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CR compared our former and current car

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by bwilson4web, Jun 9, 2019.

  1. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    We traded our 2017 Prius Prime for a 2019 Standard Range Plus Model 3. A unique opportunity, we are very happy and remain happy with both cars. However, Consumer Reports had this:
    [​IMG]
    • Prius Prime - got a higher score even though it has 4-5 generations of improvements yet less payload.
    • Model 3 - got a lower score, a first model year, that Consumer Reports has often cited as the worst car to get.
    • Measured specifications:
      • Range of Model 3 is cited but not the Prius Prime
      • Cost per mile is not cited for either car
    I do not regret trading in our 2017 Prius Prime for a 2019 Model 3. Let me share, we have done some Model 3 trips of:
    • 1200 mi - Prius Prime, $55, ~20 hrs
    • 2 x +700 mi each way - trips to Kansas and Texas, ~$30 each way, ~18 hrs
    • 500 mi round trip - Tunica MS
    I'm not throwing stones at Consumer Reports because they are still ignorant, in an earlier age, 5-10 years earlier automotive technology. They have done the best they are capable. Three editorial boards earlier, Consumer Reports had a Prius review problem and replaced it with their Model 3 'weak tea.' Perhaps Tesla has replaced their earlier bias ... or they laid off the worst *ssholes.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #1 bwilson4web, Jun 9, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2019
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  2. smyles

    smyles Active Member

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    could someone translate/decifer the above?
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    odd that they tested model3 range, but threw out a lowball prime ev 'estimate'

    i don't mind throwing a few boulders at them, i would never make a purchase based solely on their reviews, but many people do.

    ah well, another part of darwinism
     
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  4. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    We've been owners of one quite a lot longer than you have, Bob. We had the chance to pick up a P100d for $75k basically new and declined (having the money to purchase the car is not an issue) because of our relatively poor ownership experience.

    I felt and continue to feel that Tesla doesn't have the greatest quality control or service network. Other owners who have experienced or are experiencing nontrivial issues with their vehicles continue to bear out this belief.
     
  5. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

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  6. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    That's actually pretty funny. One of our software "updates" essentially broke the Bluetooth in our Model S for a few months (and the only time you found out it was broken is when you needed it - SMH). They had an app update which kinda broke the charging screen for a month or so as well.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, they told the buyers they would have free extended range for a limited period of time. no reason for complaints there.
     
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  8. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Understand I am sympathetic but when I learned Tesla was using an induction motor, I lost any interest. For me, the Model S was 1st generation and Model X was 2nd generation. Experience teaches that it takes the 3d generation to reach the engineering goals and objectives:
    1. Generation - demonstrates the most advanced technology elements surrounded by "Opps!"
    2. Generation - fixes the worst "Opps" but introduces a new set like the Falcon doors.
    3. Generation - finally incorporates the advanced technology and smooths the "Opps"
    When the Model 3 came out with PM motors and the 2170 cells, I knew it would be a winner after the initial releases revealed the "Opps" that needed to be fixed. Then the Standard Range Plus Model 3 came with the lightest weight, rear-drive, PM motor, and that was an easy decision.

    I am grateful for the Tesla pioneers even though they had to debug a lot of latent problems. But we saw Tesla rapidly adapt and do what had only been imagined by others. Even today, established manufacturers suffer from legacy 'design rules' and screw up their EV (and other) offerings.
    Elon is not as skillful in this area, managing investor and customer expectations, as other would wish. But having been an operating system programmer and developer, I understand what Elon is doing. It is like being a Macintosh buyer and admiring Steve Jobs because he asked for what I would ask . . . and learned there is seldom an answer.

    What gives me hope is Elon has a refresh effort for the Model S and X. Replace the induction motors and 18650 cells with an integrated electronics skate, and both will see an impressive price reduction and performance boost. Then there is that Roadster that will 'shame' a lot of people who should know better.

    Bob Wilson
     
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  9. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    • Auto reviewers including Consumer Reports make a lot of mistakes.
    • Model 3 is better than reviewers have said.
    • The anti-Prius bias finally weakened with the Prius Prime ... replaced by little to admire.
    Bob Wilson
     
  10. jb in NE

    jb in NE Senior Member

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    Consumer Reports reviews cars with a very clear agenda. They won't recommend cars that don't have safety features they want, they want legislative action for all the bells and whistles they want, and they promote those vehicles that have the safety features they want to become mandatory. I have never paid much credence to their automobile reviews. They should stick to detergents and washing machines. The problems they identified with a Prime don't appear to exist on mine.

    A much more realistic road test can be read in a magazine such as Motor Trend or Road and Track. Both those magazines have favorably reviewed the Tesla line. They look at how the car drives, not how it should be equipped.
     
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  11. SAronian

    SAronian Active Member

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    So many similarities to Apple's introduction of the first iPhone. However Consumer Reports offered a more balanced appraisal in 2007.

    CR”s take: The iPhone is at least competent at all key tasks, and its software and interactive screen integrate those functions in a seamless and largely successful way. Buy it now and you”ll get a versatile, innovative device with a high price and a few warts. Future versions may well address some of those shortcomings and cost less, too.

    Consumer Reports - First Look, Should You Buy an iPhone
     
  12. Marine Ray

    Marine Ray Senior Member

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    CR: gas engine start up in cold and sudden acceleration- on the former only if you have the front defogger on and on the latter no way if you're in standard EV mode and have a battery charge.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  13. jb in NE

    jb in NE Senior Member

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    I don't care what any reviewer has to say about any vehicle I own. I researched the vehicle (online brochure, downloaded owner manual, etc.), went to the dealer, test drove it (likely more than once), read a number of reviews, potentially asked friends with that model, etc. All that matters is that I like the car, not that some reviewer likes it. Similar to going to see a movie that you enjoyed - at which point you don't care what some reviewer had to say about it.
     
    #13 jb in NE, Jun 9, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2019
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  14. Marine Ray

    Marine Ray Senior Member

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    Agree. Get as many data points as you can. Evaluate you lifestyle and finances. Sleep on it, then make a purchasing decision.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  15. jb in NE

    jb in NE Senior Member

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    And then, either live with the car you bought, or if you find it is not to your liking or you can't live with it, sell or trade it and move on to the next one.
     
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  16. Marine Ray

    Marine Ray Senior Member

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    Yep. My first car in high school was my dad's 63 VW bug. Cars have come a long way since then.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  17. Washingtonian

    Washingtonian Senior Member

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    I am not surprised, Bob that you upgraded to a Model 3. What surprised me is that you traded the Prime instead of the BMW. I would have thought that the Prime would be a much more practical as a second car for long trips where it might not be practical to find a place to charge the Tesla than the I3-REx would be. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I saw an I3 a few days ago and I couldn't believe that BMW could produce such an aesthetically challenged car.
     
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  18. smyles

    smyles Active Member

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    You must be a very unsecure person if such things bother you.
     
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no different than comcast. they give you free dvr for a year, then hope you will be hooked when they start charging you.
    elon is a bright guy and does well in many area's. everyone has room for improvement, but i've only seen one person start a new car company and make it this far in my lifetime.

    never mind the other enterprises he's involved in
     
  20. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    :p Didn't an iPhone update once disable the phone function?