Dad's First Time Driving A Tesla | Initial Thoughts and Review | Did He Like It? 

So I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience driving this Tesla. Having spent 39 years in a technical work environment, I am no stranger to technology and I am very impressed with how well the menus and configurations of the many different options there are, have been developed by Tesla. Driving gas powered cars for 40 years, I’ll admit that there are a few things that take getting used to but I can attest to the fact that it did not take long. I really do like this car more than I anticipated. Hats off to Tesla, they have done a great job making these vehicles. Thanks for the test drive Mike, I’m happy that your choice of a vehicle will also benefit the environment.

I think I overloaded my parents with too much info before they started driving 😂 I now just tell friends "its really different to a normal car" and mention the regen braking.. then let them find out for themselves. Glad your Dad loved it.

I just got my Model Y LR vehicle a couple weeks ago. My first drive home with my vehicle was quite an experience - I did do a small previous test drive. The weirdest unique feeling with the Model Y was using the single pedal driving. Instead of coasting like a gas vehicle when let up on the accel pedal, the model Y always wants to brake and slow down. So I had to cautiously come to a stop behind any vehicles at the stop lights. Did not use my brake pedal one time going home for the first time. Now after 2 weeks of driving, I am quite used to single pedal driving. Plus there so many features and options on a Tesla, and I am still learning some of them. I am retired from Motorla and currently 74 years old. So i have been around Technology all my life. Thanks for your video and take care.

That's a nice dad and son bonding

I’m 77 and got My Y about three weeks ago as a bucket list celebration for surviving break through Covid. I really like the car a lot but wish I had some control over font size on various screen items as I have difficulty reading the small fonts. Fortunately I’m getting more familiar with the voice commands. If I make it to 80 I’ll have to opt for FSD so it can just take me where I need to go.

Incredible video. Your father is so cool, and very sharp fellow. Your dad picked up on all the little nuances of driving a Tesla for the first time. The big question, is he gonna buy one for his next car?

Wait until you show your dad camp mode for sleeping or how you can precondition the interior remotely prior to driving off. These are some of the key bonuses of EVs. The future sure is exciting.

I bet he would like the outside Speaker features, putting all his buddies on blast coming down the street

This is a dope video. I said to myself “hey that looks like Florida” then when he turned onto the on-ramp I was like “wait I know that on ramp”. 😂

I am not young myself. But i love to see clips like this. He learned one pedal drive in just one try. You should tough him about voice commands. I love sending text via voice and call via phone. And btw did you know that if you want a special song played you just need to know some of the lyrics. Just say play and the lyrics you know and it finds it (most of the time) like an anti shazzam

Hey Mike! Quick Autopilot tip: instead of using the scroll wheels to trigger the attention alert, a single down tap on the right stalk will work as well and won’t adjust any settings in the car (volume or cc speed). Found this in another RU-vid review, and I’d have to say I definitely prefer it over the scroll wheel tip. Your dad gave an awesome reaction! Cheers!

GREAT VIDEO. RETIRED 77, USAF VET. WIFE HAS SILVER 2018 MODEL 3, WON'T LET ME DRIVE HER CAR. ORDERED CYBER TRUCK ON NOV 23, 2019 FOUR MOTOR , WAITED 25 MONTHS, JUST 16 MONTHS TO GO. STAINLESS STEEL BODY, TANK TURN, CRAB WALK, BULLET PROOF, 500 MILE RANGE.

Thanks for the real world practical review.

That’s the best to convince people to switch to EVs. Get them to actually drive one.

😂😂😂😂😂😂 Hi Lauderhill/Tamarac Floridian. I'm watching the video, and I'm thinking hey that looks like Lauderhill or Tamarac. Right now I am in North Carolina sometime next year I'll be back in Florida. I wonder if I still have my Sunpass tranpsonder🤔

1. You don't have to use hold mode, you can set it to creep or roll like a normal gas car. But most drivers prefer hold mode. 2. You get used to hold mode within a day or two, and never want to go back. I've owned over 30 cars over the past 40 years. Only Teslas for the past 4 years. The Model 3 was the best thing I have ever owned. Not only the best car, the best thing. This is happening, whether anyone likes it or not.

We have a 1st generation Leaf and have been test driving longer range EVs to replace our other car (Toyota estate). Drove a Model 3 last week. Search is over. For me, the M3 is the benchmark EV and iconic, and as I’m approaching old age want to have some fun.

The rear view mirror "That's a manual adjustment." 🤣

I did a testdrive in a model y performance today... that thing is like a rocket lol. If you floor it at a green light, then you're 300 meters down the road while all the other traffic is still busy crossing the intersection 😅. But i miss the character of my 22 year old Ford Focus a bit in it, even though it's slow and rusty. Such Tesla is like 100% perfect and even over the top crazy with all the tech and acceleration. Your role as a driver in a Tesla is really just about driving, nothing technical to do or to keep in mind. I miss that a bit.. there's no way to put a personal touch on such car like bolting your own car radio into it or doing some technical maintenance under the hood. Also, even though Tesla's have the highest safety rating, i'm afraid that such acceleration is a recipe for an accident one day if you get too enthusiastic with overtaking or so.

We all know the chill dads always have hairy legs😂

You rfather really went for Fossil Fuel Engine Car !! Nice

Guy explaining to his dad like if it was a Lambo or Ferrari 😂

All the videos of folks driving a tesla for first time_ they really like it.

Nice kneesteering!

Testing the beta has drilled home the idea that I should always, ALWAYS, keep my hands on the wheel! Right hand holding the wheel, left hand holding the door armrest for stability. I can see that your dad has the skills for fast reaction, but still, please keep a hand holding the wheel. At least learn that as the default.

I drive onto the merge lane of the 401 Toronto onto the 400 northbound to Barrie, stepped on it and said...holy F$%#^k! it was my new tesla model 3 performance!!!

Very enjoyable vid ❤

Dad isn't 100% into technology but smart enough to question why he has to put his hands on the rear view mirror 🤣 I'm 64 an should be getting my tesla 3 beginning of Jan

Great Video!

Be sure and tell your Dad about the model Y. They have a lot more head room, set higher and easier to get in and out and has a super large trunk. You really don't need more range as the Teslas charge so fast, the car is usually ready before the driver and or passenger are. A 400 mile range is a Y or 3 would be perfect 🥰

He got BranDad ^^

That was awesome,

by the way its not polluting like crazy

Now go look at where Lithium is mined...

Why'd you do this in a cemetery?

Not a single video says it, so I will. A Tesla is not a car it’s a toy gas car that’s at max speed in a instant 🤯 . Or think of being on a roller coaster. NOT A CAR LOL (TESLA OWNER)

How about just hitting the brakes to slow down

Why he did not show any smile ? 😀he might not like Tesla.

My wife took my 93 year old father for a drive in our model 3, his frist canr was an old second hand Model T, even at 93 he loves and is amazed at the technology and really has the perspective to appreciates the jump forward Tesla have made.

Just like I was. I was in market for a new car few weeks ago. I was very hesitant about going to tesla, not because I didn’t believe in the car, but because I tried a few tesla before and the build quality wasn’t there. I tried a bunch of cars, before I gave model 3 a shot, within 2 min of driving I like it more than I thought I’d be. And I placed my order the moment I step out of the car, now I’m waiting for my model 3.

Last weekend, I took a test drive in a Model 3…and getting back into my Acura felt so archaic! I’m placing an order for a Model 3 asap! My reaction to the regen braking was exactly the same as your Dad’s.

I'm 69 and basic AP has been a game-changer for us when we take long road trips. It relieves a lot of the stress and boredom of long-distance driving.

Your dad tries to keep a chill face but it's obvious how much he likes driving the car!

Nice video, really makes me miss my dad.

Being a little younger than your father and growing up in Miami in the 80’s, your review resonates with me. I appreciate his perspective and your ways of introducing him to a paradigm shift in transportation. After decades of high performance luxury ice vehicles (too much work and not enough play), I’m moving from a 6 figure sport sedan to a model 3 lr (delivery in 15-25 days, a moving target). Please understand that I am not subtle bragging but to put into perspective of how exciting for a jaded motor head and amateur competitive driver to be optimistic about the future. Very few ice vehicles excite me anymore, even if free. They are just derivatives, tired old variations that rob the future.. EV is the better and right future. And thanks for a tour of home.

You don't need 500 miles per charge unless you drive 500 miles per day... Really stop and look at how many miles you put on your car in a day.... This range anxiety crap is getting old.

My father in law loves old cars paints and fixes them up. He drove my tesla model 3 and said surprisingly (to himself) I really like this wow. And is now convincing the mother in law she will be getting one as her next car, its perfect he says haha. And he explains all the things he likes about it, no fuel, no maintenance, the safety features, the self driving, the speed, and its not much more expensive then a really descent ICE car.

Good job, Dad! I’m 65 and totally love my Model 3 SR+. Highly recommend you getting your own; then you don’t have to ask Jr for the keys! 😄

Re regen braking: I typically control the slow down by easing the pressure on the accelerator pedal. This allows me to be in total control of the acceleration and deceleration with one foot. I don't take my foot off the pedal to slow down unless I'm on the expressway/highway and driving fast... in which case I'm usually hitting the brake like a normal car. It took me a few minutes to adjust but once I did, I was in love. I wish my Dad was alive to witness this technology. I think he would have loved it. This video was pleasant to watch. Thanks for sharing it

I’ll have to do this with my parents. Should be very interesting.

My dad passed away before I bought my Tesla. I would have loved to have been able to do this kind of drive with him. Thank you for the video.

The way I like to explain the throttle is as a speed selector. Press hard to accelerate, and modulate for the desired speed. For slowing down for stop signs and stuff, I usually gradually let off the throttle to slow at a more normal rate. Once you get used to it, it's really intuitive.

I took a model Y for a short test drive about 2 months ago. The tesla sales person just showed me the basics and I was let loose to drive it by myself. I was 74 at the time and found the car very easy to drive. One pedal driving was also easy to get used to. The model 3 was too small of a cabin for me but the model Y was perfect. The price here in Canada at $77,000 is rather expensive, but I do like the car.

Very laid back and nice dad you got here ;) Awesome he maintained an objective view on driving an EV

I'd love to see my father's reaction to driving a Tesla for the first time. ONE DAY!

“You done with the jokes?”😂😂 that’s what goes through my mind every time someone gets in my car and goes “it’s so loud” when I start driving

I got my model 3 may 2019. I’ve driven over 80.000 km with it. It didn’t even have one pedal driving yet at that time but it’s one of my favorite features of the car apart from low maintenance, fuel costs and excellent performance. I have the LR AWD version so far without speed boost 😁. But one pedal driving is awesome! As is the car overall.

A friend of mine let me drive her BMW i3, which has pretty aggressive regenerative braking. I'd been reading about this for a long time and thought it would be a hard thing to learn to live with. Within about 15 minutes, it seemed normal. I had no problem at all with it.

“Are you done with the jokes ? “ 😮

I recently put 500 miles on the model 3. I had to learn all these things too. It’s amazing for sure. At 0-60 mph it’s faster than a Hellcat challenger.

#NiceVideo Bro Love From Germany 🖤 ❤️ 💛 America First 💙❤️🤍

Feel free to make a series of "How to Tesla" videos so people can learn the vehicle more deeply. Maybe that would help with some people's anxiety... and give the rest of us something to learn until our current car outlives its financial benefit.

Give it what gas!???!!🤷🏽‍♂️🤣😂🤣🤣 What should we say instead of "give it some gas!?!" 😂😂🤣

No one needs 500 mile range, it's more about your bladder. How long can you drive for?

I so wish my Dad was still alive to enjoy a drive in my 3. After 50 years in the automotive industry he would have been blown away. Great video. Thanks for sharing!

It’s no longer a gas pedal. We need a new name. Post ideas below!v

Regarding regen, when I allow people to test drive my car, I tell them that the car doesn’t coast. If you want to coast, you need to keep your foot on the pedal. It feels like you’re “feeding gas” but you’re not.

Did you take him to a graveyard / closed roads for his first drive like a 15 year old just getting his permit haha. That's hilarious..

Driving a Tesla is definitely a next level experience. Virtually nothing to worry about, just drive to your destination. Been driving one for two years now and my main concern nowadays is where I'm at on my playlist! When merging, if I want to be first for safety reasons.....I just hit the go pedal and I'm first. No drama, no risk, no effort! You really can't help thinking of all the effort by the big automakers to keep this technology off the market. This tech virtually kills the automobile dealership model and every auto repair garage in the country because of the no maintenance aspects of EV ownership. They had electric vehicles from the beginning but greed won out and the public has been screwed for over a hundred years. If EV's had only been developed from the beginning, we would have a very different looking country. Yeah, it was that big a deal!

2019 i test drove a M3 and end up with a LR M3, we did not need an extra car but now we glad that we did.

I was Ubered by a Tesla today Weird sci-fi -esq experience 🤔 Tried my darnedest not to gawk 😮at everything Funniest sensation Didnt feel .... Safe/secure It was kinda surreal Like "how can this be a car" Was very curious about whether it xould drive itself... But didn't dare ask🤨

Dad's "Tesla adjustment period" took how long? Was it a minute? Was it 40 seconds? Was it 15 minutes? No night school required then?

Question: If you're driving manually and somebody breaks quickly in front of you will the car apply the breaks automatically to prevent a collision?

Its like a hollowed out escape pod, navigated by an android tablet😶

I learned so much about the car and its technology from this video. I was aware of the concepts but not the nuts and bolts of operation. I feel if I was to drive one I would at least have a clue on what to do. The rest would just need some time. Thank you.

Your dad seems like a cool guy. Enjoy your time with him!

With the regenerative brakimg start with a hybrid to get the feel if you need to.

I feel like the cameras should adjust the braking during regen braking depending if there is an object in front.

👍🏽nice, my Dad passed in January, he wanted one, 🥺😞 i wish he was still here to see mine that i just took delivery of🥺

Good video. One minor issue...autopilot requires that you remain focused with 1 hand on the wheel in case you need to take control. The safer we Tesla drivers are, the better for everyone.

Teslas do make driving a much more enjoyable experience.

Random question, do the brake lights come on with regen braking to inform the cars driving behind you that you are slowing down?

The car trip is cool and all the tutorial is informative but the coolest thing is your Dad and the connection between you two... Happy Holidays...

Awesome video and review; 'butts in seats' is what sells a Tesla, not commercials. His initial reactions and thoughts are common and typical after they drive one. This IS the 'ultimate driving machine'; soon to be autonomous in the near future.

What a coincidence! I live in Davie, never expected to see a yt vid from my town, just stumbled upon this because I just ordered my Tesla!

Nice video!! Nice and cool dad!! Enjoy my friends! Life too short! God bless you all! =]

Saving on driving fatigue and lower back pain is a huge benefit to Regen braking. You should be keeping your hand on the wheel though...

You should have told your dad to keep his hand on the steering wheel so he could take over in a second if needed. He gave him more faith in the system than you should have from a 4 year long DMM3 owner.

Its really nice seeing my street on RU-vid screen, I can’t wait to get my model Y in March, maybe I can give a test drive to anyone that want the experience, just to win more souls for Tesla. lol

I think a big problem with the Tesla Model 3 and Y is that the whole instrument panel design is just *TOO* different than a conventional ICE car. That's why on vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Hyundai IONIQ 5, the instrument panel is at least reasonably understandable to people transitioning over from an ICE car.

Great video man! I love all electric cars! I have cerebral palsy I use a walker and wheelchair I’m saving up for my all electric Chevy Silverado or Tesla! Electric cars are better for your health Especially me with my cerebral palsy! Your dad did a awesome job

That complex looks like my grandmas in Broward/Tamarac!!

very well done video and thanks to pop for not being an actor for the camera. was easy to show my mother that this is not a spaceship. thanks, guys

That old potato “ 500 mile range and I might” … Most Don’t need 500 miles. Home charger!! Mindsets have to change!

"Give it some gas"? You mean give it some power.

"Give it some gas" in an EV LOL 😂

Luckily, he did not experience phantom braking, nor did he have to adjust the direction of the air vents by going through sub-menus on the big screen, taking his eyes off the road. And, unlike many other cars, Tesla does not give you a lane change warning if another car is coming up fast. He also didn't have to back up from a spot on a crowded supermarket parking lot. Tesla doesn't warn you about cross traffic when backing up because they decided to save money by getting rid of radar.

Cool dad. So clam & listen to advices.

id love to afford a decent spec EV, not a Tesla because even if i had the money i just do not like how they look. But a decent EV is way too much money compared to a petrol car..im talking lease too which is the cheapest way to get a car

8:24 rule #2: always double tap