike 8y ago
        So you haven't driven one.
        ironjunkie 8y ago
        Indeed. Does that mean that I cannot compare specification numbers?
        extrapickles 8y ago
        You can, though the typical specification numbers do not cover what the Model 3 is good at for me. I own a Model 3, and the perceptually instant throttle response and the lack of gear changes is what makes it 'funner' than the competitors for me to drive.
        r00fus 8y ago
        We're talking about how it feels to drive one so no. Come back when you've taken a test drive. They're free.
      - greglindahl 8y ago
        Don't both the Audi and the Golf make a loud, embarrassing noise while doing it? I call it the "Look at me, I'm an asshole!" sound. For many people, that sound plays a significant role in the driving experience. Some like it, some don't.
    - gamblor956 8y ago
      I've driven a Tesla Model 3, Volt, and Bolt. I prefer the latter two. Not as aggressive with the acceleration as the Tesla, but still quite zippy compared to ICEs. Moreover, the internal furnishings on the Chevys (and even in the Nissan Leaf) are so much more comfortable it's embarrassing (to Tesla) that its flagship mass model car being outperformed by cars several tens of thousands of dollars cheaper.
      - greglindahl 8y ago
        So you bought a Bolt, right? It's selling about 1/6 as many cars as the Model 3 in recent months.
  - codeulike 8y ago
    The whole value of the model 3, is the brand name and what it projects I think. You dont think the flood of critical acclaim counts for anything?
    - ironjunkie 8y ago
      I have seen very positive critics and some negative ones. I fully agree that it is a good car, the whole discussion here is about the price tag, and if it is worth it in comparison of what a traditional ICE car can offer. I think it is debatable, and as it is very often the case in the car industry, it is a lot about what image you want to project as an owner of the car. Furthermore journalists do not escape the brand name effect. A lot of the critics were already convinced Tesla fans.
anothergoogler 8y ago
> reliable BMW That's a tall order.
mdeeks 8y ago
I just bought an 2018 Audi A4 ($47k) and my wife just bought a Model 3 ($54k). I previously owned an S4 which (roughly $56k). I also test drove a few 4-series BMWs and few random Mercedes in the same price range. TL;DR: I would take the Model 3 any day at that price. I have buyers remorse. Drive feel: The Model 3 is an absolute joy to drive and I would take it any day over either of my Audis and over any of the BMWs or Mercedes. Every gas car feels laggy now and they are kind of ruined for me. I drive my wife's car at every opportunity now even though I have a 3 week old Audi in my garage. Autopilot makes gridlock traffic no longer a big deal. This is pretty huge and I hated driving my Audi long distance to Tahoe over July 4th weekend in traffic. I do NOT trust it with anything beyond gridlock traffic though. Not even for merges. Interior: The Model 3 seats are super comfy but the whole interior feels budget and I really hope you like minimalism because its extremely minimal and borderline cheap. BMW/Audi/Mercedes: I hope you like BUTTONS EVERYWHERE FOR EVERYTHING (I certainly don't). The interior feels much more premium than the Model 3 though. Side note: Why does a tachometer still exist as a massive dial taking up most of your dash? I doubt 98% of people ever look at it. The interface: While significantly improved from my 2015 S4, the A4 UI is still an atrocity. Bluetooth is still awful and it auto plays whatever the hell happened to be running on my iPhone last. Lack of a touch screen (except BMW) is surprisingly frustrating now that I've used one. The central display in the Model 3 is incredible and I love almost everything about it. Who needs bluetooth when you have Google Maps and high quality streaming audio over an incredible sounding sound system? I rarely even WANT to connect my phone. Random: The keyless unlock for the Model 3 is amazing as long as it actually works with your phone. My wife's Pixel XL works about 50% of the time and it makes it infuriating. PLEASE GIVE US A KEYFOB, TESLA I can turn on the AC remotely on a hot day! The Model 3 is cold by the time we get in! There are so many delights with this car and that goes a long way.
- ironjunkie 8y ago
  Thanks for your report! Looks like I might be overvaluing the fun factor of an Audi S4 compared to a Model 3. I'm also wondering if the feel of an electrical engine is a personal thing? I have heard from one of my friend owning a Motel 3 that they are not a huge fan of the Electrical feel compared to a Manual gas car.
kilroy123 8y ago
I disagree. If it was really $35k it would be an amazing buy.
BrazeBeefNoodle 8y ago
>> So far, the Tesla Model 3 is still for people that want to make a statement that they are part of the "green revolution" or for Elon Musk fans. Not true. Save for long-haul drives (> 250-300 mile trips), the daily experience of driving a Tesla is objectively superior in every way to every gas car I've driven. It has nothing to do with image or idol worship and everything to do with the daily experience of driving it. I also prefer it for long-haul drives, but I have a 4-year-old and taking a 25 minute break every 3 hours works well for us. If you're purely in a hurry, a gas car will refuel much faster (but if I'm in a hurry, I'm flying, not long-haul driving).

ericd 8y ago

Depends on what you value. I value fun driving over nice finishes, so I'd pick the Model 3.

ironjunkie 8y ago
But is it though ? for 50+k$ I can think of a couple cars that I think are way more fun to drive than a middle class Model 3. (we are not talking Model S here) For example an Audi S4/S5, or for a bit cheaper, a fully jacked up VW Golf R. The whole value of the model 3, is the brand name and what it projects I think.
- ericd 8y ago
  Have you ever driven a Tesla? It's really not comparable to any ICE car below hybrid supercar level. Having no perceptible throttle lag plus crazy torque really puts it in a class of its own in terms of fun. It has nothing to do with brand name.
  - ironjunkie 8y ago
    I was a passenger to a Tesla (Both model S and 3) and drove an Audi S4/S5 and a Golf R. While I agree that the "feel" is different between gas and electric, I think you are overestimating what the Model 3 can do. To come back to my examples, Any of the Audi S4/S5 [1] or Golf R will get 0-60 faster than all the Tesla Model 3, except the performance one [2]. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_S5 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_S5 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_S4 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_S4 [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Model_3#Specifications https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Model_3#Specifications
    - codeulike 8y ago
      So you haven't driven one.
      - ironjunkie 8y ago
        Indeed. Does that mean that I cannot compare specification numbers?
        extrapickles 8y ago
        You can, though the typical specification numbers do not cover what the Model 3 is good at for me. I own a Model 3, and the perceptually instant throttle response and the lack of gear changes is what makes it 'funner' than the competitors for me to drive.
        r00fus 8y ago
        We're talking about how it feels to drive one so no. Come back when you've taken a test drive. They're free.
    - greglindahl 8y ago
      Don't both the Audi and the Golf make a loud, embarrassing noise while doing it? I call it the "Look at me, I'm an asshole!" sound. For many people, that sound plays a significant role in the driving experience. Some like it, some don't.
  - gamblor956 8y ago
    I've driven a Tesla Model 3, Volt, and Bolt. I prefer the latter two. Not as aggressive with the acceleration as the Tesla, but still quite zippy compared to ICEs. Moreover, the internal furnishings on the Chevys (and even in the Nissan Leaf) are so much more comfortable it's embarrassing (to Tesla) that its flagship mass model car being outperformed by cars several tens of thousands of dollars cheaper.
    - greglindahl 8y ago
      So you bought a Bolt, right? It's selling about 1/6 as many cars as the Model 3 in recent months.
- codeulike 8y ago
  The whole value of the model 3, is the brand name and what it projects I think. You dont think the flood of critical acclaim counts for anything?
  - ironjunkie 8y ago
    I have seen very positive critics and some negative ones. I fully agree that it is a good car, the whole discussion here is about the price tag, and if it is worth it in comparison of what a traditional ICE car can offer. I think it is debatable, and as it is very often the case in the car industry, it is a lot about what image you want to project as an owner of the car. Furthermore journalists do not escape the brand name effect. A lot of the critics were already convinced Tesla fans.

anothergoogler 8y ago

> reliable BMW That's a tall order.

mdeeks 8y ago

I just bought an 2018 Audi A4 ($47k) and my wife just bought a Model 3 ($54k). I previously owned an S4 which (roughly $56k). I also test drove a few 4-series BMWs and few random Mercedes in the same price range. TL;DR: I would take the Model 3 any day at that price. I have buyers remorse. Drive feel: The Model 3 is an absolute joy to drive and I would take it any day over either of my Audis and over any of the BMWs or Mercedes. Every gas car feels laggy now and they are kind of ruined for me. I drive my wife's car at every opportunity now even though I have a 3 week old Audi in my garage. Autopilot makes gridlock traffic no longer a big deal. This is pretty huge and I hated driving my Audi long distance to Tahoe over July 4th weekend in traffic. I do NOT trust it with anything beyond gridlock traffic though. Not even for merges. Interior: The Model 3 seats are super comfy but the whole interior feels budget and I really hope you like minimalism because its extremely minimal and borderline cheap. BMW/Audi/Mercedes: I hope you like BUTTONS EVERYWHERE FOR EVERYTHING (I certainly don't). The interior feels much more premium than the Model 3 though. Side note: Why does a tachometer still exist as a massive dial taking up most of your dash? I doubt 98% of people ever look at it. The interface: While significantly improved from my 2015 S4, the A4 UI is still an atrocity. Bluetooth is still awful and it auto plays whatever the hell happened to be running on my iPhone last. Lack of a touch screen (except BMW) is surprisingly frustrating now that I've used one. The central display in the Model 3 is incredible and I love almost everything about it. Who needs bluetooth when you have Google Maps and high quality streaming audio over an incredible sounding sound system? I rarely even WANT to connect my phone. Random: The keyless unlock for the Model 3 is amazing as long as it actually works with your phone. My wife's Pixel XL works about 50% of the time and it makes it infuriating. PLEASE GIVE US A KEYFOB, TESLA I can turn on the AC remotely on a hot day! The Model 3 is cold by the time we get in! There are so many delights with this car and that goes a long way.

ironjunkie 8y ago
Thanks for your report! Looks like I might be overvaluing the fun factor of an Audi S4 compared to a Model 3. I'm also wondering if the feel of an electrical engine is a personal thing? I have heard from one of my friend owning a Motel 3 that they are not a huge fan of the Electrical feel compared to a Manual gas car.

kilroy123 8y ago

I disagree. If it was really $35k it would be an amazing buy.

BrazeBeefNoodle 8y ago

>> So far, the Tesla Model 3 is still for people that want to make a statement that they are part of the "green revolution" or for Elon Musk fans. Not true. Save for long-haul drives (> 250-300 mile trips), the daily experience of driving a Tesla is objectively superior in every way to every gas car I've driven. It has nothing to do with image or idol worship and everything to do with the daily experience of driving it. I also prefer it for long-haul drives, but I have a 4-year-old and taking a 25 minute break every 3 hours works well for us. If you're purely in a hurry, a gas car will refuel much faster (but if I'm in a hurry, I'm flying, not long-haul driving).