Considering a model 3

tell me more!

 

I've had 4 different Prius models: 2001, 2004, 2009, (see my pict) and still have the 2012 PIP. I also had a 2015 Leaf and still have a 2018 M3.
The M3 is far beyond the others.

Mike

 

We were a 2, Gen 2 Prius household.
I did own a Model 3 for a time and currently own an electric Mini Cooper.

I made a mistake and wish I had not traded in the Model 3

The efficiency of the Model 3 is just crazy! I loved that about it. The handling is also top notch and safety is increadible.
Operating costs can be incredibly low, but this depends a lot on your cost of electricity. If you are paying the national average (about $0.14/kWh) or better, it is heavily in favor of the Model 3.

Some areas have very expensive electricity which cuts into or eliminates the fuel cost advantage.
In my case, I find so many advantages to driving electric, I would be driving it even if electricity costs twice what gas did.

The convenience of having a full ‘tank’ every morning is phenomenal. Never realized how much I would enjoy that.

The built in ‘sentry mode’ is really nice. I was quite surprised how much I miss it.
Two years ago it came in very handy when dealing with insurance. My wife got in a fender bender. Showed the video to our insurance company and they cleared here of any fault instantly.

The only reason I prefer my Mini is I like the smaller size. I am really hoping Tesla will be announcing a smaller vehicle next Wednesday on ‘Investor Day’

 

My Model 3 Std Rng Plus gross weight is 4,524 lbs. This means the tires must be load rated at a minimum 1,131 libs (4,524 / 4.) My past tire brands based on 'rumors' of low rolling resistance:

• Sumitomo
• Bridgestone ECOPIA (recently discontinued)

Measure tire temperature over a 10 mile, steady speed to compare tire rolling resistance (and alignment.)

The OEM tires are:

• Michelin Primacy MXM4
  • 235/45R18 98W XL
  • Overall Diameter: 26.3"
  • Revolutions Per Mile: 790 (*** Use this number for actual diameter!)
• Rated ~35,000 miles, replaced early
  • Rear, power drive tires, wear out first
• Front tires must fit under king pin which limits the slower turning. larger tire diameter
• Noise absorbing, foam liner
  • marginal noise reduction
  • increases tire cost
  • limits tire repair and makes more expensive
  • OEM 'field' kit goop risks the tire pressure sensor
• Get a simple, after market, tire pressure pump and sticky string patch kit. PRACTICE on worn out tire before doing it in the cold, wet, dark and stormy night.

Rolling resistance in the USA is advertising b*llsh*t. The EU requires some metrics but often for tires we can not match (they change the names.) As a general rule of thumb, tires with higher wear ratings are going to have lower rolling resistance. So this is my practice:

1. Must meet load requirement, 1,131lbs
2. Must meet or come close to 790 revs/mile
   • Lower revs/mile, larger diameter, should be first mounted on a front wheel to confirm no king pin interference. Do a drive test over speed bumps.
3. Narrower tread width than 235 mm, reduces cross section aerodynamic drag
4. Do not rotate tires so rear pair wears out first. Then replace a pair at a time to stretch out costs.
   • Test one new tire in front wheel and test drive before replacing rear tires.
5. Consider replacing worn tire, rear rims with lighter weight ones with hub caps for highway speed.
6. Put older front wheel pair on the rear and newer rims and tires on the front.
7. When rear tires wear out, replace with front tires and rims. Always newest tires and rims on the front.
8. Inspect annually for abnormal tire wear and have alignment checked (parking bumpers are evil!)

Economics, longer lasting tires will be cheaper per mile than shorter lasting tires. Do one pair at a time and don't worry about "mixed' brands or slightly different sizes.

Retire OEM rim(s) to a set of snow tires if so inclined. Cold weather performance is poor so snow tire effects fade into the slush. Only drive wheels need snow grip but do all four if so motivated.

Bob Wilson

 

Thanks Bob!

 

Agreed, navigation could be better:

Given a destination, mine shows:

• fastest route - not always the one I want.
• optional routes to select in a few seconds - there are gray lines showing alternate routes. The time to choose is too short for my taste.

As a work around, I add intermediate 'way points.' You can also use your finger to identify intermediate way points. But you lose the total trip estimated arrival time and distance. Driving off the navigation route, the car remaps the route.

This past week, I've been testing a mobil hotspot to access Warz in the browser while driving. Waze gives traffic details but the limited bandwidth makes it slow. Still investigating but my workarounds have not been great ... except for Plugshare. When I want L2 charging or NEMA 14-50, Plugshare shows them. This is great when looking for a motel with free charging.

On my recent trip to Arlington, I let the car navigate the Superchargers and it did a good job. The route was faster with fewer Supercharger stops.

Bob Wilson

 

Can you connect your phone to the Tesla screen and use the Google navigation?

 

The Tesla will reroute around delays. You can set the time delta to trigger rerouting.
I believe you are correct that it requires the premium connection. When I last purchased, that was free for the first year.

Personally, I prefer the Navigation built into the Tesla. Mainly for simplicity’s sake. Straightforward and it works.
The time estimates are uncannily good

 

what is the tesla test drive experience like?

 

As I recall, sitting in the original Roadster was incredibly comfortable.
Now, getting in was a bit tricky, but gravity helped.
Unfortunately, gravity refused to help again when I got out.

That made getting out extremely uncomfortable

 

Like the Prius versus earlier ICE vehicles, there are new habits and skills to master. Thirty days later, they will become second nature and you notice more 'pocket change.' <GRINS>

Insurance and 'hippy' tax registrations will have a 'sticker' shock. But if you can get Tesla insurance, you'll make out like a bandit. As for the higher registration taxes, make up for it by driving more. The cost per mile will run about 1/3d of your Prius ... so enjoy!

Bob Wilson

 

My wife and I are in the same situation we each have 2008 Prii. She is looking at a model Y due to the 7 seat need. I'm looking at a M3 but want Full Self driving for sure. If it has it listed on the display screen in the car and we get it third party we get to keep it right? Just want to make sure. Where did you search for Tesla insurance?