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You can learn a lot about a car from the people who live with it every day. That’s why the best reviews don’t always come from professionals, as they come from owners who’ve racked up miles, braved the struggles, and still have something to say. So when I came upon John Constantatos' post in the "Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club," it instantly felt like something worth diving into. John posed a refreshingly simple question, stripped of politics and personality cults: would you buy your Tesla again, based solely on the car? Here's how he put it:
“Ok Tesla owners, you happy with your Tesla purchase, or do you regret it? Considering the pros and cons of purchasing an EV. Please talk only about the car, not anything about Musk. Has the maintenance been less than gas cars? Anyone have any expensive issues with the electronics going bad?”
What followed was a wave of thoughtful, firsthand experiences. Real people talking about real ownership and how those experiences stacked up after thousands of miles. Some even compared their long-term Tesla satisfaction to stories where early ownership put that confidence to the test.
What Real Owners Say When You Strip Away the Noise
One of the strongest responses came from Karyn Sundsten, who said:
“I LOVE everything about my ‘25 Model 3, best car I’ve ever driven, unequivocally cheaper to operate, and walking up to a full charge every morning is a total peace of mind. Not one regret!”
Karyn’s comment is short, but it hits at the emotional core of EV ownership. The idea of waking up each day to a fully charged vehicle, skipping gas stations entirely, and enjoying minimal maintenance feels futuristic, but for many like her, it’s just the new norm. And she’s not alone in that sentiment.
Then came a comment from Phil Lieberman that adds weight from experience:
“I’m older than dirt, my father was a body and fender shop owner, and my older brother is a car collector so I never took my ICE vehicles to a mechanic. I took care of oil and filter or any maintenance or repairs. I own a 2020 Tesla Model 3 RWD Standard Range Plus and love this vehicle. The best car I have ever owned. Nothing but tires, cabin filters, and windshield wiper fluid being changed. I will not be buying anything but Tesla from now on. And yes, even though I own two Toyotas, a truck and an SUV.”
This is powerful. Here’s someone who spent a lifetime immersed in cars, likely skeptical of change, and still declares his Tesla the best vehicle he’s ever owned. Even with two Toyotas in the garage, he knows where he’s going next, and it’s not back to gas.
Kial James chimed in with a response that might echo the thoughts of many on the fence:
“By far, the best car I’ve ever owned, wishing I would have got one years ago. Don’t wait, it’s such an incredible car to own. You won’t regret it.”
The idea of waiting for the “right time” to go electric is a common theme among potential buyers. But comments like Kial’s serve as a wake-up call: for many, the transition should’ve happened sooner.
And finally, David Zar brought depth to the discussion with a longer, more nuanced comment:
“Wanted to give you a list of pros and cons, but I have NO CONS. At least as far as EV vs ICE. I mean sure each car has some ups and downs, but not because it's electric. I have a Model Y and a Model 3. I would not go with anything else. Zero necessary maintenance. Have done lots of accessories to it, but nothing that's a must for making it last. Have to be careful with charging (%, frequency etc) and if you hit that accelerator full speed each time, tires will wear out fast. Plus guaranteed to curb the wheels at some point, but that’s all elective upkeep or fixes. Between the gas savings and zero necessary maintenance, it’s a hands-down winner. Power, speed, software updates, feels like new 2 years later, customization options, driving for 1 and 40 minutes without touching the wheel, accelerator or brakes, full phone control, entertainment option, more and more. I see no drawbacks.”
David’s comment reads like an unofficial Tesla brochure but with credibility. He doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of ownership, like fast tire wear or the inevitable curb rash. But his conclusion is clear: as far as he’s concerned, EVs, specifically Teslas, are a complete upgrade from traditional gas cars.
And while some might still raise concerns about vandalism or exposure to harsh public opinions, there are compelling stories that highlight how Tesla owners stay strong through the occasional adversity. As seen in cases like this one about a Tesla Model 3 vandalized on Day 3, there’s still a stigma in some places, but it doesn’t seem to dull the enthusiasm from those behind the wheel.
It's Not All Perfect, But It Doesn’t Have to Be
While none of the featured owners mentioned specific complaints, Tesla ownership isn’t entirely problem-free. Some owners in the same group (though not quoted in this story) mentioned issues ranging from infotainment glitches to long service wait times, things that could stem from Tesla’s still-evolving support infrastructure. And yes, Teslas can be subject to surprise issues, like those discussed in this piece about returning to a scratched car after forgetting to activate Sentry Mode.
But context matters. These issues, while frustrating, rarely outweigh the fundamental experience. As one owner reflected in a cautionary tale about coming back to a damaged car without Sentry Mode, preparation and understanding Tesla’s ecosystem are just as important as the tech itself.. It's also worth noting that incidents involving vandalism or unexpected service events tend to get amplified online, while the thousands of silent, trouble-free drives don’t make headlines. And that's why I make sure to talk about all different kinds of experiences, not just sticking to the good or the bad.
Why This Question Matters More Than Ever
The timing of John's question couldn’t have been better. There’s more noise than ever about Tesla. Some of it is deserved, some of it political, and some just plain clickbait. But at the center of it all remains the car. And what these owners proved is that, when you filter out the chaos, the product still speaks volumes.
Some owners even seen here go as far as saying they would never consider another brand again, despite being fans of competitors like Rivian. Just read the story of someone who traded a 100,000-mile Tesla Model 3 for a Rivian R1T, only to face an unexpected reality check. These comparisons are becoming more common, and what’s emerging is this: Tesla still holds its ground.
In fact, many owners say the car becomes more than just transportation as it becomes part of your lifestyle. The OTA updates, app control, and self-driving features aren’t just “techy add-ons,” they shape the way you experience daily life.
A Broader Look at What Tesla Ownership Really Reveals
As someone who writes about cars every day, I spend a lot of time finding stories about what’s wrong, and it is part of the job of course. Tracking failures, service issues, recalls, and other things. But stories like this remind me to zoom out. Tesla isn’t perfect, and it’s not immune to criticism. But the overwhelming positivity I saw in response to John’s post wasn’t staged or selective, it was truly organic. And it reveals something we don’t always acknowledge in the EV world: when the car itself delivers on its promise, the noise fades away.
You don’t need to believe in a vision of the future or buy into brand loyalty to enjoy a great driving experience. You just need a car that performs, feels exciting, and makes your daily routine easier. For many, Tesla checks those boxes effortlessly. And that’s what makes this story worth telling.
What We Can Learn From This
Here are a few takeaways that stuck with me while reading through the thread:
- Real ownership wins over reputation – No matter what the headlines say, most owners care more about how the car drives and functions than who runs the company.
- Low maintenance is more than a buzzword – Owners consistently mentioned tires and wipers as their only maintenance costs. That’s no small feat.
- You don’t have to love Tesla to love your Tesla – It’s possible to be neutral or even critical about Elon but still be completely satisfied with the product.
- EV hesitation often becomes EV enthusiasm – Many owners echoed the regret of not switching earlier. That alone speaks volumes about how EV ownership evolves over time.
- Customization and updates make the car feel new again – Software improvements and simple upgrades keep the car fresh long after the purchase date.
How's Your EV?
Would you buy your Tesla or EV again based purely on the car, not the company? Why or why not? And What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned since switching to electric, good or bad?
If you haven’t switched to electric, what are some things that still hold you back?
We’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Your voice adds real value to the conversation.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: Grok and Tesla Gallery
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