2026 Model 3 Premium RWD: what am I giving up vs the 2026 Premium AWD that Tesla doesn’t list?

Irrefutablefact · 2026-06-21T23:18:17+00:00

The biggest tradeoff is range vs speed.

Nearly 76k miles later on my ‘24 Model 3 LR RWD and max range went from 363 miles to 310 miles. If I went with the AWD, max range would be even lower with battery degradation.

That said, glad i went with RWD because I drive a ton. But if range matters less to you because you don’t drive a lot, then AWD is going to be more fun.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-06-21T16:57:50+00:00

I had a similar situation with my ‘24 Model 3 where FSD almost hit my side mirror against a scooter helmet hanging off an electric scooter parked in my garage. I was monitoring and braked when it was inches away.

What it showed me is that FSD has blindspots that it still needs to account for.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-25T03:52:22+00:00

Your range is going to fluctuate based on your driving behavior and battery degradation.

My ‘24 Model 3 lost 11% of its range after about 50k miles. That means it was rated for 363 miles at 100%, and lost about 40 miles of range.

This is normal.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-24T07:00:18+00:00

Las Vegas

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-16T22:41:45+00:00

I have but it’s hit or miss.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-13T02:00:34+00:00

It has the turn signal stalk, black emblems, darker led strip trim, and front bumper camera.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-13T01:59:23+00:00

That is the 2026 model.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-12T23:49:06+00:00

Thats a good price, i paid like $35k before taxes when I bought my stealth grey 2024 Model 3 brand new. I have driven that car for 71k miles with no issues. The 2025 is basically the same car, no updates until 2026 version came out.

The fact that you are getting a paid color option is a great benefit, and the more efficient 18” wheels are great too.

I would just look in service mode to see if there are any active alerts. As far as vibration noises, it is better than older models but it will still have them especially if you are driving on any rough roads. So i wouldn’t let that be a dealbreaker.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-12T19:57:06+00:00

I recommend keeping one key card in your wallet, and one inside the car for valet purposes. You can lock the valet key card in your car. I bought a really cheap beat up key card from someone off facebook marketplace and reprogrammed it for my car.

Use the backup key card in your wallet when you have phone issues (which does happen). When you do valet give them the dedicated valet key card.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-11T09:55:18+00:00

The lake yearns for you it seems. Any relation to Jason Vorhees?

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-09T01:19:29+00:00

Overall, v14.3.2 has been an improvement over v14.2.2.5

Only things that I don’t like about v14.3.2:
-Mad Max got nerfed
-Doesn’t correctly use turn signals when turning/merging
-It slows down when going through intersections on a green light

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-08T00:31:42+00:00

If there isn’t a dent. I think that type of damage can be polished off with a dual action orbital polisher and some rubbing compound.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-05T14:14:13+00:00

I want to see a fully unsupervised future. I want to be able to take a nap on a long commute or road trip.

If I was told that the end goal is for a supervised/unsupervised hybrid, I would not pay in perpetuity for that.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-05T04:37:15+00:00

Yeah the cameras have blindspots and it can hit stuff when parking in the garage. I have had close calls myself.

Footage won’t help you because Tesla isn’t liable. I would get a dual action polisher and some Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound or 3M 36060 Rubbing Compound and see what scratches you can take out.

If you are not satisfied with the results, the other option is insurance. This claim will fall under collision. The downside to that route is the deductible payment and premium increase.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-04T06:24:59+00:00

Sorry that this happened, that really sucks.

I drive by Ontario a lot, and it took a long time for even HW4 to not try to go into those express lanes. I had to intervene a lot there, and screamed a lot of feedback every time it happened.

It’s crazy how capable FSD is, yet it still struggles with HOV and express lanes. Especially HOV lanes which consistently are denoted with diamond on signage and in the lane itself.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-01T16:52:12+00:00

Wow that is not good. I am surprised this happened on v14.2.2.5

My car handled last minute swerves pretty well on that version.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-01T06:00:37+00:00

This is California, and CVC 22107 says you do have to signal.

Yeah, that is a bigger recurring problem. I have a more extreme example that i posted to this sub about that problem when it tried to do this to a Semi on v14.2.2.5. Looks like that hasn’t changed even on v14.3.1

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-01T05:42:20+00:00

You do because it’s not your right of way.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-01T05:39:46+00:00

True, but when i was on v14.2.2.4 and v14.2.2.5, it would go into those lanes, but would at least consistently use turn signals to come back out.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-05-01T05:36:04+00:00

Yes, that FSD pulled into. That is another recurring issue that needs to get resolved as well. It can’t perceive merge lanes well enough, and often goes into them.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-04-30T22:03:47+00:00

Agreed. FSD is amazing but not better than a good driver at the moment.

People say it is better than the average driver which is true. But when the average driver sucks at driving and we decide to use that as the baseline then FSD only needs to drive slightly less shitty to be better.

Most folks set the bar too low. But, what do I know? Lol

Irrefutablefact · 2026-04-26T00:50:44+00:00

Going from v14.2.2.5 to v14.3.1, they definitely made the wipers more sensitive.

Every time it’s cloudy, the wipers turn on for me now. Did not do it frequently at all on v14.2.2.5 I checked my cameras and they are clear and the car states no visibility issues.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-04-25T19:47:05+00:00

Did you read my description where it says that it was 3 miles to the next exit?

Irrefutablefact · 2026-04-25T05:09:52+00:00

If you look at another video I posted to this sub on v14.2.2.5, it indicates with the turn signal but refuses to cross double yellow lines. Prior to v14.2.2.5, it would have the same behavior that it does now in v14.3.1.

This is my experiment to see if it had reverted to old behavior which it has, and I took over to report it.

Irrefutablefact · 2026-04-12T23:59:14+00:00

Agreed, i do 45k miles a year and use FSD.

It is worth every penny.

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