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Just curious if anyone has considered Tesla Model 3 vs Lexus ES? I guess it would be vs IS, ES and GS. Just saw this recent article about NHTSA tests and the Model 3 got the highest rating of any car. The link below has a side impact comparison against the previous gen ES so it's somewhat relevant here.
A good friend of mine and a co-worker both got the Model 3 and I sat in both of them. The rear leg room in the Model 3 is shorter than the 2019 ES by around 4 inches which is the main reason I'm probably not going to consider it. But I have to say, it's really close for me, especially with the $7,500 tax rebate which makes the Model 3 a better deal price wise than a 2019 ES.
ZERO interest in the model 3! I can't stand its design, both exterior and interior. On top of that, who is Tesla again?? The name just isn't big enough, and has no history yet. I'm all in for a full electric car, BUT if made by say Lexus, MB, BMW, Audi, heck, even any mainstream company (Chevy Volt?! Lol. Jk) Just not a brand new start up!
Last edited by SuperMido; Oct 9, 2018 at 07:52 AM.
It's interesting to hear, the fairly strong, negative comments regarding the Model 3. For the longest time, I had not even considered it simply because it was too small, and today, that's probably the main reason I'm going to pass on it. I do have to say that in the past month, after having sat in one on the road a few times (I didn't personally drive it), I'm getting why people are buying it. It's simplicity at it's best: power, good space (for that size car), great tech, key features, etc. Just did a bit of research the other day and didn't realize it was outselling every luxury brand with multiple segments included. From a single car model perspective, Lexus ES came in 2nd with around 1/4 of the total sales of the Model 3.
Model(s) September 2018 USA Sales
Tesla Model 3 - 24,040
Mercedes C/CLA/CLS/E-Class - 11,131
BMW 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 Series - 10,889
Lexus ES + GS + IS + RC - 7,713
Audi A3 + A4 + A5 + A6 - 7,578
Infiniti Q50 + Q60 + Q70 - 3,284
Lincoln Continental + MKZ - 2,543
Acura RLX + TLX - 2,228
Volvo 60 + 90 - 1,715
Genesis G80 - 1,201
TOTAL - 72,322
On my way to work this morning, I saw 5 of them within a one mile stretch of road. But maybe that's because I'm in Northern California and it's the epicenter for Teslas, I'm guessing. Also, I'm not sure I'd agree on the brand name of Tesla as an "unknown" vs the popular German, European, and Japanese luxury brands. At least from where I am at, Tesla has more of the cool, prestige factor than most of the luxury brands already.
That said, I brought up this topic in this particular forum because I've literally come up with reasons for why the 7th Gen ES is better for me to get than most of the other competitors but this one caught me by surprise in the past month.
It's interesting to hear, the fairly strong, negative comments regarding the Model 3. For the longest time, I had not even considered it simply because it was too small, and today, that's probably the main reason I'm going to pass on it. I do have to say that in the past month, after having sat in one on the road a few times (I didn't personally drive it), I'm getting why people are buying it. It's simplicity at it's best: power, good space (for that size car), great tech, key features, etc. Just did a bit of research the other day and didn't realize it was outselling every luxury brand with multiple segments included. From a single car model perspective, Lexus ES came in 2nd with around 1/4 of the total sales of the Model 3.
Model(s) September 2018 USA Sales
Tesla Model 3 - 24,040
Mercedes C/CLA/CLS/E-Class - 11,131
BMW 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 Series - 10,889
Lexus ES + GS + IS + RC - 7,713
Audi A3 + A4 + A5 + A6 - 7,578
Infiniti Q50 + Q60 + Q70 - 3,284
Lincoln Continental + MKZ - 2,543
Acura RLX + TLX - 2,228
Volvo 60 + 90 - 1,715
Genesis G80 - 1,201
TOTAL - 72,322
On my way to work this morning, I saw 5 of them within a one mile stretch of road. But maybe that's because I'm in Northern California and it's the epicenter for Teslas, I'm guessing. Also, I'm not sure I'd agree on the brand name of Tesla as an "unknown" vs the popular German, European, and Japanese luxury brands. At least from where I am at, Tesla has more of the cool, prestige factor than most of the luxury brands already.
That said, I brought up this topic in this particular forum because I've literally come up with reasons for why the 7th Gen ES is better for me to get than most of the other competitors but this one caught me by surprise in the past month.
That number will go WAY down at the end of this year when the full $7500 federal rebate expires. If you want one now is the time.
Tesla Build quality is not in same class as Lexus
road noise load tires and they are so plain inside just blah
a Lexus is so much nicer smoother and quieter
I drove a P100X
and never thought about them again
I was going to order an model 3 last month, but having seen three model 3s in my company's parking lot and the build qualities are horrible, I decide against it.
I was going to order an model 3 last month, but having seen three model 3s in my company's parking lot and the build qualities are horrible, I decide against it.
What are you planning to get now?
Ok, so I feel better about my decision to pass up on the Model 3 based on all these comments. I did notice the spartan interior but I get that they wanted the simplicity and minimalist feel. Have Googled about the build issues which I didn't know about. My next car after this one will probably be an EV, maybe from Lexus if they make one. Who knows. We'll see.
Actually I was looking both the model s and 3 to replace my wife’s 08 RX350.
The model s is much nicer in term of ride and quality, but too big for her and too expensive for me.
She still prefers a SUV, so we test drove a 18 NX300 f sport and RX350 nonF sport. She likes the NX300 better due to the smaller size, but the RX is definitely more refine.
BTW, I did picked up an 17 ES350 base version last August at $35k OTD. Saw an 19 ES350 model in front of Costco last weekend and impressed by its look. Now I have a small itch, may sell my 17 ES if I don’t lose too much and get the 19.
Besides the model 3 build quality, the model 3 backseat sitting position to me was somewhat awkward. Doesn’t feel that comfortable where my knees were raised.
Actually I was looking both the model s and 3 to replace my wife’s 08 RX350.
The model s is much nicer in term of ride and quality, but too big for her and too expensive for me.
She still prefers a SUV, so we test drove a 18 NX300 f sport and RX350 nonF sport. She likes the NX300 better due to the smaller size, but the RX is definitely more refine.
BTW, I did picked up an 17 ES350 base version last August at $35k OTD. Saw an 19 ES350 model in front of Costco last weekend and impressed by its look. Now I have a small itch, may sell my 17 ES if I don’t lose too much and get the 19.
We initially looked at a 2018 RX first but the front grill didn't work for me. The NX grill is better. I just wished Lexus had done more of that (NX) design on the RX instead of making the front look like a cow catcher on a train. However, I would be wary about getting an NX300 if you plan on keeping it as long as your RX because of the turbo charger. Replacing that will cost you quite a bit when the car is not worth much then. Unfortunately, most other small luxury SUVs all have turbo chargers now.
Originally Posted by lexsc4
Besides the model 3 build quality, the model 3 backseat sitting position to me was somewhat awkward. Doesn’t feel that comfortable where my knees were raised.
I sat in the back and didn't notice it but good to know. I have to say, the $7,500 credit is tempting but I need more room in the back so it won't work for me. Small SUVs like the NX don't work for me either. If I didn't need the leg room, I just might cave in. Build quality aside, it's at the top in terms of safety, the power is immense (electric motor torque), and there is a warranty so you'd expect things will get fixed.
Never thought I would see an interior uglier than a Mini Copper but I was wrong with the Model 3. Ran a cost comparison of maintenance and gas versus maintenance and electricity and my 2017 ESh with an average of 38 mph is significantly less expensive than the Tesla. Lexus is #1 in reliability and Tesla is 25th. In the last 3 1/2 years, Tesla has lost over 5 billion. In fifteen years they have never come close to making a profit. Their 15th year was their worst year with a loss of 1.96 billion. They lost 777 million in the first quarter of 2018 and 717 million in the second quarter. As bc6152 stated above, Tesla has a billion dollars in bonds due in March of 2019. In two years they will be either bought or close. Even with production up in the third quarter for the Model 3 they will still have a large loss. Since over half of sales for car manufacturers are SUV, the Model X at well over $100,000, Consumer Reports listed their 10 dogs to avoid based on reliability and the Model X is #1. The Audi E-Tron and the Jaguar I-Pace are coming out soon and both are significantly better looking inside and out than the Model X. They are both 25% less expensive. As a brand are much better in dependability than Tesla.
Anyone considered Tesla Model 3 vs Lexus 2019 ES?
