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One week with a Model 3

Discussion in 'Tesla' started by el Crucero, Dec 28, 2018.

  1. el Crucero

    el Crucero Senior Member

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    We picked up our model 3 exactly one week ago today. The delivery experience was relaxed, unhurried, informational, and inspiring. We spent about one hour with the delivery team chatting about dogs, signing papers, and orientation. We could have done it in 5 minutes or two hours, it was strictly up to us. After an hour, we were ready to hit the road.......and then the fun really began!

    Although the model 3 is a completely different type of automobile (it's more like a space ship) than our PIP/AT, it is the only thing we have to compare.

    The PIP/AT Prius had a sticker price of around $40,000 six years ago. The Model 3 cost right at $42,500 after the credits and rebates.

    What we like better about the Prius:
    • Toyota's SKS is better for us than the Smartphone access to the model 3. Our Smartphone has worked perfectly and flawlessly every time this last week but it is just more convenient for us to carry a small fob than a much larger Smartphone.
    • It appears to me that the storage capacity of the model 3 is about the same as the Prius. However, it is much easier to load the Prius with the large hatch than with the Tesla trunk.
    • The Prius has a much better view through the rear view mirror. But, you can turn on the model 3 rear camera at any time, including on the freeway. Can't do that in our PIP.
    • The paint finish on the Prius (both cars are Pearl White) is slightly better from less than two feet away. A bit more orange peal in the Tesla finish. The Prius pearl color is more "yellowish" and Tesla more "bluish."
    What we like better about the model 3:
    • The power! This car (the slowest one Tesla makes right now) will slap you right back into your seat when you punch it. I never thought I would use that much power, but it surprises me how useful it is in some situations, like merging traffic
    • The model 3 is much more quiet even when the PIP is in EV mode. The silence is deafening!
    • The regen braking is much more useful and powerful in the model 3. It is truly one pedal driving.
    • The model 3 seats are much more comfortable
    • The model 3 heated seats are far superior than than the Prius heated seats. The Prius seat heater switches are hidden under the flying bridge console and take attention from the road when activating. The model 3 is one simple tap on the screen.
    • Model 3 side mirrors automatically switch downward when shifting into reverse and then back to preset position when shifting into drive. Extremely useful.
    • The model 3 Adaptive Cruise Control is light years better than the 2012 Prius ACC.
    • The Tesla User Interface screen is fantastic! All cars will have this sometime in the future.
    • The model 3 has a firmer, sportier suspension which we think makes the car feel more "planted." The Prius suspension now feels "mushy" to us.
    • The air conditioning system in the model 3 is far superior for variability and control than the Prius.
    • The sound system and streaming music is very advanced. Nothing like that on the PUP.
    • Finally, no more waiting and expense at a gas station, we charge at home at night. Gas Goodbye.
    What is the same:
    • fit and finish, panel gaps, both exterior and interior, are similar
    • Our Prius has the Vegan leather interior. Model 3 interior materials are very similar.
    My wife, who was very happy with the Prius, keeps telling me (a couple of times a day) how much she loves the model 3, how easy it is to drive, and how much fun it is. Neither one of us wants to drive the Prius anymore. It will be sold soon.
     
    #1 el Crucero, Dec 28, 2018
    Last edited: Dec 29, 2018
    tpenny67, jerrymildred, Cyvan and 8 others like this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats!

    great write up, thanks!

    all the best!(y)
     
  3. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    Helpful posting, thank you.

    Do you use an Android or a iPhone?
    How do you like the door handles? Are they prone to paint scratches from someone wearing a ring?
    Can you open the trunk when walking up to it with both hands full of something? Frunk?
    Have you run into any situations where the driver having to use the touch screen has distracted you from eyes on the road?
     
  4. kensiko

    kensiko Member

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    The model S for me was the only choice when I saw that the model 3 had no hatch, this is the main reason I took an S, I didn't want to downgrade from the huge trunk of the Prius, and I didn't have to wait 2 years
     
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  5. el Crucero

    el Crucero Senior Member

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    Thanks @bisco you should consider a test drive to wet your appetite for the coming Model Y.
    Samsung S8 Android running the latest OS. Absolutely no complaints other than being tethered to a Smartphone. The keycard works great too but is a hassle to pull out of my wallet when I want to use it.
    LOVE the aircraft style door handles. It is possible to scratch the finish with any style door handle if you are careless - rings, long fingernails, car keys in your hand, etc.
    Nope, can't do that just like the Prius, other Tesla models, and most other cars. The most useful system is where you wave your foot under the "bumper" and the trunk pops open. Maybe Tesla will offer it sometime in the future.
    No, in fact there is less distraction with Tesla's touch screen than all the buttons and knobs on my Prius. Another thing there is a lot less ambient light in the interior with the model 3 at night. The user screen has auto night lighting with different colors that makes the interior dark but the screen easier to read. The PUP instrument cluster is way brighter and distracting at night. I can actually see better at night in the Tesla than I can in the Prius.

    I understand your logic, I am sure the model S (and Prius) easier to load large objects. At my age, I rarely need to carry a lot of stuff in the trunk, so that is not a big issue for me, but it could be for other people. The model 3 can carry a bicycle, surfboard or an 8 foot piece of lumber with the trunk closed........but not in my model 3! :D

    I waited 2 years and 9 months for my model 3.
     
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  6. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    I've had my model 3 for 5 months...I agree with most of what you wrote...but you'll discover more things to like I'm sure...

    Agreed. I'm using my phone...but I heard you can now buy a optional FOB.

    There are two modes for this. The higher amount of regen is one pedal driving.
    The lower level (that I use) is still stronger than the Prius...I actually wish, in some driving conditions that I could lessen the regen to coast more. But this is minor, as I'm trying to optimize MPGe. I'm still getting about 210 wh/m in winter (CA winter)

    After a couple of months in a model 3 and the PIP seats feel like a hard bench

    Mike
     
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  7. el Crucero

    el Crucero Senior Member

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    Yeah, Tesla is now selling a fob for $150 but they are sold out with no idea when they will be back in stock. They aren't even taking a waiting list. I don't know if I will buy one when available because they aren't a passive unit like Toyota SKS (or the Model S fob). You have to pull it out of your pocket and punch buttons to unlock the car/trunk/frunk. Kind of defeats the purpose.


    Correct, we are currently using the higher regen. Will have to try the lower regen and compare. I'm sure there will be pros and cons to both.

    210 wh/m is really good. My goal is to get in the very low 200's

    Mike, how was your delivery experience, fit and finish, paint? Maybe I'm an anomaly.
     
  8. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    The first couple of months I was right at 200 wh/m. But my normal commute is 35-50 mph.
    Maybe 25% on freeways on other days

    They were very busy, so I was delayed by ~30 minutes from my scheduled time.
    But they spent as much time to ask questions as I wanted.
    No issues at all, so I was out in about 30 minutes, including signing the paperwork.
    I watched a dozen or two others (not up close) and everyone seemed happy, except one guy that I think wanted his car washed again

    Mike
     
  9. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    Good write-up and glad you finally got your Model 3.

    I carry my phone all the time so I really like the phone key. Never had an issue. Never take it out of my pocket unless I want to unlock or open something from outside of the car.

    Just FYI, typically you do not need to remove the key card from your wallet. Just tap your wallet on the card reader.

    3 months and I still just love driving my Model 3. The continued improvements from OTA updates is really impressive so far. 4 updates in 3 months.

    Enjoy.
     
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  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    perhaps you can advise the gentleman in post #3
     
  11. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    You push in with a finger...so I don't think it is an issue.

    No. You have to use a hand.
    Frunk: must open from touch screen in the car or from phone app...can't walk up and open because there is no external latch

    Of course, yes. There are numerous reasons in any car where drivers do unsafe operations and look away. It happened on my very first car trying to find the right song while fast forwarding a cassette tape to trying to find a podcast I like on the Model 3.

    But there really isn't anything that you have to touch or adjust that is more than one tap away in a menu. After a while you are amazed at how good the interface is for common/critical controls. There are still lots of minor things they could do to improve it and they have been doing ~monthly updates.

    Mike
     
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  12. el Crucero

    el Crucero Senior Member

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    There are two regen settings Standard (High) and Low (Low). We have now tried both. Wife prefers Low and I prefer Standard. It is easy to switch between the two. Tesla recommends Standard to increase range. So, we will use Low around town and Standard on trips more than 10 miles on the freeway.
    Thanks for the tip! I tried it and it works great! This has solved that issue.

    Just discovered one more thing I like better in the Prius, - Passenger Assist Handles (sissy handles) over each window. Tesla doesn't have them and I already miss them. I'm going to see if they can be added aftermarket.
     
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  13. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    How many pages in the owners manual?
     
  14. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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  15. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    I was expecting the owners manual to be huge, I am surprised.
     
  16. el Crucero

    el Crucero Senior Member

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    The Tesla systems are pretty intuitive compared to the Samsung phone where I received a 4 page owners manual and still can't figure out how some things work! (n)
     
  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    can you post some close ups of fit and finish :cool:
     
  18. el Crucero

    el Crucero Senior Member

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    What would you like?
     
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i want to see all those scratches and blemishes like that other thread. do you have access to a micrometer?
     
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  20. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    That's because they left out lot of important stuff that I can't find such as how to check the oil and when to change it...

    Mike