Took delivery of my 2020 limited!

in what way?

 

Congrats. The quality even shows in how it sounds when you close the doors. It's like someone in the factory actually cared or something.

 

A friend of mine that's really into cars recounted times he was doing a walk around for a Tesla (the model escapes me) and he tells me that the build quality one some of them are quite poor. An example he gave was that when opening and closing the door on one, it would scratch the paint. When he and the owner took a deeper look they found entire patches of paint chipped off (he also won the bet that it was doing that). While I do believe that they'll do better eventually, Toyota still has the advantage in being an established automaker that streamlined its production to minimize these defects.

 

The way I see it is that Tesla is still a growing and very ambitious company. It's competing with very well established automakers with a vast history and network of supply chains with its manufacturing process being essentially perfected. There's no way that it would ever match the build quality of these leaders. This is probably why they opted to push the tech boundary instead and introduce and build upon the only advantage they have, electrified vehicles where all automakers are basically novices in. They basically thrive because the size and established nature of these industry leaders make it very hard to adopt the tech push they are in and capitalizing on.

 

from what i've read, the build quality is already vastly improved. i expect it won't be long before they're on the same level as most legacy makers.

right now, demand is so high, they can't push cars out fast enough. that will change eventually, and give them time to improve the production process.

legacy makers are behind the ev 8 ball because they have been ignoring tesla, hoping they would fail and they could stick to their gassers.
that strategy puts them 5 years behind in battery/motor/controller tech.

 

it's an interesting take. i'm going to have to rent a model 3 someday to find out.

 

The local Motoring Media had a field day with the Model 3 - they did concede that it had excellent Powertrain strength and refinement; EV range; Capable of 250kW DC charging; service costs.

But they weren't happy with a number of features:
Wheels Magazine Minus - "Rear-seat packaging; austere cabin ambiance; fit and finish; weight in hard driving

The lack of conventional instruments, a purely screen-based user interface won’t be for everyone at prices that span $66-91K. But the almost eerie acceleration, massive traction, exploitable dynamics and whole “new generation of motoring” vibe delivered by the Model 3 make it something quite unique in this segment.

15-inch tablet, because everything ⎼ from adjusting the height and reach of the steering wheel, the mirrors, and even opening the boot and front trunk. Want to pop open the glovebox? Yep, the release is on the tablet.

No key - just smartphone (or credit like card)

no spare wheel, nor even an inflation kit. Cop a flat and you’re waiting for roadside assistance.

But it’s the rear seat that’s the biggest concern. The seat base is low to allow headroom for six-footers, but the floor is high to accommodate the batteries, so those in the back will find their knees bent at an acute angle, and there’s a scarcity of toe room if the front occupants have their seats set to the lowest positions. So it’s fine as a family car with kids in the back but less ideal for long hauls with full-size adults."

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CarsGuide

"Sitting behind the driver’s seat in my position (I’m 182cm) there’s limited toe room, and knee room could be better - plus you sit in a bit of a knees-up position, too. Headroom isn’t terrific because of the angle of the roof (watch your head getting in and out) and as it is purely glass above, it could get hot back there.

Our biggest annoyance with this grade of Model 3 was the ride comfort. The suspension offers up a brittle, crunchy ride at times, especially over lumpy urban roads and pockmarked country patches."

I saw my first Model 3 on Thursday night, sitting at a charger. Styling looked a bit boring but functional.

 

Yes, agreed - grandchildren probably wouldn't mind the back seat - they're not too fussy and it's only a 15 minute commute from school. Unlike something like a Corolla Hatch, Mazda 3 Hatch, Corolla C-HR - where they even can't see out.

But we often don't check the back seat when we test-drive. I remember 1995, I took a Mazda 3 1600 SEDAN for a run, quite liked it, but thought the Hatch with 1800 Fuel Injected engine was better - till I swapped with the driver and sat in the back seat for a while. The back seat in the hatch wasn't a patch on the SEDAN, too low, and needed knees up position - and seeing it was going to be the family car, went back to the SEDAN - which was a great car, we kept it in the family till it was worn out.

 

I once had to ride a short distance in the back seat of a '65 Mustang. YIKES!! I could not get out of that thing fast enough. Worst claustrophobia I ever had. So, much as I admire the Tesla's drive train, the back seat and the driving interface specifically designed to keep your eyes off the road would be show stoppers for me even if it was in my price range.

 

Am I the only one awaiting a picture!?

 

Not anymore! Thanks for bringing it up.

 

Haha me too! I don’t think I’ve seen a limited

 

Here's my 2019. The Limited "package" is mostly inside (11-inch screen, more speakers, etc). Normally, I'd never get all the bells and whistles, but the moonroof is only available on the XLE or Limited trim.

 

But you have a 2010 Prius Four?

 

Only slightly better than your 2010 Prius III. Could be you both need to update your info.