What's It REALLY Like to Drive the Cheapest Tesla You Can Buy Today? 

They just announced the Model 3's all get the $7.5k credit. Woop

It’s the ancillary benefits of the supercharger network and not having to deal with dealerships/markups that would nudge me toward a Tesla

Funny how quickly things change - the base model 3 now qualifies for the full $7500 federal credit

Okay Tommy, you managed to convince us that sometimes, buying a base model car makes more sense. We'll let you have that one, this time :) Thanks for letting us join for this review, we had a blast as always!

They have these in inventory on their website for $37k right now

I’m going to be honest. I picked up this exact model, but with white interior in late February. I also own a 2021 BMW 330xi; however, I drive the Model three way more. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone. You won’t be disappointed!

I drove a base model Tesla for a week for Uber when my 2007 ES350 was in the shop. I loved it. Other than the seat which had something in there that wore out a specific portion of my human seat area. And the rental process was so horrid on the Uber side I just carried around various extra pillows to try and deal with that. LOVED the engineering in it. Loved every time I pulled the E break that I was pushing an overhead button like a pilot and engaged this massive sounding E brake system, loved how you aimed it toward a charging destination and it started preconditioning - another very industrial sound to the car. Loved the heated steering wheel. The engineering behind the car is crazy. I had to put it on chill mode because i caught a couple of 1-star reviews for accelerating too fast. Maybe this is a different year / software than the one I drove , but it was DEFINITElY not slow from 30 MPH and under .lol.

I will never stop taking a chance to complain about hurts, and it’s tesla rentals. In addition to the stories, you hear where they report there renters as having stolen their cars, my personal experience was that I was trying to rent with a debit card, I asked three different ways, including calling the location to make sure that I could Reserve and rent the vehicle with my debit card. I was assured that it wouldn’t be a problem. When I got there on a Friday, I was told that there was no way to use a debit card for Teslas. I offered to put $1000 deposit down, they still refused. So then when I asked What other kind of vehicle they could give me, they offered me a gas vehicle at a higher price than the Tesla would’ve rented for. And because it was a Friday, none of the other, regular car rental companies, have any cars available. They basically treated me like they had me by the testicles, and refused to offer me anything as compensation for misleading me. They even acknowledged that the person who I talk to apparently is known for giving wrong information, and they still refused to give me any kind of consideration for, my inconvenience. Thankfully, I was able to rent a polestar two from a local dealership who uses Turo. It was super easy, and while it was a little bit strange, the service was fantastic, and the rental fee was lower than it would’ve been to rent a Tesla from Hertz, including insurance. And I was able to rent with a debit card. Hertz treated me so poorly, and they took forever to refund my rental fee, I had to chase them down. As a result, I will never rent from Hertz again, and I encourage you not to as well.

I grew up with RWD 70's land yachts and single wheel wonder trucks in northern WI. A RWD M3 with traction control wouldn't bother me much. For the price represents a good value.

I currently have a Hertz Tesla Model 3 in Fort Lauderdale, FL for a total of 2 weeks. It's my first experience with a Tesla, and I'm pleasantly surprised. Been daily driving it for over a week now and it's been a very positive experience. I don't understand the hate these things get.

I used to deliver cars for tesla so i drove teslas alot. I always tell people there is nothing standard about the standard range - its an awesome little pocket rocket. As tommy said, its not as urgent off the line as the awd and performance, but put your foot down on the fwy and nothings touching it!!

Excellent review. ALL Tesla Y's and 3's now qualify for $7500 federal tax credit. Model Y is nimber one best selling car in the world!

We just bought one and love it! Ours was built in Fremont and qualifies for the $7.5K Fed and $7.5K state and price was reduced almost $4K!

In Colorado, $37k -$7,500 federal tax credit - $5,000 state credit = $26k for a brand new tesla. No brainer

I thought of this afterwards, the video might have been shot before the Tesla announcement about all the Model 3s were going to be eligible for the total Federal Tax credit. Good deal. I am buying the Model 3 RWD later this week. It looks like the best EV value on the market at this time.

What a difference a day makes! One day after this vid released PRICING HAS DROPPED. The car is now eligible for the FULL $7500 tax credit AND if you're lucky enough to live in Colorado you can qualify for an additional $5000 state credit. Those lucky bastards could end up UNDER $30k, we're talking Nissan Leaf/Chevy Bolt money here ... for a Tesla Model 3. Crazy isn't it?

It’s close to $30k if you buy from the existing inventory on Tesla website, they are listed for 37,800 and if you qualify for the 7,500 tax credit, it will be around $30k. Also the base model has a LFP battery so you can charge it to 100% every day if you need the full range.

The model 3 SR is a really good car!! Given it’s a rear wheel drive, the driving dynamic is really good!! The overall ride quality and handling of M3 are better than MY

Yeah, it was too good of a deal for me to resist, especially since they made the $7500 tax credit happen. I just purchased one from inventory for around 36k after taxes, tag, and tax credit. Just slightly more than I paid for my Mazda CX-5 Touring, back in 2016!

Interesting hearing what others are willing to pay extra for. I’m a value consumer and enjoyed the dialogue.

I'm like Sofyan, I usually like to check all the boxes when getting a new car! But I'm super happy with my '23 Model 3 RWD, more than I was with my '21 Model Y AWD. Other than the obvious battery and drivetrain differences, the only thing the RWD is missing over the AWD or Performance is the interior ambient lighting, the upgraded stereo, and floor mats. Everything else is the same (including heated rear seats) and it makes the RWD an incredible value, especially since it's now eligible for the full $7,500 Federal tax credit again.

Great film.thanx! And Greetings from Poland 🙂🍀

I just bought the blue base model and it was only $38k. With the $7500 rebate it will come in at $30k plus tax. I don’t care how nice the new one is, this is everything I could ever want and then some.

I ordered a rwd M3 on Aug 28th and picking it up sometime between Sept 6-8. The Federal tax incentive, the nj ev vehicle incentive ($4000) and the gas savings were all I needed to order one. I did see the updated/ revised M3 and while it looks nice, the new steering wheel with integrated turn signals are not for me.

Interesting approach. Can you do the same with other makes and models? Perhaps, the Ioniq 6? Manufacturers lend the fully loaded cars to help with sales, but base units tell us more about the car itself.

Nice review from two of my favorite reviewers. I am currently torn between pulling the trigger on the RWD model 3 now, and waiting for the new release for a bit more money.

Tried a few times to rent one from Hertz. Never have any available. So feel lucky in CA. Your take away is, the base model is just as good as the performance model for less money. My take is, that does not make the performance model desirable at all if it does not stand out by a marginal # at such a great step up in price. And the coveted quality not spoken about is, they are not going to compete with an actual automobile makers standards for how well things are put together. I think Tesla is terrific in the aspect it is American made. Outside of that, it might as well be a GM product for the quality it showcases. (that is not a compliment) So, if I wanted to get into an EV with that level of quality for less money, I would buy a Bolt. IF I wanted the quality material and feel with an EV powertrain, I would buy an EQS. (there are others coming out that are in-between costs I might consider)

What’s more interesting is that we get $5000 in tax credits in Colorado starting July 1st. Plus it now gets the fully $7500. Then Tesla is selling this this car with the base wheels for 37.7k in inventory. So this car is 25k and change after July 1st. 🤗

Got mine in midnight metallic silver. Love this review, i got mine a few months back. Very good car to enter the Tesla EV world

Our family has a base RWD with the upgraded wheels and white interior. Range is enough and it’s peppy. Great for the price.

Hey Tommy, I wish you checked out the stereo. In the base you get six speakers versus 13 including subwoofer. That seems like a downside

I have a base 2022 Model 3 with the 18 inch aero wheels and LFP battery. I love my car. If I had it to do over again, I would immediately order the same car again. I have Tesla solar panels on the roof of my house and I am completely able to run my house and completely charge my car for my daily commutes and I actually have a small credit on my electric bill every month except for December and January and those months run around only $30.00! Go Tesla Model 3 base and get Tesla solar panels.

I wonder about the acceleration, there is a setting called "gentle" or something like that, that limits performance and saves range. It might be Hertz has that set by default.

Unlike most, I consider the glass roof a huge downside.

Yes current Teslas are something to talk about, I sold my 2023 Ioniq 5 and bought a Tesla Model Y long Range AWD and I love the tech over the Ioniq 5, handling is better and with the 2023 suspension improvement not far off my Ioniq 5. Very happy especially as this is our road tripper and is totally awesome on long trips, no worries finding reliable fast DC charging in Canada, unlike my Ioniq 5.

I rented a Model Y LR in Pheonix for $83/day back in Dec. Pretty good deal, but it made me really excited to get back in my '22 Model 3P. I don't understand why so many people want the Y over the 3, but that's just me.

I’m in the market to get a Long Range (dual motor) Model 3 to replace my Audi with Quattro, but I rented a base M3 from Hertz for nine days in Florida, I thought it was terrific.

Does anyone know if current Tesla M3 RWD from Fremont CA has all speakers activated? I know it is missing the premium woofer but curious if the speakers are still left unconnected with harness. Details shows Premium speakers' in detailed model information.

Does the base have the same sound system as higher trims ? I know it's pretty good in higher trims.

I just purchased a 2023 Model 3 RWD base model and it has everything we need for trips and everyday driving. If I really wanted a sports car, I would have purchased a new 2023 Corvette with all the extreme power and handling anyone would want. BTW, it has plenty of power for anyone in town or on the highway. I have driven Muscle Cars and this takes me back to those days. Opinions can very greatly but for the average person this is all the car you need. BTW, we also got the full $7,500 tax credit because it just changed a few days before we made the purchase. We also got the white because I was not going to pay $2.500 more for a red car and what is the point?

What tires are on Teslas? Are they good enough in snow to not get the AWD?

I have a 2021 Model 3 LR and can’t get anywhere close to the 353 mile EPA rating. Any tips? I like the car a lot, by the way.

The iron phosphate lithium this model uses makes it very attractive. They don't catch fire so no reason you can't charge in your garage.

Full 7500 tax credit on all model 3’s now also heated front and rear seats on the base not just the front. You can also find inventory cars at a further discount and get them in just a few days

Hey you have upgraded rims and tires. The suspension is just ok.

So I drive an insane amount for my handyman business. I calculated (based off Teslas calculator on their website) that I would save $8500 a year by not needing to buy gas. I also wouldn’t need to change oil which is probably another $500-$1000 per year with how much I drive. The idea on getting into electric is becoming more and more enticing to me. In 5 years the fuel savings alone would make up for the price of the Tesla! Wow!

Very tempted on buying a model 3, but like he said, there is the new model 3 coming out very soon! Project highland.

😑 you guys missed the point completely of having the LFP battery. You can charge the LFP to 100% every time. The performance model…it’s recommended to only charge to 90%. So the real world difference between the 2 is a lot closer than you think

Just rented a Model 3 for a week, the only reason we went that route was Hertz had a special. I have to say I was surprised, I kinda fell in love with the thing. I was impressed with the handling, the instantaneous torque and the fact that our family of 5 (myself being 6'3" 285 lbs) fit fairly comfortable including a car seat and a bunch of luggage. i think it would be a great car for day to day driving. That said, on a long trip with a lot of driving it would certainly be easier to stop into any old gas station rather than going a bit out of the way for a supercharger and waiting 20 some-odd minutes but overall not a big deal, especially when you see what you're paying vs. a full tank of gas. My rather conservative friends and co-workers have busted my ass over my love for it but all I can say is don't knock it till you drive it.

Great natural review, both feel comfortable with each other and talk about the virtues and otherwise in a very smart way. Americas best days are in future with young men like this around.

Have this exact same configuration, it’s fantastic. Best value Tesla/EV you could get right now IMO.

Base model now qualifies for $7500 federal incentive and the state of Colorado adds in another $5000 off starting July 1st. That get you a Model 3 for less than $30,000😊

100% the rwd's acceleration is held back in software. The other thing you notice is the lack of weight that the second motor incurs at the front , it feels a lot more lively and nimble on turn in and around long corners. The LFP battery means you can and should charge to 100% so the 'notional' range of the LR is less than it might be since Tesla recommends only charging to 80%.

What is the difference in miles per kWh between this base model, and the all wheel drive model? for me, the biggest consideration is efficiency, if weather is not an issue. I live in Utah, and we get some pretty harsh winters here. I actually would benefit from all wheel drive, because I live on a steep hill. The car I have now is front drive, and I've struggled to get up the hill, but would have no problem if I could get a little 'assist' from the rear axle.

The fact you can actually get a base model car if you want one. that's big deal in it's self. Good luck finding or getting one from any of the other manufactures . So good on Tesla .

I agree no point on AWD long range as max normal charge is 80% which brings you below base mileage.

M3 RWD is an excellent sports sedan. Great steering, handling, braking and good acceleration esp from a roll. It also has extremely high efficiency (130+ MPGe) and needs very little maintenance. So you'll save $5-10k over 5 yrs on fuel and maintenance. Overall it's a great car and an even better value.

I love a good crossover episode!

Wasn't there a bill that allowed the tax credit to be applied at the time of purchase?

Hertz is doing 45$ a day at Tampa, Florida I got a deal for four days @$140. Not bad

@10:27 you can see it says FULL SELF DRIVING COMPUTER so that one does have it. If it was only enhanced autopilot it would say it right there, same with standard.

2019 base SR+ owner, love the car but one base model loss not noted is the stereo. No subwoofer and the upper speakers are not wired. You can buy a wiring harness and add your own subwoofer but that is something you lose in the base model.

The sub trunk in the rear is way bigger than mine in a 2018 Model 3. 😅

It now gets the full 7500 Fed Tax credit. And if you buy an inventory model the price is even less. Agree this is probably the Tesla to buy. I want them to give us the rear wheel drive long range option.

Base model has a power trunk. Mind blown. Also Model 3 base model is now eligible for full fed credit.

I think these are the best looking wheels and wish they were on the Y! Tesla has a great model. Keep everything the same and you pay more for longer range and 2nd motor to go faster.

Such a beautiful car. Love those wheels!

I wouldn't say the power is software limited. First off that has an LFP batter which is lower in voltage and also it's a single motor vs dual in both the long range and the performance, so that performance is what you get. It was slightly faster before the LFP batteries, so that for sure is a factor.

Great video. Would love to know how much awd would be. This also isn’t much of a deal for 40,000 if it was a normal car. For an electric car it’s good, but not otherwise. Any standard gas car will get you a lot more features and safety tech than this.

try going for a drive and not seeing one, wow!! upvoted!!

I'm tempted by the base M3, think I'll get the M3 LR for awd

A few days ago, people have been posting on social media about receiving emails from Tesla that all M3 and MY cars are now eligible for the 7.5k tax credit.

There's one catch with the base model. Try charging that LFP battery on a road trip in winter in a cold climate -- yes, we do still have a few -- with only the waste heat from one motor rather than two to precondition it. You'll be waiting a while. That's why you get the faster version, two motors, therefore more waste heat and therefore better preconditioning, and a battery that, while it isn't nearly as durable as the LFP, will still go 250,000 miles or more and it will charge at an OK speed in bitter cold weather. And then there's the question of Tesla's insane decision to stop putting in parking sensors.....

👏👏👏SOFYAN 👏😊...HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY EVERYONE ✌️

I believe I learned that Hertz cars come with chill mode on as opposed to standard which is going to affect the performance.🤔🤫🙄

So can we get a spartan trim for under $22,500?

The 7.5k credit was announced a while back. How long do u guys take to upload the video after reviewing it…

The base M3 is the only one to get if you care about maximum value.

Honestly, I am so happy with my Bolt EUV premier that I am buying another one.

If you are only charging the LR to 80% but are charging the RWD to 100% the difference is only half if that and the LFP RWD is lighter. Why haul around battery weight when you are only charging the LR to 80% on a daily routine?

The base model is missing some interior lighting and a few speakers

One minor correction: White is actually an upcharge of $1,000. The only color that Tesla doesn't charge extra for on the 3 is the dark grey metallic.

The best two guys in the Industry.

It's now eligible for the $7500 tax credit. Tesla announced a few days ago and IRS website updated today (or yesterday). If you're also eligible for the $7500 tax credit in California, you can get this, in California, for $25,240 - LESS than a Toyota Corolla - CRAZY!!! 🥳 (though most people will likely only be able to get the $2000 CA credit - so $30,740 - which is still an INCREDIBLE bargain).

Is there another option for the speed indicator? Seems like top left corner would be behind the steering wheel. Wish tesla could put a tiny screen in the instrument cluster location or do a HUD projector from the back of that center screen. I have pretended to need to check my speed in the middle of my car and it gets annoying to have to look to the side instead of a quick glance down. And going around a left hand corner, good luck knowing your speed. Yeah, not super important, but cops do not care if your speedo is in a stupid spot when you are speeding.

You should do D2D with this one sometimes Showing that you don't need to own $70k ev to roadtrip

Plenty of these in hk as ubers. The interiors don't wear well...

If you've waited this long at this point you're better off waiting a bit more for the long-awaited upcoming Model 3 refresh. It's supposedly a pretty substantial update.

The reason is this isn't truly a base. The only differences are really just in software capabilities, which you can also opt in for more capability that route down the line, and battery performance. The car is really just the same.

Would be cool to have a RWD Tesla snow test to see just how badly you’d actually need AWD in a Colorado winter 🤔

I’m thinking about buying this model Frfr

Phenomenal value especially during inflation…

Will these handle flooded roads?

Is charging included with your rental or is it added on to your bill when you return the car?

Doesn’t mention fog lights, or the better sound system that the long range has. Also missing footwell lights.

was this film in Huntington Beach, CA?

I think the stereo system is alitle worse in the base, think its missing two speakers and the subwoofer in the back.

Lack of CarPlay and ventilated seats pushed me to the Ionic 5. IDC how good the software is 😅

6:45 Autopilot FSD is NOT a ripoff at 15K. If you understand the technology and have the money, you should definitely buy it. You'll be "rewarded" when FSD is approved by governemnt agencies and you can do something else instead of driving. OR you can then sell the car, and make at least 15K on it, because FSD will cost 30K-50K when you can legally use it.

It sounds a lot like a Chevy Bolt! If you speed up the bolt's charging, take away some headroom, add a couple of tweeks here and there, you get a base model 3. Oh, and add $10K. Sorry, I'll just keep my Bolt.