2024 Model 3 Performance V older Model S Performance
Discussion
We've had a '21 Model 3 Long Range for the last 3 years and nearly 30k miles.
To replace it I recently ordered a new Model 3 Performance. There is a deal currently with 0% PCP with a condition that cars have to be ordered and delivered before the end of September. On paying my deposit, the car appeared in the app instantly next to our current Model 3, but after a few days the delivery date changed to November. It now seems to be stuck in the system and I'm presuming that because it won't be delivered before the end of September, they'll push back on the 0% deal and I'm about to have a communication to that effect.
It may all be fine and the deal will happen, but if not, I don't want to PCP it and pay interest. So, I've started to consider my options and for the first time ever, Model S cars have come into my sights as a potential purchase. I've realised I don't know a lot about the different models, but it appears a P100D, which became a Performance then a Raven(?) is available for reasonable money and will blow the doors off the new Model 3 Performance.
I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed that the M3P we're getting in the UK seems to be a 'lite' version compared to the proper car they're getting in the US and I've had concerns that I'll buy it and before too long they'll ship the Performance to here with the US spec batteries and the early cars will depreciate like a stone and be rather undesirable. Buying an older S mitigates this potential issue.
Is there anything someone new to the S range needs to know and how do I navigate the different models and names they've had over the years? Initially dipping my toes into the water tells me the later (Raven?) cars may have air suspension issues the earlier cars didn't have for instance?
Also, this is essentially my wife's car. The '21 Long Range has been great as it's just worked flawlessly. The Model 3 Performance replacement was coming on that same basis so that I have no stress from it. Is an old S going to annoy her and cause me hassle?
To replace it I recently ordered a new Model 3 Performance. There is a deal currently with 0% PCP with a condition that cars have to be ordered and delivered before the end of September. On paying my deposit, the car appeared in the app instantly next to our current Model 3, but after a few days the delivery date changed to November. It now seems to be stuck in the system and I'm presuming that because it won't be delivered before the end of September, they'll push back on the 0% deal and I'm about to have a communication to that effect.
It may all be fine and the deal will happen, but if not, I don't want to PCP it and pay interest. So, I've started to consider my options and for the first time ever, Model S cars have come into my sights as a potential purchase. I've realised I don't know a lot about the different models, but it appears a P100D, which became a Performance then a Raven(?) is available for reasonable money and will blow the doors off the new Model 3 Performance.
I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed that the M3P we're getting in the UK seems to be a 'lite' version compared to the proper car they're getting in the US and I've had concerns that I'll buy it and before too long they'll ship the Performance to here with the US spec batteries and the early cars will depreciate like a stone and be rather undesirable. Buying an older S mitigates this potential issue.
Is there anything someone new to the S range needs to know and how do I navigate the different models and names they've had over the years? Initially dipping my toes into the water tells me the later (Raven?) cars may have air suspension issues the earlier cars didn't have for instance?
Also, this is essentially my wife's car. The '21 Long Range has been great as it's just worked flawlessly. The Model 3 Performance replacement was coming on that same basis so that I have no stress from it. Is an old S going to annoy her and cause me hassle?
To understand the major changes take a read here
https://tesla-info.com/guide/tesla-model-s-buyers-...
Personally I’d go as late as possible pre the 2021 facelift (assuming you’re U.K. and LHD cars aren’t for you).
Near the end of those cars life the big change was the suspension (Raven models) which became much better. They also introduced 1 foot driving, before it would slow with regen but not stop.
Compared to her M3 she’ll find supercharging takes longer if she does a lot of that, it’s a bit more barge like to drive, and it’s a big car, but the tech at the end of production is otherwise very similar.
The Perfoemance cars are also brutal. I had the P90D with ludicrous for a number of years, that was 0-60 in 3 seconds and made people feel ill, the Raven Performance are nearer 2.5 which doesn’t sound much on one hand but certainly feels it. Even the regular Long Range Model S is a weapon.
The brutal truth is though that the car underpinnings date back to 2012 and is the first ground up car they made, and while they spent years refining weaknesses there’s still a little bit about it that to me feels old (although I did get my first in 2015 and maybe I just got tired of it). Headlights aren’t the best, no matrix option on those either. Maintenance is a thing on them too, front suspension control arms and drive shafts not uncommon, reversing camera, door handles seems to be less of an issue nowadays, but I’m sure any 4-5 year old car with 700+bhp is going to have shaken itself apart a little, especially when it’s foundations are your first attempt.
https://tesla-info.com/guide/tesla-model-s-buyers-...
Personally I’d go as late as possible pre the 2021 facelift (assuming you’re U.K. and LHD cars aren’t for you).
Near the end of those cars life the big change was the suspension (Raven models) which became much better. They also introduced 1 foot driving, before it would slow with regen but not stop.
Compared to her M3 she’ll find supercharging takes longer if she does a lot of that, it’s a bit more barge like to drive, and it’s a big car, but the tech at the end of production is otherwise very similar.
The Perfoemance cars are also brutal. I had the P90D with ludicrous for a number of years, that was 0-60 in 3 seconds and made people feel ill, the Raven Performance are nearer 2.5 which doesn’t sound much on one hand but certainly feels it. Even the regular Long Range Model S is a weapon.
The brutal truth is though that the car underpinnings date back to 2012 and is the first ground up car they made, and while they spent years refining weaknesses there’s still a little bit about it that to me feels old (although I did get my first in 2015 and maybe I just got tired of it). Headlights aren’t the best, no matrix option on those either. Maintenance is a thing on them too, front suspension control arms and drive shafts not uncommon, reversing camera, door handles seems to be less of an issue nowadays, but I’m sure any 4-5 year old car with 700+bhp is going to have shaken itself apart a little, especially when it’s foundations are your first attempt.
Edited by Gone fishing on Monday 2nd September 18:20
573 said:
… Is an old S going to annoy her and cause me hassle?
What cannot be overstated is just how much “bigger” the Model S drives. The 3 feels smaller and lighter than it is, while the S feels larger and heavier than it is…(IMHO)Add to that the worse interior quality (yes, really) and an older S would be a hard no for me.
The refreshed S (sadly unavailable in the UK) addresses many of those shortcomings but it still feels big by comparison.
Some really useful input, thanks.
Prior to the Model 3 she drove a Cayenne Turbo so the larger size shouldn't be a problem.
I suppose my main concern is something you've both mentioned, and that's the older tech and it feeling a generation behind, which it is. Quality bothers me too: Teslas had a reputation for poor build quality which must come from somewhere. Our Chinese built 3 is good IMO, comparable with German cars I've owned and the way they're screwed together seems to be a continuously iterated cycle of improvement with each new release.
Hmmm
Prior to the Model 3 she drove a Cayenne Turbo so the larger size shouldn't be a problem.
I suppose my main concern is something you've both mentioned, and that's the older tech and it feeling a generation behind, which it is. Quality bothers me too: Teslas had a reputation for poor build quality which must come from somewhere. Our Chinese built 3 is good IMO, comparable with German cars I've owned and the way they're screwed together seems to be a continuously iterated cycle of improvement with each new release.
Hmmm
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