Tesla Model 3 - V3.0

Hey, Q re learning to drive in a Tesla.

I’m in a 2019 M3LR that does most of the family miles but also still running an older/bigger SUV for foreseeable future as great for family+dog trips, lugging stuff around and is just a second car for the times each week when we need to go different directions.

My eldest is eager to start driving as soon as she can next year and is eyeing up the Tesla 😬😬.

Does anyone have experience with their kid learning to drive in M3. Assume it would load my insurance? Any other considerations?

(in due course, a Model Y and say a 2nd hand Zoe/Leaf would probably satisfy my needs but not feasible €€€ wise at this point)

I do not recommend using Tesla for learning to drive, especially if your daughter has never driven anything else previously. The regen brakes confuse people a lot, especially for new drivers.

Examiners aren't too ready for that either. They focus quite a lot on people's brake pedals and handbrakes as well. On top of that, like it or not, there are a lot of questions in both the theory and driving test that will be related to ICE's only.

I wouldn't worry about driving in an automatic car. In most Asian/North American countries you can hardly see any manual cars anyway. I know you still see them in Europe, but as long as you are fine with spending a tiny bit extra money and choosing an automatic rental car when you go on holiday, there's really no point having to learn the clutch for average people.

Get a Model Y, huge booth opening. Jacked up Model 3.

Is there any way to test drive one of these closer to Galway rather than Cork or Dublin?

Would be good to see what all the fuss is about before we hand over the cash for a different car.

Would also be nice to test space getting in and out of car and general comfort.

I'm intrigued.

Thanks - so you think I should book a test drive somewhere else but not select a time? 🤔

Yep, bought it a few weeks ago, still love the kick it gives :)

I get to either the speed limit or next set of red lights really quickly :)

I thought that all SR+'s ordered in 2021 were 'refresh cars' (heat pump, extra wooden panelling, chrome delete etc)? Or do you mean just the extended battery life?

I get you. I thought all Q4 deliveries were getting the larger battery, will be a bit disappointing if we're not!

Cheers, might just give them a shout alright. Would just like to be sure it's definitely on route before getting the charger installed (charger already bought).

Just to confuse things further, the first batch of 'refresh' M3s were from Fremont (USA) with the NCA battery - I got mine Dec 2020 but some were delivered in early 2021.

The NCA version has different WLTP figures, lower weight and a different charge curve in comparison to the LFP battery (Made in China/MIC) version, which I think arrived for deliveries from end of 1st quarter 2021 onward (AFAIK).

Howdy, I'm taking delivery of a Model 3 next month.

You can get your VIN from the source code on the Tesla webpage.

1. https://www.tesla.com/en_ie/teslaaccount
2. Click "manage" on your order
3. Right Click white space to the side of the manage page and select "view page source" (if using chrome)
4. a whole host of code will pop up
5. CTRL+F and search "LRW"
6. This will bring you to your VIN

If you have a VIN this means Tesla have assigned you a car and its currently on a ship on its way to Belgium and then.. onto Ireland. Call Tesla if or when you find a VIN to confirm rough delivery date

Now on the 22 refresh, Tesla model years unofficially run November to November. All Irish deliveries will be the new Rear Wheel Drive Model 3 (formerly SR+). All of these cars come with

1. 491km range (new 60kwh battery)
2. Heated steering wheel as standard
3. Heated rear seats as standard

Acceleration times vary, if you ordered the car before November 2nd you will get the acceleration at which you ordered. 0-100kmh in 5.6seconds, if you ordered after this point you will get 0-100 in 6.1secs.

hope this helps

I’m guessing Tesla will just sell you back that 0.5s acceleration at some later date once they’re happy with the battery performance data.

6.1sec is the same as the new golf gti, at similarish money