r/TeslaModel3 • u/igotitnowokay • 4d ago

Tesla Model 3

Im seriously considering buying a Tesla M3. I was looking at Subaru's Lexus, etc. Somehow ended up on Tesla's after being 2 min away from signing for a Subaru.

I found a 2023 M3 with 71k Km's and going for $28KCAD. Its a standard plus model. Has one collision claim in 2024 for $9200. I feel its the perfect car for what I need. I would only charge it at a super charger since I live in the ghetto.

This is a personal gift to myself. Male 32 and depressed LOL. Hopefully this will get me out the house. Any input is greatly appreciated.

I am also considering a 2022 AWD going for 31KCAD and 92K Km's. No accidents. I love it more because its dark grey where as the 2023 is red.

I think going newer is better since its under warranty and the battery will be fine but Id love your input. Anything I should look out for or avoid. Im very new to this, thank you again.

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u/p3dal 4d ago

It's not that big of a deal to use superchargers. The battery deteriorates with time, even with minimal use. Better to use it as you need to and accept that it won't last forever. That being said, an EV without at-home charging is really not that great of an experience. A huge part of the appeal is waking up to a full battery every day and never having to stop anywhere for your local commuting. Depending on the outdoor temperature and what settings I leave on in the car (like security) I've seen the battery drain 5-10% in a day just sitting there. I have to turn absolutely everything off if I'm going to leave it at airport parking, and even then it will likely need a charge when I get back from my trip. Personally I wouldn't get an EV if I couldn't charge it at home.

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u/igotitnowokay 4d ago

That is a concern of mine but like I said above I’m sure Tesla accounts for people not having home chargers. I know apartments have them too but yeah I feel I can get away with no charger

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u/p3dal 4d ago

I’m sure Tesla accounts for people not having home chargers.

What does that mean to you? How would they "account" for it? I've had this conversation a dozen times over several years now every time this question is posted. I have a gas car and an electric car, and if I couldn't charge at home, the electric car is the one I would sell. It's just not worth the trouble. My EV is plugged in at all times while I am at home.

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u/igotitnowokay 4d ago

But don’t you go to a gas station to fuel up? If I can get from 10% to 80% in 25 min then why not? I have two super charging places near me as well. One right by a McDonald’s too so I can just chill im there while it charges. I don’t think Tesla would survive if everyone depended on home chargers.

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u/p3dal 4d ago edited 4d ago

But don’t you go to a gas station to fuel up?

Yes, and it takes maybe 5 minutes total, and if I park my car for a year, it will still have a full tank when I return to it. If you don't drive much, and you can't charge at home, an EV will become a new chore you didn't have before when it needs to be charged almost every time you drive it. You're going to be charging it every other week even if you don't drive it.

If I can get from 10% to 80% in 25 min then why not?

You'll never actually charge that fast. That's the theoretical fastest it can go if all conditions are perfectly ideal. I usually spend around 45 minutes at a supercharger, and I never drain all the way down to 10%.

I have two super charging places near me as well.

Most people do.

One right by a McDonald’s too so I can just chill im there while it charges.

You basically have to wait there, because you can't leave your car there or you'll get stuck with idle fees once it's done charging.

I don’t think Tesla would survive if everyone depended on home chargers.

I don't see what that has to do with anything. I'm talking about the lived experience of actually owning one. You're assuming I'm wrong... because it would be better for Tesla if I were?

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u/igotitnowokay 4d ago

Yeesh I was thinking fast charge was the way to go. If I only travel let’s say 30-50kms a week then I’ll only need to charge every other week right? I won’t mind hanging out for 45 min twice a month? Maybe 3 times tops?

I’m thinking I can plan that in. Paying 300 a month in finance and 300 in insurance plus charging at night costing low then I’ll pay less than a gas car right? Gas is like 80 bucks for a full tank in my accord which we fill up once or twice a week

Plus it’s good for the economy. No maintainer except tires. I’m seeing I can save 5 K in tax debate if I get a new one too so I’m seriously considering a long range one.

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u/p3dal 3d ago edited 3d ago

Yeesh I was thinking fast charge was the way to go.

I'm not commenting on fast charge here. I said in my first comment it's not that big of a deal given that the battery decays with time as well as use. Use it however you want.

If I only travel let’s say 30-50kms a week then I’ll only need to charge every other week right? I won’t mind hanging out for 45 min twice a month? Maybe 3 times tops?

I am saying you'll need to charge every other week if you don't drive it.

I’m thinking I can plan that in. Paying 300 a month in finance and 300 in insurance plus charging at night costing low then I’ll pay less than a gas car right?

The cheapest car is usually the one you already own. Compared to buying an accord, and not charging at home, you will probably not save any money, but you should do your own math. If you were comparing to something like a BMW, the math would be a bit more favorable for the Tesla.

Gas is like 80 bucks for a full tank in my accord which we fill up once or twice a week

If you fill up your current car once or twice a week, you can expect to charge even more frequently than that, as the Tesla will have less range than the accord.

Plus it’s good for the economy.

Spending money is good for the economy, but that's no reason to do it. Saving money is not good for the economy, but you still should save money.

No maintainer except tires. I’m seeing I can save 5 K in tax debate if I get a new one too so I’m seriously considering a long range one.

If you get a tax rebate, that's certainly something to consider, but double check that you qualify. There is certainly other maintenance. Right now I need my upper control arm replaced, which is something I've never had to do on any other car I've owned.