Votes for Tesla?

[hanny1973]

Hi all -

I'm considering moving to electric - I'm currently driving a RS6 which is not sustainable long term on my commute. Having done some research on EV's I don't see too many options other than a Tesla. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 looks interesting but I'm not convinced.

I'd be interested to more about the pro and cons re Tesla's, I've heard the build quality isn't great but it would be good to hear opinions from actual owners rather than hearsay!

Best wishes.

[Heres Johnny]

If you’re in an RS6, look at the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

The Model 3 will feel like a cardboard box compared to your Audi which you may be fine with initially but I doubt long term. You’ll be buying a used Model S or Model X for some time if that’s your flavour and they’re getting long in the tooth now (or maybe I’m just bored having had one for 5 years).

The new Model S is an interesting proposition but U.K. (and I assume that’s where you are) won’t get them for probably 18 months

If you’re in an older RS6, with a more modest budget, the ipace is a good drive.

Edited by Heres Johnny on Tuesday 17th August 18:26

[hanny1973]

Morning - thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately the Taycan is a bit out of my price range (I'm driving a 2016 RS6) so looking at something between £40-50k.

I like the fact that the Model 3 is fully equipped but the build quality does concern me, especially as you've described it as a cardboard box!

The alternative I have is to buy a diesel, say a Golf and wait a couple of years for the EV prices to go down and the range of available cars to expand.

[NDA]

hanny1973 said:

Hi all -

I'm considering moving to electric - I'm currently driving a RS6 which is not sustainable long term on my commute. Having done some research on EV's I don't see too many options other than a Tesla. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 looks interesting but I'm not convinced.

I'd be interested to more about the pro and cons re Tesla's, I've heard the build quality isn't great but it would be good to hear opinions from actual owners rather than hearsay!

Best wishes.

I have a 2021 Tesla M3LR and was new to EV's.

I'm very pleased with it. I've owned several Astons, Bentley, Lamborghini, FGT - so I haven't set my expectations sky high. It's not a sports car or a luxury vehicle. However the build quality is perfectly good and in the 9,000 miles I've done it, I've had less problems (none) than in any other car I've owned.

The Tesla is an unashamedly EV interior - an iPad and that's it. I really like that - it's not trying to be a blend of traditional car and EV. It's probably more comfortable than most cars I've owned, silent, reliable and quick. I have got used to the super clean minimalist interior - in contrast to my Range Rover and Morgan, which are like antiques in comparison. I keep the Tesla very tidy, it suits it. I might start wearing a black polo neck.

I bought it for a 150 mile round trip commute into London, which it does superbly. It seems to love heavy traffic as it only sips from the battery - but is also excellent on the motorway. The range is excellent too - I charge overnight (essential) and have a guaranteed 250 mile range from an 80% charge. I've never charged to 100%, but imagine that's a tad over 300 miles.

I like the notion of the Tesla supercharger network - although I rarely use it. However it has everyone else beaten as it's still the wild west out there if you want to charge an EV other than Tesla.

The other thing that's good is that it costs nothing to run. No servicing is required beyond brake fluids every 2 years and tyres. Volts are about 3p a mile (35p in the Range Rover) - so for me that's £4.5 for a trip to London Vs £52 in the RR. I didn't buy it to save money, I needed a new car and the Tesla became sort of obvious.

Great sound system... sat nav a tiny bit rubbish, I tend to use Waze for complex city trips, the Tesla sat nav for straightforward trips. I didn't buy it for autonomous driving either, which doesn't really work. Intelligent cruise control is great, but the full sell driving is years from being even average.

I can't honestly think of a negative and am slightly ashamed to say I quite like how it looks!

Feel free to PM if there is stuff you'd like to know.

[lizardbrain]

I'm perfectly happy with the build quality of my 3. It's about Volvo level. Not Mercedes sure, but better than Ford and VW.

The seat material is not the best, and the doors sound a bit weak when slammed, but that aside, I much prefer the minimalist layout to any other car I've owned. It's a feature not a bug.

A test drive is what you need .

[hanny1973]

lizardbrain said:

I'm perfectly happy with the build quality of my 3. It's about Volvo level. Not Mercedes sure, but better than Ford and VW.

The seat material is not the best, and the doors sound a bit weak when slammed, but that aside, I much prefer the minimalist layout to any other car I've owned. It's a feature not a bug.

A test drive is what you need

Fair point!!

[RizzoTheRat]

Polestar 2 worth a look? Generally considered to be better built and better handling, but less range and acceleration than the Model 3

[witten]

NDA said:

I have a 2021 Tesla M3LR and was new to EV's.

I'm very pleased with it. I've owned several Astons, Bentley, Lamborghini, FGT - so I haven't set my expectations sky high. It's not a sports car or a luxury vehicle. However the build quality is perfectly good and in the 9,000 miles I've done it, I've had less problems (none) than in any other car I've owned.

The Tesla is an unashamedly EV interior - an iPad and that's it. I really like that - it's not trying to be a blend of traditional car and EV. It's probably more comfortable than most cars I've owned, silent, reliable and quick. I have got used to the super clean minimalist interior - in contrast to my Range Rover and Morgan, which are like antiques in comparison. I keep the Tesla very tidy, it suits it. I might start wearing a black polo neck.

I bought it for a 150 mile round trip commute into London, which it does superbly. It seems to love heavy traffic as it only sips from the battery - but is also excellent on the motorway. The range is excellent too - I charge overnight (essential) and have a guaranteed 250 mile range from an 80% charge. I've never charged to 100%, but imagine that's a tad over 300 miles.

I like the notion of the Tesla supercharger network - although I rarely use it. However it has everyone else beaten as it's still the wild west out there if you want to charge an EV other than Tesla.

The other thing that's good is that it costs nothing to run. No servicing is required beyond brake fluids every 2 years and tyres. Volts are about 3p a mile (35p in the Range Rover) - so for me that's £4.5 for a trip to London Vs £52 in the RR. I didn't buy it to save money, I needed a new car and the Tesla became sort of obvious.

Great sound system... sat nav a tiny bit rubbish, I tend to use Waze for complex city trips, the Tesla sat nav for straightforward trips. I didn't buy it for autonomous driving either, which doesn't really work. Intelligent cruise control is great, but the full sell driving is years from being even average.

I can't honestly think of a negative and am slightly ashamed to say I quite like how it looks!

Feel free to PM if there is stuff you'd like to know.

This is all fabulous by the way. I have a L322 Range Rover and am trying a model 3 on Sunday (second time - wasn't convinced by the road noise the first time). I tried the Ioniq 5 too and the boot was a bit meh. The model 3 won't intimidate the Mrs in terms of size and can become her car if we decide she doesn't need her Fiesta then I can get a XKR or similar for small journeys. I also commute about 150 miles to the office and back and it costs a fortune in the Range and I am sick of spending time at fuel stations. There has to be a better way than that!

[Castrol for a knave]

I have M3 Long Range and frequently do 500 plus miles at a time.

It is comfortable, the sound system is good, you get used to the iPad in the middle and the handling is good.

The seats are a bit meh.

I did think I would have an issue with the charging, but the Supercharger network is excellent. I tend to set off with 80% charge and will top op as I go. Record is a 650 mile trip in a day with 2 stops, both about 30 minutes.

It replaced an S7 and whilst it is not as involving to drive and does not have the interior, it costs only a few quid to do a long trip, rather than £100 plus.

[AstonZagato]

NDA said:

hanny1973 said:

Hi all -

I'm considering moving to electric - I'm currently driving a RS6 which is not sustainable long term on my commute. Having done some research on EV's I don't see too many options other than a Tesla. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 looks interesting but I'm not convinced.

I'd be interested to more about the pro and cons re Tesla's, I've heard the build quality isn't great but it would be good to hear opinions from actual owners rather than hearsay!

Best wishes.

I have a 2021 Tesla M3LR and was new to EV's.

I'm very pleased with it. I've owned several Astons, Bentley, Lamborghini, FGT - so I haven't set my expectations sky high. It's not a sports car or a luxury vehicle. However the build quality is perfectly good and in the 9,000 miles I've done it, I've had less problems (none) than in any other car I've owned.

The Tesla is an unashamedly EV interior - an iPad and that's it. I really like that - it's not trying to be a blend of traditional car and EV. It's probably more comfortable than most cars I've owned, silent, reliable and quick. I have got used to the super clean minimalist interior - in contrast to my Range Rover and Morgan, which are like antiques in comparison. I keep the Tesla very tidy, it suits it. I might start wearing a black polo neck.

I bought it for a 150 mile round trip commute into London, which it does superbly. It seems to love heavy traffic as it only sips from the battery - but is also excellent on the motorway. The range is excellent too - I charge overnight (essential) and have a guaranteed 250 mile range from an 80% charge. I've never charged to 100%, but imagine that's a tad over 300 miles.

I like the notion of the Tesla supercharger network - although I rarely use it. However it has everyone else beaten as it's still the wild west out there if you want to charge an EV other than Tesla.

The other thing that's good is that it costs nothing to run. No servicing is required beyond brake fluids every 2 years and tyres. Volts are about 3p a mile (35p in the Range Rover) - so for me that's £4.5 for a trip to London Vs £52 in the RR. I didn't buy it to save money, I needed a new car and the Tesla became sort of obvious.

Great sound system... sat nav a tiny bit rubbish, I tend to use Waze for complex city trips, the Tesla sat nav for straightforward trips. I didn't buy it for autonomous driving either, which doesn't really work. Intelligent cruise control is great, but the full sell driving is years from being even average.

I can't honestly think of a negative and am slightly ashamed to say I quite like how it looks!

Feel free to PM if there is stuff you'd like to know.

I have an MX100. This sums it up perfectly.

I will now always have an electric car in the stable and I can't see other brands getting a look in unless the charging network situation changes.

I have had a few reliability issues but nothing too annoying. Service levels have declined since I bought it (in 2017). Back then Tesla were better than other luxury brands - rangers to fix small problems, collect and deliver for bigger issues. That has all changed and the service experience is now very low-end - app based, poor communication, human interaction negligible, dirty/leggy loaners, charges if you can't drop everything to get the loaner back to them when they finish the job on a random day.

[Maracus]

lizardbrain said:

I'm perfectly happy with the build quality of my 3. It's about Volvo level. Not Mercedes sure, but better than Ford and VW.

The seat material is not the best, and the doors sound a bit weak when slammed, but that aside, I much prefer the minimalist layout to any other car I've owned. It's a feature not a bug.

A test drive is what you need .

Pretty much agree with what you have said. I've had my SR+ for 18 months.

Although I like the seats!

[steveatesh]

Bought a Tesla M3 LR and owned it a couple months, I test drove a Taycan and a M3 Tesla back to back fully expecting the Taycan to be the better car. It wasn’t. Whilst the cabin is lovely in the Porsche (felt like a cockpit) it was cramped compared to the Tesla. The crippler was the Taycan vibrated slightly, both me and my wife noticed it straightaway through the floor pan and steering wheel. We ordered a Tesla the same day, the purchase was very slick and a good experience with no pressure or “up selling” unlike in the Porsche dealership.

The Tesla was smooth as silk, very fast and comfortable too. Wind noise was very good contrary to what I’d read, possibly due to the double glazed front windows.

2 month on and its updated the software twice, had negligible running costs over 1600 mile (free chargers are available if you can find them) and we both find driving it a joy.

It replaced my wife’s Boxster and I have a Vantage. I can’t see the Vantage lasting to be honest, it simply isn’t getting used, and my wife doesn’t miss her Boxster at all.

As for build quality the current cars are made in China and build quality is good. Panel gaps are tight and consistent, paintwork is good, interior super. I’m not sure what people mean when they talk about build quality - the Boxster had stared to develop a serious fault, as did my previous Merc, my Z4 had terrible orange peel and both the BMW and Merc kept going wrong.

So far so good with my first EV but I’m more than a happy with my choice.

[hanny1973]

Many thanks for the comprehensive reply.

I've generally been a VW/Audi owner (with the odd fleeting dalliance with an Aston and Range Rover Sport) so the so called 'build quality' has concerned me.

It does seem like it's not really an issue given the feedback on here so far (which I'm very grateful for). My head has been turned by the Polestar 2 but there's pretty much no second hand models available.

The move to an fully EV does excite and worry me at the same time!

Edited by hanny1973 on Friday 20th August 10:39

[Zcd1]

I traded an Audi S6 for my Model 3 Performance.

I prefer the Tesla in almost every way.

The Audi was quieter on textured pavement and I thought it looked better, but the Tesla is much more fun to drive and the seats are even more comfortable (to me).

You can largely/safely Ignore the comments about build quality - it’s FUD from people who don’t own one.

[NDA]

steveatesh said:

Bought a Tesla M3 LR and owned it a couple months, I test drove a Taycan and a M3 Tesla back to back fully expecting the Taycan to be the better car. It wasn’t.

I am glad I'm not the only one to feel exactly the same way. The Porsche badge is hard to beat (for some) but I preferred the Tesla and subsequently bought one. I thought the Porsche felt heavier too - but that sounds odd to say.

[John Lark]

NDA said:

I am glad I'm not the only one to feel exactly the same way. The Porsche badge is hard to beat (for some) but I preferred the Tesla and subsequently bought one. I thought the Porsche felt heavier too - but that sounds odd to say.

I’m on my second M3 after various dailies (E63, GTC4 Lusso and Panamera Turbo most recently) before that, and continue to be hugely impressed with them. Borrowed a Taycan for a weekend and hoped to be blown away by it. Wasn’t. Sure it’s possible to pick things that could be better, interior for sure, but I rarely bother reaching for other keys at the moment, it’s beyond easy to drive, faster than you ever need, has the easiest infotainment ever, totally under the radar as so common now, and superb value. I very rarely need to charge away from home but s/c network looks like it’s good for much of the country. Previous advice has been spot on - drive it.

[hanny1973]

Thanks everyone for their advice, I’ll be arranging a test drive ASAP.

Sorry for what maybe a dumb question. What’s the difference between the Long Range and Performance models?

Apart from the acceleration and different alloys, is there any other difference that will convince me, or not as the case maybe which Model 3 to go for.

[NDA]

hanny1973 said:

Thanks everyone for their advice, I’ll be arranging a test drive ASAP.

Sorry for what maybe a dumb question. What’s the difference between the Long Range and Performance models?

Apart from the acceleration and different alloys, is there any other difference that will convince me, or not as the case maybe which Model 3 to go for.

The performance has increased acceleration from 0-60 - however the long range with the £1500 upgrade/download is in touching distance. The LR feels incredibly quick, but those with the performance .4 of a second or so will be advocates of that version.

The performance has larger diameter wheels and shorter side walls - some say that they're more prone to damage from potholes than the 19" rims... heavy car, thinner wheels etc.

Personally, I'd have the LR. But others will, of course, disagree.

[Heres Johnny]

Slightly larger brakes, track mode, said to be lower suspension but nobody seems to have been able to measure a difference, firmer ride but unclear if it’s genuinely firmer or it’s just the lower profile tyres, probably is a bit firmer.

Watch out for the way Tesla reports performance, they use 1 foot roll out on performance cars which exaggerates the difference in the figures, the P certainly gives a bigger jolt off the line but once moving there’s nothing in them, especially against a LR with performance boost.

The LR can have a tow bar (although Tesla make it hard to see that on the configurator).

The LR is a very driveable car and without the worries the P has like skinny tyrewalls. I’m sure some P owners will try to convince you otherwise but the smart money in the range is the LR. Considering there is something like £11.5k between them, you don’t get an awful lot more for your money.

[Zcd1]

Performance version DOES actually sit 20 mm lower on firmer springs, so its ride is firmer and handling sharper due to those features plus the UHP tires that are standard (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on my car, though Pirellis seem to be on cars in other markets). The LR’s tires were chosen for maximum range and trade off responsiveness and handling chops for that range.

If ultimate speed and handing aren’t key attributes for you then the Performance probably isn’t worth the money difference. An LR with some aftermarket rims might be a nice compromise in that case.