Tesla Model 3 Long Range 1 year/20,000 mile review - costs, maintenance, problems, likes and dislike

[@andybolton6456]

Model 3 Long Range, Deep Blue Metallic. Brand new collected 1st March 21, 21 plate. 9 miles on the clock. Best car I’ve had. Love it. Phenomenal. Worst customer service I’ve ever had. Appalling. Went in to Tesla 1st week of March 22 for a charging system fault. Got the car back 2 days later telling me it’s fixed. It wasn’t. Fault returned the next day. Rang them to be told they’ve ordered a wiring loom. Back order, continuously putting back my appointment. I need a courtesy car as it’s a company car I need for work. Had a car booked on 1st appointment, no car booked on the changed appointments. No common sense. It’s an intermittent fault so likely a loose connection in a wiring loom. Fair enough. I’ve had to avoid distance jobs as I don’t want to risk being stranded. 25,000 in the 1st Year when the fault appeared. 1st distance job I had to do, at Ferrybridge Supercharger with 40 miles of range, 108 miles to go. Would not charge. I travelled the 10 miles or so to Leeds Tesla, thinking that their techs would come out and waggle the loom. Nope. Would not help me at all. Was told to call Tesla recovery and they’d truck me to Newcastle. Worst customer service I’ve ever experienced

[@johnnyforeigner11]

Took delivery of my Model 3 LR just a couple of weeks before you and have only completed 8000 miles. I agree with pretty much everything you noted especially the ride, which is much too hard. I would also like Tesla to increase the size of some of the fonts on the display. My eyesight isn't what it used to be. Despite those couple of niggles, this is still the best car I have ever owned.

[@MikeLuke]

Cheers Richard. I bought a LR last year September, MiC, deep blue, black interior, with the 19“ alloys as well. To me it’s still the best overall package - well, it has been before the crazy price jumps: the look, the efficiency, the fun to drive, the speed, the practicality. I feel the Model 3 LR is the sweet spot in the whole Tesla family.

[@seanthomson8141]

We have the identical car. Built in Shanghai in Feb 22. It's flawless and magical. Just want to drive it all day.

[@bossman4401]

Rear wheel drive is the the best deal IMO. I average below 200 KWH per mile. More than enough Range for the UK and cost 8k less than LR. I’m getting 280 miles in the warmer months.

[@alexandrul.9910]

same car as mine , best config imo too. Maybe the 19'' not the best only but still one of the best config

[@bossman4401]

@@alexandrul.9910 how many kWh per you average on your LR ?

[@grahamralston5662]

@@bossman4401 Wife also decided the additional £10k wasn't worth it, for the cost of the long range in the UK

[@antoinepageau8336]

We have the base model 3, took delivery in March, already at 14,000 km. I love this car. LFP battery allows 100% charge without concern. On long trips, super charger stops are never more than 15 minutes, several stops are less than 10 minutes! In traffic you feel like the king of the road with the instant acceleration. Autopilot is superb. Everything else you mentioned, Looking forward to Cybertruck delivery.

[@johngreenhalgh2847]

Had my M3LR since Sept 21 so identical. Had an issue with a dodgy bit of the charging harness, eventually located and sorted by Tesla without fuss. The experience has been great. The iPad display is excellent, but would like a HUD .....had one on my last BMW and loved it. Agree with comments ref headlights, my wife's C class Mercedes lights put the Tesla to shame. Thanks for another great video.

[@mikelecomte3979]

Richard, Another useful and well constructed video from my favorite channel. I have had a 2021 model 3 LR since June 2021. I’ve driven 12,000 miles. I’ve taken 8 trips of 300 miles from Cape Cod to New Jersey. The supercharger network is unparalleled for convenience. I charge at home on level 1 and am surprised how most advice tells people to get a level 2 charger before bringing in the car home. There is a supercharger 4 miles away that I’ve never used. I normally drive 20 to 50 miles per day and charge to 80% over night at 5 mph. On the few days that I drive further (150 miles) I still have 50%+ charge in the morning and, after a few days I’m back to 80%. Your suggestion that Tesla should alert you to the phone being left in the charger is excellent. I never considered it and am often looking for my phone, which is in the garage. Keep posting your great videos, like letting cardboard Elon test auto stopping, drag racing along the side of the building, and comparing efficiency, range, and charging times for multiple brands. Incidentally, I’m averaging 4 MPKW.

[@ezpoppy55]

From the US: Thank you, Richard for another brilliant video! Very enjoyable and informative - not always an easy mix, that. I have a Fremont March 2021 M3 SR+, so just over a year, with ~16,000 miles on it. Most of my driving is local commuting, about 250 miles a week, and most of my charging is at home. That runs me about $1.00 US a day, $7/week. Gasoline here in Sacramento CA runs about $6/US gallon for regular, $7 for premium. You can do the math if you like. I love the car. In my 50 years of driving, I’ve never had a car as fun to drive, or as easy to maintain (nothing!). Every time I get in and drive any where, it just zips along. I’ve had only two minor quality issues, both quickly and professionally rectified by Tesla. As for a wish list… hmmm… nothing. Maybe a power frunk lid. That would be nice. But I don’t get in there that much, so it’s not a biggie (and I just put I microfiber towel under my hand when I press it closed to keep from getting prints). That’s it! Love the car, the tech, the design, the features, the economy… and the FUN! And mind you, I’ve got the “slowest” Tesla made. Keep putting the good word out there on EVs.

[@milesbgibbons]

Yessssss! I bought a long range black outer/black inner with 18” wheels for a fiver under £50k back in September. Since then I’ve done 22K miles in business road trips around Europe and a bit of personal travel within the UK. Absolutely amazing. No issues, no range anxiety. Expect to do 26k before the first year is up and the Michelins are amazingly fine. Probably have another 4000-5000 European motorway miles left on them. Wish there was a way to change the beam pattern for European driving rather than just dipping the headlights! Let me know if you know an answer, and amazing work guys, watch all your videos xx

[@RSEV]

Not being able to change the beam when switching sides is a real annoyance actually. Car could do it. It could do it automatically with geo location. But it doesn’t. It’s overlooked. I did raise this before a couple of times…

[@milesbgibbons]

@@RSEV ah good to know that I’m not just missing some kind of trick. I find it really dangerous not knowing how much to dip the beam to stop dazzling drivers on European roads, but still having a proper spread of light on the road. I’ll bring it up with Tesla myself as well, now knowing you also think it’s an issue. Thanks Richard/team!

[@louisrodriques9323]

Great video Richard and hi from the US. I have a M3 LR built in Fremont and absolutely love it. Not a single issue in 7 months of ownership. Just over 5000 miles pn the car including a few long road trips. The one thing that surprised me about your video is your estimate of what the car would sell for today. Maybe things are different in the UK, but in the US the market of used Teslas is insane. I paid just about $50000 for the car late last year, and just checked with an online car reseller which will offer me $58000 today. And that’s not even a private sale, which will generally yield a higher price.

[@HighlandSteam]

My Model 3LR has cost me more in cleaning products than "fuel" and service. Had Zen for 7 months now. Still love her and any excuse to go out for a jolly.

[@vegansnail]

I've had my MIC Model 3 LR since Dec 21. I love it and will defo be getting another Tesla in the future, maybe a M3P or a Plaid who knows! I love the fact I wake up everyday with 80% battery and it takes me no time at all to do, no more waiting at fuel stations. The best thing about it though is the instant torque! Such a great car to drive so glad I went for it, love the videos btw keep it up!

[@harsimranbansal5355]

Man if you can afford a plaid, get that. It’s so good. It’s just incredible. I’m at lost for words on how to describe it. You have to experience it yourself to understand.

[@vegansnail]

@@harsimranbansal5355 I have a friend who has one on order, hopefully he gets it soon. Im from the UK so S and X are taking a little longer to get over here, Im sure once I've been for a ride in one I will find it hard to not hit the order button haha.

[@peterwatson7753]

I also have a June 21, MIC long range in NZ which has done 21000km. I had full PPF done and ceramic coating. Tinted the side windows windows to 35%, and had the interior 3M protected. I also had the 19' rims painted gloss black and even the Tesla Badges done in black (my car is blue. I completely agreed with almost everything you said in your review, both the likes and dislikes. Especially the ride being a little firmer than I had hoped. I have hair on my head though so didn’t have that issue 😁. I also love my white seats. Only maintenance has been a small chip in the windscreen which cost NZ$75 to fix. Mostly charge at work for free and probably cost about NZ$350 in charging (a few supercharging and fast charging and home charging on some weekends). Love my car

[@davincisghost9228]

My only comment fellow Kiwi is that try as I might I have yet to hitch a ride in a Tesla... my question is "are y'all scared of the windswept and interesting?" 🤔🤨

[@steveyoung8376]

Great video Richard, one of your best and a great advert for EV's regarding reliability and running costs, but great that you highlighted where Tesla are ahead of the competion- ie route planning. Re charging at home you didnt mention solar charging!! using a zappi -powered by the sun!!

[@robmog88]

My M3LR was delivered December 21, love it, only gripe is the phantom braking, thinks it won’t get through gaps that as a driver of 49 years I know is comfortable, also thinks you’re going to crash on bends into oncoming traffic. Any pedestrian near a crossing it panics and brakes, very disconcerting. Tesla supposed to be sorting out via OTA but no sign yet.

[@chrisdevereux]

100% agree about the headlights Richard. Hopefully now that the US regulations have caught up, we’ll see some updates and changes by Tesla 🤞🏻 …but i should also remember to acknowledge that just having the ability to update the headlights on a car is not something other manufacturers routinely do, yet with Tesla i take it for granted! 😁

[@everusualsuspect]

My worry is that if Tesla can't make the automatic headlight dipping work, how are they going to make the matrix method work reliably?

[@jonathansmith5850]

Great video. I’ve always loved Tesla’s (model 3 particular) and had test drove them but recently in my new job I’ve driven numerous vehicles across the whole of UK, including a model 3 long range on a 150 mile journey. It has without doubt been my favourite car ever for so many reasons. It didn’t disappoint. There is nothing quite like it to drive from my experience so far……

[@molepatrol7529]

Great review Richard. I got the same car one month before you in May 21. My positives are the same as you. It's a brilliant car with no fuss driving. The gripes/problems after almost 15 k : 1. squeaks in the back- I'm loathed to get Tesla to look at it as it is difficult to guarantee fix 2. The electric boot stopped opening fully- mobile Tesla team came and fixed whilst at work 3. The charging cable handshake at home ( my existing BMW i wall box ) does not always fit first time. Tesla came out and said it wa the cable not the car, but I think the lack of a recess is why this is a problem. DC at a supercharger is fine. 4. Paint chips on bonnet- I had the side sills PPF'd but couldn't afford the bonnet and front too. 5. The lack of LED under the door handles at night is a real nuisance as the handles are impossible to see. My old BMW 320 had them in 2005! Such a simple thing but Germans way ahead of the game. The running costs are in the region of 1.25- 1.5p a mile with home charging on Octopus Go and the free supercharger miles that I got originally. So would I think about jumping ship - it would be very hard to contemplate any other brand,( almost ordered the Polestar 2- but didn't want to wait 4 months and for its app/heat pump etc) but now the price has rocketed I may have to when the lease runs out in 2 yrs as I want to buy outright long term.

[@flashback9966]

Yes that Dog Mode is brilliant. We were at a wedding down in Cornwall last Thursday. It was a really hot day, but our Jack Russell slept like a baby all afternoon in our Model 3, whilst all us wedding guests roasted out side!

[@ianbritton1929]

Great video, I bought a Tesla a few months ago basically because of your videos, they are by far the best EV’s, and the Tesla superchargers are the best! I do struggle when I have driven somewhere rural and I have to use a third party charger, never as good, always more expensive and generally unreliable. I will never look back, I will have Teslas for life now!

[@robf5684]

Great video, Richard, thanks. Was hoping to have my M3LR by now, but currently have an EDD of Nov/Dec. This video has helped me want to stay the course and not jump ship to something else!

[@RSEV]

Such a shame about the wait times…! I do have a couple of almost new cars in stock at the moment if you really can’t wait! 💁‍♂️

[@matthewcoleman8267]

I got my 4 year old Model 3 performance a few months ago. Paid £24k for it. Ok it’s done 68k miles the outside has some road rash but the inside was absolutely fine. It’s one of my most favourite cars I’ve owned and I’ve owned some pretty nice cars in the past (BMW M2 comp, Audi RS4, R35 GTR).

[@DeeKay1911]

I’ve been a BMW guy almost all my life and had 7 BMWs in a row. My 2021 Model 3 SR+ blows them all away in all areas except the sound when closing the doors. Small price to pay for all the other massive advantages

[@trillaz5110]

i4 m50 better than model 3

[@jamo78s3]

Well done Richard very informative video thanks. I went from spending £500 a month before petrol price's rose in early Feb to spending £80 a month at a community charger near work in my model 3 lr I love driving this car I went from a 2014 audi s3. The only things better on the audi was paint quality and slightly better interior. But I'd never go back lol 😆

[@skyworks1621]

Great to be ready for my Tesla 3LG when it comes in Oktober. I did rented one for 6 months (returned the car in Mai) and did 12.000 kilometres (car was new) and was super happy with no problems. I also ordered tow bar.

[@MarDChannel]

i've got one coming next week. I love the reassurance I made the right purchase. Spending about $550 a month on diesel now. I'm looking forward to the savings... Thanks for all the info.

[@zag164]

Just to add that the M3 towbar is still available but you have to add it to your order by phone. It is now a whopping £1300 inc VAT!

[@tesla-spectre]

great video! I am so far only 6.5 months into my M3LR and totally love it ...

[@nubin0807]

I have had my LR since March and absolutely love it. Had a bit of bad luck, someone at the gym, drove into it by accident 2 weeks old, so currently waiting on it as it's in the garage. Got a stone chip on the screen, they couldn't repair it so waiting on glass to become available. Came with a faint scratch so booked in for that too. So unlucky and no fault of the car (apart from the delivery mark). I love it though all my friends and family that go in it ,love it too. Miss it, been gone a week and half, have another week or so to wait it seems

[@davidwalsh9807]

Great video guys as always.

[@billnipp2309]

I wish I could say Tesla did a good job with my November 2021 AWD long range model 3. Interior has 3 different rattles and squeaks. Doors are misaligned and fender and trunk had real bad panel gaps that had to be redone. Other than all that it’s been great….

[@RSEV]

Sounds a little unlucky. Freemont made car I presume?

[@billnipp2309]

@@RSEV probably. Also Had a 2018 RWD and only had minor issues at delivery.

[@brybish]

Had my m3p just over a year still loving it it creaks but that depends on the ambient temperature and road surface, I have never appreciated new resurfaced roads so much it's like a magic carpet, and its bike fast and cheaper to run, I charge at home on octopus go 100mls for a couple of quid ain't bad.

[@nickieredshaw7835]

Thanks for another great update video. We done 16000 miles in our 3sr+ in 9 months and it’s been great car to own been in to Tesla 2 for warranty work but they been a joy to deal with lot better than past cars . And I think it’s cost us about £600 to charge to drive that miles and good bit for solar and off peak at 5 p so lowers that a good bit . It’s fast enough and good fun to drive and when you been used to type r etc the suspension and ride Comfort is good. I drive the car hard so the rear tires well just about make 20 k but fronts are ok for a bit yet , heard from forums and local people in the tire trade uk don’t blother to rotate there tires, you might get slightly more miles but you have 4 to replace not 2 now then 2 later might be different in awd ev . Be interested to hear uk people views ! Overall very happy with the whole ownership experience !

[@sahhull]

Most cars now have direction of rotation tyres and the fronts may be 155 vs rear 195. So that makes rotating tyres impossible.

[@andrebrittaindissont1520]

Great video as always I adore my 21 Long range - I leased it- wish I’d bought it!!

[@markswinhoe8252]

Second video i've watch with this lad after seeing him on Car wow as I'm looking for a Model 3. Very coherent and comprehensive videos.

[@maxflight777]

I have the same (clunky) towbar on my MY. I totally agree with your comments Richard. Ps it was fitted by Tesla and the service was superb. (As “polished” as any BMW / Mercedes dealer)

[@tomjenkins4581]

Bought a 3 Performance 2 years ago, done 35k miles had no issues with charging, and my 5p overnight tariff means my running costs have been minimal. Didn't like last Decembers update, as it moved a lot of things from easy access, and opening the charge port and the car closing it again as you walk across to pick up the charge cable is really annoying, but otherwise, really happy with the car.

[@dangr3957]

Don’t tell me there is no problem Richard! This M3 has bugs! 🐜 😄

[@cliveharrington1553]

Great review, my March 21 LR has now done done just 6k miles. Mostly free charged slow, (lots near me ) and some free supercharger miles , total cost to me £5 just to test homecharger! Car is on 207 whm for the total mileage so really impressed with very close to 5 miles kw , love the sporty handling, particularly the fast steering, prefer the steering to my mx5 previous car .

[@puckingrufus56]

Im turning 40 this year so I am no longer a fan of stiff rides. I test drove the 19" wheel option it was way too stiff, stiffer than my Lexus GS350 F Sport. I went with the 18" option I think it was a good compromise. A little softer and better range to boot.

[@scholz222]

Any regrets? My 3 is on order to be delivered next month and i drive a GS350 F sport as well

[@SilverSeeker]

Lower your tire pressure to 38psi on the 18's and the ride is even better. Small range hit but not bad for the comfort.

[@puckingrufus56]

@@SilverSeeker I’ll try that thanks!

[@puckingrufus56]

@@scholz222 I had to sell the Lexus to buy a house 4 years ago. I drove a Prius for awhile and then a Chevy Bolt. Honestly the Lexus was the finest car I’ve ever owned. I love the Tesla because it doesn’t take gas but you can’t compare the build quality of the Lexus to the Tesla.

[@khaedundou2942]

First time watching you. So brilliant and detailed. Loved the video

[@davincisghost9228]

Yup me too...

[@Teslaverse]

Hi Richard the phone to unlock function is right now a little insecure. It's due to a Bluetooth low energy "bug" which is not fixable, basically anybody with couple repeaters and some more hardware could steal your key signal, open your car and even drive away. There was an article in the telegraph about it. The solution right now is to set up a pin to drive or open with key card.

[@TeslaEdi]

Thanks Richard, great video. You forgot to mention two rate tariffs for people who charge at home. I get night tariff from EDF at 4.5p at kWh. That brings costs down to just above 1p per mile.

[@RSEV]

Hard to cover all tariffs. Basically if I don’t do some calcs at the highest 0.28 propeller criticise. Will your night tariff increase soon do you think?

[@gap9992]

@@RSEV My Octopus GO night rate is increasing from 5 to 7-5 in August so still well worth having. Plus I have some free spare solar during sunny days

[@gannetripple]

Yes, but remember you're paying extra for your domestic electricity, which has to be factored into the car's electricity cost.

[@SimonEllwood]

@@gannetripple With Octopus Go you do not pay more for domestic electric just a little more on the standing charge. I still pay 5p for my cheap rate it will go up next year however. I would not mention specific prices but making people aware of EV Tarrifs is worthwhile I thought think.

[@gannetripple]

@@SimonEllwood Not true for me, Simon. Are you sure about your first sentence? Octopus are quoting me a day rate of 41.39p whether I go for their Go or variable tariff. Then Go is 7.5p/kWh cheap rate but 35.66 the rest of the time. Variable is 29.48p 24x7. All the EV tariffs I've looked at work in a similar way. We use around 2900 kWh p.a. without the Tesla and 1800 at home for the Tesla. Total bill for 4700 kWh is £1169 on Go or £1385 on variable. So, Go saves £216. If the day rate they're offering were the same on both tariffs, as you say yours is, the Go charge would be £990, hence the saving vs. variable £395. People tend to conveniently ignore the higher day rate. If I did so, I'd assume a saving of £395, but in fact I'd only be saving £216. It's still worth having Go, of course, at least if you're happy to have a smart meter, but not by as much as first imagined. (The numbers will of course vary greatly from household to household. And it'll all change in October.)

[@g2024_]

I pickup my model Y on Monday. 😍 See you in the afternoon, as I’m booked in at your place for new dash & swivel mount

[@maxflight777]

Richard. You are very talented at presenting! Your summary of the Tesla was well-judged. I don’t want to adjust the regen ! I love it in “strong” ! I don’t think I ever use the brakes on my MY. Tesla are still three or four years ahead of competitors for efficiency and journey planning. Ps we don’t want the (ugly ) apple-car-play on our Teslas !

[@davincisghost9228]

Thanks man, the vid and the comments were gold...now to watch some more...

[@Bikingforbreakfast]

Another great video Richard would it be possible to show a MYLR with the performance upgrade 30 - 70 speed against the standard MYLR

[@RSEV]

Here’s our video on that kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJSxfmBvYtp7h68 Plus also see the carwow video we did with them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn63ao1_rduVnbM

[@Bikingforbreakfast]

Perfect thanks want to see if it’s worth the upgrade

[@AlainFattal]

Hi from Canada: I have a Fremont March 2020 M3 SR+ with ~30,000 km. It has the single performance rear motor. 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2s! So quick, very difficult to avoid getting speeding tickets. I love this car. It is the most energy efficient model Tesla ever made. I like to think I drive for free, because electricity is so cheap here in Canada: 0.06 CAD/kwh at home. Full charge 0 to 100% costs 3.50 CAD for 356 km range, i.e. 0.01 CAD/km. Seriously, who can do better than that?

[@RSEV]

Wow. Why is electricity so cheap in Canada? I just did a conversion. We pay 0.45 CAD/kWh on the current home rates for most people… Compared to your 0.06 🤦‍♂️

[@AlainFattal]

@@RSEV because there are many lakes and rivers, we have lots of hydroelectric dams running eternally for free. And, listen to this: tap water is free too, so we can wash our Teslas as much as we want. We are spoiled!

[@davincisghost9228]

@@AlainFattal Not so much spoiled as sensible Canada. But then just how do you get "free tap water" do you not pay rates?

[@robertarmstrong3478]

Have a slightly older Fremont Model 3, almost 2 years old. My long term average is 257 w/mile. Had one side camera fail early on. Don't remember that it actually caused any issue apart from the repeated error message. Fix by Tesla Service at home took about 15 minutes to replace the camera and about 100 miles of recalibration. Also no rattles or other issues. Biggest niggle was the change to the UI from V10 to V11. Currently have a Model Y on order as I found the boot opening too restrictive for my hobbies. Not a fan of black cars myself after sweltering in one years ago on holiday in France, though they do look cool. Prefer the red.

[@colinnich]

Snap, I have a Sept '20 LR and also had to have the left side repeater camera replaced - warranty invoice made it sound like it was a known issue with the wing not being sealed properly. Other than that, no issues at all. My long term average is a lot higher than yours, but the novelty of planting my right foot still hasn't worn off after 24K miles.

[@graemebridges]

Great review Richard! I have a Dec 21 LR and still love driving it with its quirks and niggles!! Instant torque is amazing!! Thanks for all your videos!! Keep up the great work with your EV business!!

[@sgrb11]

It's worth including a cost example with an EV tariff, as many of us have. When charging at home (which is the vast majority of the time) I only ever charge during those hours, which currently costs me 5p/kWh. Increasing to 7.5p/kWh when renewal comes around.

[@gannetripple]

But how much extra do you pay for all your other electricity? Have to take that into account when calculating the cost of electricity for your car.

[@sgrb11]

@@gannetripple Not sure how that's relevant? Either way, my peak rate is currently 15.5p/kWh

[@gannetripple]

@@sgrb11 With all the EV tariffs I've looked at, there's a low overnight off-peak period but all your other electricity costs more than it would on a standard tariff. E,g, Octopus Go in SE England: 7.5p night, 35.66p day. Standard tariff 29.48p all day/night. Whether 'Go' is worth it depends on your balance of car vs domestic consumption. The higher your mileage, the more worthwhile it will be. Obviously it helps if you can run high-consumption appliance such as dryers in the off-peak period.

[@MegaBre]

I also have one of those M3 made in china cars delivered in dec.2022. After I read about all the problems people have with other Tesla models I tought that I was just lucky with one perfect exempel. But now I see that's not so uncommon. I drove mine for 65000 km without any problem what so ever.

[@nigelmcguckian7047]

I’ve had my M3LR for a year in Australia and agree with everything.

[@PedalPowerPanther]

I’m just going into my 2nd week of ownership. A ‘71 long range in silver. It’s my 3rd ev, and I still own a Leaf, but traded in my Mini 😞. Looking forward to many much longer trips now I have the Tesla. Just waiting for V5 so I can register it with Tesla and I’m so looking forward to being able to use the Tesla supercharger network and set up my phone as my key.

[@emanuelmoren]

Great review, I really don't understand people who are buying ICE's cars or even other equally priced EV's because of all the issues they all will receive with price drops, issues to charge, shorter range, well basically all the pros of a Tesla, really does make me more and more surprised when compared to everything else out there.

[@UnseenSpirit]

Well some people like cars because of how they look. Some trust certain brands. How they feel etc... Or everyone would have got the best mpg car in the past. A Mercedes feels good. Touching around it feels luxurious and looks like it inside (e class upwards). I have a hybrid because I drive 78 miles a day to work. I get 600 miles a tank in summer and 550 in winter. Real world mpg is 58 to 60 mpg and that's with speeds that may or may not be up to 90 mph... I fill up at 100 miles because I don't like just having enough fuel for 1 day. If I had to buy a different car, it would be 2nd hand. A new tesla model 3 costs £50k or so. 2nd hand they are still 40k. Even with saving quite a bit of money compared to fuel, it would take me 20+ years to make the money back when I calculated the differences. Range for me also matters. I don't want to charge a battery everyday or often on my air bnb journeys. Model y would suit me due to the hatchback but that's quite expensive also. I have found it being so handy over the years from gardening, plants, trees to IKEA cupboards etc...

[@ptodd1306]

Ordered my Model 3 on the day orders opened (1st May 2019) delivery 8th August 2019. Now it’s done 70k miles. Model = Performance minus (ie with 18 inch wheels and without the performance pack) overall has been an amazing car. Super fast and fun to drive. Very happy customer.

[@RSEV]

Don’t see many P- 👌 I collected my first Model 3 in June 2019, the first handover day in UK. Ordered it years before! 😂

[@JohnLovesSpain]

Great informative video as usual, thank you. I really enjoy your content. I drive an old high mileage french car and to be honest it's been reliable but when I change it I will go for a Model 3 next year or maybe 2024. I will be driving from the Midlands to the Yorkshire Dales in August and for the trip I have hired (Turo) na M3 on Turo for four days. I cannot wait and I'm convinced it will be a fantastic car.

[@robchambers7206]

Another great film. I have model 3 LR on order. No delivery date yet but can’t wait

[@vp7350]

Well, when I got my Model 3 as new… -I have to replace two headlights because after a good rain pour the water gets into the headlights and fogs and damages it. (First week of ownership) -I have to replace the hydraulics latch in the back trunk - I have to fix the alignment -brought it in for ‘vehicle will shut down’ will not disappear after restart fyi ,model 3 2021 made in US

[@positivelycharged1296]

Best car I have ever owned

[@matthewmallett4718]

Headlights is something that Tesla do not take seriously and it shows in the way the system is set up. Yes the lights are led and bright but when the beam pattern is out of alignment it is really poor and isn't something Tesla appear to check when sending out the vehicles either new or used. My latest Model Y beam pattern was so far out and low that it could barely be seen in front of the car. I took it to a local MOT garage and had them adjusted for free but the system is compounded by the fact that there is no option to set up a save default beam height setting. In other words, and I have heard about this on a number of occasions, the headlights on some cars will go out of alignment after software updates. If there was a default saved setting even if they did go out of alignment you could get them back to where they should be. The auto calibration setting in my experience on them does not do what it should do and in any event Tesla dont recommend it being used. If you think your Tesla lights are poor get them checked. Once aligned they are effective.

[@claudiooliveira3353]

Hi Richard I love your content some day I wanna buy the Model S 85 ou p85d 2015. Well done job.

[@darlingms]

I’ve got an early 2021 M3LR picked up Dec 2020 - my 2 disappointments are poor paint quality with paint peeling off sills and leading edge of NS rear door as it sticks out slightly. Also interior build quality as it buzzes, ticks and creaks depending on outside temp and road surface. Otherwise a brilliant car which I’m very happy to own

[@Paradox2Profit]

Brilliant video, one of the best charging cost and efficiency explanation. Can't wait for my MY to be delivered sometime August/September I hope Thank you

[@paulfirth7722]

Hi, I’ve been a subscriber for a while and I’m a Brit who lives in the Netherlands. Last week I was able to visit my parents since covid times and took my Tesla on a road trip back to the uk.. my parents live in Lyndhurst which is very close to your base of operations in Poole. Your channel helped me make my choice to take a Tesla model 3 lr which was delivered to me in march. I love the car and here are my gripes… the headlights.. totally agree.. it’s so silly that Tesla don’t just adjust the lights automatically based on the gps location. I was using the enhanced autopilot on the roads within the forest as I don’t like to speed.. the downside was that I had a few phantom breaking points.. the cameras are cool but, I am starting to realise that the height of the trucks causes the car to draw them incorrectly and then they wobble on screen and the car reacts.. apart from those minor gripes the car is brilliant..

[@RSEV]

Cool! Lyndhurst is very close. We are not as far as Poole. We are in New Milton, right on the boundaries of the New Forest! Next time feel free to drop in if you have time.

[@paulfirth7722]

@@RSEV absolutely, I would have loved to have visited last week, but I ran out of time.. thank you and the team for making fantastic content..

[@EP-mc5hx]

i have a late 2020 Sr+ (pre-heat pump, but usb-c and wireless pad, free premium connectivity on mine also ) 32000km, lovely car, yes i agree with everything you said, i can have a little bit of water in the lower boot in winter, but nearly 2 years now, brakes perfect, my black paint is ok (ish , a few stone chips under the drivers door on the sill, which i have touched up) only thing i have changed is tires .i have ordered a new one , and the dates have just moved forward to aug/oct 22 ! , so will need to sell mine or trade-in a little quicker than planned (im in ireland BTW)

[@anthonydyer3939]

I’d say the most annoying thing about the M3 is the need to dig out your phone and dive into the app every time you want to unplug and drive off. Yes, the Tesla chargers have a button on the plug, but I’ve got a Zappi charger. A simple button on the car, next to the socket that you press to unplug would be such much more ergonomically efficient. If there was a retrofit rfid button that could be stuck onto any plug, that would solve the problem.

[@RSEV]

I usually open the door and release from the screen when it’s a non-Tesla plug, but yeah I’m with you on that one. A button next to the port would work nicely.

[@ftangftang3702]

For the roof, have you thought about adding some solar reflective film to reduce the heat? It’s readily available for conservatories and works well there, so it should be good for cars too. Might make a nice product line for you :)

[@matthewrichardson795]

Have the very same car Aug 21 in grey and same wheels. Leasing mine and not had a pick of bother. Love it. Only worry is in 2 years I’m not sure I’ll be able to afford another 🙄

[@anstroth]

Such an informative and pleasant presentation. Always love your videos and relaxed and friendly manner. I’ve not got a model lll but have the model Y (3 months in) and the cost points you referred to with the model lll was very interesting although not strictly comparable to the Y it gives me confidence that I made the right choice with a Tesla. I don’t do a vast number of miles so I’ve just stuck with home charging on my standard OctopusEnergy tariff as although they do the EV variations tariffs it just isn’t worth the savings due to the increased daytime and standing charge costs. For me that’s the biggest issue about owning an EV. Tyres,washer fluid, cleaning products and must have accessories also have to be factored in😊. It’s a pity you don’t have a business up near Chester as I would probably be a regular customer 🙂. Thanks again and keep up with the great videos👍

[@davidcousins8407]

The navigation has it's issues. Every roundabout is announced as "take the first exit" even when the display says something different. Plus it'll take you down some strange routes. Apple music would be a nice to have too, not fussed about carplay. But overall they're great cars.

[@ozboz1995]

Great video! Weird question (from your recent collection video).. what car shampoo / soap do you use?

[@RSEV]

I don’t know myself but if you email my colleague [e-mail] (head of prep) he can advise 👍

[@andyjardine1520]

Great summary Richard. I have a 2021 LR also and was wondering what number plate holder you have on your car? It looks neater than the standard plate holder, without going down the route of stick on plates.

[@ianthomas8743]

My 2 year model 3 had a water leak in the boot and 1 rear lamp changed due to water Had a service by Cleevley EV pollen filters were bad have random alarm going off when opening door and a few rattles by the B Piller And dash aera

[@grahamralston5662]

My wife put the deposit down yesterday for a Model 3. White, with white interior, and the nice silver wheels. I think she just specked the single rear drive motor, and the standard battery. She is very excited, and we have been advised to expect it in the first 3 months of 2023. Should she have specked the bigger battery? She drives 45 miles a day, for a 4 day week, we can charge at home in the garage. Additional £10,000 for the long range, is it worth it ?

[@RSEV]

Standard is brilliant, that’s all you need 👌 Well done 👏🏼

[@bobf711]

I also bought a M3LR in June last year but have only done a little over 5,000 miles. Love the car and really pleased I went with the red colour/19" inch wheel combination. Only minor problem was a failed parking sensor which Tesla replaced without fuss. You mentioned some cars historically had fogging in the tail lights, I'm assuming your's doesn't? Mine does fog up a little on one side in cold damp weather but generally clears in a couple of days. I've not reported it yet but may do if it gets worse before the 4 years is up. Thanks for all the vids - always something new to learn.

[@whistleworm]

Good balanced review Richard and agree with what you say after 12 months and 15,000 miles with our M3 LR. I considered having the car protected with PPF but was put off when I realised that insurance companies consider it a ‘modification’ and either won’t insure the car or bump up the premium. So I had a ceramic coating instead. I expect a lot of people with PPF never inform their insurance company but might this lead to problems in the future?

[@ellis777777]

the regeneration is so good that after driven over 10000km, the brake discs still have not fully bedded in. wish it can be turned off to speed up the brake bedding. fully bedded brake performs better on this 1800kg car

[@dang3254]

Hi Richard, another great Video. I took delivery of a 71 model 3 long range in December 21. Multi coat red with white interior. Fantastic car, just coming up to 9000 miles and no problems what so ever. The main issue is absolutely the stone chips front and side seals as you described Is it too late to apply PPF do you think? Great to know with ridicules might not have lost much. Maybe time for a Y order!! Dan

[@KC-kx5uz]

Why can't they have adaptive cup holders like pretty much every other car out there?

[@ianjames3078]

It’s not the heat that would worry me but the UVA/UVB. Does the glass roof prevent that getting through?

[@davidfletchfletcher]

How are you keeping your alloys clear? I have not kerbed my M3LR once and yet every alloy is edged multiple times! I'm on the Hankooks, but seems bad roads and potholes still do their thing. I even had to replace a tyre with a damaged sidewall.

[@gannetripple]

Love my 3LR on 18" but agree that the ride is dreadfully poor for a £50K+ car. The i4 beats it, hands-down. And, yes, a 'phone on charger' reminder would be great, as would intelligent matrix headlights and CarPlay. Don't agree that it's quiet and refined, though, except on perfect road surfaces. The i4 wins on that score too. But the 3 wins in just about all other respects!

[@jadamsnz]

I'd like to preface the following comments by saying overall I very much love having my M3 SR+, the way it drives, its performance and its efficiency, which I have put 7000ish kms on. I agree with Richard about the glass roof. In fact where I live it's considerably worse. Not only does it get excessively hot in the head area when driving, whenever I park it outside in summer it switches on overheating protection mode. Cracking the windows makes minimal difference. Combine this with the seating material and I end up with a soaking wet back any time I drive any distance in the summer. I have bought aftermarket sunshades which have helped a bit but I am seriously considering having a wrap done over the glass roof. If Tesla made a non glass roof version I would take that in a shot. Speaking of glass, the rear visibility is not good with the rear parcel shelf restricting the bottom part of the view. I have raised my seat as much as practical but with no great improvement in view but an increased opportunity to smack my head on the door surround which curves excessively down from the roof. I have had to relearn entering and exiting the car which I now have to do by angling my body excessively. It's worse than with my Boxster with it's top up. Compared to a conventional car I really miss having instrumentation directly in front of me. A quick glance down with my eyes is much better than having to turn my head and glance down to read the centre screen. I'm considering an aftermarket screen in front of the driver to supplement the main screen. I also miss physical buttons for some controls although voice control mitigates this somewhat.

[@grahambrown42]

Does FSD add to the used car car value? I have this model March 2020 in white/white, 7k miles. Still loving mine. Again no issues whatsoever, just top up the washer fluid! How about a replacement cabin filter.

[@RSEV]

Not by as much as it costs…

[@bossman4401]

My only complaint about the model 3 is Ride comfort. It’s great on a smooth road but the worse car I have driven when the roads have a few bumps, even the Nissan Leaf put it to shame fir ride comfort. Bit everything else apart from HUD is great.

[@dannyip2549]

Hi, just collect my model y today. It comes with parcel shelf.

[@davincisghost9228]

But no puppy?

[@DaviDeXtA]

Another great video! I recently sat in a M3 for the first time, I’m 6’3” and found the seating position a bit too high. Was I doing something wrong?

[@ptodd1306]

Did you adjust/ reduce the seat height to the lowest height?

[@mchammer1982]

28p per kw at home? Wow. Do u not get a night rate. Here in Ireland I have a 2am to 5am rate of 5.5cent per kw so get 21kw nightly for about a quid! And have solar pw during the day to trickle another 10kw for free

[@teslavish]

How’s your battery degradation after those miles Richard?

[@andrewwebster6025]

I always thought I might be able to buy a Tesla one day but I feel I’m fight a losing battle with the price rises and might have to give up on electric altogether

[@Minimux69]

you will be doing this full-time soon :)😀

[@leslieadams5507]

What about Finance/ Leasing cost and insurance.

[@MrGMawson2438]

It's still a great ev

[@samwise8735]

I love my Model 3 but the niggles are: Autopilot - I feel like I'm living in a different universe to everyone else. I find Autopilot, while quite clever, is pretty useless and rather like switching from driving the car myself to supervising a learner driver i.e I'm on edge all the time waiting for it to make a mistake. Having to tug the wheel just enough to let it know you're still there but not quite enough to disengage it is also stupid. Indicators - Hate them, they don't auto-cancel when completing a turn, then stay on until you either signal in the same direction to cancel it, or signal twice in the opposite direction. Lack of floor mats - just penny pinching.

[@samwise8735]

1 more - this might be a bit unfair as it was a bonus software update and not an intentional feature, but the sentry mode camera quality is terrible. If someone scratches your car when you're away, you'd better hope it was a nice sunny day and they were standing close and still.

[@matthewrichardson795]

Agree with the auto pilot. Sometime wish I could have standard cruise without radar as often on edge for phantom braking. Indicators I fine fine tbh.

[@dangr3957]

@@matthewrichardson795 Maybe I’m wrong but I think if you turn of Autopilot in the settings than you have standard cruise control. My 2016 facelift MS has only that because it was an optional extra and the previous owner did not purchase the speed awareness cc(AP1).

[@dangr3957]

@@samwise8735 I recommend to use dashcams such ás BlackVue 2ch 750 LTE on the front and back and perhaps Garmin Minis on the sides paired with the BlackVue’s hotspot. The night vision is amazing on the BlackVue.👍

[@matthewrichardson795]

@@dangr3957 will try that.

[@briankavanagh7191]

Rich, is the driver (door) leg seat bolster still as firm as when you bought it, I ask because every car I have driven after a while goes soft?

[@RSEV]

Hi, yes it seems to be. I certainly can’t feel any difference. Not yet at least

[@frecklesx20]

Have you had phantom braking problems with your Model 3s?

[@Chris-mh3vf]

I have done 40000 miles in just under 18 months in a Fremont M3 LR i am on my 3rd set of tyres, only maint boot lid wiring loom replaced as unable to open boot. Things i like: performance, easy to drive on motorways, charging infastructure ( soon to be ruined ) size inside i have had a farmouse kitchen table and 4 farmhouse chairs plus luggage for two people for a week in mine. Saw a Tesla technician whilst charging and he had to have a look as he didnt believe me when i told him. Things i dont like : lights are dim witted and slow, wipers are dim witted and slow, i had a 2009 mercedes and both lights and wipers on auto were better in that car. Ride is poor and although the ride is hard the handling is also not good enough for the performance. I dont like the upgraded interface things hidden behind too may menus.. oh and because the tryes have no kerbing strips i have kerbed every wheel, as have almost every model 3 i see. Its still the best car i have had in a long while. I would have a model y for its hatch even if it is fugly, but i cant afford it. Better keep this one then oh and the TESLA numberplate holders are the ugliest i have seen for a long while. Love the content

[@RSEV]

What often reassures is that when drive something else, and then go back to the Tesla, it’s just so good in many ways. It sort of makes the niggles worse because it’s close to perfect and the suspension could be tweaked to be a bit better would be awesome. Just remove your number plate surrounds. The plates can screw to just the backing panel and look neater

[@rtfazeberdee3519]

Does it really have double glazed windows with argon gas in the gap and not the 2 pane laminate acoustic glass?

[@ANRZtravels]

Great channel

[@peterwilliamson1825]

I have a Dec 21 LR and my usable battery capacity (mathematically) seems to be 70kWh, not 75kWh. IE, I charged to 100%, did a long drive and arrived at my destination at 20% and I'd used 56kWh. 56 is 80% of 70 Is that correct?

[@RSEV]

Yes it’s about 75kwh gross and from new probably c. 70 useable. Ours now seems to have 69 useable when we ran it 100%-0% but it was still going