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Tesla Model 3 First Drive Review

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Re: Tesla Model 3 First Drive Review

#71

Post by agumonkey »

roesel wrote: post #59
jimmcslim wrote: post #12

Is there a HUD or do I have to move my eyes to the centre console to check my speed? Seems like bad ergonomics to me... and whereas the road ahead is perhaps still in my peripheral vision when I check my speedo, its less so if I am glancing at the centre console (which maybe has a bunch of other distracting things on it as well?)

Renault Espace (among others) has had this for quite a while and it works fairly well. I'd even say it keeps your peripheral vision on the road more than the traditional clocks (if done right).

I'd love to test that. my tiny experience is that anything in the center will divert my view too much.

Re: Tesla Model 3 First Drive Review

#72

Post by syshum »

randyrand wrote: post #36
mack1001 wrote: post #3

If everything goes right, Model 3 can change the business model of cars. Shift to value add + functionality upgrade based pricing versus a sales and service oriented model.

Also they own the repair market. You can't get your tesla serviced at a normal shop as the software, parts, and diagnostics are proprietary, so they could actually sell the car at a loss and make the big bucks on repairs. I don't want this. But its a viable business model.

We will have to see how long that lasts

Right now there are not enough of them on the road nationwide to justify a secondary shops wanting to service them, however if they meet their goals with the Tesla 3 there will be

This will result in law suits against Tesla if they do not provide a way for 3rd parties to make parts and service the vehicles as there are multiple federal laws the prevent this type of locking down

Car manufacturers have tried this in the past, it always fails to work out of them.

Re: Tesla Model 3 First Drive Review

#73

Post by wibr »

roesel wrote: post #59
jimmcslim wrote: post #12

Is there a HUD or do I have to move my eyes to the centre console to check my speed? Seems like bad ergonomics to me... and whereas the road ahead is perhaps still in my peripheral vision when I check my speedo, its less so if I am glancing at the centre console (which maybe has a bunch of other distracting things on it as well?)

Renault Espace (among others) has had this for quite a while and it works fairly well. I'd even say it keeps your peripheral vision on the road more than the traditional clocks (if done right).

I agree that it works well in the Espace, however my impression is that while in the Model 3 the display is in the center like in the Espace it's also closer to the driver, making the viewing angle larger...

Re: Tesla Model 3 First Drive Review

#74

Post by _ph_ »

makomk wrote: post #65
_ph_ wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The "small battery" still has more range than any other electric car out there, except the Bolt, which has a very small lead, but does not seem to be made in large numbers. And it matches the promised range (>215 miles). So it is great value for everyone, who does not need the 300 mile range. So you do get a sporty (0-60 <6s) 5 seated electrical sedan for 35k, which is great.

Except for the part where they're not actually making the 35k base model yet, sure. So in reality you might be able to get it for 35k at some unspecified point in the future, assuming they don't outright cancel the base model again.

The S40 was cancelled because there were very few orders for it. If you now order a Model 3 you have to wait way into 2018 for delivery. But according to the Tesla web page, the production of the base model starts in November. They had to choose a battery size to start the production with, and it makes sense to start with the larger one, especially as all press reviews are done with the larger battery.

Re: Tesla Model 3 First Drive Review

#75

Post by _ph_ »

Roritharr wrote: post #69
olex wrote: post #64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

EVs (and PHEVs) already profit under the 1% rule - the base price gets reduced for the tax calculations, based on the battery size. I am absolutely planning on getting my Model 3 as a company car with the 1% regulation - my company has a Tesla leasing contract, and Tesla confirmed to me on the phone that I can convert my private Model 3 reservation to a company car, keeping the place in the queue and delivery schedul…

Sadly that taxbreak runs out in 2022 and until then declines every year, while not being that substantial. It's tied to battery capacity and maxes out at currently 8000€ from the new price. So with a Model S in a base configuration without any features for example you have to tax 600€ per month instead of 680€. That's a 12% reduction in tax burden, nothing that would push me towards a car in that price range, especia…

Diesel cars are going up in costs for sure over the next time. car manufacturers have to equip them with working exhaust cleaning, and I am sure, the fuel taxes are going to rise after the elections. Electrical cars can also charge at your work place without it being taxed, that exception was made last year.

So I would see the Model 3 quite competing to a BMW 3 or 5 series - what is preferable pretty much depends on your preferences and needs.

Re: Tesla Model 3 First Drive Review

#76

Post by _ph_ »

elmar wrote: post #57

The Tesla Model 3 has the most minimalistic interior I've ever seen http://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-model-3-minimalistic-in...

Which is, as long as it doesn't cut important functionality away, for me very preferable to an interior style littered with screens and buttons and knobs. I think the Model 3 is even an improvement to the S there, you have a more minimalistic looking interior even, but they added important usability with proper door handles and pockets and the center console.

Re: Tesla Model 3 First Drive Review

#77

Post by stepik777 »

narrator wrote: post #7
kumarvvr wrote: post #6

What sort of maintenance are performed on these cars?? Seems like there is nothing to be maintained, given the all steel, aluminum, glass stuff everywhere. Does it have any oil changes required, like in brakes or transmission?

There is no transmission. The electric motor has 100% torque at 0 rpm and easily runs in reverse.

There is a transmission. At least in Model S: 1-speed fixed gear (9.73:1).

Re: Tesla Model 3 First Drive Review

#78

Post by _ph_ »

Roritharr wrote: post #69
olex wrote: post #64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

EVs (and PHEVs) already profit under the 1% rule - the base price gets reduced for the tax calculations, based on the battery size. I am absolutely planning on getting my Model 3 as a company car with the 1% regulation - my company has a Tesla leasing contract, and Tesla confirmed to me on the phone that I can convert my private Model 3 reservation to a company car, keeping the place in the queue and delivery schedul…

Sadly that taxbreak runs out in 2022 and until then declines every year, while not being that substantial. It's tied to battery capacity and maxes out at currently 8000€ from the new price. So with a Model S in a base configuration without any features for example you have to tax 600€ per month instead of 680€. That's a 12% reduction in tax burden, nothing that would push me towards a car in that price range, especia…

Tesla should offer the autopilot features as a monthly subscription to businesses. This way, they could lower the taxed sticker price of the car further.

Re: Tesla Model 3 First Drive Review

#79

Post by TheSpiceIsLife »

kllrnohj wrote: post #67
drawnwren wrote: post #56

Earlier quoted context omitted.

In what world is a sub 6s 0-60 sporty? The WRX gets 4.6, and I'd consider that the edge of sporty (also cheaper than the 3).

The WRX is 0-60 in 5.5s. You might be thinking of the STI which is 0-60 in 4.7s (STI starts at $37k, too). But 0-60 is not what defines sportiness, it's the total package including handling and driver engagement & feel. Case in point: The Miata is one of the all time great sports cars, and it does not accelerate quickly.

I'm going to definitely agree with that.

The 2005 onward NC model Mazda MX-5 Miata: A test by Car and Driver magazine revealed a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.5 s for the 2.0 L (120 cu in) U.S.-spec NC[1]

I suspect the average MX-5 owner is quite happy with the characteristics their vehicle. Hell, I consider my long wheel base turbo diesel VW T5 Transporter quite sport to drive. For a (very basic) camper van.

1. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-5

Re: Tesla Model 3 First Drive Review

#80

Post by TheSpiceIsLife »

agumonkey wrote: post #68
randyrand wrote: post #36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Also they own the repair market. You can't get your tesla serviced at a normal shop as the software, parts, and diagnostics are proprietary, so they could actually sell the car at a loss and make the big bucks on repairs. I don't want this. But its a viable business model.

The parts were supposed to be reduced compared to an ICE. What kind of important parts would they service ? (open question) Proprietary diagnostics is not surprising, not a lot of cars right now have that amount of electronics and software, it's probably reverse engineering to get a glimpse of the car brain on your own.

From what I've heard Telsa vehicles rare in for warranty repairs at a higher rate than most other new vehicles.

"The main problem areas involved the drivetrain, power equipment, charging equipment, giant iPad-like center console, and body and sunroof squeaks, rattles, and leaks."

The most common problems involve replacement of the electric motors, warped brake rotors, door handles that fail to slide out as a driver approaches, and numerous squeaks and rattles, which may be more apparent given the very quiet nature of electric propulsion.

Other problem areas cited by Tesla owners are leaking cooling pumps for the battery pack, dead windshield wipers, persistent alignment issues with the wheels, and misaligned latches for the front trunklid and the rear liftgate.

Thus far, all such problems have been handled under Tesla's four-year/50,000-mile warranty (it's eight years and unlimited mileage on the powertrain)--and owners appear to be pleased with the level of attentiveness and customer service they have received.

But Consumer Reports notes that once the car is out of warranty, such problems could become expensive for owners of older Teslas to fix.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1100561_tesla-model-s-to...

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