Exploring Six Years of Tesla Ownership: Insights and Experiences
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Chapter 1: My Tesla Journey Begins
Reflecting on my experience with a Tesla over the past six years has been an enlightening journey. I recently took my 2018 Model 3 to Costco for a tire change and noticed I had driven 41,121 miles. This moment struck me as a significant milestone, as this vehicle has accompanied me throughout my Ph.D. studies. While many reviews focus on short-term experiences with the newer Model 3, my long-term insights offer valuable perspectives.
The Contrast Between Long-Term and Short-Term Ownership
When I purchased my Model 3, it primarily served as my transportation for school and errands. Some might question my decision, wondering why I didn’t opt for a gasoline vehicle, given the popularity of brands like Toyota and Honda, known for their reliability and low maintenance costs—especially among international students.
However, my choice to go electric was influenced by several factors:
Driving Experience and Maintenance Simplicity
I had minimal experience with gasoline cars, mainly limited to rentals. This lack of familiarity meant I didn’t have any pre-existing habits that could complicate transitioning to an electric vehicle (EV). Additionally, my ignorance of gasoline car maintenance left me wary of the potential pitfalls of purchasing used vehicles, often fraught with hidden repair needs.
In contrast to gasoline cars, which require complex maintenance, electric vehicles have proven to be much easier to maintain. In my first two years, I performed only a wheel alignment—mostly unnecessary unless steering issues arise. My current maintenance routine consists of tire rotations, adding windshield washer fluid, and replacing air conditioning filters, all of which are straightforward tasks that I can manage myself.
Purchasing tires from Costco has also been a smart choice due to their road hazard insurance, which covers damages before 45,000 miles. Given the unpredictable road conditions on the East Coast, having this coverage has been invaluable.
Charging Accessibility
In the early days, my school provided free charging stations, significantly reducing my fuel expenses. Back then, EVs were fewer on campus, so finding an available charger was easy. However, as electric vehicles gained popularity, securing a charging spot became more challenging. Now, I often find myself checking for openings, sometimes even using my car's cameras to monitor nearby stations.
Despite the shift from free charging, electric costs remain more than three times cheaper per mile compared to gasoline.
Chapter 2: The Buying Experience
Purchasing a traditional vehicle can be a complex ordeal with varied prices across dealerships and numerous financing options. My experience at a Lexus dealership highlighted this complexity, where the sales rep focused on financing options rather than facilitating a straightforward test drive.
In contrast, my visit to a Tesla store was refreshingly simple. I was able to test drive immediately, and the pricing was transparent. Although I bought my Model 3 at a peak price, I later realized that early purchases come with the benefit of immediate ownership, while later buyers enjoy discounts.
Minimalist Design and User Experience
The dashboard design of many gasoline cars often feels cluttered and complicated, whereas the Model 3’s interface is intuitive, akin to using an iPad. This simplicity allows for ongoing improvements through software updates, enhancing the user experience over time without the need for physical buttons.
Assessing Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capabilities
With the upgrade to Hardware 3, I’ve found that FSD operates effectively, although I still hesitate to use it regularly. The initial purchase of FSD was based on the promise of future advancements, but the service has yet to fully meet expectations. Nonetheless, the improvements have been noticeable, particularly in detecting pedestrians and traffic signals.
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Overcoming Range Anxiety
Initially, I experienced range anxiety, frequently checking my battery level and charging up to 90%. However, after six years of driving, I have never run out of charge, and my anxiety has significantly diminished. Tesla's battery range estimations have proven reliable, and with newer models providing even greater ranges, concerns about battery depletion have lessened.
Insurance Premiums: A Rising Trend
It’s surprising to see that insurance premiums for Teslas continue to rise despite depreciation. High repair costs and the intricacies of adapting to Tesla's regenerative braking system contribute to this upward trend. New drivers often face premiums as high as $300 monthly, making it difficult to balance these costs with fuel savings.
In recent years, Tesla has begun offering its own insurance, which may initially appear lower due to the detailed data they possess on driving behavior. However, I find this option restrictive and am not considering it at this time.
Looking to the Future
As for my next vehicle, I am inclined to stay with Tesla. The brand's robust charging network and seamless integration of personalized settings make it challenging to contemplate switching to another electric vehicle or gasoline option. With the powertrain and battery system under warranty for eight years, I may consider a new vehicle after this period ends, at which point I hope to share my experience regarding repairs and maintenance.
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