Prius Prime VS Model 3

Keep the Prime. Your timing is just off. A year ago, it still wouldn't have made much sense financially, but I might have recommended it. It would've still been a stretch, but not all that unreasonable. Now that the price has gone up like 30%, don't even bother. In fact, seeing as you already have a Prius Prime that you are seemingly quite content with, I wouldn't recommend buying any new car right now, Tesla or otherwise. The Prime is still a very dependable and practical vehicle. We have both, and the Prime was sort of our gateway into EVs. Sure, driving it is a truly an uninspiring experience now that we have a Model 3...and the technology in it was already 10 years out of date when we got it, but it is still a reliable little car that does what it needs to. Most of all, it is insanely efficient, even factoring in current gas prices (which won't last forever).

There are so many things I love about the Tesla, but the "savings" are not what you think. I seriously doubt that the Camry comparison still holds if you're buying a Model 3 today. Actually, the Camry was the main vehicle we were cross shopping with the Model 3, and we were also coming off a 15 year old Camry. In the end, we decided to purchase the Model 3. After incentives, it was just under $30,000 out the door, which is a "steal" considering what the prices are like now. While I don't regret this decision, I wasn't really prepared for some of the other costs that come with owning such a car. For example, I just renewed my registration for the first time a month ago and it cost $540. Insurance is $190/mo. (and yes, this was the best I could do for my age). Just think about that. Sure, electricity is "cheap," but I don't think the savings have been that significant. Maybe if we were coming off a giant SUV or something.

Also, the Model 3 is not really a "luxury" car even though the price suggests otherwise. Although the interior is not cheap and plastic-y like in the Prius, the fit and finish of the Tesla leaves a lot to be desired. Service is impersonal and haphazard, the complete opposite of what you get from Toyota. I mean, I do feel bad for the poor technicians because they always seem to be slammed, but they are really incompetent if I'm being honest. At first it, was a novelty to have a guy roll up to your driveway to fix a minor issue. How convenient and unique! But somehow, they'll always do such a poor job that I will end up having to go into the service center anyway. And that's another irritating experience that I could go on and on about. Anyway, I haven't been back since Tesla's sales have skyrocketed recently, but I can only imagine how much worse it must be. Despite all of this, I don't hate Tesla. I love my Model 3. I love driving it and all of the tech it has. I love the user interface, and being able to get software updates on a regular basis. I just can't recommend that anyone buy this car, or any other Tesla until the prices decide to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere.

 

Complete opposite of what I have experienced at two different Tesla service centers in Minnesota. I would recommend others check with the local clubs regarding the service centers in the area you live.