It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since I drove away in my Tesla Model 3 SR+. Time really does fly when you’re enjoying the electric revolution. As we hit this milestone, it’s time for a deep dive into the long-term ownership experience of the lowest-priced Tesla Model 3. What aspects still excite me? Are there any downsides after half a decade? And crucially, can this EV icon continue to impress for another five years? Let’s explore these questions and more in this comprehensive review.
Tesla Model 3 SR+ 5-year review showcasing the car’s design and longevity.
One of the most striking things about owning a Tesla Model 3 for five years is how little has fundamentally changed. Of course, there have been a few maintenance items and replacements, which we’ll detail along with their costs. We’ll also touch on charging experiences and expenses, though my situation was unique for much of this period due to free Supercharging – making generalizations tricky. Then comes the inevitable topic of wear and tear, particularly concerning the Model 3’s distinctive white vegan leather seats, a point of interest for many considering Tesla Reviews. Closely related is battery degradation – how much has the driving range diminished on a full charge over these five years?
Beyond the basics, we’ll delve into the “Full Self Driving” (FSD) journey, how public perception of Teslas and the EV community have evolved, and the impact of over-the-air software updates over the last five years.
This Tesla Model 3 review is designed to be a valuable resource for anyone contemplating a new or used Tesla Model 3, or even exploring the broader electric vehicle market. If you have specific questions or aspects you’d like us to cover, please share them in the comments below! And for fellow long-term Tesla owners, your insights and experiences are always welcome.
Long-Term Satisfaction: A Family Perspective
Family of four enjoying their Tesla Model 3, highlighting its practicality and versatility in this 5-year review.
Overall, our family remains incredibly satisfied with our Tesla Model 3. As a family of four with two young daughters, this car serves as our primary and only vehicle. It has admirably handled virtually all our needs over the past five years. There have been only a handful of instances where transporting exceptionally large items required borrowing an SUV or truck. However, for everyday use – including hauling tennis, soccer, and beach equipment – the Model 3 has been more than sufficient. This practicality is a key takeaway from many Tesla reviews.
For longer trips within Florida, the Supercharging network has proven consistently convenient and efficient. Choosing the standard range Model 3 was a conscious decision based on my driving needs. I didn’t perceive a necessity for extended range and didn’t want to spend extra on battery capacity I wouldn’t utilize. Five years on, I stand by that decision. A longer-range model wouldn’t have significantly enhanced my ownership experience, reinforcing the value proposition of the standard range option, a point often echoed in Tesla Model 3 SR+ reviews.
Tesla Model 3 interior showcasing the minimalist dashboard and spacious cabin, a frequently praised feature in Tesla reviews.
Close-up of the Tesla Model 3 white seats, a popular choice for its aesthetics and heat resistance, discussed in this Tesla review.
Initially, I was hesitant about opting for the white seats. However, I made the leap and would wholeheartedly recommend them, particularly for those in warmer climates. In a place like Florida, the white seats are noticeably cooler and more comfortable. While not impervious to wear, they’ve held up remarkably well, as we’ll discuss further. This is a practical consideration often highlighted in Tesla reviews focusing on user comfort.
The driving dynamics of the Model 3 remain exceptional. I struggle to think of another vehicle on the market I’d prefer from a pure driving perspective. While I haven’t yet experienced the Hyundai IONIQ 6, and the Porsche Taycan undoubtedly offers a premium driving experience, the Model 3 hits a sweet spot. The primary drawbacks in older Model 3s like mine are the less-than-ideal sound insulation and a suspension that transmits road imperfections quite noticeably. Small bumps can feel surprisingly harsh, and highway noise can be significant. This is a crucial aspect for potential buyers to consider, and a point of critique in some older Tesla Model 3 reviews. However, it’s important to note that newer Model 3 versions have significantly improved in these areas, with enhanced sound dampening and a more refined suspension now being key selling points, frequently mentioned in updated Tesla reviews.
I continue to appreciate the Model 3’s minimalist interior, the intuitive infotainment system, and the comfortable seats – features I consider unmatched in the US market. While some Chinese EV models might now surpass Tesla in these aspects, their availability outside of China and direct comparison remain uncertain. The interior design and technology are consistently praised in Tesla Model 3 reviews.
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Maintenance and Repair Costs: Long-Term Affordability
In my December update, I reported total maintenance costs of $3199.59, primarily due to the expense of the third set of tires. This figure remains unchanged as there have been no additional maintenance or repair costs this year. I did bring the car in for a minor issue – an error with the front passenger seat’s safety restraint system – but thankfully, it was covered under warranty at no cost. Over 61 months of ownership, this $3199.59 total translates to a remarkably low $52.45 per month. While this is a 5-year review, it technically covers 5 years and one month of ownership. This low maintenance cost is a significant advantage often emphasized in positive Tesla reviews.
Dashboard error message for the front passenger safety restraint system in a Tesla Model 3, a minor issue resolved under warranty.
Wear and Tear: Assessing Long-Term Durability
Wear and tear on the Model 3 has been minimal overall. There isn’t much to report in this area, which speaks volumes about the car’s build quality. The most significant issue encountered was the steering wheel material bubbling a couple of years ago. Tesla promptly replaced the steering wheel under warranty, and the replacement has remained problem-free. However, in the comments section of my YouTube video documenting this issue, numerous Model 3 and Model Y owners reported similar steering wheel bubbling and having to pay for replacements. I am slightly concerned about the issue recurring with the new steering wheel over time. Time will tell. It’s worth noting that my parking situation changed from daily sun exposure in Florida to garage parking, potentially reducing stress on the steering wheel. Tesla service speculated that hand sanitizer might have contributed to the bubbling. While my hand sanitizer use was limited, it did increase during the COVID period before I suspected it was causing skin issues and stopped using it. We will monitor the new steering wheel for any recurrence. Steering wheel issues are occasionally mentioned in Tesla reviews, but warranty coverage is a key factor.
Regarding the white seats, some minor discoloration is visible on the cloth sections. It’s not prominent, but noticeable upon close inspection. Tesla has since eliminated this cloth section in newer models, using all faux leather, so this is not a concern for new buyers. Seat wear is a common focus in Tesla reviews, especially concerning the vegan leather.
More recently, I’ve noticed slight changes in the white seating material – some areas are less bright white and less smooth than initially. This is expected with time and use. However, the seats are holding up exceptionally well, remaining remarkably smooth, attractive, and white. I’m genuinely interested to observe their condition over the next five years. The durability of the white seats is often discussed in Tesla reviews.
Close-up of Tesla Model 3 white seat showing minor wear after 5 years, demonstrating the durability of the vegan leather.
Another view of the Tesla Model 3 white interior, highlighting the condition of the seats after five years of use.
Tesla Model 3 seat detail showing the stitching and material quality after long-term use in this owner review.
Rear seats of the Tesla Model 3 in white, illustrating the spaciousness and condition of the interior after 5 years.
Front passenger seat of the Tesla Model 3, demonstrating the minimal wear and tear on the white vegan leather over five years.
In reality, the seats appear even whiter and nicer than these photos suggest, but this is how my camera captured them.
A small area in the driver’s door cupholder shows some unsealed/loose leather-like material. Given the heavy use of this area over five years, it’s not unexpected. However, now that I’ve noticed it, I’m consciously trying to prevent it from worsening. Here’s a closer look:
Minor wear in the Tesla Model 3 driver’s side door cupholder after 5 years, a testament to overall durability.
It’s a minor imperfection, but the most noticeable wear currently. I might try a bit of glue to re-attach it, or I may simply monitor if it deteriorates further.
Battery Degradation: Range Longevity Over Time
Initially, our Model 3’s full charge range was around 230 miles. Within the first year, it decreased to approximately 200 miles and has remained stable at that level since. This is typical battery degradation behavior. Batteries usually experience an initial capacity drop, then stabilize for an extended period – potentially a decade or more – before another significant decline. Battery degradation is a key concern in EV reviews, and this real-world data is valuable. I’m not concerned about battery degradation in the long term. These batteries should retain sufficient range for the car’s lifespan and beyond, until it’s ready for recycling. Battery longevity is a frequently discussed topic in Tesla reviews.
Tesla Model 3 charging screen showing the battery range, a critical factor in electric vehicle ownership and reviews.
Tesla Full Self Driving (FSD): Progress and Future Potential
I’ve extensively documented Tesla’s “Full Self Driving” development over the past several years. You can explore my articles here and watch related videos on YouTube here. In short, after years of slow or even regressive progress, driver-assist features have dramatically improved with version 12. However, when I purchased the car, Elon Musk suggested this level of capability would be achieved by late 2019, and robotaxi functionality was anticipated by now. FSD is still not ready for robotaxi deployment. Yet, the current capabilities are such that robotaxi functionality is now conceivable. The timeline for solving remaining edge cases and reaching true robotaxi readiness remains uncertain. It could still be a considerable time away, and concerns persist about a potential “see-saw problem” where progress in one area creates regressions in others. The evolution of FSD is a major point of interest in Tesla reviews and the broader EV industry.
Tesla’s Evolving Community Presence
When we first got our Tesla Model 3, it was a novelty. Kids in the school pickup line were excited to see it, even though Teslas were already present at the school. Now, Tesla Model 3s and Model Ys are ubiquitous. They’ve become the “Toyota Corolla or Camry” of our area. The school kids no longer pay any attention to our Model 3. However, the recent arrival of a Cybertruck at the school has undoubtedly reignited their excitement. The increasing prevalence of Teslas is a social phenomenon often observed in Tesla reviews.
A turquoise wrapped Tesla Cybertruck, representing the evolving presence and visibility of Tesla vehicles in communities.
More broadly, the widespread presence of Tesla vehicles seems to enhance mainstream buyer confidence in EVs, facilitating understanding and adoption. Non-Tesla EVs are also increasingly common. In essence, EVs are becoming normalized. While they don’t yet dominate the car market, they are finally a familiar sight. This normalization is a significant shift reflected in broader EV market trends and Tesla reviews.
Over-the-Air Software Updates: Long-Term Value
Initially, the over-the-air software updates for the Model 3 were impressive. We received Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and various video games. An efficiency update improved our maximum range (though the original range was already sufficient for my needs). Fun Easter eggs were also added. However, in recent years, major updates have become less frequent. Significant improvements are less common. The touchscreen UI occasionally changes, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. After those initial impactful updates, I had hoped for more consistent, substantial enhancements. Elon Musk once suggested updates roughly monthly, but beyond minor tweaks and new features, it’s unclear what significant improvements are still needed. Overall, while appreciated, over-the-air updates are now more incremental than groundbreaking. Software updates are a unique selling point often highlighted in Tesla reviews.
Would I Buy the Tesla Model 3 Again? Future EV Considerations
Absolutely! However, if purchasing a new car today, I’d likely lean towards a Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, or Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Ford Mustang Mach-E has strong external appeal, but I prefer the interior design and feel of the other three models. Purchase considerations are a common concluding point in Tesla reviews and EV comparisons.
Tesla Model 3 in a scenic setting, representing the appeal and desirability of the vehicle after 5 years.
Front view of the Tesla Model 3, showcasing its iconic design and enduring popularity in the electric vehicle market.
Currently, EV choice seems more driven by personal aesthetic preferences than previously. Numerous EVs offer ample range, features, and competitive pricing. Furthermore, nearly all automakers are committing to Tesla Supercharger compatibility. The expanding EV market and increasing choices are important context in Tesla reviews.
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