Tesla Model 3 - V3.0

I dunno, have looked at the M3 a few times before, but this was my first time driving.

Love my ID.3, will be 2 years old later in year and if changing there is little in new cars that would interest me except for 77kWh 4 seat version (VW or Cupra) or M3. Don't like or need big car, we have the Ioniq 5 for the big stuff. (But think I would get bored quickly if bought another 🙂) Prefer a sportier type of car with good efficiency. And prefer RWD. But will wait to see (or read) if new motor on M3 is not a downgrade.

Also had a look at Model Y, couldn't really warm to it. A great car I am sure if you need the space (But thought the Ioniq 5 was more comfy in back). Also thought the dash looked lost in it, yet same looks great in M3.

Just at the thinking ahead stage atm...

Took another spin in the model 3 Sandyford this morning, coming from the model s I found the steering wheel stiff to turn, didn't seem as smooth, had steering on comfort but still was a bit of effort compared to the s

Interesting approach, mine switched from an SR+ to a RWD model when I changed colour in December.

The order summary page has been down since yesterday afternoon, hopefully it’s because they are adding delivery dates 👀

I’m just about to order mine, from what I read above, delivery times are minimum 4 months…can I check please, how far in advance of delivery does finance need to be arranged?

Yes agree, looks great, but I think similar to the one I drove during the week, has the old motor and new battery. Hope new motor is as expected, will know soon enough I suppose.

The nice colours are pricey alright and after a bit of humming and hawing I eventually went all out with Red.

Yes it is. But I can tell myself the price going up by a little over 1000 shortly after my order helped offset it.

The other option was white and get it wrapped but that's not cheap either.

Is it really worth spending thousands protecting it for the next owner?

I do and its not. PPF is a nightmare to keep looking nice unless it tucked and even then the finish is often matt and marred in time. I personally dont like a car being taken apart for proper hiding of the edges and its very expensive. Some chips still happen in the PPF so the optical effect is the same from your point of view, its only when you remove the PPF you get back to a clean surface (and that the next owner isn't it), and some stone chips will still happen if you are unlucky. Its like riding you wife with a jonny to keep her clean for her next husband.

A coating is nice for cleaning, but honestly in this day and age a self applied coating is almost as good if not as durable....like the Aytoglym ceramic coating, or Gtechniq C1 . Sure the more expensive ones last longer and have "self healing" gubbins but if you are washing all the time you can reapply one yourself, especially on a new car. Most self applied coating come with a matched spray "top up" product for regular washing.

Look that just my opinion on these having had a few coatings and PPF before on cars. Last time I argued this point I accidentally did it to the chap that owns a PPF place, so obviously he felt differently. And I understand that people want to keep their car fresh and clean. Just at the cost (couple of grand), and the time (going to take a week) thats a percentage of the value of the car, and a percentage of your time with the car thats gone.

Just drive the nuts off it, and let the next owner respray the bumper if there are chips that bother them..it only costs a few hundred with a good tesla body shop or a smart repair. Also applying PPF to a new car does run the risk of pulling the clearcoat when you remove it...things to consider. The entire PPF thing has sort of trickled down from the wrapping, hypercar and supercar scene where it makes more sense. My 2c

My Account page online for new car is down for last few days also. Hopefully this is a good sign that VIN is on the way. My order was Sept 17th