As an entry into the weird world of Tesla, the Model 3 represents the most affordable and the most accessible way for you to give some money to Elon Musk and get a rather well-executed and well-engineered electric four-wheeler. Ever since it dawned on us, the Model 3 received accolades for its design, safety, performance, and value for money. It has won a lot of awards, and also the Kelley Blue Book award that the car received in 2019 called the “Best Resale Value Awards: Electric Vehicle” and we have a whole package here. No wonder Model 3 Tesla took the market by storm and surprised the whole mid-size segment like no other car ever. Here are five reasons why the Tesla Model 3 is a great buy even today, and five reasons why it isn't.

Pro: Performance

All Tesla Model 3 cars are quick - even the least powerful one. That one, with RWD and one electric motor, can reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. On the other side of the story is the mighty Tesla Model 3 Performance, which makes the case for one of the most thrilling midsize sedans on earth. Not only did it lap the 'Ring in just over eight minutes (which is plenty quick), but it can achieve an insane 0-60 mph time of only 3.2 seconds. This is almost confusing as I am writing here about a mid-sized, four-door sedan that weighs north of 4,000 pounds. A dual-motor setup with an all-wheel drive and an estimated 506 horsepower on tap can do wonders. So much wonder that some testers reported that the Tesla Model 3 Performance can brake like the best sports sedans. CarandDriver tested its stopping power with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires on it and the Tesla Model 3 Performance managed to stop from 70 mph after 147 feet.

Con: It Is Not Available With 800-Volt Battery Architecture

While advanced and modern, the Tesla Model 3 lacks some features one would expect from a premium mid-size luxury car. First and foremost, the 800-volt battery architecture that could, given the needed modifications, provide even quicker charging times. This architecture allows for some advantages - by doubling the system's voltage and maintaining the same electrical current - a charger can deliver twice the energy to a vehicle. While Porsche and Audi introduced this system with the Taycan and the E-Tron GT, it was the Hyundai-Kia conglomerate that scaled it down to more affordable models such as the Ioniq 5 and the EV6. Nevertheless, Tesla executives said that the benefits aren’t big enough.

Related: Here’s Everything You Need To Know About The New Tesla Roadster

Pro: Comfort

The seats are wonderful - they are power-adjustable, heated, and wonderfully supportive. Then, you have a heated steering wheel. It all comes as standard even for the entry-level model. Now, the cabin is still sparse and stark, but the space inside, and everything passengers and driver use seem to be well imagined. With enough space inside for four occupants, the cabin of the Model 3 is more than inviting. Some, however, did report less than stellar comfort characteristics when driving over rough roads. However, Elon Musk reported on Twitter that the company managed to improve comfort without sacrificing driving characteristics.

Con: Underwhelming Interior

It is not a secret that the Tesla Model 3 interior, while modernistic, is a bit bland. The massive 15-inch screen at the center of the console takes it to the world of modernism quite well, but the sheer tenacity of Tesla designers to create such a sparse, almost spartan-like cabin took this minimalism game to a whole new level. Just to paint you a picture of sparseness, Tesla does not even offer a head-up display option in the Model 3 - a feature requested and wanted by numerous drivers. While the driver (or passengers) can access all the needed features through the dedicated 15-inch screen, the dullness and minimalism of the interior does come off a bit boring after some time. Especially if compared with the wonderfully executed interior of other electric cars such as the Kia EV6, or the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Related: Why Manufacturers Are Getting EVs Completely Wrong

Pro: Safety

The Tesla Model 3 may well be the safest car, as Jeremy Clarkson would say, in the world. Not only did it receive the Insurance Institute for Highway Top Safety Pick+ rating, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determined that Tesla’s Model 3 has the lowest probability of injury in a collision compared to over 900 cars NHTSA has tested over the years. True, Model 3 received this result back in 2019, but it is still one of the safest cars on the road.

As standard, the Model 3 comes with Lane Assist, Collision Avoidance Assist, Speed Assist, and a Cabin Camera. Add to this exceptional passive safety system and the fact that the whole architecture follows rigid safety rules, and we have here one of the most impressive vehicles ever created.

Con: Noise In The Cabin

Numerous owners and automotive journalists reported a rather intrusive noise in the cabin. While researching for this article, I stumbled upon report by Bjørn Nyland from Norway who measured road noise in numerous electric cars, Tesla Model 3 Performance included. The results are not encouraging for Tesla Model 3 owners, as per Bjørn's measuring, the Tesla Model 3 Performance achieved close to the worst result. Here are the numbers:

Bjørn measures road noise using a digital sound level meter Tenma 72-947. This device can record the sound level inside the cabin. Positioning it at the ear level, the device picks up exactly what your ear would. And the results are as disappointing as expected.

Related: Every Electric Pickup Truck In 2022

Pro: Almost No Maintenance

This is true about any new EV, but I had to include it here. Having to do no maintenance is a big deal, especially for the people who come from a long line of heavy-maintenance vehicles (some euro imports, I am looking at you). The battery, motor, and associated electronics require little to no regular maintenance. There are fewer fluids (no engine oil, or such), so the actual hustle of maintenance is reduced to washer fluid and tires. Tesla suggests replacing the cabin filter every two years on the Model 3. That is just in time when you need to check for brake fluid as well. Also, don’t forget to align your wheels and rotate the tires every 6,250 miles. That is it!

Con: Cold Weather Efficiency

Cold weather affects the electric car's performance and range. 2021 Tesla Model 3 and 2022 Tesla Model 3 owners reported dramatically shortened ranges in cold weather. The owner of the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus from Winnipeg, a city with an average temperature of -19.2°C (-2.6°F) each winter, tested the car in these less-than-ideal conditions. The results are, to say the least disappointing. With an EPA-estimated range of 263 miles, the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is a perfectly capable electric car, however, as the owner of the YouTube channel TESLAPEG reports, driving in cold weather depleted its battery from 100 percent to 3 percent after only 109 miles. That is scary, to say the least. Heat pump is available from the 2021 Model 3, but owners before that suffer.

Related: Here's Why You Shouldn't Buy an Electric Pickup Truck In 2022

Pro: Over-the-Air Updates

The over-the-air update isn’t anything new, however, Tesla took that to a whole another level with each of their cars, including the Tesla Model 3. Remember that feeling when you get an update on your phone and feel somewhat eager to see all the new functions, designs, and features!? Well, it is similar to that but only for a car. Just to prove the point, I will tell you that one of those updates of the Tesla Model 3 gave the owners of the Model 3 Performance access to the Track mode. It can be that extensive.

Con: Buggy Software

Many of the Tesla Model 3 owners will tell you the same thing - the software is less than perfect, meaning that, sometimes, owners could hit a bug. Tesla made it clear that it works on software issues, as demonstrated when the company recalled the 2022 Tesla Model 3 cars, and found a software bug in its infotainment system. This bug affects the processor which overheats and makes the whole system lag or even restart. This, of course, isn’t that surprising as the company issued numerous software updates trying to fix as many bugs as possible over the years. The nature of the software system, it seems, makes it impossible to become bulletproof and perfect. If you have some bugs right now, you can report it to Tesla by activating the voice command and dictating “bug report”.

FAQ

Q: How Much Does a Model 3 Tesla cost?

Tesla Model 3 Price starts at $44,990

Q: Which is the cheapest Tesla?

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD is the cheapest Tesla Available

Q: What is so special about Model 3?

Tesla Model 3 was the first reasonably priced electric car that reached the masses and a regular working man

Q: How long do Tesla cars last?

Tesla vehicles can last at least 8 years or 100,000 miles. But there have been examples of Tesla Model S cars that have lasted over 400,000 miles.

Q: How much is a Tesla battery replacement?

According to some sources, replacing a 75 kWh Tesla battery could set you back $17,000.