One Test Drive, And I Was Sold on The 2024 Model 3 Due To It's 8 Upgrades Over The 2022 Model, Which I Sold To Carvana as They Paid $3,000 More Than Tesla Offered

In response to our recent Torque News story titled “My Customer Traded a Honda Pilot For a Tesla Model 3 and Now Wants To Return it Because of Tesla’s High Insurance and a Charger Is $5,000,” a reader named Scott shared his personal experience with Tesla ownership, and it offers a compelling counterpoint. While the original article highlighted a case of buyer’s remorse due to unexpected insurance premiums and home charging installation costs, Scott's comment paints a much more optimistic and informed picture of what it’s like to live with and upgrade a Tesla.

Scott owned a 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD with an LFP battery and put it through the paces with multi-state road trips - all without a single problem. His real-world ownership experience, comparison between Tesla model years, smart buying strategy, and practical EV ownership tips provide valuable insight for anyone considering an electric vehicle, especially a Tesla.

Below is Scott’s full, detailed comment. It's worth reading if you're researching the real cost of EV ownership, looking into Tesla’s newer upgrades, or simply want advice from someone who’s lived the experience, both as a first-time EV owner and now a repeat Tesla buyer.

You can also watch Scott's story on our Torque News Youtube channel with our take, or read below.

I owned a 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD with the LFP battery pack, which offered a 272 EPA estimated range. It was a great car, and trouble-free for three years. With this car, I took several multiple-state road trips without a problem. Now, the later-model Teslas have the software and hardware to accept CCS chargers with a CCS to Tesla adapter. It gives you access to virtually all charging stations - Tesla and CCS - used by the other manufacturers.

As good as the 2022 Model 3 was, I really liked the 2024 Model 3 upgrades. The 2024 Tesla Model 3 upgrades offered better suspension for a smoother, more luxurious ride, dual pane side glass, and other upgrades designed for a quieter riding experience, including heated and cooled front seats, and Tesla upgraded the entire interior. 8-inch rear monitor provides access to rear occupant heating and cooling, and access to movie and game entertainment. The exterior styling was upgraded as well. One test drive and I was sold. I purchased a Tesla inventory Model 3 last November when the company had vehicles with discounts from MSRP. It seemed like a good time to upgrade.

When you are serious about buying a Tesla, I recommend shopping Tesla's inventory. Check into available state and local utility company EV incentives along with Federal incentives. Make sure you take advantage of Tesla's referral incentives; you will need a Tesla owner's referral code. Currently, it's $1000 on Model 3 to the buyer and $500 to the code holder.

If you have a trade-in in I recommend shopping for your vehicle online. I sold my 2022 Model 3 to Carvana. They paid me close to $3,000 more than Tesla offered. The process was fast and easy. You can obviously get more by selling yourself if you are willing to take the risk of selling to someone you don't know. There are a lot of scam artists out there; be careful.

It's my opinion that EVs are a great choice if you have a place to park and charge conveniently. Having a level two charging station in your garage is the best and most convenient. Plan on spending $1500 to $2000 all in. The next option would be a portable charger. These can be stored in the car and used whenever and wherever needed. The final option is the level three high-speed charger. These are more expensive and least convenient. They are also harder on the battery pack, according to some battery specialists. Personally, I don't recommend an EV right now if you must depend on commercial level three chargers.

While Scott’s story is one of smart timing and a smooth transition, not every Tesla experience unfolds that way. Some owners have found themselves regretting a purchase made at the peak of Tesla’s hype, especially when depreciation and battery degradation enter the picture. One owner shared how he bought a Model 3 from a dealership for nearly $10,000 over MSRP - and now, after four years, he’s left with a car that’s not only worth far less, but also suffers noticeable range loss. I suggest reading his story as well, to see how different the EV ownership journey can be.

Why Scott’s Tesla Story Proves That Being an EV Owner Isn’t Just About Buying a Car․ It’s About Doing Your Homework

We recently published a story on Torque News about a customer who traded in his Honda Pilot for a Tesla Model 3—only to regret it shortly after. The main reasons? A shockingly high insurance premium and an unexpected $5,000 estimate to install a home charger. That article touched a nerve, sparking comments from both sides of the EV aisle.

But then came Scott.

And Scott didn’t just comment. He dropped a mini masterclass on what it means to be a smart Tesla buyer. In fact, his experience is exactly the kind of real-world perspective that gets lost when we oversimplify the electric vehicle conversation into “good or bad” headlines. So let’s unpack it, because what Scott said matters.

The EV Owner Who Did Everything Right

Scott is not your average Tesla owner. He’s been there, done that, and upgraded—intelligently. He owned a 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD with the LFP battery, drove it trouble-free for three years, and racked up miles on multi-state road trips without a single hiccup. In the EV world, that’s a résumé worth paying attention to.

Instead of being caught off guard like the customer in our original story, Scott took the time to research the Model 3’s total ownership experience - from charging to resale - and even scoped out the refreshed 2024 Model 3 upgrades before making his next move. When Tesla dropped discounts on their inventory models, Scott pounced—and got himself a better car and a better deal.

This is where it gets interesting. Because Scott’s story isn’t about Tesla being perfect, it’s about how understanding the EV ecosystem can make all the difference between buyer's remorse and buyer's pride.

Why the 2024 Model 3 Is Worth Talking About

Scott makes a strong case that the 2024 Tesla Model 3 isn’t just a minor update - it’s a legit leap forward in comfort, tech, and refinement.

Dual-pane side glass for a quieter ride? ✅
Redesigned suspension for more luxury-like comfort? ✅
An upgraded, cleaner interior with heated and cooled seats? ✅
An 8-inch rear screen with entertainment controls? ✅

Now we’re in premium car territory.

Let’s not forget - Tesla’s biggest critics often complain that the brand skimps on interior quality and cabin noise. Well, it sounds like Tesla took that feedback to heart and finally delivered a more well-rounded car in the latest iteration. Scott’s reaction? "One test drive and I was sold." That says a lot.

Scott mentioned his 2022 Tesla Model 3 was “trouble-free for three years,” which is something many owners hope for—but not everyone gets that lucky. Sometimes, even the most reliable Teslas can throw a curveball. That’s why it’s good to know how your local Tesla Service Center operates when unexpected issues pop up. One Model 3 owner recently shared how he was “so happy” after a sudden warning light appeared and his local Tesla center got him in and out quickly with professionalism and care. Reading that story might change how you feel about Tesla's service.

Not Just a Car, a Smarter Way to Buy One

Scott also drops a few gems that every EV shopper should keep in mind:

1. Use Tesla's inventory discounts – Buying directly from inventory can sometimes knock thousands off the MSRP.
2. Tap into EV incentives – State, local, and federal incentives can make or break the financial equation.
3. Leverage Tesla’s referral program – Right now, that’s $1,000 off for the buyer and $500 to the referring owner.
4. Shop your trade-in around – Tesla offered Scott a number, but Carvana gave him $3,000 more. He took it and never looked back.

This is next-level consumer savvy. And it’s the kind of advice that separates the happy Tesla owners from the ones walking back into the dealership with regrets and a calculator.

A Realistic Take on Charging

Perhaps the most grounded part of Scott’s comment is his take on charging infrastructure. He admits it plainly: EVs are a great idea if you have somewhere convenient to charge them.

He recommends budgeting $1,500–$2,000 for a full home Level 2 charger installation. That’s significantly more realistic (and affordable) than the $5,000 figure the other customer was quoted. He even breaks down portable chargers and Level 3 options—and warns against relying on fast chargers long-term due to battery degradation.

Scott isn’t sugarcoating anything. He’s just saying: “Plan ahead, and this can work beautifully.”

Scott’s comment also hints at one of the more underrated perks of EV ownership: fewer maintenance headaches. No oil changes, fewer moving parts, and no surprise trips to the dealership for routine services that can feel anything but routine. If you’ve ever been hit with a $1,000 spark plug replacement bill like one Toyota Highlander owner recently shared, you’ll understand why EVs like the Model 3 are gaining traction beyond just fuel savings.

The Torque News Take

Look, EVs, like any big shift in how we move, aren’t for everyone. If you live in an apartment with no access to charging, or if you’re not ready for the upfront costs of installation, then yeah, it’s going to be a frustrating experience. But Scott’s story shows us what’s possible when you combine common sense, timing, and a little research.

It’s also a reminder that no one car works for every lifestyle, and that’s okay. But what isn’t okay is when new buyers jump in without knowing what they’re getting into, especially with all the incentives and tools available to make a smarter purchase.

In the end, Tesla may not be the most affordable brand on the market, but Scott proves it can be the most value-packed if you play your cards right.

So if you’re thinking about buying an EV, especially a Tesla, don’t just drive one. Read up. Run the numbers. Learn from people like Scott. That’s how you go from overwhelmed to empowered.

And hey, maybe even save yourself $3,000 along the way.

What’s especially telling about the new 2024–2025 Tesla Model 3 refresh is just how broad its appeal has become. Scott's story shows how it can win over long-time Tesla owners with its quieter cabin and more refined ride, but it's also winning hearts in unexpected places. One Torque News reader just picked up a 2025 Model 3 for his 82-year-old mother and is now seriously considering one for himself. It’s a feel-good read that underscores how Tesla’s latest design and tech updates are resonating with drivers of all ages.

Have you considered upgrading your EV or trading one in? What was your experience like - did you find a better deal through Tesla or a third-party buyer like Carvana? Also, how do you handle EV charging - do you charge at home, or rely on public stations? Please, share your experience and advice with us in the comments section below.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.

Image source: Grok.