I Recently Bought a Tesla Model 3 and My Only Regret is Not Switching Earlier

After just one month with a Tesla Model 3, this owner realized what they were missing. Here’s why their story captures a growing feeling shared by many new EV drivers.

Some car purchases are forgettable, while others quietly rewrite the way you think about driving. For one new Tesla owner, it only took a month to realize how much simpler life on the road could be: no gas stations, no unexpected bills, and no outdated features to fumble through. That feeling was summed up perfectly in a post I came upon while scrolling through the “Tesla Owners Australia” group on Facebook. It came from Daisy Le, who shared her honest thoughts after one month with a Tesla Model 3. Daisy recently bought a Tesla Model 3 RWD and shared a quick one-month review after driving 1,200 kilometers (about 745 miles). She listed off the everyday headaches she no longer misses like paying for fuel, costly services, and dealing with outdated tech. Her only regret is not making the switch sooner.

Here’s what she had to say: “Pros: Don’t miss the weekly petrol cost of $100. Don’t miss the $1-3k service. Don’t miss the cost to fix my junk European vehicles. Don’t miss trips to petrol stations. Plug it in at home overnight and done. Don’t miss the dinosaur tech in my European. And it’s a solid comfortable ride. Con: Regret not switching earlier.”

 

A Shift That’s Bigger Than Just a Car

It’s a short, honest, and powerful summary that echoes the experience of many new Tesla owners. And it perfectly captures the essence of what it feels like to finally leave behind the burdens of traditional car ownership. That blend of emotional relief and modern convenience is what’s pushing more people than ever to take the leap into the EV world.

There’s something deeply satisfying about never having to worry about gas again. Most of us don’t realize how much time and energy we devote to simply keeping a car running. Whether it’s filling up weekly, dealing with scheduled services, or preparing for the next surprise bill from the mechanic, there's a lot that goes into vehicle maintenance. With electric vehicles, and particularly Teslas, much of that simply disappears. Home charging turns “refueling” into a background task. You plug it in at night and wake up ready to go. No detours, no dirty pumps, and no awkward receipts.

And while it’s true that some EV brands still come with some downsides, what Tesla offers is a full ecosystem: hardware, software, and charging infrastructure that many owners find hard to match. This is exactly the kind of experience that long-time owners talk about when they celebrate their Model 3s still driving like new even past 200,000 miles.

Other Owners' Thoughts

Daisy’s post sparked a wave of responses, and each comment added another layer to this story of silent satisfaction.

Duncan MacLatchy chimed in with a touch of humor: “Filling the windscreen wiper water is the new hassle my friend.” It's a lighthearted way of pointing out how the usual car maintenance tasks simply fade away with a Tesla. No more oil changes, timing belts, or spark plug replacements every now and then. When the most tedious job becomes topping up washer fluid, that’s a win.

Michelle Sinn’s response dove deeper into the emotional shift: “So well said! I agree on every aspect. Had our Model 3 one month too and travelled 3,269 kms (about 2,030 miles) already. Only downside for us is that we both don’t want to drive our other vehicle anymore! Many discussions have been had lol.”

That last line captures a subtle but powerful truth: once you’ve driven something as smooth, quiet, and tech-forward as a Tesla, it’s hard to go back. Many owners echo this sentiment in stories like this one, where even diehard gas-car fans eventually admit they don’t miss the old ways.

Rod Harris added: “That was pretty much how I felt and still do, especially the Euro service part.” If you’ve owned a European car out of warranty, you’ll know exactly what he means. The combination of high labor costs, imported parts, and often unpredictable reliability can add up fast. This is why so many new Tesla owners feel relief not just emotionally, but financially as well.

And then there’s Julie Ellis, who brought in the environmental angle: “Loving my Model 3 as well. I have always hated petrol stations. I love that I am not pumping pollution into the air.”

Julie’s point may not always be the first thing that sways someone toward an EV, but it often becomes one of the most satisfying. Knowing that your daily commute isn’t contributing tailpipe emissions, and that your home charger may even be powered by solar, brings a deeper peace of mind. Many new owners feel like they’re finally on the right side of automotive history.

A Growing Trend in the EV World

These types of reflections are becoming increasingly common as more people move away from internal combustion and toward cleaner alternatives. In fact, even longtime pickup drivers are making the switch, as shown in stories like this one about a Toyota Tundra owner who finally gave Tesla a try.

What makes the Tesla Model 3 particularly compelling is how it balances all this with affordability, especially for those who opt for the RWD base model. You still get excellent performance, access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network, over-the-air updates, and one of the most intuitive infotainment systems on the market. It’s the kind of car that grows on you quickly and makes nearly every other car feel dated in comparison.

Tesla Continues to Evolve

That’s part of why, even now, Tesla continues to innovate and evolve. Just recently, a camouflaged Tesla prototype was caught on camera, possibly hinting at further improvements to the already popular Model 3. For someone like Daisy, who just made the switch, that means even more upside in the future.

I find these stories interesting, and not just because they reveal how far EVs have come, but because they remind me that the auto industry isn’t just about performance numbers or brand names. It’s about how a car fits into your life. Daisy’s words are simple but they carry the weight of someone who’s been through the grind of conventional ownership and found something better. It’s not hype, it’s relief. And I think more people are starting to notice that EVs like the Model 3 are no longer niche as they’re quietly becoming the new normal.

Key Takeaways:

• Switching to electric can simplify your life: From ditching gas stations to skipping service center visits, EV ownership often removes the most frustrating parts of traditional car ownership.
• Tesla ownership isn’t just about performance, it’s about freedom: Home charging, minimal maintenance, and modern tech combine to create a driving experience that feels fresh every day.
• Many owners are surprised how quickly they forget the “old way”: Once the transition is made, the idea of going back to petrol and constant upkeep feels strange.
• Community experiences echo the same themes: Whether it’s humor, relief, or excitement, Tesla owners around the world are sharing similar stories of satisfaction and transformation.
• The Model 3 continues to lead for a reason: With its blend of comfort, capability, and value, the base Model 3 RWD remains a favorite among both new and seasoned EV drivers.

To dive deeper into what long-term Tesla ownership looks like, you can read this article asking owners if they’d buy one again without discussing politics or personalities, or explore how the Sentry Mode feature helped one driver after someone keyed their Model 3.

What Do You Think?

Have you ever switched to a new car and instantly realized what you were missing out on all along?

And if you’ve made the move to an EV, what part of the transition surprised you the most What do you miss the least?

I'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below.

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: The “Tesla Owners Australia” public Facebook group.