Owning a Tesla Model 3 for the past few years has been quite an adventure for David Smith. When he first bought the car, he was excited about going electric and reducing his carbon footprint.
Now that he’s put plenty of miles on it, David can give a more personal take on what it’s really like to live with a Model 3 day in and day out.
First Impressions: Design and Build Quality
David Smith was initially drawn to the Tesla Model 3 because of its sleek, minimalist design. “The clean, modern look really caught my eye,” he explains. The interior, in particular, stood out to him—there’s no clutter, just that massive touchscreen in the center that controls nearly everything.
“At first, it felt strange not having buttons or physical controls,” David admits. “But now, I’m used to it, and I love how simple and clean it looks.”
However, the build quality wasn’t perfect in his early experience. He noticed a few panel gaps and a small paint issue, but nothing too serious. “Tesla has improved these things over time,” David says. “The car feels solid, and even after a few years, it still looks as sharp as the day I bought it.”
Driving Experience
When it comes to driving, David Smith can confidently say that the Tesla Model 3 is still one of the most fun cars he’s ever driven. “That instant torque is something that never gets old,” David says with a smile. Whether he’s merging onto the highway or just driving around town, the car’s acceleration is always thrilling.
“I went for the Long Range version, so I’ve never had any issues with range anxiety,” David explains. With over 300 miles of range, he feels confident driving long distances without worrying about charging stations. “The handling is excellent, too. It feels planted on the road, and the steering is responsive. Even after all this time, I still get excited every time I drive it.”
Charging and Range
Before buying the Model 3, David Smith was a little worried about charging. He wasn’t sure how convenient it would be, but it turned out to be a non-issue. “I have a home charger, and I usually just plug the car in overnight. It’s as simple as charging your phone,” he says. “You wake up, and it’s fully charged, ready to go.”
On road trips, David has had to rely on Tesla’s Supercharger network a few times, and he’s been pleasantly surprised by how easy it is. “In about 20-30 minutes, I get enough charge to continue my trip, which is perfect for taking a quick break,” he explains.
As for the range, David opted for the Long Range version, which gives him around 350 miles on a full charge. “Depending on how I drive and the weather, it’s a bit less, but it’s never been a problem.” Over the years, he’s noticed a small drop in range, but it hasn’t been significant enough to affect his day-to-day driving.
Constantly Evolving Technology
One of the features David Smith loves most about his Tesla Model 3 is how it continues to evolve over time. “It’s like owning a gadget that keeps getting better,” he says.
Tesla regularly sends software updates to the car, adding new features and improving the driving experience. “It’s great not having to take the car into a service center for updates. Everything happens wirelessly.”
The Autopilot feature is one of the most talked-about aspects of Tesla’s technology. “I don’t use it every day, but it’s been a lifesaver on long highway trips,” David explains. “It handles stop-and-go traffic really well and reduces the stress of long drives.” However, David always keeps his hands on the wheel and stays alert, just in case.
“I will say, having almost everything controlled through the touchscreen took some getting used to,” David adds. At first, it felt odd adjusting the air conditioning or changing the music through a screen instead of physical buttons, but now it feels natural to him.
Maintenance and Reliability
One of the best parts of owning an electric car, according to David Smith, is how little maintenance it requires. “No oil changes, no engine issues—there’s not much to worry about,” he says. The regenerative braking system even helps reduce wear and tear on the brakes, which is an added bonus.
David has had a couple of minor things fixed under warranty, but nothing that’s made him regret his purchase. “Tesla’s service network could be better, though,” he admits. “Depending on where you live, it can take a while to get a service appointment.” Fortunately, Tesla’s mobile service has been a big help for David. “I’ve had a technician come to my house for minor fixes, which is really convenient.”
The big question for most people is about the battery. David has had his Model 3 for a few years now and has noticed a slight drop in battery performance, but it hasn’t been a deal-breaker. “The Tesla battery warranty gives me peace of mind, and I feel confident it’ll last a long time.”
Cost of Ownership
There’s no denying that Tesla cars are expensive. “The upfront cost was higher than most gas-powered cars,” David admits, “but the long-term savings make up for it.” Charging the car is much cheaper than filling up a gas tank, especially since David mostly charges at home.
“Plus, I don’t have to worry about the usual maintenance costs like oil changes or exhaust repairs,” he adds. “That being said, insurance was a little pricier than I expected, mainly because of Tesla’s high-tech features and the cost of parts.” Overall, though, David feels the cost of ownership has been reasonable, especially with the fuel and maintenance savings.
Conclusion
After a few years of owning the Tesla Model 3, David Smith is still happy with his decision. “It’s fun to drive, packed with useful technology, and requires very little maintenance,” he says. The range and charging network have more than met his needs, and he appreciates how the car continues to improve with software updates.
“Sure, there are a few downsides,” David admits. “Tesla’s service network could be more efficient, and the initial cost is high. But for me, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.”
If you’re thinking about switching to an electric vehicle, David believes the Tesla Model 3 is still one of the best options out there. “It’s not just a car—it’s an experience, and I’m glad to be part of it.”