What they AREN'T telling you about 2025 Tesla Model 3 | Review & Build Quality

[@evhelphub]

More Tesla Content: evhelphub.com Thanks for watching! :)

[@dennesey]

Nice, tight pacing. Comprehensive interior and exterior review. Can't ask for much more than that! Appreciate the time invested . Well done.

[@evhelphub]

Thanks for the feedback and for watching!

[@w140chris]

Traded my 23 RWD for a 25 RWD. can’t believe how much better it is in virtually every way.. range, interior, build quality, performance, equipment, style, etc. all significantly improved

[@evhelphub]

Congrats on the new car!

[@gsogymrat]

I have a 23 RWD but with depreciation upgrading seems expensive. It is tempting, though.

[@w140chris]

@@gsogymrat way I saw it, the 23 will depreciate much faster since it’s before the facelift, wasn’t cheap at all though. With the deals and Tesla stock being at all time high, I sold some stock and paid the difference outright. Around 14k after fees

[@JacksonWalter735]

@@w140chrisnice. I was waiting for the 2024 refreshed Model 3 but someone hit my car back in July 2023. Insurance deemed it as a total lost. I still needed a car to get to school and work though and didn’t know when the refreshed Model 3 was going to come out in 2024. With that being the case I ended up going with a 2023 Model 3 RWD and it has been solid for me. I still wished someone never hit me though because I would much rather get the newer Model 3 and the $7500 point of sale tax credit. I checked out how much I would get if I traded in my 23 Model 3 with 6,000 miles on it and it was nowhere near close enough to pay off my car loan and then take on a new car loan (even with the 0% financing Tesla was running last year). The lowest offer I got was $22k as a trade in at Tesla and the highest offer was Carvana at $25,390.

[@meatheadtank]

Good to know Thank you Hertz for buying a bunch of that bullshit version.

[@LeedsRider]

I've owned by 2024 Model 3 RWD for the last three months. I have absolutely no regrets with my choice - great fun to drive and plenty of power. Nice and quiet in town and not too loud on the highway either. The ambient lighting is good and I haven't been too bothered with the slight reflection on the windscreen. The indicators are fine - I find them quite convenient.

[@evhelphub]

Glad you've been enjoying it! It's a great car overall for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@EL-sc9wy]

My refresh model 3’s ambient light is not reflecting in my glass

[@mwil82]

Mine either

[@korviewprincess1010]

Not mine either

[@MajorTom546]

Save yourself 12 minutes. Get the new Tesla.

[@vennekolt]

The fsd is amazing. I drive from Sacramento to truckee 3 times a month. And never touch the wheel. I used to have the worst road rage. All gone. I use it 99 percent of the time.

[@evhelphub]

I agree, FSD has come a long with from the last time I tried it a couple of years ago. Glad they got rid of that steering wheel nag. Can definitely see the value on long drives.

[@epcalderhead]

Drove the Highland twice now and was wondering about the light bar reflecting in the windshield. I found the sun had to be shining and hitting in trim is a specific direction to see it reflected in the window. Otherwise it was not visible as a reflection.

[@evhelphub]

It seems to depend on where the sun is. In the morning or evening it's a directional issue, but in the middle of the day I found the reflection to be pretty constant.

[@epcalderhead]

@@evhelphub That's a bummer. For a few months I was hot on upgrading my 2019 Model 3 to transfer FSD. I'm going to hold off for now. In the spring I plan on adding the Highland suspension to my 3. The Highland drive is SO much better on bad roads. Both 3's I tested had issues. First car had a rattle in the back driver side door. That would be an easy fix. The 2nd Highland had a creak/moan on acel/decel or hard turns. Came from the passenger rear. Searches indicated it was a body seam issue. With all the time I took to "fix" my 3 I don't want to go through that again. It's a solid car now.

[@evhelphub]

Yeah, I'd agree with you. Just save your money for the next big upgrade and maybe build quality will continue to improve.

[@Drizzt222]

As somebody who has been through several pairs of glasses I had no issue adjusting to the reflection of that light bar. Drive it enough and I look right past it without even thinking it’s there

[@Time782]

2:38 you can turn off the ambient light during the day or night if you don't like it.

[@evhelphub]

My problem is, I do like ambient light but not on top of the dashboard, which is a pretty unusual place to put it. The worse thing is for me is the reflection of the silver part of the trim that is cast onto the windshield every day. There isn't a whole lot you can do about it except wrap it.

[@kazz1896]

FSD 13.2.2 is incredible! Not sure why you are on the old version!

[@evhelphub]

That's what the vehicle had when I drove it. Don't get me wrong, it was way better than I thought it was going to be, and would certainly buy the monthly FSD option to use on road trips. Thanks for watching!

[@vladbalan3353]

Thank you. Very thorough review.

[@evhelphub]

Thanks for watching!

[@bandicoot2016]

Good review. Thanks.

[@evhelphub]

Thanks for watching!

[@lray5081]

I tested drive the new model 3 myself. The light bar DID NOT reflect into front glass in day time.

[@evhelphub]

It can trick you sometimes but if you live somewhere sunny, from most angles during the summer it reflects a good amount.

[@clarkosaurus]

Can you adjust regen braking strength?

[@colby_minaj5611]

Nope. For whatever reason Tesla has removed that option, along with the creep/roll option.

[@evhelphub]

Not anymore, unfortunately.

[@storresfalcon]

In my November 2024 M3P I do have two modes of regenerative braking, the standard and a softer one that likes a somewhat stronger engine retention. That's the one I use.

[@thomasrichardson8327]

I kind of wished you compared the refresh to the 2024 model 3 (pre refresh). NO ultrasonic sensors, no glossy black panels, no blinding metal refletions ect ect.

[@evhelphub]

I hear you. My goal of the video was to reach out to those who had older cars (4+ years) who are thinking about upgrading or those who are trying to decide between new and used. I have driven a 2023 Model 3 and really the biggest differences are cabin noise (it's still a lot better) and the suspension (also further refined from the last tweak they made). If you have a 2022-2023 Model 3 though, I'd just hold on to it a bit longer and save money on depreciation losses. Hope that helps!

[@jeanenricobabtiste]

It‘s good. I miss V2H, 230v indoor outlet and front camera.

[@uptoolayte1]

Wow I had zero of the build wuality issues. The only issue i have is a squeaky arm rest but that can be easily fixed. I have the performance trim but everything should be the same.

[@evhelphub]

Glad to hear you have no issues!

[@johnshorba]

Did they upgrade the original heat pump? Or is it the same

[@evhelphub]

It's the same with a wrap to reduce noise/vibration AFAIK.

[@vennekolt]

Can’t believe how inexpensive they are. Imagine pay double for the same performance

[@CraigMcDonald1234]

try FSD 13.2.2 and you'll change your mind ..it's almost perfect.

[@evhelphub]

I don't know that I would buy it just given the fact that you can't transfer, but I would get the subscription for my yearly road trips. I'm sure they would be so much better!

[@shdmd2118]

Try v 13.2, about 50 percent improvement

[@evhelphub]

I'll have to give it a go!

[@matthiascevlar987]

Parkhaus erstes Mal mit dem Model 3 Highland. Direkt 24cm rechte Felge beschädigt. Keine Sensoren und Vision Only hat nix angezeigt. Danke😢

[@evhelphub]

Es tut mir leid!

[@William0271]

It's genuinely insane that they still haven't fixed those build quality issues

[@HyperVegitoDBZ]

Depends on the factory tho

[@evhelphub]

Yeah and in most cases it seems like they were avoidable if they had slowed down just a bit.

[@creosl]

I keep my 22 rwd. Nothing of interest in the "upgraded" version.

[@Leowavekid]

Rattles and Squeaks are absolute no no for my ocd mind…. they ll drive me crazy!!!!!!

[@evhelphub]

I hear you on that!

[@becoolmanilaners5256]

We had our RWD MODEL Y 0 interest, not coming back to gas anymore

[@huskypup3489]

No grab handles in the interior. And you won't get anywhere near 300 miles on the highway at 80 MPH. Who wants to drive 70 MPH on the highway?

[@tonyn3227]

.looks much better than older version, but in my opinion isn't worth trading in and loosing the money from previous versio.

[@tonymcflattie2450]

No stalks, no problem? Wrong, massive problem

[@evhelphub]

I never said it wasn't a problem, but you do get used to it eventually.

[@uptoolayte1]

Took me one day to get used to.

[@chriso5842]

Tesla is moving towards autonomy. Hence, manual controls are disappearing. The signal buttons tripped me up sometimes, but I don't miss the gear selector stalk. It correctly guesses my intention most of the time and a screen swipe is pretty easy too. The just updated it so it goes into drive after reverse if you press the brake and turn the wheel in the opposite direction.

[@evhelphub]

Yeah, there were a few times that it didn't correctly read my input (or I failed to put enough pressure on the screen) and almost backed up into someone. I understand the forward thinking of FSD coming up, but I don't agree with the current cost-cutting decision to remove the drive stalk for the time being.

[@stephenfalls973]

Tesla is doing this stuff to save money, not because it does anything for automation. They're okay with a worse driving experience to save $100 on the build. Blinkers are already an electronic signal. Activating via stalk vs buttons has no effect on automation. @@chriso5842

[@AaronCrawford]

The frunk is easy to open and close. Seriously

[@evhelphub]

I disagree. Having to open the door, go to the menu and push a button on the screen or pull out your phone, wait for the app to load and push the button seems like more steps than needed. Why not just add a power option with an external button like the rear cargo? Supposedly that's what Rivian is doing with the R2, curious if they find higher usage stats.

[@AaronCrawford]

@ adds weight and cost

[@shdmd2118]

FSD would be what enables you to stay independent when you are 80. Because I expect government to take keys away from elderly and texting teens in Future

[@evhelphub]

I hope by the time I am 80 all transportation is self-driving, extremely safe and reliable. Not just for the elderly, but for everyone to help reduce deaths via traffic accidents.

[@wontsteal]

Buying an older model 3 will leave you stranded on a worse version of FSD at some point. Elon is saying that they may be able to upgrade the computer hardware in these cars but I wouldn't hold my breath. If you don't care about FSD then go ahead. But I'm guessing once people try FSD they'll want it and they won't want to be stuck with an older version of it. I had a loaner right after I got my 2024 model 3 performance. The loaner must have been a couple years old and wow the difference was crazy. I would not have even given this car a second look had it been the older version. The interior was a lot worse than the new version. Tons of scratched up piano black plastic. The new one is just so much better. That's my two cents Good luck

[@WesEqualsBliss]

I had the same experience. I just purchased the 2024 Model 3 Performance and had the service center address a couple easy fix issues after I took delivery, (ambient light bar angle between door and dash, some clear coat blemishes, etc...) and they gave me a loner 2019 Model 3 for the day. I tried FSD on it and was blown away by how much smoother my 2024 operates in comparison. Anyway, hope you're enjoying your new car because mine has been a blast. I'm getting mine covered in PPF next week because I think I'll stick with this model for the next 10 years knowing myself. ^_^

[@evhelphub]

The new car is certainly better is most ways, but some may prefer having stalks, for example, and based on depreciation trends, you might be able to get into a 1-2 year old Model 3 for $15 - $20k less which might be the best option for price sensitive shoppers.

[@wontsteal]

@evhelphub true but you can also get stalks on the highland...after market but there are multiple versions to choose from.

[@FijiBlueM00gie]

Why would you buy an old model and and see someone else drive a new model for the next 5-6 years 😂😂

[@planttheseed2129]

Can we shut off the light bar? I find it so distracting.

[@evhelphub]

Luckily, you can. It also dims but I find that having it on as well is pretty distracting just based on the placement they chose.

[@BillBadMule123]

Yes I would expect more quality from a car at that price range 🤑

[@evhelphub]

It's definitely a fun car to drive and has some great tech, but it could use a more durable vinyl.

[@rosebuddesign635]

It's a better looking car for sure but these gaps and misalignment issues are giving me so much anxiety! 😂 In all seriousness I really don't get how you can still have these problems after so many years of experience. Personnaly the ambient light problem you point out is a big no for me. This thing is going to drive me mad. But thank you for the video! 👍

[@evhelphub]

Thanks for watching! The build quality issues seem to be a combo of cost cutting choices and trying to get them out the door as quickly as possible. I hope it gets better.

[@Nardo_stpierre]

I didn’t ask

[@snowrocket]

Stupid, stupid, stupid to remove the stalks from the steering column. They should have left them and made the wiper control more intuitive.

[@taramcbride2315]

I prefer no stalks

[@evhelphub]

I am in the middle. Don't miss the BMW-style turn signal stalks that were a pain to operate, but would have liked to keep the drive stalk. I understand what they're ostensibly going for with FSD, but I believe it's a few years too early for that.

[@kimim2702]

Agree 100 percent.

[@MKA_NET]

Stalks are much better.

[@kulviks]

seems like giving Tesla another 10 years to improve their car manufacturing and assembling before buying would be the right choice, probably skipping the Model 3 when I'm looking for a new EV this year, and trying again when its time to buy a new one in about 10 years :)

[@evhelphub]

Hopefully it takes less than 10 years!

[@kulviks]

@@evhelphub hopefully yes :D i really do like their design and performance, I just don't feel very happy paying that kind of money and then have to fear just how much time I have to spend looking for potential errors and having them fix them :)

[@tyrem]

Some people call this a luxury car... Insane.

[@abbcc555]

only the price is

[@jeremyventurino9481]

It's fast, safe, quiet, has an amazing sound system... No, really, AMAZING even compared to MB, Audi, BMW etc. it's quieter than the MB EQS. So it's really quiet. It's feature set and capabilities put it in a premium category, even if the US build quality doesn't reach the same bar as the engineering.

[@tyrem]

​@@jeremyventurino9481 Ugh... nah... I would not call it safe. It has terrible statistics and nothing about the inside and outside is premium. Or would you call Ikea premium, too?

[@abbcc555]

@@jeremyventurino9481 It's an expensive plastic bucket where cost cutting has been taken way too far. There's so many issues with it and yet the team spends their time designing some idiotic light shows etc.

[@jeremyventurino9481]

@@abbcc555 agree to disagree. IMHO they're putting the money in all the right places.

[@dynodyno6970]

As much as I love the technology, the build quality is what keeps me from buying a tesla. If I was rich, I would in a heart beat. But if I am looking for one daily driver, I want something I spend that much money on to be pretty much perfect.

[@NaterFernat]

Tesla OS 😂😂😂

[@mattesrocket]

German title, English talking? 👎

[@evhelphub]

German title? KZbin muss einen Fehler gemacht haben. Ich habe den Titel auf Englisch geschrieben.

[@Danielp164]

It's not a bug, it's a feature. KZbin translated the title into German for me, too. You can also switch to automatic AI voice overs in German and several other languages. These are far from perfect, but can still be helpful, if you don't get everything in English.

[@mattesrocket]

@@evhelphub maybe you have klicked somewhere in youtube settings that the title will be translated automatically? I don't know if something like this exists but I guess, as more and more American videos with German titles show up here in the German KZbin, what annoyes me, because like this I can't identify weather the content is in English or German.

[@Bnslamb]

@@mattesrocket I'm in Norway. The title is in English here.

[@Bnslamb]

@@mattesrocket You can find more about it if you seach this, "Why are some KZbin video titles translated?".

[@abbcc555]

Build quality is still bad. Idiotic choices like removing essential controls and then adding that horrific and very tacky looking light strip makes zero sense. FSD is still a gimmick which only works in sunny California days. I'm glad that people have finally started to realize that the novelty of all this minimalism is really not a good thing. These are just expensive plastic buckets which depreciate so much that you'd have to be an absolute idiot to buy one.

[@rgorai1029]

Lmao. You sound like an ignorant old boomer 😂 people like you aren't open minded enough to actually consider all of the benefits that teslas offer. Yes the build quality is still a little hit or miss, but the new highland is a new car. I've driven the old one and o get the tesla hate. The new one is a night an day difference. And don't even get me started on the tesla tech - makes life sooo much easier. Never going back to gas cars, and possibly not even non-teslas. The minimal interior is miles better than the bloated, standard interior on normal cars. I got in an i4 and it just felt tacky. I dont love elon, but he knows what's up with moving towards a better future

[@WesEqualsBliss]

To each their own I suppose. I just purchased my Model 3 Performance a few weeks back and it's been a great daily driver so far. When I took delivery there were only a couple issues with the paint and I wanted the light bar angle adjusted at one spot, which were all corrected easily last week. All of my friends love the ambient light bar, myself included, and it can be turned off if it's not appealing to you. As far as FSD goes, the latest updates have been great. I live in Texas and the car has driven me to several locations using both city streets and highway with little to no input (I pay very close attention in case I need to take over). Is it perfect, no, but It's definitely not a gimmick in my opinion. I do think it should be like $4000 at the most right now, but it's getting to the point where I can see this legitimately making travel safer for more people in the future and helping those with disabilities in particular regain some independence. I also own a 2007 Scion TC (my go-kart ^_^) and a Toyota Corolla. Only mentioning to say that long distance travel is still something I would prefer an ICE vehicle or hybrid for, but I would pick my new Model 3 for daily commute for sure.

[@HyperVegitoDBZ]

It is bad because I dont like it mentality.😂

[@evhelphub]

All EVs are incredibly smooth cars, even the Bolts and Leafs of the World. The Model 3, if you are good with driving a smaller car/don't have a large family, has to be one of the most fun to drive vehicles you can buy at any price. That includes the handling, instant acceleration, tech, and now suspension/cabin noise. Despite some drawbacks of cost-cutting and manufacturing issues (most of which they can correct post-delivery usually), this would certainly be one of the first vehicles I would mention to a friend/family member looking to get into an electric car.

[@abbcc555]

@@evhelphub Toys for rich people.