I was about to buy a Tesla Model 3, but I decided not to – here's why

I have tried different versions of the Model 3 and, although the current trim level of the standard plus range, rear-drive (single-engined) is less than US $ 40,000 (US $ 58,960), I prefer spend about $ 25, 000 (or less) for basic transportation needs of my family.

It's partly because of my work. I test at least one new car every week, so we do not need anything adventurous to move. Our "second car" can be pretty basic.

We chose the RAV4 because I already had a relationship with a local dealer and because we had thought that a hybrid crossover AWD would be a little better for us than the Prius we were driving.

4. The Model 3 is perfect for my lifestyle – but I still need a gas car every day.

I basically use my car for local shopping and transporting my children, sometimes with a longer trip. On paper, I am the ideal candidate for an electric vehicle. And in my opinion, if you buy an EV, you might as well make a Tesla. (You can always get something else if you are unhappy after a few years.)

A model 3 would also be extremely inexpensive to operate, although it is a bit more expensive to buy or rent. I would end up reloading the cheapest model 3, with its 386 km, maybe two or three times a month with my typical usage profile.

Nevertheless, having the ease of a gas car remains something that I need. It comes down to long journeys and the need to avoid any anxiety of autonomy, largely because we drive so seldom that we only fill up every month or so. We forget the amount of fuel in the tank and in this context, filling up the fuel in five minutes makes all the difference.

5. The audio system is beautiful, notice.

The Model 3 is a very good car, and although I should buy one, but I must not forget that the audio systems designed by Tesla are incredible – some of the best I have ever seen. It's just because I'm someone who loves an excellent audio setup in his carousel.

6. I like hatchbacks.

Model 3 has a groovy fastback roofline, but it ends with a trunk, not a hatch (there is also a front trunk, or "frunk".)

The loading capacity is good, and the frunk helps. But for me, an appropriate tailgate is better suited to my needs.

The Model 3 test in different configurations has made me believe that I am an ultra-minimalist dashboard, with the central touchscreen controlling almost all the functions of the vehicle and providing crucial driving information, such as that speed.

But in practice, I always prefer buttons and buttons. Being able to change the temperature, for example, is simply easier with a button. And indeed, even if the voice control system of the Model 3 is superb, the fact of interacting constantly with a tablet is not for me quite ideal. It's often distracting.

I usually arrange test vehicles when I hit the road, but at least half a dozen times a year, we have to use our personal vehicle to travel a few hundred kilometers. Model 3 can be offered in a trim level with a range of 310 km with a full charge, but this is not enough to guarantee that you will not have to hit a Supercharger at any point in the journey.

Supercharging is excellent, and Tesla has a large number of refueling partners of destinations offering a slower refill, level 2. So, the abundance of re-juice options is not the problem.

It is rather the time needed to recharge. Although not quite slow during overfeeding, it takes a lot longer than just refueling. It's okay if you travel solo, but when I took Teslas on road trips, the refill stops prompted protests from my family.

My kids made me promise never to queue for a Tesla road trip after a trip to Maryland from New Jersey.

Faster charging times should eventually solve this problem, but for now, I need a car that matches the old gasoline tradition.

BusinessInsider.com.au