The Model 3 is the world’s best selling EV sedan, but it isn’t perfect. We tested it for 6500km, much of that on FSD, to see if you should buy the Tesla. There are still plenty of buyers who prefer lower, sportier sedans to taller, practical SUVs. In the electric space there is no question that the Model 3 Long Range RWD offers good value for money as well as the option of a subscription to Full Self Driving (Supervised) in many markets, now including Australia. Rivals to the Model 3 include the BYD Seal, Polestar 2, MG IM5 and others. In this final wrap-up review, founder Tom Baker shares his thoughts on the Model 3 and explains which one you should buy and what other options you should consider. Time codes: 0:00 - Why we tested the Model 3 0:35 - Our criteria 1:18 - Realistic range and efficiency 3:04 - Build quality of our car 4:07 - Price and value for money 5:30 - Cabin heat in summer 7:17 - Performance 9:02 - Sedan body style 10:08 - Comfort 12:08 - Handling 14:45 - Full Self-Driving (Supervised) 19:43 - Should you buy a Model 3? As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct. Subscribe now! https://www.youtube.com/user/ChasingCarsAustralia?sub_confirmation=1 Chasing Cars on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chasingcarsaustralia/ Follow Chasing Cars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingcars.com.au/ Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!
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I've had my Model 3 Premium RWD since December 2025, 10k kilometres behind me, includng a few 300+ kilometer trips (here in Poland we consider it as much lol) and I'll be honest - it's the best no bullshit car on the market in this price range, amount of features, general usability, and design. It's just looking nice, being usable, comfortable, smooth, spacious enough, and making you turn your neck everytime you go home. Every single time. And you're making up reasons to have an another drive, like it was your very first car after getting a driver's license. I fully understand why this car got so much attention in it's decade-long market presence. Yeah, by the way, this designs are 10-year old. Can you tell?
Recently got the Tesla Model Y with FSD. Once I started using FSD i could not go away from it. It is so unbelievably advanced and I recommend to anyone who is thinking of getting one
700KM + , just makes me want to only get this ev and nothing else. Really good efficiency and range.
Yes I have heard people say FSD drives under the speed limit. I have driven 22,000ks around the Gold Coast on FSD (Uber Driving) and I can honestly say that I have not had that issue. I set the speed limit to +5% and get consistantly 5% above the speed limit. Great review by the way.
This is a fantastic video, well done - balanced, detailed and well-edited
For the car getting hot during summer, the Tesla app also has an Overheat Protection feature. You can set a maximum temperature and it will turn the AC on (even when parked) to keep the cabin cool. I have mine set to 35 degrees and during summer when parked outside, uses about 5% of the battery's charge over the whole day.
I love the car. Best car I ever owned. Most drivers would never touch specific controls you mentioned.
Tom FSD version 14 will change everything, I hope it's coming soon.
Nice review Tom ! I would add that 'Cabin Overheat Protection' in Teslas mean the interior wont get above 30*C
It's funny that in AUS FSD drives too slowly, because in America it drives too fast. Even in standard mode it's going 5-10mph over the speed limit, and on the more aggressive modes it'll go 20+ over the limit, which is crazy to me. I am almost always in chill or standard mode
A dab of silicone spray on the door seals fixed the squeaks. I'd have FSD in a flash if I had to commute in and out of the city each day but I only live 5 mins from work so no point for me. Was great when I tested it however. I originally ordered a MYLR but changed to RWD and spent the difference on a new motorcycle that's faster than the LR 😂. The RWD is definitely fast enough for a SUV and I came out of a GR Yaris. Would have bought a Model 3 if it wasn't a sedan so totally agree with you there, it needs to be a liftback 👍
My 2026 Model Y Performance ($96,000) experienced multiple squeaks and rattles, mainly from the windscreen camera housing, seatbelt mounting points, and various trims. This takes away from the otherwise quiet cabin. I also enjoy FSD v13.2.9 - it's been decent but not outstanding - looking forward to next-gen v14.3 release. A couple of negatives: there hasn't been a GPS map update in 14 months, so it can't navigate new freeways. And Tom, did you know that late-December 2025 delivery vehicles don't qualify for the 5-year warranty? Why? Just for receiving the first shipment of the Performance model a week before the policy change? Such a clever company but they make some customer-unfriendly decisions.
Cracking review. Always concise, insightful and well researched. You nailed the problems with FSD
Fabulous review (as usual) Tom!👍
Lovely informative video. Just wait for FSD 14.3 update and most of your complaints will vanish. Thank you for sharing.
Re traction control check this out: , the S3XY Buttons and Knob by Enhance Automotive can significantly enhance or alter the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and traction control behavior in Tesla Model 3/Y vehicles. [1, 2] Through the S3XY Commander module, you can alter the car's driving dynamics using several specialized modes:
I’ve been using FSD Supervised (in my 2025 Model Y juniper) up and down the freeway to and from work a lot recently… I also have a daily commute of about 80kms, but I’m in Brisbane. It sucks with lane choice and will only follow what the navigation system thinks is the best route, even if it’s nowt. I want to be able to manually set a route for it to follow. Oddly, mine sits at the speed limit very consistently. I added an aftermarket electric roof blind, which was a complete game changer for me.
Finally someone honestly stated what is obvious to anyone in Australia - cars with glass roofs in Australia get hot! The lack of a retractable blind and/or no sunroof is a major drawback to Tesla and some other cars in Australia.
Strongly agree with your comments regarding the ESC/TC. They really should add a sports mode on the non performance models.
Great review. Out of all of the negatives they really need to sort out the sun shade. Glass roofs are great in theory and I don't think it needs an opening sunroof but having to resort to manual cloth shades is a pain.