The Tesla
Model 3 electric vehicle
(EV) might be the best-selling electric vehicle of all time, but it’s not without its flaws. For all of the glowing reviews and satisfied customers out there, every car comes with certain quirks or imperfections that potential buyers want to know about before they commit. In a road test from Consumers Reports
(CR), the product review website noted four potential issues with the Tesla Model 3. Read on with the car ownership experts at Jerry to learn what they are, and whether or not these should be a dealbreaker for potential buyers. The Model 3 suffers from a stiff ride and uncomfortable seating
For all of its grace and futuristic styling, the Model 3 is lacking in an area where many sports cars struggle. While the steering is precise and the handling is steady, the taut suspension can make the ride feel a little too stiff.
The Model 3 won’t lean while taking corners or struggle through tight turns, but it absorbs bumps poorly. At highway speeds, the Model 3 also struggles to quiet wind noise. By comparison, the more upscale Model S
is noticeably better. If there are any bumps on your route, you better hope you called shotgun. According to CR, another con of the Model 3 is the rear seating. While the front seats are perfectly positioned for comfort and visibility, the rear seat is very low to the floor, which makes it uncomfortable and unsupportive.
Be prepared for distracting controls
While Tesla’s tech-forward design is often the highlight of driving one of these EVs, the brand missed the mark on the Model 3. The large center touch screen acts as the driver’s access point to all information and controls.
This style of touchscreen-only infotainment center isn’t just limited to Tesla cars, but it is a design feature that is receiving increasing scorn from drivers. While the sleek, minimalist look might be appealing from a visual perspective, it’s a much different situation when drivers are forced to take their eyes off the road in order to perform simple tasks once controlled by more intuitive analog controls.
Long range means long charging times
Part of the appeal of the Model 3 is its superior driving range, but high-range cars will take longer to reach a full charge.
In the CR road test, the Model 3 takes seven hours to charge on a 40-amp connector and 12 hours on the more common 32-amp 240-Volt connector. Tesla drivers will also have access to public DC fast charging on Tesla’s SuperCharger network, but Tesla no longer offers free charging to new drivers.
Is the Tesla Model 3 worth it?
At a starting price of $48,440, a new Tesla Model 3 is still the most affordable model in Tesla’s lineup and does have a lot to offer. The cheapest standard model is the Rear Wheel Drive trim, which offers 272 miles of driving range. The Long Distance model comes with a larger battery pack that offers a 358-mile range and isn’t much more expensive at $50,640.
In spite of its few flaws, the Tesla Model 3 is still a great buy, and an excellent option if you’re thinking of switching to an EV. An electric car can mean huge savings when it comes to fuel, but keep in mind that car insurance premiums tend to be higher than a gas-powered car. Thankfully, you can save money on your Tesla Model 3 car insurance
by using the Jerry app. With Jerry
, finding the right coverage at an affordable price takes less than a minute. All you need to do is answer a few questions, and Jerry will compile a comprehensive list of the best coverage options across providers. To ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price.
MORE: Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ Feature Will Now Cost Drivers an Extra $15,000. Is It Even Worth It?
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