Replacing the Model 3 with a Model X
I’m the kind of guy who buys a car and keeps it forever. When we got our Model 3 over five years ago, I thought I’d be handing the virtual keys to our daughter in a decade. Well, it’s totalled.
That started our search for another electric vehicle. We left the ICE world behind and didn’t consider hybrids—we’re firmly in the EV camp. After a week of driving ICE cars in Europe, we were reminded why we won’t go back.
TL;DR: We ended up with a Model X.
What We Considered
While we loved the Model 3, it no longer fit our needs after five years with a kiddo. The Performance edition was fast, but the giant rims plagued us with flat tyres. The low entry wasn’t grand after workouts or long runs in the winter snow. So, we considered the following vehicles:
- Tesla Model Y
- Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model X
- Rivian R1S
- Kia EV9
- Volvo EX30
- Mercedes-Benz EQS
Since we already have the F-150 Lightning for towing and work, we focused on family space over the towing range.
As for Elon Musk being Tesla’s CEO, that had no impact on our decision. Cars are transportation for us, not symbols of societal signalling. Regardless of opinions on Musk, this choice was about the vehicle.
It’s the Ecosystem, Stupid
Borrowing from Carville’s famous line, “It’s the economy, stupid,” I’d say the Tesla ecosystem is a huge factor. While many of the cars we considered were great (some better in specific ways), they felt like science projects for a rural Michigan family. Our F-150 Lightning + Airstream trips have been challenging, despite improvements. But for the life of our Model 3, we never needed to use PlugShare, check Google Maps for parking, or consult forums about charger maintenance. We just drove. Tesla’s charging network works.
Given our long road trips, my wife wanted something reliable. The non-Tesla Supercharger network is expanding, but it’s not perfect yet. I didn’t want another science project—I wanted transportation.
Plus, our home setup with Tesla PowerWalls and chargers is already in place; it just integrates better. In fact, I’m considering getting rid of our free F-150 charger since it’s limited compared to our much older Tesla wall charger.
Why the Model X?
We ended up with the Model X for a few key reasons:
- The Model Y wasn’t significantly bigger than the Model 3. We struggled with the Model 3 when fitting a car seat and three adults.
- After five years and 106,000+ miles, the Model 3’s range dropped from a supposed 310 miles to 260 usable miles. We understand battery degradation, but we wanted a higher starting point. The Model X offers 335 miles vs. the Model Y’s 269.
- We needed just a little more space to avoid making the F-150 Lightning our primary vehicle. The Model X has much more room.
- We hope the Falcon Doors will solve the issue of our kiddo banging the car door into the garage wall. Our garage is tight, and we’ve had our share of dings.
- Living on a dirt road in rural Michigan, our roads are rough, especially in winter and spring. The Model X’s air suspension will hopefully protect the vehicle, unlike the Model 3, which took a beating.
- Who knows what the future holds, but there are more growth opportunities for space with the X.
Concerns
While the Model 3 was reliable, the Model X has many moving parts. The engineer in me wonders if those front and Falcon doors will still work in 10 years.
My Wife was right that the white interior is beautiful, but I am afraid what a 5 year old will do to it after a few long trips. Fingers crossed!
Lastly, everything for the Model X is more expensive—charging, insurance, parts, etc. While we plan to keep it long-term, the initial sticker shock still stings. Let’s see how it goes.
