Official Tesla Model 3 thread

[lpickup]

It sounds like you either have information related to out of warranty maintenance & repair costs of Model 3, or you are making the assumption that Model S costs will translate to Model 3. I'm not saying that is or isn't the case, but just wondering how sure we are that Model 3 maintenance costs will match Model S.

It seems to me that the Model S (and X) rightly would have high repair costs due to their being significantly aluminum bodies, and being relatively low volume when it comes to things like replacement parts, etc.

Is the same true for Model 3? Intuition would seem otherwise, but wondering if you have specific information.

[Valdemar]

With the Model 3 selling so well, any guesses what will become of them all when the warranty expires?

They will become a liability.

[Oils4AsphaultOnly]

With the Model 3 selling so well, any guesses what will become of them all when the warranty expires?

Asking because I looked at a very nice 2013 S 85 130k miles, $28k. Lots of fun to drive, excellent condition. But most of my "Tesla-enabled friends" said "run away!" (actually they all said "buy new!"). It sounds like most Tesla owners are planning to sell before the warranty expires. It also sounds like the value of a Tesla crashes when you can't get a warranty, and we're already seeing that with 6-year-old cars.

To maximize the warranty period, a new Model 3 owner could opt for the 8-year extended warranty; then sell back to Tesla before 100k miles. Tesla can resell as CPO with 2-year warranty, so the car should still have decent value. But two years and 25k miles later, the car doesn't even qualify for the 3rd-party "X-care" warranty. It sounds like those 10+ year/125k+ mile Model 3s will only be purchased by drievers who can self-insure.

So long as Tesla remains a luxury brand, then it's completely OK for the car to be expensive to maintain outside of warranty (I can get a Certified 2016 Mercedes C300 for $21k... but I wouldn't want to pay to maintain it). But Tesla is talking about making "million mile batteries," which would be pointless if nobody wants to own the car after 10 years.

My brother was considering a used model S, and I advised him to buy a new model 3 instead. It has nothing to do with warranty, and everything to do with value of price paid. A 5-yo model S has significantly less tech than a new model 3 SR+ for almost the same price. The warranty on the model S power train is better, but cost to repair is significantly higher for a model S versus a model 3 - due to Aluminium versus steel and number of motorized parts.

Also, the NHTSA stats show the model 3 as being safer than a model S. Energy costs for the model 3 is lower as well. So there's no reason to buy used, when new has so much more value.

[specialgreen]

It seems to me that the Model S (and X) rightly would have high repair costs due to their being significantly aluminum bodies, and being relatively low volume when it comes to things like replacement parts, etc.

Agree on M3 being higher volume, having fewer parts (moving or otherwise) and less wiring. When I read about common out-of-warranty repairs for S, I mostly see things which will happen to any EV (tires, suspension, 12v) but also MCU, water intrusion, headliner replacement, seat bucket. Model 3 has has had issues with water filling the trunk lid, but I hope that Tesla has turned the corner on most of its early quality issues.

[tvo7]

Hello,
I have a 1st generation Leaf and I got the charger that EVGo gave me in the garage. I want to switch to a Model 3 and I am debating between just using the adapter that comes with the Tesla or pay electrician to switch out the charger. Any opinions on what most people do.

[lpickup]

Just use the adapter. No need to to pay $500 for a wall charger that will allow you to charge in 70 minutes rather than 80.

There are only two drawbacks I can think of. First, you need to remember to take the adapter with you on trips. I bought a second one for $70 so I could keep one in the car.

Second I can't just press a button on the connector to open the charge port. I need to hit the button on the screen (or use the app)

[jlv]

I'd say it depends the amps of the EVGO EVSE. If it is 30A or 32A, just use it with the J1772 adapter. If it is only 16A, then you might consider replacing it.

[Randy]

Hello,
I have a 1st generation Leaf and I got the charger that EVGo gave me in the garage. I want to switch to a Model 3 and I am debating between just using the adapter that comes with the Tesla or pay electrician to switch out the charger. Any opinions on what most people do.

fyi, since you're talking about perhaps getting a Model 3. Even though the non-Tesla charger doesn't have the pushbutton to open the charge port, all you have to do outside the car to open the port is touch it and give a little push and it will open up. You don't need to do it from the internal screen or app.

[EVDRIVER]

Hello,
I have a 1st generation Leaf and I got the charger that EVGo gave me in the garage. I want to switch to a Model 3 and I am debating between just using the adapter that comes with the Tesla or pay electrician to switch out the charger. Any opinions on what most people do.

A model 3 come with a 240V EVSE, buy the adapter that fits your outlet, using the adapter is a hassle for several reasons and you should keep it in the car. Adapters are about $25 from Tesla. You have an easy fix, worst case an outlet swap.

[tvo7]

Hello,
I have a 1st generation Leaf and I got the charger that EVGo gave me in the garage. I want to switch to a Model 3 and I am debating between just using the adapter that comes with the Tesla or pay electrician to switch out the charger. Any opinions on what most people do.

A model 3 come with a 240V EVSE, buy the adapter that fits your outlet, using the adapter is a hassle for several reasons and you should keep it in the car. Adapters are about $25 from Tesla. You have an easy fix, worst case an outlet swap.

Do you mean a model 3 comes with a 240v wall charger? Another issue is I currently have my connector hooked up to wall charger. I go home, unhook connector from wall, and hook to the Leaf to charge. If I just buy an adapter, leave it attached to the connector, will it still fit into the wall charger. Or do I have to take off adapter off every time to be able to hook the connector to wall charger?