Today, I want to talk a little more about the emotional, subjective experiences. And besides, it’s nice to spread out birthday celebrations a bit, especially for that first birthday.
FIT AND FINISH
There were some initial comments about the fit and finish of the early Model 3s. I have to say we had hardly any issues. Our frunk lid (front trunk) sat lower than the rest of the fenders, our driver’s side passenger door was a little misaligned and our frunk secondary latch broke twice, rendering the frunk inaccessible. And we had some interior trim that was a little loose.
That was it.
And for each issue, we have Mobile Ranger Service (since we are 100 miles from a Service Center). That means we pretty much have a personal service tech who comes to us.
Free.
You see, Tesla has figured out most service issues don’t need a brick and mortar level of overhead. So they have outfitted older fleet Model S vehicles as service vehicles and every service visit we’ve had has been while we are at work, resulting in no down time for us.
None.
COMFORT AND RIDE
It was a risk purchasing any car without ever even sitting in it or driving it. Our first “test drive” was after handing them the check, signing the paperwork and driving out of the delivery center in Portland.
But, in fairness, I had geeked out for the previous two years, watching every YouTube video about the Model 3 that came out.
Every one.
So we had a pretty good idea what the level of comfort and ride was going to be like. And we were not disappointed. Our Passat seats were fine around town, but horrible on longer trips. With the newer design of the Tesla and massive adjustability and lumbar support, Scarlett is WAY more comfortable than our Passat. We took a 2,000 mile road trip in September and had no comfort issues at all. Plus, Scarlett is 6” wider than our Passat and that helps in the shoulder room category, too.
The ride is something a lot of people commented on. The more expensive Model S has adjustable air suspension. The Model 3 does not. Some complained it is a harsher ride. I wasn’t too worried about that because I have always liked a little firmer suspension and ride.
Scarlett is a firm ride. The suspension is solid and around town on streets with lots of potholes, it’s bumpy. But for the most part, and especially on the open road, it is awesome and very responsive.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Driving is fun again.
I don’t really know how else to word that. I’ve always enjoyed cars, used to build scale model cars, subscribed to Motor Trend magazine, was always watching for the newest car to hit the market. One of my favorite cars was my 1975 Porsche 914. Just flat out fun to drive. Then after the mini-van segment of our lives, I bought my 2013 Turbo S Beetle. Also fun to drive. But in the ensuing couple of years after selling the Beetle, the Passat was ok. Just ok.
But the acceleration of Scarlett (0-60 in just under 5 seconds), the ability to climb hills effortlessly, pass a slower car with instant acceleration and know that you’re not sucking $5 worth of gasoline to “romp on it” has brought back my love of driving.
The biggest challenge is we live in a very walkable neighborhood. So it makes sense to walk and not drive when we’re home on the weekends.
But I often don’t want to. Scarlett is fun, really fun to drive. And, charging mostly with solar, there is very little guilt driving rather than walking.
But we still walk often.
And drive as well.
Happy Birthday, Scarlett!