US mechanic of over 50 years checks out a Tesla Model 3 then breaks down all the reasons it 'scares him'
Published on Jun 26, 2025 at 4:48 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Jun 26, 2025 at 4:48 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Henry Kelsall
American mechanic of over 50 years, Scotty Kilmer, has checked out a Tesla Model 3 EV and mentioned that it ‘scares’ him.
Scotty Kilmer has been working on cars for decades, and in August 2024, he got his hands on a Tesla Model 3 to see what it was all about.
In the video on his YouTube channel, he talks about all the good points regarding the EV while also detailing all the things that worry him.
His video provides an interesting take on the car, as he experiences the electric vehicle for the first time.
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What did Kilmer think about the Model 3?
Kilmer mentioned the range of the Tesla and how it has a charge limit of up to 302 miles.
That goes against the 358 miles or so Tesla claims the Model 3 has, something the mechanic thought was worth mentioning.
He also says this could go down further in the winter, as EVs don’t generally like the cold weather.
Kilmer has got his hands on a used Model 3 from car hire giant Hertz, which creates some issues around warranties.
Tesla, for example, won’t replace things like the battery if the car has been in an accident.
If Hertz repairs it without telling Tesla, however, they may also refuse to replace the battery.
It’s when maintaining the car, however, that Scotty Kilmer gets scared by it.
Why the Tesla scares Scotty Kilmer
Kilmer is slightly scared by the complex systems of the Model 3 and how it has to be maintained.
He goes through all the things you need to perform diagnostics on the Tesla.
There are a multitude of cables required to check whether the various systems are all working.
It’s very different from the one cable you will need to check an internal combustion-powered car for faults and errors.
Kilmer is normally an advocate for buying used cars.
However, he thinks it is best to buy new EVs to avoid any possible problems and battery degradation.
There’s also the question of it having been in a wreck and what has or hasn’t been replaced.
It sounds like Tesla has a long way to go before it convinces Kilmer to own one long-term.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
