Ok I'm going through a late midlife chrisis and fell like treating myself and my wife to a new Tesla model 3 or a VW ID3 GTX
Any recommendations please? I've driven both.
I'm a VW fan but like the tech on Tesla.
Any particular reason you've narrowed it down to those two? And is that the base M3?
Yes base M3 as it's same price the VW GTX. I always like the quality of VW and for Tesla I like their innovation and the way they have a network of superchargers all over Europe
The model 3 wins hands down in nearly every category. It's biggest drawback is when it comes to you moving on to the next car. You will likely have to sell it privately and that's not something a lot of people want to do.
Where did you get to drive the id3 gtx, waiting on one for January.
To throw a 3rd option in there, you could get a Cupra born e boost for about 6000 under budget, not quite an ID3 GTX but very well thought of and sportier alternative to the standard ID3
Does the Tesla you looked at have indicator stalks? Or are the ones without even launched yet? Tesla a very good car once you're ok with the love it or hate it minimalist interior
Tesla I drove had the button indicators and that was one thing I disliked.
Have actually driven the GTX just the regular ID3 but have been studying reviews on YouTube today and are very positive :)
I usually keep a car for a very long time as it then works out value for money..
One thing to bear in mind is VW aren't great on warranty. No option to extend after the initial 3 year expires. Obviously the battery warranty is for 8yr/160k but the lack of an extended warranty is annoying. I believe it is available in the UK.
Having driven an id3 1st for the last 4 years I have had no issues, love the car and can't wait for my GTX to arrive.
You'd really want to be ok with button indicators if you're planning on keeping car a long time. Silliest innovation I have seen, even worse that digital cameras for wing mirrors. 2 things I don't want to see mainstream.
I've driven mainly VW group EVs as we have lots of them in work, cupra born, etrons, ID4s and id5s about to add an Enyaq after Xmas and we have 1 Tesla model Y, the Tesla is my least favourite I think it looks terrible but I do think the 3 looks pretty decent. But those indicators and the actual steering wheel mean I'd never buy one. Plus forget about trading anything in for it, I don't know what it will be like in whatever number of years time you try to trade out of it
You'd really want to be ok with button indicators if you're planning on keeping car a long time. Silliest innovation I have seen
I'd say less innovation and more penny pinching. Crazy and likely to have people not use them at all.
Where is there a brand new Born e-Boost for 6K less than a Tesla M3 (37k)?
I figured I'd probably get used the button indicators but they are dreadful. Reminds me of driving in Chicago in the early 90s and nobdy used indicators.
I was surprised how quickly I got used to using button indicators on my test drive. They didn’t cause any issues for me but can see why some folks would hate them.
I was really intrigued by the ID3 GTX and especially the pricing in Ireland is quite competitive. It will come with the sports seats which I found OK but not great and seem to occupy more space. Big battery, heavy car and lots of power, would need a test drive
Re: Indicator stalks on the Tesla: sometimes I think the designers didn't think about round-abouts as there are not used in the US and thought a button would suffice
And the limitation of the 3 years VW warranty too. The 3rd year is limited to 90k km.
Is the Cupra Born eBoost not €35k plus?
When I was on roundabouts the steering wheel is moving and your watching the road for your exit and traffic and then to exit your looking at the steering trying hard to find it as it's moving
Tough choice.
Model 3 is technically a better car. ID3 looks better.
Model 3 will have more space inside and more space in the boot, lower boot and frunk. Model 3 has a better warranty. Model 3 has better reliability in my experience.
VW has the dealer network that people are accustomed to. Tesla Ranger will come to you to fix any issues or service requirements.
Check out insurance on either to see if there’s any difference.
Service requirements on the Tesla is not mandatory. Obviously you should be checking items such as brakes, suspension etc
VW require yearly service for warranty.
The model 3 wins hands down in nearly every category.
Not sure there. The M3 is slower and less range. The VW driver aids (auto lights, wipers, travel assist) are much better than Tesla.
The Tesla has the supercharging network which is a significant selling point if its on any of your regular routes or you plan to go international…. if its mainly "around town" you will be, its a moot point.
Not much in it overall, but its hard to say the M3 wins hands down in nearly every category with that.
One thing Tesla does win hands down is their infotainment software. Some people will care about that, some wont.
I think its really down to subjective personal opinion on things like looks, seat comfort, dealer network, infotainment etc etc.
OP, which one gave you a bigger smile on your face leaving the showroom…. go with your gut. One isnt really better than the other…. the ID3's are very good cars as are the M3's.
I’m a former ID.3 Tour owner that would have similar tech to gtx. Have model y now.
The Tesla is more efficient, software updates are seamless. Supercharging excellent as well. Turning circle is desperate. Memory seats are brilliant.
The driver assist systems are far better on vw. I also liked the matrix headlights better. Heads up display is excellent.
If I had both cars outside to choose from daily I’d go for vw 9 times out of 10. I just preferred it to drive. Changed because we needed more space for growing boys.
33k over on the born forum. Is a model 3 only 37k? I thought I saw starting prices 40k on Tesla.ie
Yes after the grant it is
I also plan to eventually retire to Spain and the M3 is only €26k new over there and it's becoming popular in Spain because it's priced so good.
Ah that's what threw me so.
They also put in a discount type figure for estimated fuel savings too which confuses issues.
You can get an after market indicator stalk if you can’t get used to the buttons
The evolution of Tesla right there. The cars get cheaper and the after-market market gets bigger. 🤣
Like the aftermarket or subscription for heated seats with BMW or Skodas “Safety Pack” which included side airbags! All laughable 😂
Don’t quote me on this as their ads are always very light. But they advertise with a scrappage allowance of 3-5k as part of the headline price.
If it is €33k then it adds a bit of fuel to the fire towards the Born.
https://www.donedeal.ie/view/38049301
Interesting, I have a 21 year old VW golf in PWO I wonder would it qualify? It's our back up car
It most certainly will. But ring them first. There is the 3500 top up offer from Cupra at the moment running until 30th December so that may be the reason why it’s €33k too.
Ring around a few dealers and see who’s doing the best offer in the colour you like as there is a list of these cars in stock in Cupra Ireland that the dealers have access to.
