7 Reasons to Buy a Tesla Model 3 Right Now

Key Points

• The Long Range model has exceptional range.
• Tesla provides stellar support through the OTA updates.
• Its lower center of gravity gives it superb handling.
• The Model 3 has great safety ratings.
• Its overall value depreciates slower than any EV on the market today.
• The Tesla charging network has exceptional reach across the continental US.
• The Model 3 is very low maintenance.

What are some reasons to buy a Tesla Model 3? The Model 3 has continually proven itself to be one of the most popular EVs in production today. It represents a fantastic midpoint between performance and affordability.

The Model 3 is a great entry into the world of EVs, with seven reasons that will be discussed in this guide.

What is the Tesla Model 3

The Model 3 is Tesla’s cheapest model and serves as a crossover vehicle. You get exceptional range and access to the whole suite of Tesla technologies in the software. Model 3 users can utilize AutoPilot, the self-driving technology designed for autonomous highway driving.

Tesla has made a name for itself in providing high-tech and viable EVs for just about every income bracket. The Model 3 might be the cheapest model available, but it is just as capable as its more expensive counterparts in the Tesla product line.

Specs

Reasons to buy a Tesla Model 3

Here are seven of our favorite reasons to buy a Tesla Model 3.

Reason #1: The Long Range Model Has Exceptional Range

Tesla was one of the first EV manufacturers to really push the envelope in terms of overall range. The Model 3 carries the last decade of lessons in battery technology to the fore with the Long Range model. When opting for the Long Range model, you get up to 358 miles of range.

Tesla has a conservative estimate of 333 miles on average for the Long Range trim, but some users have reported getting well over 350 miles on a single charge. This is an impressive amount of range for any EV, and it is one of the best reasons to buy a Tesla Model 3.

Reason #2: The Continual Over-the-Air Update Support

The Model 3 and the rest of the Tesla product line benefit from the continual software support provided by the manufacturer. These over-the-air updates function much like you’d update your smartphone or tablet, and help to quash bugs and add new features.

The Model 3’s mobile app also allows the use of OTA updates to add new features, like the AutoPilot autonomous driving system, through a simple purchase. This helps to unlock new functionality for your vehicle without having to head down to a local service tech.

Reason #3: The Lower Center of Gravity Results in Better Handling

Your daily driver doesn’t have to be a drag to handle. The Model 3 is a fun vehicle to drive, thanks in part to its lower center of gravity. When you factor in the already exceptional performance, the lower center of gravity makes for a nimble and fun EV to take on your daily commute.

Now, some users might not care for the added performance when factoring in their reasons for picking an EV. However, this is one of the more fun reasons to buy a Tesla Model 3. You’re not just getting a reliable daily driver, you’re getting one that is an absolute joy to take on the road.

Reason #4: The IIHS and NHTSA Both Deemed It a Top Safety Pick

Your daily driver should be reliable and safe, that’s the least you can ask of any EV. The Model 3 has near-perfect marks from the NHTSA and IIHS in terms of overall safety. If you’re entrusting the Model 3 to protect you and your loved ones on the road, it can do so quite easily.

The Model 3 has great scores from both safety authorities across the different trim models and across multiple production years. This is easily one of the best reasons to buy a Tesla Model 3. You’re not just buying a high-performance vehicle, but one that can protect you in the event of a crash.

Reason #5: It Holds Its Value

It seems an odd point to make, especially given how fast most cars depreciate. However, if you’re looking to get a return on your investment, the Model 3 holds its value shockingly well. A recent study found the Model 3 only loses roughly 10% of its MSRP over the course of three years.

While you might not be looking to get out of a car after three years, you could very easily sell it for only a minor loss in any event. For users who are constantly after the latest and greatest, this is one of the best reasons to buy a Tesla Model 3.

Reason #6: The Tesla Charging Infrastructure

Tesla has far-reaching infrastructure for its public charging utilities, more so than most EV networks. The Tesla Supercharger network stretches across most of the United States and is generally quite easy to find.

Now, most EVs will benefit from charging at home, which you can readily do with a Model 3. However, you’ll have to lean on public charging in the event of road trips. The superb charging network is just one of the many great reasons to buy a Tesla Model 3.

Reason #7: It is Low Maintenance

Do you get tired of having to deal with routine maintenance like fluid changes and the occasional massive mechanic bill for your car? Most EVs don’t have to deal with constant routine maintenance.

In fact, for many like the Tesla Model 3, you’re likely only going to have to deal with tire rotation, brake changes, and the odd fix to alignment. The lower maintenance is one of the great reasons to buy a Tesla Model 3.

Sure, the initial cost might be higher, but you’re getting a more reliable vehicle with far fewer moving parts to go awry.

Alternatives to the Model 3

So, what are some alternatives to the Model 3? In the event that you’re not after Tesla’s most popular model, there are some comparable equivalents. Here are three of our favorites.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is one of the least expensive new EVs on the market currently. While it isn’t nearly as exciting to drive as the Model 3, it is still a capable and reliable vehicle. With a starting MSRP of $28,795, you’re getting quite a savings no matter the model you choose.

The range on the Bolt EUV isn’t nearly as good, only coming in at around 247 miles of range. That said, it is a wonderful choice if you’ve got budgetary concerns. Being a US-made vehicle also entitles the Bolt EUV to the federal tax rebate program.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

The IONIQ 5 isn’t the most exciting vehicle to drive, but it is unfailingly dependable. Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 is Hyundai’s take on the crossover EV and comes quite close to touching the standards set by the Model 3.

You get a fairly decent range, but not quite to the same level as the Model 3. Where Hyundai really excels is in having one of the absolute best warranties of any EV manufacturer on the market currently. Pricing is comparable to the Model 3, but you do get access to J1772 and CHADeMO charging instead of NACS.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Mustang Mach-E is probably the closest equivalent to the Model 3 in production currently. Ford’s first electric SUV has exceptional performance, with the GT Performance Edition boasting 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque.

The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t have quite the same name recognition as the Model 3, but is a wonderfully robust SUV that can take advantage of a wide variety of public charging utilities. The range isn’t quite as good as the Model 3, the largest battery pack only being capable of 312 miles on a single charge.

Closing Thoughts

The Model 3 is one of the best values on the market today for an EV. Hopefully, this guide has prepared you to take the plunge on your very first EV. If you do decide to go with Tesla, you can schedule a demo drive for the Model 3 where you can readily ask a Tesla advisor any questions you might have.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Bretwa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.