Follow us today…
Why did this Tesla Model 3 owner get rid of the car, and why was he so thrilled with his decision? Here is what EV shoppers need to know.
Tony S on the Honda Prologue Owners Group Facebook page says,
“I picked up a 2025 Honda Prologue Touring this morning, and I’m thrilled I got out of the absolute POS 2022 Tesla Model 3. I’m glad to no longer own a Tesla.”
“Every time we tried to use cruise control on the highway, it would pick up off-ramp speeds and slam the brakes. Going from 75-45. It’s simple to prevent it from happening, but constantly being on edge is not enjoyable. Also, Tesla service is a nightmare.”
“They’re losing value as fast as Hailey Welch! They were holding value pretty well, then the bottom fell out. Lost almost 40k in 3 yrs. Unreal.”
Tony continues, “The Prologue was nearly $20k off of MSRP with the current incentives. The lease was for 3 years at $375/month, and my insurance dropped by $100/month.”
There’s a Significant Shift Taking Place
The electric vehicle landscape, which has been dominated for years by a singular narrative of innovation led by Tesla, is undergoing a profound shift. As legacy automakers pour billions into electrification, they are beginning to compete on the very grounds that made Tesla untouchable: value, reliability, and the ownership experience.
However, the only thing you can count on is change.
Tony’s recent post shared on the Honda Prologue Owners Group Facebook page tells the story of one new owner, offering a compelling, real-world snapshot of this changing tide.
Tony S., a former owner of a 2022 Tesla Model 3, had a blunt assessment of his new electric vehicle. “I picked up a 2025 Honda Prologue Touring this morning, and I’m thrilled I got out of the absolute POS 2022 Tesla Model 3. I’m glad to no longer own a Tesla.”
His candor speaks volumes about the frustration that can arise from owning an EV that, while technologically advanced, may fail to meet fundamental owner expectations. Tony’s decision wasn’t just about getting a new car; it was a carefully calculated move, fueled by a perfect storm of financial incentives and a deep-seated dissatisfaction with his previous vehicle.
Here’s what EV buyers should know
For consumers researching a new SUV, Tony’s experience highlights the significant Honda Prologue incentives and lease deals that are making the model an attractive alternative to established players.
The financial upside of the move was immediate and substantial.
Tony noted that the Prologue came with nearly $20,000 off of its MSRP due to current incentives, a figure that includes both federal clean vehicle credits and attractive dealer-level programs. This drastic reduction in the upfront cost translated to a lease payment that is affordable for most EV shoppers. A three-year lease on the Prologue Touring at a rate of just $375 per month stands in stark contrast to the often prohibitive pricing seen in the early days of EV adoption.
This raises another significant consumer question:
What is the actual monthly lease cost for the Honda Prologue? For Tony, the answer was a number that made his new EV not just a viable choice, but a financially superior one. The economic benefit didn’t stop there; his insurance premium also dropped by $100 per month, further sweetening the deal.
So what drove Tony away from his Tesla?
His primary complaint centered on the vehicle’s driver-assist system. “Every time we tried to use cruise control on the highway, it would pick up off-ramp speeds and slam the brakes. Going from 75-45. It’s simple to keep it from happening, but constantly being on edge is not fun.”
This issue, commonly known as “phantom braking,” has been a long-standing and widely documented problem.
Numerous complaints and even official investigations by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) have highlighted Tesla Model 3 phantom braking cruise control issues as a serious safety concern for owners. Tony’s experience confirms that this is not a rare occurrence but a frustrating reality that significantly degrades the driving experience.
Advertising
There’s another key factor.
Beyond the daily driving annoyances, the financial hit of owning the Tesla was a significant factor in Tony’s decision. His reference to the vehicle “losing value as fast as Hailey Welch,” a nod to a social media influencer associated with a high-profile cryptocurrency crash, perfectly sums up the sentiment. While overstated, the statement is grounded in the grim reality of 2022 Tesla Model 3 depreciation.
As a high-volume manufacturer that frequently adjusts its pricing, Tesla has seen the value of its used vehicles plummet, leaving many early adopters facing staggering losses. The data supports Tony’s claim of having “lost almost $40k in 3 yrs,” with market analyses showing a depreciation of over $30,000 for a 2022 model in a similar timeframe.
This rapid devaluation has led countless Tesla Model 3 owners to search for answers to the question: Why is my Tesla Model 3 losing value so quickly? The answer lies in a combination of new vehicle price cuts, changing federal incentives, and an increasingly competitive market.
The ownership experience, beyond the vehicle itself, was also a source of deep frustration.
Tony’s comment that “Tesla service is a nightmare” resonates with numerous owner complaints I’ve found and covered in my reports. Issues range from poor communication and long wait times to a lack of transparency and a general feeling of being a number in a system that prioritizes sales over after-sales support.
In contrast, Honda’s dealership network, a cornerstone of its business model for decades, provides a familiar and often more accessible alternative for maintenance and repairs. The ease of access and established reputation for customer care are significant differentiators that are increasingly swaying potential buyers, particularly those weighing a 2025 Honda Prologue vs. a Tesla Model 3, and considering the entire lifecycle of their vehicle.
Real World Range and Charging
While Tony’s review focuses on the ownership experience, it implicitly touches on another critical factor for prospective EV buyers: the Honda Prologue’s real-world range and charging experience. As a product of a collaborative effort with General Motors, the Prologue uses GM’s Ultium platform, a sturdy and well-regarded foundation.
This partnership enables Honda to leverage a mature EV architecture from the outset, offering competitive range and charging speeds that rival those of its peers. For new EV buyers, this means they don’t have to sacrifice performance or capability for a better ownership experience.
This is a subtle yet powerful message to the market: The choice between a reliable, established brand and cutting-edge but unpredictable technology is no longer a trade-off.
An EV should be more than a tech novelty.
Ultimately, Tony’s story is more than just a consumer review; it serves as a pacesetter for the automotive industry. It signals that a new, more discerning consumer is emerging in the EV space—one who values not just speed and tech, but also practicality, financial stability, and a reliable support system. We are now entering the age of the EV as a car, with all the accompanying expectations of quality, value, and customer care that come with it.
Conclusion:
As I read Tony’s post, it’s clear his frustration wasn’t with the concept of electric vehicles, but with the specific reality of owning a Tesla. This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a symptom of a buyer’s needs and wants.
The initial excitement of the EV revolution, led by Tesla, is giving way to a more practical evaluation by everyday consumers. They’re now weighing the full cost of ownership, including the financial hit of depreciation and the hassle of service, against the traditional virtues that automakers like Honda have spent decades perfecting.
The Prologue’s success won’t be measured just by its sales numbers, but by its ability to win over drivers like Tony, who are ready to move on from Tesla and find a less stressful ownership experience. The message is simple: the EV market is maturing, and the competition is intensifying in all the right ways for EV buyers.
It’s Your Turn
Based on Tony’s experience, what factor is most important to you when considering an EV purchase: the driving technology and performance, the total cost of ownership, or the long-term customer service and ownership experience? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Tesla Model 3 story: I Sold A Tesla Model 3, and Now My Customer Has Buyer’s Remorse and Wants To Return It After Owning It One Day Because of Charging Issues
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Tony S
Follow us today…
Source: torquenews.com
