Model 3 UK orders.

[greggy50]

EddieSteadyGo said:

Moley RUFC said:

Agreed...same here. The M3P is the first car I’ve owned that I don’t wake up and think “I’d love a drive in it today”

And if you were getting one again, do you think the P version is worth the premium over the LR version?

I am currently considering whether to change my i-pace for a model 3. Would prefer the usability of the Model Y but seems like that is going to be another 12-18 months before it is readily available. Normally I would be inclined to pick the faster version, but I'm just wondering if the more sensible choice would be the LR with the acceleration software update.

I would personally say that a Model 3 will feel like a downgrade after an I Pace unless its being purchased for better range/supercharger network. Its slightly faster in a straight line but probably no more enjoyable to drive and the interior isn't as nice and feels a lot cheaper.

[nicfaz]

Moley RUFC said:

Frimley111R said:

Smiljan said:

Moving back to the actual driving, I'm surprised myself how underwhelming it was and I didn't come back buzzing wanting to buy one immediately like I thought I might. In a way this has been a good experience as now I can wait a while and ponder and mull it over again.

In summary it seems to be a great EV and has lots going for it in the charging network, app etc... The acceleration and ease of that acceleration is impressive but it's just not something you'd really use to its full that often.

It's not a no but it's certainly something to think about whether to buy one or not, that has been the biggest surprise to me. I thought I'd be home and straight to the order page

Edited by Smiljan on Tuesday 20th October 13:40

My exact feelings having driven one a few weeks ago. A 50k car with mad acceleration and I just thought 'Yeah, it was ok.' Weird.

Agreed...same here. The M3P is the first car I’ve owned that I don’t wake up and think “I’d love a drive in it today”

I don't feel like that with mine - it's always fun to drive. But, I'd by lying if I didn't miss the noise of a V8, that does diminish the experience.

To be fair to the M3P, the noise is the only thing that it isn't a couple of tweaks away from delivering. It could do with a bit more steering feel and better damping, but as a road car its pretty good out of the box. Apart from the noise. Crucially, I don't think any of the price competitive new cars are better in terms of being an "event", at least not those that can carry 4 people and have a decent boot. If you're going to pipe in engine noises then you might as well have a F1 V10 piped into your Tesla?

[EddieSteadyGo]

greggy50 said:

EddieSteadyGo said:

Moley RUFC said:

Agreed...same here. The M3P is the first car I’ve owned that I don’t wake up and think “I’d love a drive in it today”

And if you were getting one again, do you think the P version is worth the premium over the LR version?

I am currently considering whether to change my i-pace for a model 3. Would prefer the usability of the Model Y but seems like that is going to be another 12-18 months before it is readily available. Normally I would be inclined to pick the faster version, but I'm just wondering if the more sensible choice would be the LR with the acceleration software update.

I would personally say that a Model 3 will feel like a downgrade after an I Pace unless its being purchased for better range/supercharger network. Its slightly faster in a straight line but probably no more enjoyable to drive and the interior isn't as nice and feels a lot cheaper.

Interesting. I do really like the I-pace. But it is a big car without actually have that much space. Plus the public charging network with an I-pace is way too unreliable in my experience. And you end up using the car like Harry Metcalfe said in one of his videos i.e. you have to assume it is tethered to your home and so can only travel ~100 miles from your home. And the car is too expensive for this type of limitation.

[EddieSteadyGo]

nicfaz said:

Before the government changed the rules, I would have said the M3P, but now I think you get the £3k off the LR but not off the M3P as it's over £50k.

The M3P is quicker 0-30 than the LR with acceleration software update, handles a bit better and has bigger brakes and nicer alloys as standard. It also has track mode, which is a giggle. But in standard form the suspension and brakes aren't really up to extended track work anyway. And the smaller alloys / tyres mean the LR has materially more range. Plus you can get a towbar on the LR for things like bike racks.

I would be tempted to get the LR if I was buying now. It's close and either would be fine, but the extra £3k off would clinch it.

Yes, that raises some good points. I was interested in the tow bar for bikes etc and just recently noticed it wasn't available on the P version. Personally I'm not too bothered about the alloys/brake size etc but I would have preferred the faster performance. As you say, the change in the government grant rules makes the current price difference harder to justify.

[Moley RUFC]

EddieSteadyGo said:

And if you were getting one again, do you think the P version is worth the premium over the LR version?

I am currently considering whether to change my i-pace for a model 3. Would prefer the usability of the Model Y but seems like that is going to be another 12-18 months before it is readily available. Normally I would be inclined to pick the faster version, but I'm just wondering if the more sensible choice would be the LR with the acceleration software update.

In essence the standard one do me - purely for tax reasons at least. I’d have loved the Jaguar and had a great deal for a HSE lined up but went cold at the idea of doing 30,000 without a man infrastructure network like the Tesla......fast forward to now I might as well have ordered a Sinclair C5 given I’ve barely been anyway

[greggy50]

EddieSteadyGo said:

greggy50 said:

EddieSteadyGo said:

Moley RUFC said:

Agreed...same here. The M3P is the first car I’ve owned that I don’t wake up and think “I’d love a drive in it today”

And if you were getting one again, do you think the P version is worth the premium over the LR version?

I am currently considering whether to change my i-pace for a model 3. Would prefer the usability of the Model Y but seems like that is going to be another 12-18 months before it is readily available. Normally I would be inclined to pick the faster version, but I'm just wondering if the more sensible choice would be the LR with the acceleration software update.

I would personally say that a Model 3 will feel like a downgrade after an I Pace unless its being purchased for better range/supercharger network. Its slightly faster in a straight line but probably no more enjoyable to drive and the interior isn't as nice and feels a lot cheaper.

Interesting. I do really like the I-pace. But it is a big car without actually have that much space. Plus the public charging network with an I-pace is way too unreliable in my experience. And you end up using the car like Harry Metcalfe said in one of his videos i.e. you have to assume it is tethered to your home and so can only travel ~100 miles from your home. And the car is too expensive for this type of limitation.

If you need to use superchargers than fair enough but public chargers are starting to get better as and much as I like Harry M some of his arguments around electric cars seem a bit flawed to me as he seems to ignore things conveniently such as the fact petrol doesn't magically appear the pumps and needs to be refined etc...

All I would say is try one first, I have a Polestar 2 and Model 3 on the drive and the Polestar feels like it cost twice as much when sat inside it from a quality perspective. The Tesla are efficient and decent to drive (for an electric car) but they do look/feel a bit cheap to me and as such it may feel like a step down in some perspectives from an I Pace.

If you need the ultimate range however they cant be beaten yet they is no disagreeing with that!

Edited by greggy50 on Wednesday 3rd February 15:45

[Frimley111R]

I was chatting to a new LR owner last week. He didn't like the performance because he said the ride was too hard and we both agreed that for a daily, the last time we nailed the throttle on our current daily drivers was practically never. A LR is more than fast enough.

As a PH type guy I want the Performance but won't get one and will go the LR.

[Moley RUFC]

Frimley111R said:

I was chatting to a new LR owner last week. He didn't like the performance because he said the ride was too hard and we both agreed that for a daily, the last time we nailed the throttle on our current daily drivers was practically never. A LR is more than fast enough.

As a PH type guy I want the Performance but won't get one and will go the LR.

Depends what you’re used too. It’s easily one of the most comfortable cars I’ve ever owned.

[FurtiveFreddy]

Frimley111R said:

I was chatting to a new LR owner last week. He didn't like the performance because he said the ride was too hard and we both agreed that for a daily, the last time we nailed the throttle on our current daily drivers was practically never. A LR is more than fast enough.

As a PH type guy I want the Performance but won't get one and will go the LR.

There really isn't that much difference between the suspension on the LR and the P. They both need better dampers to fix the ride quality issues.
I'd say the 20" vs 18" tyres make more of a difference than the suspension itself.

And I agree that for road use the LR is very close to the P in terms of overall performance, especially with the acceleration boost upgrade.

[Durzel]

Now that the P is well clear of the £3000 PICG it's tough to make the case for it relative to the LR, particularly the LR + Accel boost as said above. £9500 difference doesn't justify what you get extra.

I bought the P and was lucky to just get in before the PICG was changed, but if I were to buy it now I don't think I could justify it.

The above said, I can see the Govt reducing the PICG threshold again to ~£40k in the upcoming budget.

[haydj]

Moley RUFC said:

Frimley111R said:

I was chatting to a new LR owner last week. He didn't like the performance because he said the ride was too hard and we both agreed that for a daily, the last time we nailed the throttle on our current daily drivers was practically never. A LR is more than fast enough.

As a PH type guy I want the Performance but won't get one and will go the LR.

Depends what you’re used too. It’s easily one of the most comfortable cars I’ve ever owned.

I picked up my Model 3 LR at the end of 2020, and I think the ride is a bit firm if I compare it to a E class, but nicer than my old lotus and BMW, it doesn't glide over bumps and is certainly not a wafting car. It "feels" sporty in that respect and is IMHO appropriate for the performance.

The LR is quick, the acceleration boost version is even quicker, but I don't think is something I will be going for as the standard cars performance is more than ok for a daily driver.

[Castrol for a knave]

Likewise picked up a M3 LR at the end of last year.

I did look at the iPace, EQC and Polestar.

One of the main reasons I went with Tesla was supercharging. I have a 500 mile day tomorrow, and I have no worries about charging. Using the open network, which can be hit and miss, would give me some worries though. A colleague with an iPace has already had a few squeeky bum moments when trying to find a suitable power source. Zap Map looks great, until you realise half the chargers are 7kw single units at an Aldi, or rural fire station or wherever.

I just park up, watch Harry's Garage for 20 minute and have a slash, then off I go.

Performance is excellent - as quick as my S7 and I am waiting for the lease co the clear the acceleration boost upgrade. I got it from inventory in red, which is a £2k option and looks great - not many about as most seem to be in white.

In terms of ownership and ergonomics, it has a hint of 70's supercar - that sort of "why the hell not" approach to design that was probably a good idea after a long Milanese lunch, less so on a rainy Tuesday on the M42 (I'm looking at you wiper controls...).

[haydj]

The supercharging network swung it for me too. My parents live in Yorkshire, my wife's parents are near the Lake District and we live in Hampshire so we will be doing longish trips. We'll try the Tesla EV thing for a few years and hopefully the public networks will reach the point they are a viable alternative.

[mhocking]

Castrol for a knave said:

Likewise picked up a M3 LR at the end of last year.

I did look at the iPace, EQC and Polestar.

I'm in this exact position but unfortunately being in Devon (+ lockdown) have no option to test any of them except perhaps the EQC. I can get a great salary sacrifice deal on the EQC/PS2/TM3LR and I keep wavering between all 3.

The supercharger network is not really a deal maker for me as we only have a couple locally & my commute/regular driving means even the range for the EQC is acceptable with home charging, but I still always veer towards the TM3LR but am put off by the reviews which mention relatively poorer build quality and I am not sure how I'd adapt to the touch screen with no driver dials etc.

How do people find the TM3 in the real world and how easy was to adapt to screen only driving?

cheers

Mark

[Michael_B]

mhocking said:

but I still always veer towards the TM3LR but am put off by the reviews which mention relatively poorer build quality and I am not sure how I'd adapt to the touch screen with no driver dials etc.

How do people find the TM3 in the real world and how easy was to adapt to screen only driving?

The build quality and interior of my TM3LR is not that inferior to previous Audi, BMW, Porsche vehicles I've owned, comparable to VW/Skoda/Ford and decidedly better than any Subaru/Toyota or standard French car. The touchscreen is fine once you have it configured how you like it. It's a pleasure to be in a minimalist cabin not cluttered by dials and switches.

I have a 11kw charge point at home and regularly drive a 300km round trip to my weekend place when I can easily top up overnight via the granny charger. There are superchargers within a 10 minute drive of both places if necessary.

For my use the LR was the better choice (needed a tow-bar) but I would have bought the M3P if that option had been available. That said, the 18" wheels and slightly softer suspension are probably better suited to my journeys (bumpy Burgundian country roads.)

I'll probably swap it out for a Y when they are available (if only to be rid of the narrow boot opening), but despite a few compromises here and there, the TM3LR ticks all the boxes so far for me after 3 months and 4'000km of ownership. It's more than fast enough for a daily driver, can fit a surprising amount of luggage and my fast noisy toys tend to be 2-wheeled rather than 4 these days.

[SWoll]

mhocking said:

Castrol for a knave said:

Likewise picked up a M3 LR at the end of last year.

I did look at the iPace, EQC and Polestar.

I'm in this exact position but unfortunately being in Devon (+ lockdown) have no option to test any of them except perhaps the EQC. I can get a great salary sacrifice deal on the EQC/PS2/TM3LR and I keep wavering between all 3.

The supercharger network is not really a deal maker for me as we only have a couple locally & my commute/regular driving means even the range for the EQC is acceptable with home charging, but I still always veer towards the TM3LR but am put off by the reviews which mention relatively poorer build quality and I am not sure how I'd adapt to the touch screen with no driver dials etc.

How do people find the TM3 in the real world and how easy was to adapt to screen only driving?

cheers

Mark

If range, efficiency and charging aren't a concern I'd have the Tesla at the bottom of that list personally (assuming cost parity).

The screen only is absolutely fine (we got used to it very quickly) but the car itself is certainly lacking in quality when compared to the other options you have and the LR does without the crazy performance, bigger wheels, bigger brakes, lower suspension etc. that make the Performance version stand out amongst its rivals.

[Goatex]

mhocking said:

How do people find the TM3 in the real world and how easy was to adapt to screen only driving?

Picked up a LR in December and very impressed and happy with it even though it’s had get some minor niggles sorted. Joins an i3 Rex so not new to ev ownership. The i3 is a great car but would be too much of a faff to go on longer journeys in which we regularly will do again once restrictions lifted. Needed something with a good range, efficient and easy and quick to charge and saw the LR as the only option with the charging infrastructure as it currently is even though would prefer a smaller car.
The screen only driving is fine in my opinion in terms of seeing information and, whist it’s better in the Tesla than the Volvo I’ve driven, give me buttons or dials any day in terms of using it to control functions.Controlling the wipers is the biggest annoyance but not enough to detract from all the positives. Love the autopilot, the hifi and the performance. It’s comfy enough on dual carriageways, fun enough on the country roads and great in all weathers.

[greggy50]

SWoll said:

mhocking said:

Castrol for a knave said:

Likewise picked up a M3 LR at the end of last year.

I did look at the iPace, EQC and Polestar.

I'm in this exact position but unfortunately being in Devon (+ lockdown) have no option to test any of them except perhaps the EQC. I can get a great salary sacrifice deal on the EQC/PS2/TM3LR and I keep wavering between all 3.

The supercharger network is not really a deal maker for me as we only have a couple locally & my commute/regular driving means even the range for the EQC is acceptable with home charging, but I still always veer towards the TM3LR but am put off by the reviews which mention relatively poorer build quality and I am not sure how I'd adapt to the touch screen with no driver dials etc.

How do people find the TM3 in the real world and how easy was to adapt to screen only driving?

cheers

Mark

If range, efficiency and charging aren't a concern I'd have the Tesla at the bottom of that list personally (assuming cost parity).

The screen only is absolutely fine (we got used to it very quickly) but the car itself is certainly lacking in quality when compared to the other options you have and the LR does without the crazy performance, bigger wheels, bigger brakes, lower suspension etc. that make the Performance version stand out amongst its rivals.

I would agree, the screen is good and the nav etc works fine. I found that Spotify and Bluetooth for your phone isn't as good as jn some cars but it does have all the added easter eggs which you use once and then don't bother with again...

I personally didn't get on with the lack of a speedo even after a few months and the quality isn't great for the price but isn't as bad as people make out.

The main selling points are the range and superchargers and if you don't need these (as I didnt) then I think a Polestar 2 is a better product. I find the infotainment slightly better (I do miss YouTube however) but the interior itself is a lot nicer place to be, the styling is better and it has a speedo and things like a wiper stalk and decent headlamps which the 3 missed out on.

For most range is key and the 3 is a good product still so I can't blame people for choosing one. As it is 200 real world miles is plenty for me.

[Maracus]

haydj said:

The supercharging network swung it for me too. My parents live in Yorkshire, my wife's parents are near the Lake District and we live in Hampshire so we will be doing longish trips. We'll try the Tesla EV thing for a few years and hopefully the public networks will reach the point they are a viable alternative.

You thoughts echo mine too

Had my SR+ for just about a year now.

[mhocking]

Thanks for the replies, must admit I am leaning towards the PS2 and my only real distance will be a 60 mile (mostly motorway) round-trip commute maybe 3 times a week when covid fades away...but the TM3 performance does still tempt me....then again I also like the look & interior of the EQC!

I don't want to be stuck with something for 3 years which has too many niggles. Perhaps I'll wait until I can get in & drive some of them rather than rush a decision.

thanks again