7 Things to Think About Before Buying the Tesla Model 3

A Tesla Model 3 can be a fantastic vehicle for prospective EV owners. It’s affordable, sleek, and modern, for one. It can also cover a lot of ground before its next recharge.

Of course, it also comes with all the other perks of being an electric vehicle. It offers smooth and silent driving due to the lack of a combustible engine and sound-deadening materials in the interior. Its cabin is also snug and comfortable for both drivers and passengers. 

A comprehensive dashboard system also comes with the car, which provides a slew of quality-of-life changes for the vehicle owner. Model 3 variants also improve upon their predecessors in various ways, such as better adaptive suspensions and improved aerodynamics.

That said, if you’re still weighing your options for a four-wheeled vehicle, you may wonder whether a Tesla Model 3 is worth it in today’s competitive electric vehicle market. If you’re in that dilemma, we’ll try to clear the air for you—once and for all.

Here are some things to consider before purchasing a Tesla Model 3 vehicle.

Tesla Model 3 Improvements

If you’re upgrading from the previous 2017 or 2020 models, Tesla’s latest electric car model has undergone a fair amount of refurbishing and restyling in both its hardware and software offerings.

One of these improvements is its increased aerodynamic features. This Tesla model has a more aerodynamic nose due to its more pronounced downward angle. It also has a higher quality rear diffuser as well as aerodynamic and protruding tyres, increasing its efficiency and reducing its drag.

While this increase in aerodynamics may make it seem that this latest model comes with a faster maximum speed, this is quite the opposite. The maximum speed of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 clocks in at about 139 miles per hour, which is slower than the maximum speed of the 2020 Tesla Model 3 variant by over 5 miles per hour.

The reason for this speed reduction is because of the utilisation of new car parts, particularly a battery that’s more weather-resistant and heavier tyres. These added features maximise driving efficiency and car durability, which is a much better trade-off for most Tesla buyers. The car also retains its iconic lack of front grilles, making it look minimalistic and modern.

Furthermore, the newest variant also comes with an improved range capacity of about 10% more than the previous variant. The advertised amount that this latest model can run on a single charge is 423 miles, whereas its predecessor only had about 375 miles of juice on it on a full charge.

As for the interior, there are many upgrades the latest model has going for it as well. There’s ventilation on the back side of the car seat, allowing you to remain cool while driving for increased comfort. There’s also ambient lighting to illuminate your car’s interior, as well as wireless charging for smartphones.

The upgrades that have come with the latest Tesla 3 Model have mass-appealing features. There may be slight improvements in the performance, but if you’re coming from a vehicle that’s old or gas-powered, then you can be assured that the latest Tesla model has all the perks that make it a solid purchase. 

Tesla Model 3 Types

Tesla Model 3 cars are known for their relatively affordable price point, and the latest version remains cost-effective for most individuals seeking an electric vehicle, starting at just AUD 54,900.

That said, different model types exist. Naturally, more feature-rich options also come at a higher price.

The most affordable, brand-new Tesla Model 3 is the standard, rear-wheel drive that features 0–60 mph acceleration in 6.1 seconds. It comes with a 57 kW battery pack. This vehicle fits five passengers and has a maximum range of about 513 kilometres.

If you want an EV with more range, opt for the Long Range AWD. This car has a range of 629 kilometres thanks to its 70 kW battery pack, allowing drivers to go out on a full day of driving with some battery juice to spare. Its acceleration is also something to boast about, reaching 0 to 100 mph in 4.4 seconds.

This version starts at $64,900 AUD, but this can change per month depending on economic conditions.

Besides the model, this car type also comes in a few colourways, with Stealth Grey and Ultra Red being the main ones. However, this car also comes in Solid Black, Pearl White Multi-Coat and Deep Blue Metallic finishes.

The best Tesla model type for you is ultimately up to your preference. If you intend to use your car primarily for commuting to work in the city, then a rear-wheel drive will be more than sufficient. However, if you have the funds and intend to go farther distances every now and then, the long-range AWD is also a stellar option.

EV Battery Network

As you likely already know, electric vehicles are fueled by a battery cell instead of a gas engine. This battery is fueled by electricity from a dedicated EV charging station. These cars need to be fully charged to reach their maximum range potential.

If you’re making a transition from a gas car, it’s important to get a good idea of your local area’s EV charging points and see if there’s enough infrastructure around to suit your needs. 

You can use apps like ChargePoint to get a general idea of the number of EV charging stations within your local radius. Besides knowing the location, you can also get details on the type of charging ports they have, whether it’s a slow Level 1 charger or a faster Level 2 or Level 3 charger.

If you see that your city has a shortage of EV charging infrastructure, then it may be best to hold off on any purchases until there are visible plans made to install them around your area.

Besides that, assess whether it’s possible to have a home-based EV charging port in your home as well. Your garage will serve as the place where you’ll do the bulk of your vehicle charging (usually overnight), so be sure to invest in good, quality charging equipment for your needs. A Level 2 charger is usually more than enough.

If it’s difficult to install a charging port in your home, then you may consider finding a portable EV charger instead. You may also consider using an adaptor to circumvent limitations with your current setup.

Insurance Policies

Car insurance is mandatory in all territories in Australia, but the coverage is only limited to personal injuries you’ve made to other people. 

In other words, if you rely solely on this mandatory car insurance (which is called compulsory third-party insurance), then you’ll likely still have to shell out thousands of dollars out of pocket to repair damages made to your and their vehicle.

Furthermore, CTP insurance doesn’t cover damages caused by criminal activities like attempted break-ins or natural events like flooding, hailstorms, and falling objects. It also doesn’t cover injuries to you and your passengers, among other things.

If you want to stay protected from all these cases, then you should consider getting comprehensive insurance for your Tesla Model 3. This type of insurance policy is specifically used to cover this electric vehicle in almost all sorts of bad events, leaving no room for doubt fpr insurers whenever the time comes that you need to file a claim.

Financing Options

If you have the capital to finance a Tesla Model 3 right away, great! Go ahead and enjoy your new car.

However, if you lack immediate access to funds, then you may consider financing options to help you secure the vehicle without dishing out a tonne of funds right away.

These are some financing methods that buyers can consider for their Tesla Model 3:

• Novated lease: A salary package deal with your employer and Tesla to maximise your tax savings. It entails a deduction of your pre-tax and post-tax salary.

• EV grants: You can browse through government-funded programs that can potentially help you set up charging stations for free on your residential property.

• Personal and bank loans: You can also opt to finance yourself using personal and bank loans. Be sure to have a good credit score and the ability to pay back the loan before applying.

Still scratching your head? Tesla has a financing page you can check to learn more about how to access loans for their products.

Availability of Car Parts

Tesla vehicles don’t need as frequent repairs as your typical gas guzzler. This makes it cost less to maintain per year, generally speaking. But it’s not invincible; it can still encounter some issues over time.

It’s in your best interest to prepare for those circumstances. If your local area doesn’t have access to Tesla spare parts (or doesn’t have its own Tesla centre), it may be difficult to secure and install these car parts on your own.

As such, you must find leads on Tesla-specific car part supplies before you purchase one for yourself. This way, you won’t scramble to find Tesla dealers or drive hundreds of miles to a repair specialist to get your car tuned up.

Consider Going for a Test Drive

Before signing any sales agreement contracts, be sure to give the car a whirl beforehand. 

Do you enjoy the feeling of driving the car? Are you starting to get familiar with the intricacies of driving an electric vehicle, specifically the Tesla? Are your main passengers (i.e. family) comfortable and cosy in the passenger’s seats?  Do you envision yourself (and perhaps your children in the future) driving this car around the places you frequent?

If you said yes to all these questions, then you could say that buying a Tesla Model 3 is a no-brainer. While knowing the practicality of owning a product is good, it’s also important to feel comfortable in the car. 

The best way to get a feel for the vehicle you’re about to buy is not solely through research but it’s through feeling it with your senses as well. Good luck buying your EV!