Introduction
Owning a Tesla was something I’d been dreaming about for a while. As a tech enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for the latest gadgets and innovations. My office is filled with the latest tech—whether it’s my Samsung Galaxy Fold 6 or the Meta Smart Glasses. So naturally, Tesla’s technology-heavy approach appealed to me. But I hadn’t taken the plunge until Tesla released the full self-driving supervised beta, which allowed the car to drive itself with minimal input. That was the tipping point. I wanted to experience the future of driving.
After doing some research, I decided on the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance—a used car that still had the longer-range battery, dual motors, and added sporty features like the spoiler and turbine wheels. I’ve now owned it for about three months, and I can confidently say it’s been an incredible experience.
First Impressions
When I first got behind the wheel, I immediately noticed how sleek and minimalist the interior was. There’s no traditional dashboard—everything from your speed to navigation is on a central touchscreen that sits between the two front seats.
The design is clean, with soft black materials that feel premium to the touch and a beautiful wood grain accent wrapping around the dashboard. The minimalist design really makes the car feel modern, and the central touchscreen is not just functional, but visually striking.
But beyond aesthetics, the driving experience itself is what really blew me away. On my very first drive, with my son Tanner in the backseat, I decided to test the acceleration. I warned him I was going to punch it, and when I hit the pedal, the car took off with such power that we both just burst out laughing. The instant torque is unlike anything you get with a traditional gas engine. There’s no engine rev-up—just pure, immediate acceleration. It’s like being on a rollercoaster.
Driving Experience
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is a blast to drive, and the thrill of its acceleration never gets old. It feels like taking off in a high-speed roller coaster every time I hit the pedal. The electric motors deliver instant power, which makes overtaking cars on the highway feel effortless. What’s surprising, though, is how smooth and stable the car feels even at high speeds. I think the heavy battery pack at the bottom of the car plays a big role here, helping the car hug the road during sharp turns and making the whole ride feel grounded and secure.
One of my favorite driving experiences was when I took the car down a rough road to a family camp in the Allegheny National Forest.
The road was terrible—full of potholes and bumps—but the Tesla handled it well, as long as I drove slowly. It wasn’t the ideal setting for a sporty car like this, but it got me through without any issues. Whether I’m driving in the city, on highways, or even in the rain, the car’s performance is consistently reliable.
Interior and Technology
The interior of the Tesla Model 3 Performance is just as impressive as the exterior. My car came with black leather seats, which are not only sleek but also incredibly comfortable. All seats, both front and rear, are heated, which is a luxury you don’t often get in other cars. Plus, the heated steering wheel is a nice touch, especially during cold mornings. The overall design is clean and modern, with premium materials used throughout the cabin, from the soft-touch surfaces on the doors to the wood grain accent piece that wraps around the front. Everything about the interior feels high-quality, and it’s a comfortable space to be in, whether for short commutes or long road trips.
When it comes to technology, Tesla has really outdone itself. The central touchscreen is the hub for almost everything, and I found it to be super intuitive. Now, I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a techie, so I tend to pick up on these things quickly, but I still believe the system is easy for anyone to use. The menu structure is logical, and most basic functions, like adjusting the temperature or turning on the heated seats, are right at your fingertips. For more advanced settings, it only takes a couple of taps to find what you need.
Tesla is also known for its over-the-air software updates, which improve features and introduce new ones without the need to visit a dealership. Shortly after getting the car, I received an update that gave me access to the full self-driving supervised beta, which was a game-changer.
However, I’ve noticed that I haven’t received any further updates in over a month and a half. While Tesla’s updates are rolled out gradually, it’s starting to make me a bit concerned. It’s something I hope resolves soon because those updates are one of the things that keep the tech fresh and evolving.
But the technology in this car isn’t just about convenience—it genuinely enhances the driving experience. I use Autopilot all the time, whether I’m driving to a family reunion in West Virginia or commuting into Cleveland twice a week. Autopilot makes long trips so much easier, allowing me to relax, listen to audiobooks, or just enjoy the scenery while the car takes care of the driving. It’s not perfect though; I like to think of it as having a student driver behind the wheel. Occasionally, it hesitates or makes small hiccups, and I’ve had to step in a few times to prevent any confusion for other drivers on the road. Despite those moments, I’ve never felt unsafe, and overall, the tech has been life-changing. And then there’s the added benefit of never having to stop at gas stations. I just plug the car in overnight at home, and in the morning, it’s fully charged and ready to go. The convenience is incredible.
Battery Life and Charging
The Tesla Model 3 Performance comes with an estimated range of around 315 miles on a full charge, although for daily driving, Tesla recommends charging only up to 80%, which brings the range closer to 252 miles. I’ve found that even with this 80% charge, the range is more than enough for my day-to-day driving. For example, on my longest driving days—where I might drive an hour and a half to work and back, with extra trips to drop off my son—I still return home with about 20-30% battery left. That’s starting the day at 80%, which means I’ve never had to worry about running out of power.
For most of the week, I don’t even need to charge the car every night. Since I work from home for part of the week, I only charge it after my Monday and Friday trips into the city. The convenience of charging at home has really been a game-changer. I just plug it in overnight, and by morning, it’s ready to go. Not having to visit gas stations has been a huge benefit.
On the rare occasion when I’ve taken longer trips, like a family reunion in West Virginia, the Tesla handled it seamlessly. The car knew I’d need to stop for a charge, and it automatically routed me to a Supercharger along the way. The process was easy—I just followed the GPS and charged up while I took a break. So far, I’ve never found myself in a situation where I needed more range. Of course, it would be amazing to have a 600- or 700-mile range, but realistically, the car has always met my needs, and I’ve never had a battery-related issue that left me stranded.
Ownership Experience
So far, my ownership experience with the Tesla Model 3 Performance has been everything I’d hoped for—and then some. I haven’t had a single issue with the car, and I’ve yet to visit a service center. The lack of traditional maintenance like oil changes has been a huge time-saver, and I don’t miss those trips to the shop one bit. I used to spend about $33 a month on oil changes and $150 to $200 a month on gas, so the savings have definitely added up. Now, I’m spending around $50 a month on electricity to charge the car at home, and honestly, I think that’s a generous estimate—it’s probably less.
One thing that really surprised me was how little I actually need to think about charging. Before I bought the car, I had this impression that I’d be stopping at superchargers all the time. But that hasn’t been the case at all. I’ve only used a supercharger once, and that was on a long trip to West Virginia. For day-to-day driving, I just plug the car in at home overnight, and it’s ready to go in the morning. Not having to stop at gas stations is a small thing that’s made a big difference in my daily routine.
As for overall satisfaction, I couldn’t be happier. I love that the car drives me to and from the office on autopilot, and when I feel like taking over, I have that option too. It’s the perfect balance. I find myself relying more and more on the car’s driving capabilities, and I don’t regret the purchase one bit. Even though I bought a used model that was a year or two old, the buying process was simple—I found the car through Tesla’s website, inspected it, and picked it up with no issues. I haven’t had any problems so far, and while I know things can change down the road, my experience up to this point has been fantastic.
Would I recommend the Tesla Model 3 Performance? Absolutely.
It’s everything I wanted in a car and more. It’s not just about being environmentally friendly—although that’s important, too—but it’s also about the convenience, the technology, and the driving experience. I do think, though, that for some people, especially those in areas with fewer charging stations or less reliable infrastructure, it might be more of a challenge than it has been for me. But for my needs, it’s been perfect. As for the long term, while I expect that issues could arise as with any car, I’m optimistic about Tesla’s service and the general reliability of their vehicles so far. I know there may be challenges in the future, but right now, I have no complaints. It’s been a fantastic start to what I hope will be a long-lasting relationship with this car.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fun and Fast: The Tesla Model 3 Performance is a thrilling car to drive. The instant acceleration and fast response make it feel futuristic and exciting, offering a driving experience that’s hard to beat.
- Convenience and Low Maintenance: With no oil changes, brake pad replacements, or complicated maintenance, owning this car is incredibly easy. You only need to worry about windshield washer fluid, and charging at home overnight makes it even more convenient.
- No Gas Stops: Not having to stop at gas stations is a major time-saver. You simply plug the car in at home, and by morning, it’s ready to go, making daily driving hassle-free.
- Autopilot: Tesla’s Autopilot is a game-changer. While you still need to pay attention, it takes a lot of the burden off driving, allowing you to relax and observe your surroundings more easily. It’s a glimpse of the future of autonomous driving.
Cons:
- Battery Range Limitations: Tesla recommends charging to only 80% for daily driving, which limits the range to around 250 miles. For long trips, this can feel restrictive, and the base Model 3 has an even shorter range, which could be a drawback for some.
- Autopilot Hiccups: While Autopilot is generally reliable, it occasionally hesitates or makes small adjustments that require driver intervention. These hiccups are minor but still require attention, especially on longer drives.
- Price: The initial cost of the Tesla Model 3 is higher than many entry-level gas-powered cars. However, it’s worth noting that there are often federal and state incentives for electric vehicles, which can help offset the upfront price. And in the long run, the savings on gas, oil changes, and maintenance make it a more economical choice overall.
Conclusion
After owning the Tesla Model 3 Performance for a few months, I can confidently say it’s been one of the best purchases I’ve made. The car brings a new level of convenience, with features like Autopilot, which takes the burden off driving and lets you relax while still paying attention. Charging the car at home overnight has been a huge time-saver, and not having to deal with gas stations or traditional car maintenance has been a game-changer.
This car is fun to drive. It’s fast, responsive, and feels like something straight out of the future. I’d recommend the Tesla Model 3 Performance to almost anyone—whether you’re a tech enthusiast, commuter, or someone who’s simply looking for a more convenient and low-maintenance driving experience. With Tesla’s constant software updates, the car you buy today will actually get better over time, which is something few cars can claim.
That said, it might not be for everyone. If you’re driving more than 200-300 miles per day regularly, you might find the range a bit limiting, especially since Tesla recommends charging to only 80% for daily driving. And while the Autopilot feature is amazing, it’s not perfect yet—there are occasional hiccups that require you to stay alert.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to see where Tesla and the electric vehicle industry go. Tesla is not only pushing the boundaries of electric cars but also leading the way in autonomous driving technology. While the technology isn’t perfect yet, it’s clear that this is the future of transportation. I’m looking forward to seeing how my Model 3 evolves over the years as new software updates and improvements roll out. The potential is limitless, and it’s exciting to be part of this new wave of innovation.