One year with the Model 3
So we have a Tesla in the family.
After plunking down the requisite pre-order deposit in 2016, my father was able to pick up his Model 3 for his new daily driver exactly 1 year ago. I was with him that day we went down to the "dealership" in Costa Mesa (it felt more like an Apple store, by design, I'm sure,) and I had never seen him so eager during a car purchase. This was unlike any previous car-buying rendezvous I've had with him over the last 30+ years. Even though I was more of the skeptic this time around, I was very happy for him. I also knew I'd have plenty of opportunity to be driving it as well. :)
So by now there have been countless reviews put out there on all of the features & quirks of the newest Tesla all over the internet and YouTube, and this is not going to be an overview of the same. I'll just share a quick personal take for those who've haven't driven one yet, or are curious about the Model 3 in general.
After signing the paperwork, it was decided that I should be the first one to drive this thing home as we headed out from the dealership. Despite his love of gadgets and new tech, my dad will almost always hand them to me first to figure things out and explain to him what he needs to know, in order to operate it himself later. I myself was pretty green in driving electric cars, having only had a quick drive with a friend's Model X once before. So with barely a 15 minute overview of the car features from the sales rep, there was a little bit of trepidation within me about making sure I knew enough to get home without issue. Turns out that I overthought it: at it's core, the Model 3 is a delightfully simple machine.
After you get over the fact that there is no gauge cluster in front of you, and you get used to side-eyeing the massive tablet in the center of the dash, the next thing to adapt to was the regenerative brakes. It takes some practice modulating the throttle like you would a go-kart in order to slow down smoothly. But after a few miles of practice, oh does it work so well.
The next thing that stood out to me was the view. Not since being in a 1990's Honda product have I driven a car with such outstanding front and side visibility. The low cowl gives you a great view of the road, and the belt-line isn't high up by your neck like so many cars today that try to cocoon you in. The Model 3 is also the "right" size in terms of exterior dimensions; what a typical 4-door sedan aught to be in today's day and age. It gives confidence that you can read, react, and maneuver around whatever is in front of you. That's been my favorite aspect about driving the car to this day.
Speaking of size, it looks smaller from a distance than it actually is when you're up next to it. About the proportions of a modern BMW 3-series (which is now actually a bulbous mid-size car), but packaged very thoughtfully and with so much usable space - most noticeably in the rear, where you can actually fit 3 average sized adults due to the flat floor. And though the rear trunk is quite commodious, if that's not enough, you can fold down the 60-40 split rear seats to haul longer objects as well. The front trunk, or "frunk", as it's better known is...OK. There is space for a small carry-on bag, or groceries, but don't' let people fool you into thinking its like having two real trunks. It's not the most practical thing to deal with either, since there is no handle or button up front to help lift it open. Your fingerprints will be marring the the hood every time you close it as well.
Driving up the 55 freeway, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the interior felt put together. No squeaks, no rattles, and it had a hunkered down, glued-to-the-tarmac feel. Thanks to its low center of gravity due to the placement of its batteries, the American Tesla does a great impression of a German saloon on the highway.
As for the body - the most criticized part of the Model 3 has been the fit and finish of the exterior panels. In our car, the gaps weren't as bad as some have had to deal with. But on the flip-side, the paint has noticeable flaws that are perceptible under the right light. Several clear-coat smudge spots had been detected a few weeks after we've had the car, reminding us that the first iterations of this car did come out as a "rush job". That would annoy the hell out of me, but not so much my dad for some reason. He's too in love with the drive, the automation features, and the big ol' touch screen, I think.
Much has been made about how Tesla cars have an incredible ability to accelerate, and in my opinion, the Model 3 actually does it the best. Why? Because it doesn't carry with it the size and bulk that the Model S and Model X have to deal with. That means that this instant ability to accelerate becomes increasingly useful in traffic situations, merging into lanes, and getting out of trouble. It's not just some party trick. Its drive-train software and nicely weighted steering inputs manages the lead-footed driver well, giving a lot of confidence going into all sorts of driving situations. It's been tested by journalists at Willow Springs and other racetracks, and it performed surprisingly well. It's flaws are predictable: vague steering feel (which all electric systems seem to suffer from) and battery draining issues when flogged repeatedly. I don't think Tesla cares though. It's not supposed to be the car you take to the track. Its merely a car you can track if you want to have a few laughs and embarrass some sports cars while you're at it. So long as you don't stick around for the whole day.
All in all, the Tesla Model 3 has been a no-brainer decision for the family. With the long range battery, superchargers all over the place, and a charger at home, there is no range anxiety. But for this, or any Tesla, to make sense for someone as a purchase, it has to be used every day. Load the car up with all the upgrades and it's simply too expensive not to, given the what is achieved in efficiency. Think about it: there is no cost for fuel, no fluids to monitor, and brakes that are theoretically replaced in long intervals thanks to the re-generative braking system. Why would you choose to drive another "practical" daily driver when it literally can't be more practical for 95% of people and their errands? 12,000 miles that have since been put on the car say it's been the right move.
And recently that's when it clicked for me. I will always love the visceral nature of a car with a traditional internal combustion engine, a gear shift that you manipulate yourself, and the experience that comes with it all. I rue the day that electric cars will inevitably relegate "i.c.e." cars to relics, and perhaps even as just weekend cruisers. At the same time, I can totally appreciate the appeal for what Tesla has built, and how so many of the commuting public are being drawn to electric automobiles. For me, its about the experience a car gives you, and I'm lucky I get to live in a time that we can have the best of both worlds together.
After plunking down the requisite pre-order deposit in 2016, my father was able to pick up his Model 3 for his new daily driver exactly 1 year ago. I was with him that day we went down to the "dealership" in Costa Mesa (it felt more like an Apple store, by design, I'm sure,) and I had never seen him so eager during a car purchase. This was unlike any previous car-buying rendezvous I've had with him over the last 30+ years. Even though I was more of the skeptic this time around, I was very happy for him. I also knew I'd have plenty of opportunity to be driving it as well. :)
So by now there have been countless reviews put out there on all of the features & quirks of the newest Tesla all over the internet and YouTube, and this is not going to be an overview of the same. I'll just share a quick personal take for those who've haven't driven one yet, or are curious about the Model 3 in general.
After signing the paperwork, it was decided that I should be the first one to drive this thing home as we headed out from the dealership. Despite his love of gadgets and new tech, my dad will almost always hand them to me first to figure things out and explain to him what he needs to know, in order to operate it himself later. I myself was pretty green in driving electric cars, having only had a quick drive with a friend's Model X once before. So with barely a 15 minute overview of the car features from the sales rep, there was a little bit of trepidation within me about making sure I knew enough to get home without issue. Turns out that I overthought it: at it's core, the Model 3 is a delightfully simple machine.
 | |||||||
| All the orders laid out before customers as if to say, "Behold, your electric chariot awaits!" |
After you get over the fact that there is no gauge cluster in front of you, and you get used to side-eyeing the massive tablet in the center of the dash, the next thing to adapt to was the regenerative brakes. It takes some practice modulating the throttle like you would a go-kart in order to slow down smoothly. But after a few miles of practice, oh does it work so well.
The next thing that stood out to me was the view. Not since being in a 1990's Honda product have I driven a car with such outstanding front and side visibility. The low cowl gives you a great view of the road, and the belt-line isn't high up by your neck like so many cars today that try to cocoon you in. The Model 3 is also the "right" size in terms of exterior dimensions; what a typical 4-door sedan aught to be in today's day and age. It gives confidence that you can read, react, and maneuver around whatever is in front of you. That's been my favorite aspect about driving the car to this day.
Speaking of size, it looks smaller from a distance than it actually is when you're up next to it. About the proportions of a modern BMW 3-series (which is now actually a bulbous mid-size car), but packaged very thoughtfully and with so much usable space - most noticeably in the rear, where you can actually fit 3 average sized adults due to the flat floor. And though the rear trunk is quite commodious, if that's not enough, you can fold down the 60-40 split rear seats to haul longer objects as well. The front trunk, or "frunk", as it's better known is...OK. There is space for a small carry-on bag, or groceries, but don't' let people fool you into thinking its like having two real trunks. It's not the most practical thing to deal with either, since there is no handle or button up front to help lift it open. Your fingerprints will be marring the the hood every time you close it as well.
 |
| Home base: where the charger is set up like you would your phone next to your nightstand. |
Driving up the 55 freeway, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the interior felt put together. No squeaks, no rattles, and it had a hunkered down, glued-to-the-tarmac feel. Thanks to its low center of gravity due to the placement of its batteries, the American Tesla does a great impression of a German saloon on the highway.
As for the body - the most criticized part of the Model 3 has been the fit and finish of the exterior panels. In our car, the gaps weren't as bad as some have had to deal with. But on the flip-side, the paint has noticeable flaws that are perceptible under the right light. Several clear-coat smudge spots had been detected a few weeks after we've had the car, reminding us that the first iterations of this car did come out as a "rush job". That would annoy the hell out of me, but not so much my dad for some reason. He's too in love with the drive, the automation features, and the big ol' touch screen, I think.
Much has been made about how Tesla cars have an incredible ability to accelerate, and in my opinion, the Model 3 actually does it the best. Why? Because it doesn't carry with it the size and bulk that the Model S and Model X have to deal with. That means that this instant ability to accelerate becomes increasingly useful in traffic situations, merging into lanes, and getting out of trouble. It's not just some party trick. Its drive-train software and nicely weighted steering inputs manages the lead-footed driver well, giving a lot of confidence going into all sorts of driving situations. It's been tested by journalists at Willow Springs and other racetracks, and it performed surprisingly well. It's flaws are predictable: vague steering feel (which all electric systems seem to suffer from) and battery draining issues when flogged repeatedly. I don't think Tesla cares though. It's not supposed to be the car you take to the track. Its merely a car you can track if you want to have a few laughs and embarrass some sports cars while you're at it. So long as you don't stick around for the whole day.
 |
| Just don't forget to plug me in for the night, and I'll be ready first thing in the morning. |
All in all, the Tesla Model 3 has been a no-brainer decision for the family. With the long range battery, superchargers all over the place, and a charger at home, there is no range anxiety. But for this, or any Tesla, to make sense for someone as a purchase, it has to be used every day. Load the car up with all the upgrades and it's simply too expensive not to, given the what is achieved in efficiency. Think about it: there is no cost for fuel, no fluids to monitor, and brakes that are theoretically replaced in long intervals thanks to the re-generative braking system. Why would you choose to drive another "practical" daily driver when it literally can't be more practical for 95% of people and their errands? 12,000 miles that have since been put on the car say it's been the right move.
And recently that's when it clicked for me. I will always love the visceral nature of a car with a traditional internal combustion engine, a gear shift that you manipulate yourself, and the experience that comes with it all. I rue the day that electric cars will inevitably relegate "i.c.e." cars to relics, and perhaps even as just weekend cruisers. At the same time, I can totally appreciate the appeal for what Tesla has built, and how so many of the commuting public are being drawn to electric automobiles. For me, its about the experience a car gives you, and I'm lucky I get to live in a time that we can have the best of both worlds together.
 |
| Don't worry, Z, I got your back (for now.) |
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