‘Volks-Tesla’ does a lot of good
Whether on the street or in the review section on AutoWeek.nl, you cannot ignore the Tesla Model 3. Fanatical Tesla owners keep no less than 94 reviews in which they share joys and sorrows. What do they think of their relatively affordable electric car?
Every user experience is interesting, but we are especially interested in how the compact Tesla likes it over time. That is why the reviews in this article have been selected for a higher reader rating and cars with a higher mileage.
Driving the Tesla Model 3
Regardless of which variant you choose, the speed and flexibility of the Tesla are praised. “It accelerates like a dragster, brakes like a race car and corners like a go-kart.” The comfort is experienced as sufficient, drivers are almost unanimously positive about the handling of the Model 3. “Not to mention the AWD and handling. Yes, that really made me appreciate the Tesla.”
Operation, finishing and updates
The minimalist interior of the Tesla Model 3 takes some getting used to for many drivers. Once the car is in possession, it turns out that getting used to it goes quickly. In fact: “The interior is wonderfully sober. The absence of counters and other things for the driver has a calming effect, while the ‘iPad’ provides very clear information. Once you get used to the size of the screen, you just miss it when you get into another car.” The Tesla app is also praised, it works as you would expect and has hardly any connection problems.
Updates to the car take place ‘over the air’. This has the advantage that no workshop visit has to be made, but it also has disadvantages. “After Update X, the windshield wiper suddenly tried to wipe every ray of sunshine from the windshield with unprecedented fanaticism.” Another user is not immediately a fan either. “The annoying thing is that you don’t know what is being installed. These are not only technical updates, but also interface changes, for example, so that you can no longer find the windscreen wiper control from one moment to the next.”
The level of finish is judged to be sufficient, but no more than that. “In terms of finish, rider support and lighting, I clearly miss the quality of premium brands.”
Maintenance and service
Tesla has a remarkable maintenance policy: “In general, the Model 3 only requires maintenance when it is necessary,” according to the manufacturer. Tesla does recommend that you have the brake fluid checked and the cabin filter replaced every two years. In countries where salt is spread, the brake calipers must be lubricated every 20,000 km.
This maintenance schedule, or lack thereof, leads to striking reviews. One owner has already driven 135,000 km without having to carry out maintenance, although that is not entirely without punishment. “In terms of driving characteristics, I do not yet see any degradation, but the undercarriage rubbers squeak and creak at low speeds that it is a delight. The car has never been to the garage in 135k, so it must have to do with maintenance.”
Such noises are not unique, suspension arms are regularly replaced. “There was moisture in the wishbones. So despite the low mileage, normal to frumpy (or read: anticipatory) driving style and the young age of the car, according to the Tesla service representative, it was more common, especially at higher outside temperatures.” Another reader is already ready for his second set of suspension arms after three years and 87,000 km.
People are positive about scheduling service via the Tesla app. Technicians are quickly available and can come to your home if required.
Driving range and battery degradation Model 3
People regularly comment on the driving range of an EV. This affects the Tesla Model 3 less, drivers are quite positive about the distances they can cover. Like this owner of a Model 3 Standard Range Plus. “Consumption remains within limits, over 120,000 km we arrive at 16 kW/100 km. The range should then be around 400 kilometers.”
Longer journey? No problem. “Because loading was faster than the passenger pit stops. As a result, we structurally had more energy in the battery than needed.”
Every EV battery degrades over time and miles, Tesla is no different. One owner, in collaboration with AutoWeek, measured the remaining capacity of the battery pack after more than 130,000 km. The result: there is still 89 percent left. “Enough for a range of more than 400 km in winter and more than 500 in summer.”
Curious about all the reviews of the Tesla Model 3? You can find them here.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl