My most critical review of the Tesla Model 3
When Elon originally launched his Masterplan for Tesla, I was intrigued. Being totally upfront Elon said that the original cars would fund the research and development until they could get to a more affordable electric car for the marketplace, true to his word the Roadster funded the ModelS/X, which in-turn funded the Model 3/Y.
I’m a Tesla FanBoy, almost as much as an Apple FanBoy. I take after my Grandad for wanting the latest gadgets and tech, the Tesla being one of them. I almost bought the Tesla Model S, a few things got in the way… One of them was funding the car and the second was that on a trip to the USA I spotted the Model 3.
Once back in old blighty, I put my deposit down on a Tesla Model 3 Long Range in White. My original plan was to fund this via my company Cocoon but after spotting an unbelievable lease deal, I chose this option.
Delivery was excellent, we chose Birmingham as our handover centre. We were among dozens of other people who had decided to go for the Tesla Model 3, group presentations for the handover were a novel way of handling the situation, I didn’t object and having worked in dealerships, loved the KeyNote way of delivering and also meeting new people. It was more of a business networking event.
Ownership
With my 2 years of ownership, the car grew with me. It evolved with software updates delivering an experience I’d never known with a car. It was like my trusty MacBook, that with each software launch came new features, power upgrades and range boosts.
The referral program helped me achieve over 55,000 free supercharger miles and I was at one point the go-to person when it came to asking questions on the Tesla Model 3.
Now due to this flashy car and the software and the wow factor, I chose to ignore the negatives of this car.
Roll into August 2024 and I have just taken delivery of a Thunder-coloured Polestar 2 Single Motor Long Range, within a week I have already put 700 miles on the clock and yes, this is a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3.
I know the Model 3 has had a beautiful facelift recently but running a car subscription fleet in the UK, I also know that these negatives still exist, so let me tell you why they are more prominent than ever.
Build Quality of the Tesla Model 3
Everyone mentions the build quality of the Tesla Model 3, my 19 plate model was poorly made. Panel gaps, loose items and repeat visits to the Tesla Service centre in Leeds (at that point an 140 mile round trip).
But I loved the novelty of driving up the M1, meeting the super friendly staff, drinking their coffee and eating their biscuits, collecting a courtesy car only having to repeat the same trip in 2/3 days time to collect my car.
Software Glitches on the Tesla Model 3
There were a few scary moments on the Tesla Model 3 where I would be driving and the screen would go completely blank, I could still drive but I didn’t know what speed I was doing or if the car was going to just stop.
There were a few times I had to pull over at the side of the road and do a hard reboot of the infotainment system.
Comfort of the Tesla Model 3
One thing I quickly realised with the Tesla Model 3, was how uncomfortable it was on long journeys. I’d get what I can only describe as flat bottom syndrome, very similar to flying in Economy, my arse would feel like it was sat on a piece of wood and just ache.
That being said, it still didn’t stop me from wanting to jump in the car and drive.
But why am I telling you all of this?
Whilst we’ve offered Polestar 2’s on fleet for a while and I’d sat in them, I’d never driven one and boy am I blown away with it. As I have mentioned above, this is a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3, but having covered so many miles in the car, I do believe the standard is on par with the Tesla Model S.
Whilst the infotainment system isn’t as intuitive as the Tesla Model 3 it is still usable and with the addition of Apple CarPlay (Wired — although it can be used with an Apple CarPlay Wireless Adapter) it makes that side tick all of the relevant boxes.
The car is very comfortable to drive and after 185 miles getting out of the car was a breeze, mate this with a perfect seating position, quiet interior and controls like a normal car I was very impressed.
Not only that but the range was pretty accurate (a positive on the Tesla Model 3, range counter is very reliable) allowing me to drive just under 400 miles on a single charge.
So, why aren’t more people driving Polestars? At the end of the day, it is an electrified Volvo and there is nothing wrong with that brand at all. The car is solid, feels great on the road and feels well-built.
A new CEO has recently taken the healm at Polestar, a guy called Michael Lohscheller. He has a huge task on his hands and hopes to expand the reach of this all-electric brand. I wish him every success as this Polestar 2 is excellent and having already touched the Polestar 3 and 4, it is only going to get better.
Would I buy another Tesla?
So with this article being critical about my experience of a Tesla, would I purchase or lease another one?
In the UK market, we can buy the Tesla Model 3 and The Tesla Model Y, on their website I can also learn about the Cybertruck but would this actually be launched in the UK? We’ve already seen the Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X be discontinued from the Right-hand drive marketplace due to complications (I had the Tesla Model X on order).
So realistically this leaves 2 models available to the UK automotive marketplace. Yet the answer is still Yes, I would consider it as an option. It would have to be another Tesla Model 3.
You may think I am mad, but as I have said, the car evolves over weeks not years. Improvements in the production line and software happen all of the time, making this a car where the company and in some cases, Elon Musk actually listens to people.
Would you buy or lease a Tesla?
My article may be a bit boring and I have waffled on too much, but I would love to hear from those who have had a Tesla or if you are currently driving one. What are your thoughts, give me positives and negatives and let me know areas where you think the brand can improve?
In the meantime, I’m driving a Polestar 2 until Tesla can tempt me with a Tesla Model 2 as a 2nd car or bring back the Tesla Model X.