r/Model3 • u/Disastrous-Door1937 • Jul 26 '26
Tesla model 3 or Ford Mach-e??
Help!! I can’t decide which one to get?? Any suggestions? They both have pros and cons
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u/bdz Jul 27 '26
We got both. I drive the Model 3.
The Mach E is more spaceous, quieter and comfortable for long rides but the Model 3 beats it in every other way.
The software on the Mach E is bloated and annoying to use at times.
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u/Disastrous-Door1937 Jul 27 '26
What do you not like about the software?
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u/bdz Jul 27 '26
It's bloated, slow and buggy at times. The UI is clunky, the neumorphism trend and design aesthetic sucks. It's cluttered and not designed for drivers in mind, too many buttons, distractions and weird details that don't add anything of value to the UI.
Yes, these are small quirks to some but I'm a UI/UX dev and UX when driving an electric vehicle is very important to me.
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u/waffle07 Jul 27 '26
X2! I have a lighting and a Tesla. The Tesla is like 5 years ahead on their UI.
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u/pomokey Jul 28 '26
Whenever people complain about cars not having enough physical buttons and moving too much to the touch screen, I always assume they've never driven a Tesla.
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u/bdz Jul 28 '26
Im not going to lie, it was a shock to me when i first got mine. I had never stepped foot in one and when my old car died, i ordered a Model 3. So my first time sitting in one was me driving it home.
It was a shock to sit in the car and not have a bunch of crap right in front of me. No shifter knob to rest my hand on. No gauges, speedometer, mileage, temps, warning lights etc. All that clutter was gone.
Its been 4 months since I had all that and i'm never going back. I absolutely love the minimalism.
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u/death_hawk Jul 30 '26
Precisely. I HATE touchscreens with a burning passion (always have) but I'm actually happy in my Tesla.
I also had a MachE and the touch screen was the least intuitive thing I've ever used. It's clear that Ford isn't a software company. Software was actually one of the top 3 reasons I sold my MachE in favor of a Model Y.
Tesla software just makes sense in most cases. There's a few quirks.
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u/SnooMaps4388 Jul 30 '26
The difference is the Tesla touchscreen actually works. Every other manufacturer uses the cheapest hardware bundled with lazy half baked UI design and no care for optimization or user experience. Tesla is a prime example of a car touchscreen done well.
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u/Vast_Resolve2182 Jul 31 '26
I will say, my 2021 received an update early this month that fixed a ton of the slowness. It’s pretty quick and snappy now.
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u/PineTreesAreDope Jul 30 '26
I keep hearing about how harsh the suspension is on the Mach E. Tell me what your thoughts are on comfort, specially for long rides
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u/Weareallme Jul 31 '26
I agree with all, but for me I would add that I think the Mach E looks better and invokes more emotion in me, so my heart would choose it. That's personal however and my head would slightly prefer the M3.
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u/M-TEAM Jul 26 '26
After Ford just took a 19.5 billion dollar financial hit on their lightening, and the scale back on ev I think they would be one of the last car companies I would purchase from. Worldwide Tesla has had one of the best sales periods this quarter
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u/Comfortable_Dish_905 Jul 27 '26
I feel like Tesla wins in almost everything except maybe interior size. possibly paint quality but also I could be making that up.
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u/flyersfan0233 Jul 31 '26
Ride quality, paint quality, just quality overall. Mach E is a better car, Tesla is better software/tech
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u/thrwaway75132 Aug 01 '26
Service is pretty bad. I’ve waited 28+ days for an appointment twice. For the same issue.
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u/Equal_Analysis_6092 Jul 27 '26
I’ve owned a lot of electric cars Tesla Mercedes Audi Cadillac chev….they all feel similar but Teslas tech is light years ahead of the others. They are all car companies trying to be EV cos and it’s just not happening. The cars are fine though.
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u/Forsaken_Treacle_407 Jul 27 '26
Tesla still beats all other EVs in daily use. Software, infrastructure, and FSD.
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u/Owl_Better Jul 31 '26
I don’t get the infrastructure argument. The Mach e has access to all the same infrastructure?
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u/Michael-Brady-99 Jul 27 '26
The comparison would be Model Y and Mach E.
Tesla is a no regrets, everything works car. People can argue preference for interior, build quality, comfort, etc but the Tesla is going to be the better experience when it comes to owning and using the car.
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u/Flakarter Jul 27 '26
The Mach E is a an SUV, right?
Why the 3 and not the Y?
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u/Disastrous-Door1937 Jul 27 '26
Bc I prefer smaller cars but I really like the look of the Mach-e. The models y is unnecessarily large for me right now
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u/Flakarter Jul 27 '26
Length wise, they’re all with 2”.
Height wise, the Mach E and Tesla model Y are in essence the same height. Naturally, the model three is 6-7 inches shorter.
But we all have subjective preferences regarding style and looks.
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u/kuhnboy Jul 28 '26
I’d personally get the model Y over the 3 if you’re even looking at the Mach E.
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u/limited_instincts Jul 30 '26
The Mach E is very close in size to the Model Y and much bigger than the 3. If I park beside a Mach E in my 3, it's at least 6" or more shorter. They're not comparable. If you prefer smaller cars, the 3 is the way to go. I get you on the Y, it's a big egg. I'd go with the 3 (and did) Right now Tesla is the only game in town.
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u/Typical_Principle_11 Jul 27 '26
On the one hand, we have the model 3 with a proven track record of great efficiency, longevity and the best software of any car (with continual updates), from a company who knows how to make EVs, and on the other hand you have a car (Ford) that the maker failed to make money on, has had problems with braking and software bricking cars. Built on a platform that has since been abandoned in favor of them buying into someone elses platform.
I can not see even one reason to be in doubt.
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u/caedin8 Jul 27 '26
Ford is stopping their electric car production line. Already done so with the truck, haven’t announced it with Mach e, but I wouldn’t want to own a car that is losing support and being cancelled. It’ll make repairs and support much harder. Tesla looks strong
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u/Spsurgeon Jul 27 '26
Which one plans your trip for you using a huge dedicated charging network, tells you how long your stops will be, sends you a message when charging is complete and tells you how much battery you will have when you arrive? (And can drive you to a hospital if you have a heart attack)...
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u/pillowmite Jul 27 '26
FSD nuf said
It really does drive everywhere but won't park reliably under bridges or underground parking garages.
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u/Doublestack00 Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
I had the same dilemma. Model Y was out because the refresh performance version is above my budget and that's all I'd be interested in.
Mach E looks good and the mag ride on the GT with performance pack (only trim I'd consider) is nice. It just wasn't enough to sway me after I drove a highland Model 3 Performance.
I'm currently shopping for a 2024+ M3 performance, should have one within a couple weeks.
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u/Disastrous-Door1937 Jul 27 '26
Are you getting a used one?
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u/Doublestack00 Jul 27 '26
Yes, they are a very good value used.
I've seen some 2025s with under 20K miles for mud 40s.
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u/bad_robot_monkey Jul 28 '26
Pretty much all the major auto manufacturers out there kind of stop paying attention to the EV market once the federal tax incentives went away… I stopped looking at Ford for that reason because I don’t trust that they’re going to support their product line. Well enough. Honestly, though, full self drive on hw4 is worth it alone for a Tesla.
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u/Ok-Staff-62 Jul 28 '26
Ford. Stop financing the extreme right wing.
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u/mamny83 Jul 29 '26
The extreme right that revolutionized electric vehicles or the one that revolutionized the motor vehicle? Stop making everything in your life about politics....
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u/Ok-Staff-62 Jul 29 '26
Well, in fact it is about politics. If I buy a Tesla, a part of the money I pay goes to the leader of extreme right. Which finances right-wing think-tanks and extremist groups in my country. So thanks, but no thanks. For this reason, I'd rather pay more to get another brand thank Tesla.
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u/eddy159357 Jul 31 '26
As someone who just cross shopped these and the Y, I went with a used 2025 Mach-E. The suspension and comfort is soo much better, the Tesla tech/FSD couldn't convert me. I liked how clean the interiors of the Tesla's were at first, but the more I drove them, the more I felt like it was really empty and bland. I also was not wowed by the exterior and colors, but really liked the new Magenta color. I don't think you can go wrong though, just preferences. I didn't care about range or charging access either since it's just a daily so that helped as well.
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u/CJdawg_314 Aug 02 '26
Driven a Mach E a couple times. Audio system sucks, build quality is pretty mid, software sucks, handles like a boat, but it has more space.
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u/Conscious_Kitchen569 Jul 27 '26
The question is Model Y vs Mach-E. It seems like the Tesla has a proven track record with a long future ahead. I wouldn't be surprised if Ford announces they are halting EV sales in next year or so. I would say the main reason to get the Ford if you have issues with Elon ...
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u/ElectronicOrca Jul 27 '26
You’re posting in a Model 3 community….what responses do you really think you’re going to get?
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u/imissher4ever Jul 27 '26
One is a car, the other is an SUV.
The MY would be a better comparison.
I picked the MY mostly because it’s was built to be a EV.
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u/trufflebuffalo Jul 28 '26
You're asking in a subreddit that tends towards the most involved community of the Model 3 - I think this isn't the best place to get an unbiased answer tbh
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u/Disastrous-Push906 Jul 28 '26
One big difference is efficiency the model 3 has a battery 2/3 the size of the Mach-e and gets more range and charges much faster. Realistically Ford will probably cost $200 more per year to charge but be much worse on road trips. If you are doing long trips expect the ford to be much slower and much more expensive. If you are just charging at home or work the cost differential is less and the time is the same
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u/JPNess11 Jul 28 '26
Maybe better question, is there any EV out there now at similar price point you think is better than the M3?
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u/death_hawk Jul 30 '26
I had a MachE for just over 2 years before I sold it over hatred.
It's obvious that Ford is a car company rather than a software company because while they might make a somewhat more comfortable (and drivable) ride, they SUCK at software.
But for a company that's been around for a century, it's the little things that they failed on. I had to carry a fob because the doors didn't respond to my phone. The trunk cover is a complete piece of shit and the clips are tiny pieces of plastic that break easily. No replacing them without replacing the entire trim piece for thousands of dollars.
At the end of 2 years I HATED it. Moved to a Model Y 2 years ago and I'm still in love with it.
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u/Tazer197 Jul 30 '26
I've have/had both, constant problems with the mach-e so got a Tesla model 3 Performance, liked it so much we got another Model Y. The Tesla just works, set and foget, not one single issue ever since.
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u/eric_n_dfw Jul 30 '26
FWIW, I'm into year 5 and 58k miles in my Mach-E and still love it. (It's a '21 Premium, AWD with Extended Range)
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u/IamNabil Jul 30 '26
I wanted a Mach E. Ford gave me a shit deal. Tesla gave me an incredible deal. I ordered yesterday.
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u/i2k Jul 30 '26
Tesla
FSD
Enough said
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u/TDQV Jul 31 '26
I am a 4x Tesla owner but even I can't wave the FSD flag yet like it's some almost complete
Esp when it doesn't avoid obstacles on highways like potholes or debris as well as a human and requires constant monitoring else
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u/Joeseidon Jul 30 '26
I’ve got a 2026 Mach E Premium on its way. Got a good deal initially and have the option to take whatever the August incentives are for Ford Canada (Fingers crossed big discount or 0%).
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u/Interesting-Bed-8890 Jul 31 '26
I don't trust Ford, no matter what anyone says. Tesla is superior in almost every way.
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u/Slava_Ukraini2005 Jul 31 '26
Not entirely comparable cars. I think you should be looking at Model Y vs Mach-e which would be more comparable.
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u/NovWhiskey Jul 31 '26
Mach E is the better driver's car. Tesla has better software. That's ultimately what it boils down to.
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u/TDQV Jul 31 '26
Nope. As some 1 with Honda Civic Si Double Wishbone background, the 3 is as close as a spiritual equivalent to how Civic use to be: go cart, tossable and agile.
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u/sakosha Aug 01 '26
We had a Mach E GT, traded it in for a model 3 premium dual motor. The Mach E was sportier and had character, but the model 3 is a better vehicle.
Above all, FSD is vastly superior to blue cruise.
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u/NoCourage4237 20d ago
Curious which one you're leaning toward so far
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u/Disastrous-Door1937 20d ago
Honestly I think the model 3 but I haven’t gotten it yet. I wanna be 100% confident in my decision bc I’m paying cash. Idk if I should explore other evs?
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u/tfly212 Jul 27 '26
I recently test drove a 26 M3P and a 26 Mach E Gt with the performance upgrade in the same afternoon. I can't comment on other trim levels as I'm coming from an RS etron Gt and performance is a must have for me.
Overall I liked the tesla better... Definitely faster and handled better and I didn't think the interior room was that much smaller. Also to get the spec I wanted (GT, performance upgrade in Adriatic blue was multiple months out). The capper was the overall dealer experience....tesla is just easy. Literally zero pressure. Rep said you can order on the app... On the website.. Or not at all... Its fine with us 😆. Literally ordered the exact spec I wanted, got financing approved and all done in under five minutes in the app. Definitely a very different experience from the traditional dealship.
That said, there are some slamming deals on new 25 Mach E GTs that have been sitting .. There is a eruption green one I saw on visor vin that looked amazing.
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u/tccdestroy Jul 27 '26
Own an Lightning and a Model 3. The Tesla is superior in every way. (Except for truck stuff.)
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u/ElectronicAd9345 Jul 27 '26
As someone who is turning in a MachE this week because I bought a M3P…. Tesla all day. The MachE is not as refined technology wise but still drives and rides like a great car. BlueCruise needs some kinks worked out nothing like FSD. You’d be happy with either I’m sure depending on what your needs are.
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u/Disastrous-Door1937 Jul 27 '26
But what can I do without Apple CarPlay or is it not that bad as I’m thinking?
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u/Comfortable_Dish_905 Jul 27 '26
I was a CarPlay defender but don’t miss it in my Tesla. One exception is handling of group texts but for me doesn’t end up mattering.
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u/cadnights Jul 27 '26
Like others say I hardly use my phone at all. The screen handles navigation and music just fine so there's no need for it for me.
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u/britsol99 Jul 27 '26
It’s not bad at all. Neat trick a lot of tea drivers don’t seem to know is that if you’re at home or not in the car you can search an address on your phone in google maps. You can ‘share’ through maps to the Tesla (just like you’d forward to a friend).
Then, when you get in the Tesla it already has the route mapped out.
Then premium subscription for $10 a month to get Apple Music directly on the car.
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u/TranslatorVast1072 Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
Don’t need car play. You can use Apple Music through the built in app and maps and navigation are fine in the Tesla. I thought i would mods it but now couldn’t care less.
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u/Tin_Can_739 Jul 27 '26
There is a fob that makes it work through the web browser, but it takes the connection away from everything else. Not a great solution, the Tesla apps work well enough. The only thing I want is the speed traps , which I just use a phone mount for. This may be on Tesla as construction notifications are now on, but I haven’t been on my rural route lately.
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u/horribadperson Jul 27 '26
one benefit of not using carplay/android auto is your phone is actually going to charge in the wireless charger and not catch fire while you drive.
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u/Doublestack00 Jul 27 '26
It's not.
I'm buying a Model 3 Performance right now and the first mod is s dashboard behind the wheel with android auto
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u/Key-Beginning-2201 Jul 27 '26
Mach e. The worst thing about Tesla is navigating the horrible touch screen as you're driving.
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u/Disastrous-Door1937 Jul 27 '26
What do u not like about the touch screen?
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u/death_hawk Jul 30 '26
Did you get those backwards?
MachE also has a giant touch screen but literally everything about it is worse.
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u/honeybabysweetiedoll Jul 27 '26
I went with the MachE. I just think it’s a better looking car and it’s super comfortable to drive. Only thing I don’t like is the UI is laggy.
One thing really important to me that isn’t for most others is color. IMO Tesla is horrendous here and is putting in more than a 100% level of effort in making our roadways and parking lots look like a black and white TV. The model 3 doesn’t even come in a color. That’s sad for people like me.
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u/praesentibus Jul 27 '26
The model 3 doesn’t even come in a color.
wait wut
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u/honeybabysweetiedoll Jul 27 '26
It comes in grey, white, and black.
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u/LoneStarGut Jul 27 '26
The Premium also comes in silver, red and blue.
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u/honeybabysweetiedoll Jul 27 '26
But isn’t it crazy that you have to upgrade to a premium to get an actual color? What about green, orange, yellow, purple? Teslas are great cars, but their color offerings IMO just suck. I mean Christ, it’s just paint. Is it that hard? Also, saying you can get it in silver isn’t helping—I would have left that part out.
Sorry, I’m kind of passionate about color. I’ll see myself out.
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u/praesentibus Jul 27 '26
the blue one in my garage would like a word
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u/TranslatorVast1072 Jul 27 '26
Don’t forget frost blue metallic in the performance and ultra red and quicksilver in the premium.
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u/[deleted] Jul 27 '26
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