With our 2008 Prius getting up there in age, we are considering a replacement. I like the idea of the new prime, but fear that it will not really be available and its price will be quite high. We are looking at a model 3 SR. With the tax benefits (fed + state) is comes out to around $34,000. Is anyone else considering a model 3 or does anyone have one now? What might you share about it with a forever Prius gen 2 owner? I understand that the federal tax incentive might change in March, so time might be of the essence, but much is uncertain. Also, we will be able to take full advantage of the tax incentives. Thanks!
I am strongly considering replacing my pip with an M3, if it nets out at 34k, it will be a lot cheaper than a prime. Only issue for me is, I might not be bright enough to drive one
I have owned three Prius, 2003, 2010, and 2017 Prius Prime. I've also owned a 2014 BMW i3-REx and now drive a Tesla Model 3 with 94,411 miles: 2003 Prius Gen 1 - small sedan lost after 270,000 miles when an unrepairable part, the brake booster, failed. 2010 Prius Gen 3 - a fine Prius sold at ~70,000 miles in preparation for the Prius Prime. 2017 Prius Prime - traded in for the 2019 Model 3, got $18,300 credit bringing the Model 3 cost to $24,000. 2014 BMW i3-REx - at 70,000 miles, the 72 mi EV range, PHEV went with ex-wife who loves it. It made the 25 mi EV Prius Prime into driveway art. 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus - with 94,611 miles and ~8% battery degradation, it remains the best car I've ever owned. If purchase price is important and the 4-seats are not a problem, a used 2015-2016 BMW i3-REx would be a low cost, $15-18,000 way to start. The modified motorcycle engine gets you home when there are problems with CCS-1 fast DC chargers. Around town, it is a '10 stop' EV versus the '3 stop' Prius Prime. It easily handles 24x7 highway at 70 mph burning 39 MPG. The 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range has been and remains a dream. The increasing density of Superchargers has dovetailed with the expected 8% battery degradation. So I recently completed a 730 mile each way, trip to Arlington National Cemetery costing $60 going up in 50-60 F weather and $72 returning in freezing weather. Like Autopilot, there is a learning curve for Tesla driving so I recommend: Tesla Owners Forum - attracts technophiles and is moderated by Canadians, so it is low stress. There have been internal improvements since 2019 and rumors of substantial changes coming. Tesla incorporates their best technology throughout manufacturing so mileage is up and problems are down. GOOD LUCK! Bob Wilson
If I remember the generalities of the federal tax credit correctly, the $7500 is split into two equal amounts. The car gets one half for the battery being assembled in North America or free trade partners. The other half is for having a certain level of battery minerals not coming from a 'hostile' country. The latter is something the car companies, or anybody for that matter, had to keep track of for a regulation before. That requirement has been suspended for now, and every EV just gets that amount. Depending on how the mineral tracking process progresses, it may go into effect the end of March, or be delayed again. Either way, you will at least get a $3750 credit for the Model 3. There are other options closer to a traditional car in instrumentation and driving. They might even be cheaper overall.
i'll take a look around this summer, but i suspect most other companies don't have any stock. that's been the good thing about the M3, but it may not last, idk.
I appreciate a non biased opinion of the Tesla. I simply love the look of the cars. The interior is so clean and simple. Should things continue in the direction for me and wife financially, I may go for it. Already have a Tesla Solar Roof (not panels.....entire roof!) with two back up batteries and I am living the dream of being off the grid.
Recently a podcaster at Insiderev got a used, Model 3 with Full Self Driving (FSD) for a great price. The commercial dealer did not know the value of FSD and just priced it to move a 40,000 mile, Model 3. If you buy a used Tesla from Tesla, they remove FSD. But if you buy a used Tesla from a 3d party, you can keep it. Bob Wilson
Thanks everyone! This is all very helpful. I have always appreciated the reasoned information people share here. It is probably different from other online forums since we are Prius people. Getting similar information about Tesla is tough. There is so much hype, both in favor and against, that is often unrelated to how good/bad the car might be. The information you shared here is helpful since it is objective and compares options with our Prius. I liked the BMW i3, but it is a bit on the small size to replace our Prius. I worry about the cost of repairing a BMW out of warranty, especially since we keep our cars for a long time (15 years on our Prius). My wife said no to the Chevy. The leaf seems interesting and more similar to the Prius, but it seems fairly dated in its approach and not eligible for the fed incentive. The M3 seems very good, though both of us are unsure if we would get used to the tablet replacing buttons and dials. I already dislike having to text people on my phone!
tablet worries me too. they say voice commands works, i'd have to try it. i think the tesla will probably be a difficult and expensive repair after warranty, idk. tires will be expensive
I too worry about service accessibility and cost. I am so spoiled by our gen 2 Prius. I do like the newer safety features, but would not bother with self-driving. I dislike the trend towards larger and larger wheels and their associated increase in cost.
Generally new buyers are most worried about the cost of replacing the traction pack. How long it will last. Here's an example of just how far their traction packs can go W/out replacement ; Highest Mileage Tesla Now Has Over 420,000 Miles Highest miles trophy for the relatively new in production model y is 300K. This 2018 Tesla Model 3 Passed the 300,000-Mile Mark, Here's What You Need To Know - autoevolution Of equal interest, in Germany there is a guy with a early production 2014 Model S that has gone over 1 million miles but thar car ison its 3rd battery. Still, dividing that many miles by 3 (packs) is still impressive. He's had to replace the motor too, but since it has a million mile warranty - that was free.
And a different concern for people who want to keep the car forever is the old Prius battery problem. Old age and low mileage
Our Ranger saw limited use. The grease in the brake calipers dried out. Leading to the pads dragging. Which overheated the rotors, and 'warped' them.
