[crbalch]

I have owned 2 BMWs and absolutely love them, but I took a test drive in a Tesla Model 3 Performance the other day and fell in love. Was wondering if anyone on this forum owns a Model 3, or is considering making the switch as well.

Going to really miss this community that's for sure!

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by crbalch

I have owned 2 BMWs and absolutely love them, but I took a test drive in a Tesla Model 3 Performance the other day and fell in love. Was wondering if anyone on this forum owns a Model 3, or is considering making the switch as well.

Going to really miss this community that's for sure!

I had thought about it to the point of sending in a deposit when the line was first forming. I was going to add the Model 3, rather than substitute for my 2 Series. Then, based on my auto industry career with another manufacturer, I started reading more about their assembly and, specifically, their body-in-white design, and reading the tear-down reports. Other than an advanced powertrain, it became clear how amateurish Tesla is at automotive engineering. I recall the body design was compared to a 90's Kia. Poorly done, overly heavy where not useful, too many small parts vs larger panels. I'm not talking about styling...this is the structural design of the unitized body. I was on their forum for a while, and the quality reports have been widespread for body fits, paint, electronics. Apparently, it was reported one of the lead engineers for body design had not worked in the auto industry before. A few days ago, a Director of Engineering quit...one in a series of execs. Before spending my money on this brand, I'd give them a full generation to the next model redesign and see if they can up their game for everything that goes around that great battery-electric powertrain. Yes, I got my refund and put it toward the 3GT you see in my signature. I'm going to look closely at the new BMW i4 coming in 2020. Google for more news.

EDIT:

https://jalopnik.com/tesla-model-3-t...ual-1822678045

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/featu...orst-decisions

[wntrsnowg]

I seriously was going to do it but luckily the amount I could sell the 2 for was so low that it stopped me. The 3 is a great car but looking long-term it didn't make financial sense. Too much risk about down-the-road costs

[DaleHeinz]

When they can make an affordable electric, with quality and luxury, that will go on a single charge as far as most cars do on one tank of fuel, then I'll be hard pressed not to consider it.

I really like what they did with the Tesla Roadster, but obviously $250K isn't within my grasp. It does claim around 600miles on a charge. When that tech trickles down to a non super car, it would be cool. I loathe the idea of owning a car that can't be taken on a road trip without careful planning and increased stopping time to charge up.

From a performance standpoint, I'm all on board with how electric delivers power. It's just going to be strange to have the sensation of speed without the muffled explosion of burning fuel.

[aerobod]

It will be interesting to see if the upcoming Tesla Roadster will be able to complete a full HPDE session or even a lap of the Nurburgring without going into a reduced power mode. The original roadster and Model S can only manage a couple of minutes flat out before battery and powertrain heat managememt becomes an issue, invoking reduced power mode. A Model S in ludicrous mode consumes about 550kW, depleting the 100kWh battery in about 11 minutes of full acceleration, which will correlate to about 30 mins of track use with strong regeneration, but both acceleration and regeneration generate a lot of battery heat.

[snaketh]

Friend of mine has one.

Pros:

Autopilot
Very quick
Nice moonroof
OTA Software updates

Cons:

Panel gaps were BAD
Interior feels very basic and cheap
Not fun to throw it around corners
Engine noise

It feels like the latest and greatest smartphone and I think it attracts that crowd more so than the car enthusiast crowd. It's a fun car but the build quality, and plastic interior is a let down. Doesn't feel $50k that's for sure.

In 3 years there will be much more choice and improvement. Possibly even from Tesla. Gotta say the Tesla fanbase puts me off buying one a bit too.

[morphomeman]

Engine noise? What engine?

[USA-RET]

I'm always looking at the new electrics being introduced.

The fact that ranges are increasing near 300 miles is very nice. I need something that will do a 200 mile round trip w/some drive around at the destination.

Biggest downside to any of the electric is battery life. Unlike petrol that can go for years and years, life expectancy on the batteries is limited and will kill resale. Replacing a battery would be very expensive, akin to replacing the engine in a gasoline car.

Electric as a lease makes sense (providing the payments are not prohibitive).

A friend in Germany mentioned that they have a lease the battery option. Didn't ask how exactly it worked but in theory it sounds workable in some fashion or another. Pay for the battery use and then have a new one installed as the old one degenerates/deteriorates.

Tech is still a bit too new and cost of ownership is questionable (at least presently). I'll wait and see how manufacturers improve tech and what offers they intro to make ownership more practical.

[xantdieselx]

Originally Posted by crbalch

I have owned 2 BMWs and absolutely love them, but I took a test drive in a Tesla Model 3 Performance the other day and fell in love. Was wondering if anyone on this forum owns a Model 3, or is considering making the switch as well.

Going to really miss this community that's for sure!

Have a test drive setup for next week but doubtful I'll pull the trigger. Just not in love with the way it looks. I'm not convinced there will be any true savings when you factor in depreciation, the cost of installing an in home charger and increased insurance premiums.

I think like others have mentioned within about 3 years most manufacturers will have eclipsed Tesla in performance and build quality.

[crbalch]

Originally Posted by xantdieselx

Have a test drive setup for next week but doubtful I'll pull the trigger. Just not in love with the way it looks. I'm not convinced there will be any true savings when you factor in depreciation, the cost of installing an in home charger and increased insurance premiums.

I think like others have mentioned within about 3 years most manufacturers will have eclipsed Tesla in performance and build quality.

Wait till you drive it, I think you truly will have a change of heart. It's unreal fun. Regarding depreciation, they actually hold their value very well, and the at home charging wouldn't cost more than $500. Insurance premiums shouldn't be any different than a car in the same price range.

I bought the white on white car and absolutely love the look of it. Back end is mediocre, but everything else looks so sharp. The technology inside is pretty insane too

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by crbalch

I bought..

Whoops....past tense...sorry, didn't understand that from your first post. Hope it all works out well! Best wishes!

[Texan2er]

Originally Posted by morphomeman

Engine noise? What engine?

Exactly the point, I do believe! As the old saying goes... Give us exhaust notes, or give us death.

[xantdieselx]

Originally Posted by crbalch

Wait till you drive it, I think you truly will have a change of heart. It's unreal fun. Regarding depreciation, they actually hold their value very well, and the at home charging wouldn't cost more than $500. Insurance premiums shouldn't be any different than a car in the same price range.

I bought the white on white car and absolutely love the look of it. Back end is mediocre, but everything else looks so sharp. The technology inside is pretty insane too

Did you go with the dual motor or RWD? How's the handling compared to the M235i?

[crbalch]

Originally Posted by xantdieselx

Did you go with the dual motor or RWD? How's the handling compared to the M235i?

I went dual motor performance. Taking delivery on 11/10!

The thing has absolutely insane acceleration with zero lag whatsoever (it really tosses you back in your seat). Handling and steering felt great during my limited test drive too!

[rainfall]

hmmm i wish they simulated gears, simulated engine noise (straight 6 or v8) and had under 3500 pounds. I would consider for a next option, but right now I'm good.

[Taskmaster]

Pass. Outside the powertrain*, the rest of the car looks subpar.

Doesn’t help that the same people who rave about it are the same people who don’t shut up about the newest smartphones. Not my crowd.

[RoundelM3]

I'd seriously consider it...on a cold day in Hell.

[CE750Jockey]

No disrespect to the OP, but Tesla, with it's current build quality and production issues, high cost, and the erratic and uncertain future of it's CEO, is too risky for me. The design is in the eye of the owner. To each his own. I don't care for the exterior, and the interior is too sterile for me. Good luck with it.

[dradernh]

My focus is driving dynamics, so Tesla isn't a brand I cross-shop.

[M235ForNow]

Originally Posted by crbalch

I have owned 2 BMWs and absolutely love them, but I took a test drive in a Tesla Model 3 Performance the other day and fell in love. Was wondering if anyone on this forum owns a Model 3, or is considering making the switch as well.

Going to really miss this community that's for sure!

Nope, not trading. Considered it. Have a bunch of students who are engineers at Tesla and so I wish it well but it seems too dubious a proposition for me. I'm uncomfortable with the underlying fundamentals as well. Although my 235 isn't tech-free by any means, it's more of the "old school car" experience that I want.

[XutvJet]

If tech is your thing, I can see how this is an exciting car.

If you truly love performance driving, a Tesla isn't that type of car.

[Maynard]

I think OP is in the minority for direct cross shopping this. Even if it were the hottest thing on 2 wheels, the craptastic build quality is a no-go for me; and for 50k there are a LOT of more interesting things out there. I do love the brand hype of 'electric cars are so green, so much cheaper to run' coupled with offhand comments like 'the home charger is only another $500' and 'we don't really know how long the battery pack will last, or cost to replace'. Nothing green (or cheap) about piles of used up battery packs, and I'd spend a fortune on psych meds (or lawyer fees) if I had to wait an hour at every fillup.