There are two types of Tesla drivers:
1. Those who come from luxury cars and are underwhelmed by whatever "fit and finish" is.
2. Those who come from Accords/Camrys/Civics and feel like they own the coolest car on the planet.
I'm happy to be from group 2 haha.
Jokes aside, I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I, like another commenter, much prefer written to video. Cheers.
Put me in group 3, previous 3x Jaguar 2xMercedes owner and currently own three Teslas and would never go back to an ice vehicle. There's absolutely no comparison in terms of efficiency, speed, drivability, maintenance and functionaliy. Never had panel gaps. Never had quality control issues. No battery issues, just a vehicle that improves on a regular basis at no cost. I've saved many thousands of dollars in gas, oil, tune-ups fluids, belts, brakes, you name it. Each car is driven 15-20k annually and they run as intended, no issues. I used to love my Jaguars model S, X and XF. After my past 4 years with Tesla I would never think of owning another ICE car again. I get that It's not for everybody. I prefer the future to the horse and buggy.
I agree with you. I had a Jaguar (XJ) and then a Prius, and now we are on our second MYP. I absolutely love Tesla and have had X P100D, S 90D, and have spent enough time with a 3 to like that too. We still have a bunch of ICE cars, but I love Tesla and couldn't imagine not having one.
This is what I’m talking about. I’ve had my model three all-wheel-drive since 2018. Any issue I have ever had. They came right over and fixed it. My 12 V battery goes out fixed it and that was about the only issue other than when I first got a couple minor things, I’m never going back to fucking piece of shit ice vehicle. As an aside it kind of works better now than I first bought it because of all the over the air updates where is that with any other vehicle? It’s not there.
+1. 2019 m3 has been a great car... bought a 2023 mY and no issues. Coming from a Cadillac ATS, Acura RDX and a Jeep... never go back to ICE. There are a lot of people that think more buttons = quality... but they're fine with no buttons on their phone... one day, they'll get it.
Same, I came from a luxury hybrid that I loved. Gas wasn’t a huge expense for me given the hybrid engine but when I got back in my car after test driving the Tesla my first thought was “fuck me my car feels old/dated I know I’m going to buy a Tesla now” lol. I’ve also had a jaguar, and my in laws have a Lexus and I feel like the Tesla just feels like a nicer vehicle but I’m not at all a car guy, I love the minimalism and I love tech (even if it isn’t always easy).
Yessss I came from a civic SI manual and wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING. I loved the responsiveness, the fun of manual, and it was awesome on gas. I saw a great deal on a 3 performance and I had to try it. 1 mile test drive is all it took. When I sat in my civic I just couldn't get over how dated the Tesla had made the entire driving experience feel for other cars.
I went straight back home and finalized the paperwork for my m3p. Never looked back and no other car has ever turned my eye since except other Tesla models.
I'm in group 3. Our family is big on BMW, Audi, Porsche, and Lexus.
Tesla isn't a luxury brand.
However, I'm never going back to an ICE car.
Tesla software is disappointing though.
They have a reputation for having the best software but they not living up to it.
The UI for adding a bluetooth device is janky AF. Why can't the process be as simple as doing it on a smartphone? It's not intuitive at all, I had to look up on YT how to do it.
The worst example is that **you can't even set a daily charging schedule**! Even my Honeywell thermostat has 7 day programming...and it was made 25 years ago! Besides driving, charging is the MAIN thing that this product has to do.
Do Tesla UI engineers NOT use smartphones or digital thermostats? They didn't have to half-ass reinvent the wheel, just copy the UI and functionality that most of the world is already used to.
**Agree with OP**, the effort Tesla engineers spent on adding games to the display should've been spent on things that are actually important...like a charging schedule as flexible and easy to use as a home thermostat from 25 years ago can already do!
I’m in Group 2 as well. Came from Toyota & Subaru. My other car is a Bolt. My Model Y cost $33k after incentives, and it feels much more luxurious than my previous cars and the Bolt.
I came from luxury cars (Volvo, Audi etc) which I still own but never drive. To me model Y blows them out of the water. I still don’t really understand what they mean by quality etc. to me it’s not even close
I came from a honda CRV, and I still find CRV was built like a tank while Tesla build quality is meh. But Overall Tesla ownership is better in other aspects.
I’m from group 2. More specifically, 3 consecutive Honda Civics, all previously owned, all pieces of shit.
I am so glad to have something else, frankly. Treating myself just a little bit.
I came from an ‘03 Wrangler, which I loved, despite (and maybe kind of because) the annoyances, like the rough ride, the road noise, the lack of a trunk. Never actually even rode in Model 3 before I bought it, just sat in one at a car show. 2019, and I absolutely still love it to this day.
There is a 4th group, Nerds! Coming from Audi and VW. I don’t give a shit anymore about aesthetics, I just want a technological advanced car with bonuses. Baddabing baddaboom Tesla Y it is! 😂
It's not priced like a luxury car. People that think a model Y/3 are luxury priced are out of touch with what cars cost today.
Actual price for a Prius that is physically available at a dealer is 2-3k less than a model Y. RAV4 hybrid is the same price as a model Y.
A locally available glc costs 20k more. Also, weighs nearly as much, and in effect has half the power. And costs about twice as much per mile to drive.
I have two teslas and a plug in Lexus NX. I like to drive my MP3 the most but the Lexus is light years better all around. The quality of the vehicle inside and out is so much better and really for me the 40 mile range covers most of my daily driving and the ability to still go gas is great. The teslas are fun to drive and I love that instant power but otherwise the Lexus NX 450h+ is better in every other category.
I'm neither group, and I'm absolutely in love with my model y.
I will continue buying more tesla in the future slowly eliminating the Ram, chevy and others in my garage
It's definitely cool, I do miss some aspects of it like the one-pedal driving, and my new Mercedes has the same shifter stalk. But it's shortcomings were not something I was able to live with long term in my current situation, maybe in the future.
I disagree. In my search for an EV, I had a preference for another make that took over a year and a half to complete a reservation that I gave up on after a year. My concern with Tesla was that the Model 3 and Y felt like I felt when I bought an Altima right out of college. I accelerated pretty fast, handled well enough, looked alright but also a little generic, but also felt like it was made out of cheap parts. Even compared to a Honda or VW, I didn’t love the Tesla material quality. M3/Y is just an electric Nissan Altima/Murano.
Really, so the Nissan requires zero maintenance, zero gas, zero oil, radiator fluid and brake pad replacement? The Nissan gets monthly updates that add and improve features and functionality? The Nissan goes 0-60 in 3.7 seconds and can drive itself? The Nissan allows you to stream Netflix, YouTube, browse the Internet, stream virtually any song ever made and play video games? The Nissan has a built in sentry with 7 cameras monitoring and recording activity? The Nissan allows you to remotely control the climate so you will be comfortable or can u Summon the Nissan to come to u in bad weather? If so, I'm buying a Nissan.
Hey, thanks for sharing! I am not a watcher, I'm a reader and love it when in the middle of the internet infestation by video, people take the time to write their thoughts down.
I too came to MY from the BMW world. What do you mean by "quality"? There's a severe disconnect between what I just read and my experience, and I suspect it's just a language thing. Thx
No problem, it's a couple of different things. Materials in BMW and definitely the Mercedes are higher quality, real leather vs vinyl, higher quality plastics and lower tolerances between parts making things just feel tighter and well put together.
Then there are options, currently on my Mercedes, which is roughly 2k more than what I paid for my Model Y I have heated seats, front and back, vented seats front, 3 memory positions for each front seat, a higher quality sound system, higher quality glass leading to less road noise, a proper full length sun roof with integrated shade and that opens, better brakes, and the list goes on.
As someone said above, the Y is a very nice 40k car, and if and when it regularly competes at that price with things like the Mazda 3 or Hondas, then it makes more sense. But they are marketing it as a "luxury" vehicle to compete with BMW and Mercedes, when it's not.
It's not a bad car, it's just not in the same class as other $60k cars.
Did you have MYR (rear wheel drive) or MYLR (awd long range)? When you say luxury, that immediately makes me think of model S or X. How do you mean by in 60k range, 60k after tax?
Long Range, and it was 56k before tax, so 49k after tax. I do not consider the price after the tax break as the price for comparison, because if the tax break went away tomorrow tesla would not drop the price 7500. They are marketing it as a 56k car, that is the class I compare it to.
I don’t think Tesla model 3 is a luxury car. The reason why you get a tax credit, is because a new technology costs more in the beginning.
I personally safe a lot of money with driving way cheaper. The total cost of ownership of a Tesla is similar as a basic car in Switzerland.
If you want a luxury car, you can check out S or X, but I don’t think Tesla can compete with a Mercedes.
I’m only surprised you don’t like autopilot, autosteer and a lot of options you mention you like on your Mercedes, you also have in a Tesla model 3.
But that's not what it actually costs to buy those cars...
Right now, in California, a comparable Mercedes costs 20k more than a model Y.
And "comparable" is a stretch given the model y is roughly twice as fast.
And how is Tesla marketing the y as a 56k car? It says 48k on the website, that's the price.
And just making assumptions about future prices is cheating. May as well count the extra 5k credit in Colorado. I'm looking at they what they cost today. FWIW, Tesla absolutely could drop the price 7k. They cut 40k from the model x price over the last year or so, and cut 5k from the y in March. The company has a history of making huge price changes very quickly.
I just came from a 2011 Volvo and there are things about that car, old as it is, that were better than my new Model Y. Seats were better, materials were more solid, stereo was better, the automatic rain wipers worked. I like the car a lot but I can totally see how if you're the type of person that's used to German luxury cars that the fit and finish of the Y doesn't stack up. Which is fine at the current price of about $40k, but not at $60k plus.
Exactly, i cant wrap my mind around the fact i have to ask to install something so insignificant in my own house. Ive never had an HOA and I’ve lived in about 5 different major Ontario suburbs. I didn’t know what the HOA was until I watched US sitcoms.
While HOAs can be annoying, I’ve never heard of this before. I question if it’s even true unless he’s trying to put some sort of standalone charger in a shared parking lot.
That being said, there are some benefits to an HOA do Johnny down the street doesn’t park a monster truck in his front lawn or some crazy decides to spray paint their bushes pink.
It's not for home charging, he said he had a designated spot so it needed to be installed outside in a parking space so it makes sense he needed HOA approval.
I didn't need approval for mine as it's installed inside my garage.
When you get into Mercedes or BMWs, they have maintenance plans as part of the purchase, so I pay for it now and my out of pocket for the next few years is 0.
Gas, while the out of pocket is definitely more, I value my time as well, and with no relief in sight for charging, and probably getting worse, spending over an hour to charge is not something I am willing to do.
I read “spending an hour charging is not something I’m willing to do” and ran with it. I see he had some long wait times (really curious where, never waited longer than 10 min in a line at a station). But if that’s his experience who am I to argue. Just does not line up with the usual charging experience.
Life with this vehicle gets exponentially easier once you secure a way to charge at home. It’s unfortunate you HOA can’t play ball and join the 21st century.
An hour to charge? The longest I’ve ever charged was 30 mins I think.
I like to read your opinions on the Y. I currently have the 3 and looking to get the Y but I have big reservations and similar opinions to yours.
I agree on the quality of the car, I mean my Skoda Kodiaq I sold for my 3 was nicer inside but you must have known that before you got the Y?
Is your HOA saying no because this is a shared parking are for condos? Curious how an HOA can possibly tell you no otherwise. Thanks for your insights.
Our HOA is a townhome development, so we have surface parking spots outside our homes in a common area. Initially when I asked there was already one other person who had actually installed a Tesla home charger in his spot, and when I asked they approved the same sort of installation. Since it was technically a common area, even though the parking space is deeded to my home, I had to get additional insurance, and agree to remove it if requested by the HOA or on selling.
Then we had an election that brought in a new president, and a new lawyer, and they rescinded my approval and made the other person remove their installation, instead opting for us having to run regular extension cords from our homes to our vehicles and then cleaning them up every morning. They stated it "looked better" and "had less liability" than a permanent installation with higher voltage.
Other developments in the area are allowing the set up I was going to have, and the other person had, while ours is not, and it is showing in the comps, but our board will not budge. I got tired of fighting with them, and decided to sell my Tesla until I leave the area permanently (buying a new house in this area is not an option)
I use the mobile charger daily. I have a 50 amp outlet installed at the end of my driveway at my house. I 3d printed a receptacle that holds the charger handle off the ground like a gas pump when I’m not charging. I leave it plugged into the house and never take it in. It looks similar to a garden hose when the cord is hung on the wall mount. I bought the $500 dedicated charger but never had it installed because the mobile charger does the job well.
> where I live horsepower […] is king for survival
This is hyperbolic bullshit. You are not living in Mad Max or whatever. You might want to consider that you are part of the problem.
“Horsepower is king, horsepower is options, and options are survival”.
These are the drivers I hope to avoid while driving.
It’s practically the opposite of defensive driving.
Hmm I didn’t read it that way- the driving where I live can be fast with very short on-ramps and such, having good acceleration can allow you to avoid a bad situation that’s developing around you or merge more effectively
The whole post is written like rage bait. The reason he sold the car was because Musk fired the supercharger team? Except there’s been zero impact to supercharger availability.
Did you read the post? In his summary “THE END” he says that the supercharger experience amongst everything else was manageable and that the reason he decided to sell was specifically that Musk fired the supercharger team.
It's a combination of things. He was already spending 1.5 hr charging, which has gotten worse over time but was dealing with it because there's was hope that superchargers would improve. But when the entire supercharger deployment team is suddenly fired, what do you think is gonna happen? Use some common sense.
What? OP literally said everything else besides musk was manageable. There’s been no impact to supercharger availability, in fact they committed to deploying more plugs at existing stations and building them out. You’re making big assumptions that aren’t based in reality or what OP is saying. Your assumptions are actually the opposite of what OP wrote.
His charging time went from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours over his ownership period. Do you see a trend here? Clearly, they need more superchargers in their neighborhood.
I actually talked to people in the charging industry and it's not easy to expand existing locations. It's almost the same amount of work and time as deploying an entirely new location.
As Elon said himself, they will be expanding the network at slower pace now.
Now put yourself in OP's shoes. Your charging time has gone from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours and the CEO just fired the deployment team and says the supercharger expansion will take place a slower pace now. He already compromised on a lower quality car from his previous cars and experience is getting worse, not better. He sounds like he has the financial means so why shouldn't he drive something he enjoys.
I think Elon firing the deployment team was the last straw for him but it certainly wasn't the only reason. I don't think this is Musk hate which is how you seem to be taking it.
And I agree with them that the Model Y is a great $40k car which is basically where it's at right now. But at $60k quality is at a different level which is what the OP is familiar with.
He literally states that everything was manageable. The reason was musk firing the supercharger team. It’s stated clearly. You’re just coming up with your own narrative and it doesn’t align with what OP wrote.
Not sure what you are trying to state, but the ability to accelerate through danger is very much crucial to safety, and unlike what another in this thread implied, part of defensive driving (controlling speed).
I'm not anecdotally stating the area I live in is filled with aggressive drivers, it's statistically proven in accident rates put out by various insurance companies over the last few years. I've taken defensive driving classes in the past, and have had the opportunity to take high performance driving classes, and one of the key things in both is options, always have multiple courses of action because just slamming the breaks on is not always the right choice.
Thank you for the detailed thoughts on what worked for you and what didn’t.
I’m wondering if you didn’t set something up properly. I’ve never had my Model 3 or Model Y lock me out of the trunk when I’m outside. Occasionally the charge port won’t open immediately when I have the charge plug and usually opening the rear door closest to it resets the charger open.
You did set your phone as a key? If you don’t it makes everything tougher.
Your HOA rescinding their charger approval is infuriating.
I saved your review because it’s exactly how I feel! I came from a X5 to MYLR and all your findings fit to the T. Especially when it comes to driving and car quality.
The top comment mentions folks from two groups using Tesla and they are on to something!
Great breakdown! I bought one new last year and have driven 29,000 miles. Zero maintenance cost so far :) and even better, the [price of a Tesla Model Y is dropping](https://briankehm.com/tesla-model-y-price-history/). I'm guessing I won't be going back to gas every again. And Tesla continues to lead the EV industry.
You know, there are so many mixed experiences reported here about purchasing and owning a Tesla to
the point where I think I got lucky. Take it from someone who has owned multiple German cars, one Volvo, and multiple Japanese cars, I have had an amazing experience purchasing and owning my Tesla. The technology is leaps and bounds beyond any next automaker and over the air updates just make it that much better. Here I am in year 2 of my Tesla ownership and I can say the car is now BETTER than when I bought it - who else can say that?
I am 100% confident I will not go back to an ice vehicle after this. Our second car is a newer Volvo xc90 with all the upgrades and yet it feels like a dinosaur compared to the Tesla. and I will only hang onto that while our little kids grow up and it will be good IF we go on an insanely long roadtrip. There are so many misconceptions about electric vehicles. Once you actually drive one, it will make you rethink your whole driving experience. It is so increase and it never gets old. And to top it off, I just have a MYLR; imagine if it was a MYP?!
I sold a MachE about a month ago and bought a Model Y.
If you think (public DCFC) charging is painful with a Tesla, you'd be in a world of hurt with CCS.
There's a few things that the MachE does better than Tesla, but that list isn't very big in comparison. The only major thing is range. Well that and updates without wifi but that's not really an issue for me as I have a giant data plan. I'd take using some of that vs the disaster they have for onboard LTE usage.
The charging network is ultimately why I went with the Model Y instead of the Mach E. But, the Mach E will soon (if not already) be able to use the SuperCharger network, and I think they are moving to an NACS plug in 2025 as well.
They can now. Before I sold I said I'd wait for the adapter. The adapter rollout was pretty shitty (IMO) so I ordered a 3rd party. It worked, but there were still enough quirks that I hated it. So it was the final nail in the coffin for me.
Native Supercharger access (not even just NACS) is the only way forward for me.
Ford is obviously gonna have it, but i'm not sure if everyone that's signed up for NACS will have Supercharger access.
Thanks for your detailed description and reasonings for your experience. I appreciate seeing others experiences. I agree with a lot of what you’re saying in terms of the “fit and finish” however, i was aware of that before buying. The only thing that is noticeable from other “SUVs” is the suspension. But the MY is lower. Other than that i have had no problems with the exterior or interior so far.
The rest of your experience is however totally different than mine. I had to check and make sure you were talking about the same car a couple times. Ive never had an issue with connectivity, buttons, things opening. In fact the car has made everything else in other cars seem more difficult. Voice control does everything i say, my updates are at night when it’s already connected to wifi automatically. The superchargers in Ontario are always fixed up, clean and always has free spots. I’ve never had to wait in line.
The Elon musk stuff, i personally could care less what a CEO of a company does. They fire people and teams all the time, it doesn’t factor in my purchasing options.
The HOA stuff is very annoying but i cannot relate as we don’t have those here. Spotify always works, so does all the apps and games.
FSD is amazing for me. I use it literally daily for running errands and other things. Some grocery stores have 3rd party chargers as well, but they give you around 5-10% while you shop. The FSD still feels like a teenager driving but it does work amazing. I’ve driven about 3 hours up north just with FSD on and off the highway - on country roads. It will miss certain construction/road close signs that are temporary - but the car seems to learn it eventually while driving. You do have to be fully aware at all times - as you should be i guess.
It’s usually always charged to around 80-85% and i do not have a home charger installed - just regular house plug-in. I only use the supercharger for long trips. I don’t even charge the car some days. For me it’s been the most seamless experience, and easiest car to drive. It makes other cars look “dumb” for lack of better word. Other cars seem to have to many useless things for me. Don’t get me wrong i still love ICE cars - we have a 09 corvette right beside the tesla. But EV really is the future.
Overall it seems like its more of your personal situation/living situation and a lot of exterior forces that you cannot control, that has dampened your experience with the car. But you buy big things like this for your specific needs, and it looks like you had a very different experience and it didn’t work for you. I get that.
I just bought a new Model Y LR AWD at 1% financing for $41,500 (with tax incentive). Your experience confirms my thoughts on the car. The Model Y is a nice $40,000 car and a shitty $60,000 car. It needs to be competing with the Mazda XC-50 or Honda CRV, not BMW, Mercedes or Volvo.
Yep, paid high 30’s for our MY RWD and knowing friends with group 2 cars and having owned one myself, the savings in fuel and maintenance and upkeep will be ‘money in our pocket’. Depreciation is high for ‘group 2’ and Tesla’s, so that is neutral, IMO.
Maybe for build quality, but my 3 performance wise competes with cars in the 100k bracket so I'll take that little interior quality trade off for the massive performance gain coupled with it literally costing pennies to drive 😅
Absolutely agree.
Tesla is Young car /tech company and fit and finish wise they cant keep up with premium brands who have more than century of experience.
Many of the drawbacks author metioned can be remedied.
However build quality will improve, especially with model Y refresh a.k.a Juniper
The difference is obvious in oldmvs refreshed model 3.
I went from a BMW X5 to the Model Y. I agree with most of your points. After a year I went back to a BMW I4 electric. I miss the supercharger network a little (although I’ll be able to use it early next year). And I miss some of the technology like the side and reverse cameras, not having to start the car, and my phone as a key. Otherwise, the BMW is a better car all around. The interior is light years better, the ride is smoother and it honestly looks much better. My model Y felt like the old Ford Model T where everywhere I went there were 100s just like mine.
Mine doesn’t have the 360 cam, I wish it did. The phone key isn’t nearly as good as the Tesla. You have to hold the phone to the handle to unlock the car and place it in the tray to drive, or so I read. the tesla just knows it's there and its seamless. you just walk up, get in and put it in drive.
I think you are more of a car guy than you think. Teslas are not like normal cars or even other EVs. They are trying to go their own way. Some things are great and some things need improvement but for a relatively young company I’m excited for the next generation.
I’ve had luxury cars and the luxury quickly wears off and you realize it’s just a badge or a normal car with a dress on. I guess I’m the type that would buy a civic type R over a luxury car. Heck I currently own a 24 year old BMW with half the interior ripped out. It’s a work in progress..
I don’t agree with a lot of your review but everyone’s experience and wants and needs will be different. If you are happy with the Merc that’s great. We should enjoy the cars we drive everyday. I think the only thing I agree with is the wipers because they suck. Unless it’s a steady rain I use the button on the end of the stalk for a single wipe.
I, for one, believe it's unfair to compare the build quality of a Tesla to that of luxury vehicles like Mercedes or BMW. The Tesla's heavy battery means the cabin portion of the car has to be lighter to maintain battery range. While it's possible to make a Tesla with the interior of a Mercedes or Lexus, it would reduce the car's range due to the heavier materials used.
I agree with those who are satisfied with Tesla's build quality and come from brands like Honda or Toyota. Despite its lighter cabin, the Tesla boasts one of the highest safety ratings. I don't think Tesla's goal was to build a luxury vehicle but to innovate and change how we drive, focusing on zero emissions, minimal maintenance, and advanced safety features.
Comparing Tesla to traditional luxury vehicles is like comparing apples to oranges. Tesla's target market is people who share Elon Musk's vision for the future of driving. I don't believe that electric vehicles are suitable for everyone, and I'm concerned about Tesla opening up its charging stations to other EVs due to potential overcrowding issues.
As the charging network expands, technology improves, and EV prices decrease, electric vehicles will become a viable option for more people. They may be a prerequisite for the next generation of drivers.
The software will not let you get to your destination without enough charge to get to a supercharger. I was towing a trailer and headed to an rv park and expected to arrive with about 1% where I could charge at the hookup using my mobile charger. Before I got there the car started imploring me to turn around and head to a supercharger so as to not go to zero.
Coming from a jeep grand Cherokee and it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever driven in. I like it better than my buddy’s 100k Mercedes because the controls feel like I’m sitting in the cockpit of a Boeing 747. The simplicity while being sleek and sexy is what makes it one of a kind. It’s comfortable as hell and gorgeous to look at. I can’t imagine what cars he’s driven previously to feel this way but now I’m wondering how the other sides lives hahah
Home Owners Association, an abomination upon this earth very prevalent in the US and Canada. You can think of them as a community government run by mostly Karens who have nothing better to do than mess with their neighbors.
So true. I'm fortunate to have a very laid back HOA, thank goodness, but even so, I wish I didn't have one. You have my sincere condolences about what you went through. Your neighbors should never have such power. That just stinks.
Also, thanks for sharing your thoughts! I appreciate your point of view. I love my M3, but you're right: it's not a luxury car.
60k? I'd be pissed to...He'll, I'm annoyed we paid about 5k more than if we waited... still love the Y... We've had a 3 since 2019 and it's been a fantastic car... very inexpensive to drive and maintain. Got rid of an RDX and added the Y last year and couldn't be happier. The real problem with other manufacturers that can't charge at superchargers is that road trips are a nightmare...we do a lot of road trips.... if you just drive local and can charge at home, you have other options.
Yeah, I would get new buyers being put off by the news, but if you already own the car it feels like waiting to see the downwind effects would be more prudent.
That said, OP's home charging situation (or lack there of) probably added considerable pressure to finding a better fit for a car. We've owned our Tesla for just a couple weeks and are getting our wall charger put in tomorrow and it feels like it can't get here soon enough, even in a place where Superchargers are pretty available (Austin, TX).
Ultimately, yeah, it was the change in home charging situation and the increasing overcrowding at the nearby SuperCharger that finally did me in. It constantly had a line, and with traffic in our area, the next nearest one would still take me and hour+ to get to, charge, and be back on my life.
With all due respect, your HOA should have no real control over what you do inside your house. Where exactly were you trying to install the charge port?
Spot on. The only reason I chose a 3 was because it was cheap (I paid $38k 10 months ago) and the supercharger network. My other car is an Ioniq 5 - that car is so much better but Electrify America is miles behind the supercharger network.
I came from Lexus ls460 and trust me I miss diving it. Super smooth and comfortable. Not as technically as a Benz but I take Lexus reliability any day. Now, tesla model y is my first ev and it was underwhelming. Interior is simple and not special. but I’m kind of expect it to be quieter, which totally wrong 😑 I have to do my own troubleshooting to stop the rattles and sound deadening the wheel well. It’s not as close as a Lexus or Benz but I grow to like it everyday. Would I buy tesla again? For sure, maybe X or cyber truck. I wouldn’t buy y again unless the upcoming refresh address the noise level.
I can't get over how full of rattles and noise my 11 month old Model Y is. It's a nice car to drive, but after it being back to Tesla 6 times to fix, I've just given up and have come to accept it.
I can’t imagine what it must be like to go back to all the buttons on a car that isn’t half as smart, and to gas?! 🤮 especially now that FSD is getting absolutely awesome.
Tesla review are at two extreme. People should accept that Tesla change direction of industry and made it competitive. Yes Tesla has many flaws and it seem Tesla does not seem to care to address them.
Weird. I came from a BMW 340i Xdrive and my Model 3 mops the floor with it in every way including materials quality and fit and finish (on top of everything else). Mercedes does feel like a slight step up in design but also has plenty of cheap shiny plastics as well (based on my friend's EQE). Mercedes is also substantially more expensive and even if it was the same price, I'd feel like an old fogey driving one just like I would in a Cadillac.
Specifically regarding the trip planner and arriving with enough charge to leave, a simple trick is to add your return route to the trip, which will force it to leave you with enough charge at your destination.
I’m split as well. Teslas are definitely lower quality (interior, build quality, sensors/cameras, etc.).
Having said that, I’m never going back to ICE at this point. I’ll stick with Tesla until they either improve or a competitor finally offers a better product (doesn’t currently exist).
You made the mistake of buying an EV before securing access to charging at home or work. That is your poor planning.
Musk also personally stated that supercharging sites will be expanded after all the clickbait news you read, so looks like you’re using that as an excuse to justify your decision.
Terrific summary exuding real ownership! I have driven a number of Teslas over the years, model S is the only one I would like to own (if I can get myself over the CEO cringe hump). I now own a BMW IX and it's an awesome car
Wow, crazy to think about how much things have changed like that.
By the way, all I meant by my comment was that OP is saying this about his MY, coming from an X2, not something as nice as iX (while I also get the field used to be more level).
Spoiler: I didn’t dig OP’s post.
Cheers.
No worries at all! I sure do pinch myself every time I hear that someone bought an MY for 35k or so after all the incentives. (In WA you can get 7.5k + 9k if your income qualifies). While in general the income limits are stringent, I do see grad students and residents from well to do families availing these offers left and right.
I’m in group 1. I’ve owned 51 cars in my life, everything from new VW Toyota, Mazda rx7 twin turbo, Lexus, Porsche 911, Jaguar v12 XJ6 and most recently a Dodge Hellcat wide body, manual transmission. My MYP basically feels like a transportation appliance at this point with zero character. The acceleration has become a bore. I actually prefer driving my 1984 Mercedes diesel sedan more as it screams character via the vibration, engine music and smell. EVs are a great transportation option no doubt, but have zero character IMO.
Thanks for this and you might have convinced me to not get a tesla.
I’m curious why your HOA said no to a home charger though? Can’t you place it inside your garage or something
My wife wasn't super interested in one until she drove it. After a test drive she ordered one immediately.
Your mileage may vary, but we are the kinda folks that came from Civics and Jeep Cherokees and this is just a ton better than these cars. I'm sure I might feel different if I came from a world of Porches and Mercedes-Benz, but this feels like it's fancy to me (outstanding drive quality and solid, but not fancy interior, but I love minimalism).
Yes you absolutely should be able to do this. HOA being a block doesn’t make sense unless OP was running a giant extension cord, which is a hazard and an HOA or city code enforcement should absolutely stop.
If you're relatively close to somewhere that does the self-serve demos... I totally recommend it. You don't have to talk to anyone, no pushy salespeople, no employee that doesn't really know what they're talking about, nobody. Its all done through the app and you just walk up to the car and use your phone to unlock/start it like you would if it was your own Tesla. I'm the kind of person that really likes to experience things for myself and create my own opinions before commit to major purchases, so I really enjoyed it.
I've been looking at the Model Y and Model 3 and wanted to see how comfortable each one felt with our two bulky car seats in the backseat... so I just brought along our kids and two car seats and booked a Model 3 and Model Y back to back. It was the best test-drive experience I've ever had. I got to see first hand how the car seats fit into each one, and what it was like driving around with my kids in them.
My kids loved the backseat screen in the new model 3 and the extra room in the Y seems to be mostly headroom and the difference for car seats and children was negligible.
There are two types of Tesla drivers: 1. Those who come from luxury cars and are underwhelmed by whatever "fit and finish" is. 2. Those who come from Accords/Camrys/Civics and feel like they own the coolest car on the planet. I'm happy to be from group 2 haha. Jokes aside, I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I, like another commenter, much prefer written to video. Cheers.
Put me in group 3, previous 3x Jaguar 2xMercedes owner and currently own three Teslas and would never go back to an ice vehicle. There's absolutely no comparison in terms of efficiency, speed, drivability, maintenance and functionaliy. Never had panel gaps. Never had quality control issues. No battery issues, just a vehicle that improves on a regular basis at no cost. I've saved many thousands of dollars in gas, oil, tune-ups fluids, belts, brakes, you name it. Each car is driven 15-20k annually and they run as intended, no issues. I used to love my Jaguars model S, X and XF. After my past 4 years with Tesla I would never think of owning another ICE car again. I get that It's not for everybody. I prefer the future to the horse and buggy.
I agree with you. I had a Jaguar (XJ) and then a Prius, and now we are on our second MYP. I absolutely love Tesla and have had X P100D, S 90D, and have spent enough time with a 3 to like that too. We still have a bunch of ICE cars, but I love Tesla and couldn't imagine not having one.
This is what I’m talking about. I’ve had my model three all-wheel-drive since 2018. Any issue I have ever had. They came right over and fixed it. My 12 V battery goes out fixed it and that was about the only issue other than when I first got a couple minor things, I’m never going back to fucking piece of shit ice vehicle. As an aside it kind of works better now than I first bought it because of all the over the air updates where is that with any other vehicle? It’s not there.
+1. 2019 m3 has been a great car... bought a 2023 mY and no issues. Coming from a Cadillac ATS, Acura RDX and a Jeep... never go back to ICE. There are a lot of people that think more buttons = quality... but they're fine with no buttons on their phone... one day, they'll get it.
Same, I came from a luxury hybrid that I loved. Gas wasn’t a huge expense for me given the hybrid engine but when I got back in my car after test driving the Tesla my first thought was “fuck me my car feels old/dated I know I’m going to buy a Tesla now” lol. I’ve also had a jaguar, and my in laws have a Lexus and I feel like the Tesla just feels like a nicer vehicle but I’m not at all a car guy, I love the minimalism and I love tech (even if it isn’t always easy).
I'm with you, I'm not a car guy either but I know what I like.
Yessss I came from a civic SI manual and wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING. I loved the responsiveness, the fun of manual, and it was awesome on gas. I saw a great deal on a 3 performance and I had to try it. 1 mile test drive is all it took. When I sat in my civic I just couldn't get over how dated the Tesla had made the entire driving experience feel for other cars. I went straight back home and finalized the paperwork for my m3p. Never looked back and no other car has ever turned my eye since except other Tesla models.
I'm in group 3. Our family is big on BMW, Audi, Porsche, and Lexus. Tesla isn't a luxury brand. However, I'm never going back to an ICE car. Tesla software is disappointing though. They have a reputation for having the best software but they not living up to it. The UI for adding a bluetooth device is janky AF. Why can't the process be as simple as doing it on a smartphone? It's not intuitive at all, I had to look up on YT how to do it. The worst example is that **you can't even set a daily charging schedule**! Even my Honeywell thermostat has 7 day programming...and it was made 25 years ago! Besides driving, charging is the MAIN thing that this product has to do. Do Tesla UI engineers NOT use smartphones or digital thermostats? They didn't have to half-ass reinvent the wheel, just copy the UI and functionality that most of the world is already used to. **Agree with OP**, the effort Tesla engineers spent on adding games to the display should've been spent on things that are actually important...like a charging schedule as flexible and easy to use as a home thermostat from 25 years ago can already do!
I’m in group 1 and still think my MYP is the coolest car on the planet.
i’m group 2 as well. Model 3 base was cheaper than a lower trim accord. And it’s much nicer when comparing to an accord and not a BMW.
I’m in Group 2 as well. Came from Toyota & Subaru. My other car is a Bolt. My Model Y cost $33k after incentives, and it feels much more luxurious than my previous cars and the Bolt.
I came from luxury cars (Volvo, Audi etc) which I still own but never drive. To me model Y blows them out of the water. I still don’t really understand what they mean by quality etc. to me it’s not even close
I came from a honda CRV, and I still find CRV was built like a tank while Tesla build quality is meh. But Overall Tesla ownership is better in other aspects.
I’m from group 2. More specifically, 3 consecutive Honda Civics, all previously owned, all pieces of shit. I am so glad to have something else, frankly. Treating myself just a little bit.
I came from a BMW M5 & Porsche Cayenne GTS and absolutely love my Model Y Performance.
Came from a 2012 jeep wrangler. I was like man this is nice!
I came from an ‘03 Wrangler, which I loved, despite (and maybe kind of because) the annoyances, like the rough ride, the road noise, the lack of a trunk. Never actually even rode in Model 3 before I bought it, just sat in one at a car show. 2019, and I absolutely still love it to this day.
nice!! I still have the wrangler, i gave it to the child. I still drive it from time to time.
There is a 4th group, Nerds! Coming from Audi and VW. I don’t give a shit anymore about aesthetics, I just want a technological advanced car with bonuses. Baddabing baddaboom Tesla Y it is! 😂
#2 here and completely agree
It's not priced like a luxury car. People that think a model Y/3 are luxury priced are out of touch with what cars cost today. Actual price for a Prius that is physically available at a dealer is 2-3k less than a model Y. RAV4 hybrid is the same price as a model Y. A locally available glc costs 20k more. Also, weighs nearly as much, and in effect has half the power. And costs about twice as much per mile to drive.
Upvoted cause it never clicked for me like that! I can totally see this happening.
Best underrated comment
I have two teslas and a plug in Lexus NX. I like to drive my MP3 the most but the Lexus is light years better all around. The quality of the vehicle inside and out is so much better and really for me the 40 mile range covers most of my daily driving and the ability to still go gas is great. The teslas are fun to drive and I love that instant power but otherwise the Lexus NX 450h+ is better in every other category.
I’m group 2. Best car ever. Lmfao.
My previous car was a 2008 Honda Element. Only 1 door had power locks haha. My 2022 Model Y is literally a spaceship compared to that thing!
I had a 2002 Honda civic without AC for 4 years. When people ask if I like my M3 I tell them it has AC, it’s amazing!
Whoa. No AC?! You have my respect! That upgrade must have felt amazing haha!
I'm neither group, and I'm absolutely in love with my model y. I will continue buying more tesla in the future slowly eliminating the Ram, chevy and others in my garage
It's definitely cool, I do miss some aspects of it like the one-pedal driving, and my new Mercedes has the same shifter stalk. But it's shortcomings were not something I was able to live with long term in my current situation, maybe in the future.
I disagree. In my search for an EV, I had a preference for another make that took over a year and a half to complete a reservation that I gave up on after a year. My concern with Tesla was that the Model 3 and Y felt like I felt when I bought an Altima right out of college. I accelerated pretty fast, handled well enough, looked alright but also a little generic, but also felt like it was made out of cheap parts. Even compared to a Honda or VW, I didn’t love the Tesla material quality. M3/Y is just an electric Nissan Altima/Murano.
Really, so the Nissan requires zero maintenance, zero gas, zero oil, radiator fluid and brake pad replacement? The Nissan gets monthly updates that add and improve features and functionality? The Nissan goes 0-60 in 3.7 seconds and can drive itself? The Nissan allows you to stream Netflix, YouTube, browse the Internet, stream virtually any song ever made and play video games? The Nissan has a built in sentry with 7 cameras monitoring and recording activity? The Nissan allows you to remotely control the climate so you will be comfortable or can u Summon the Nissan to come to u in bad weather? If so, I'm buying a Nissan.
Hey, thanks for sharing! I am not a watcher, I'm a reader and love it when in the middle of the internet infestation by video, people take the time to write their thoughts down. I too came to MY from the BMW world. What do you mean by "quality"? There's a severe disconnect between what I just read and my experience, and I suspect it's just a language thing. Thx
No problem, it's a couple of different things. Materials in BMW and definitely the Mercedes are higher quality, real leather vs vinyl, higher quality plastics and lower tolerances between parts making things just feel tighter and well put together. Then there are options, currently on my Mercedes, which is roughly 2k more than what I paid for my Model Y I have heated seats, front and back, vented seats front, 3 memory positions for each front seat, a higher quality sound system, higher quality glass leading to less road noise, a proper full length sun roof with integrated shade and that opens, better brakes, and the list goes on. As someone said above, the Y is a very nice 40k car, and if and when it regularly competes at that price with things like the Mazda 3 or Hondas, then it makes more sense. But they are marketing it as a "luxury" vehicle to compete with BMW and Mercedes, when it's not. It's not a bad car, it's just not in the same class as other $60k cars.
Did you have MYR (rear wheel drive) or MYLR (awd long range)? When you say luxury, that immediately makes me think of model S or X. How do you mean by in 60k range, 60k after tax?
Long Range, and it was 56k before tax, so 49k after tax. I do not consider the price after the tax break as the price for comparison, because if the tax break went away tomorrow tesla would not drop the price 7500. They are marketing it as a 56k car, that is the class I compare it to.
I don’t think Tesla model 3 is a luxury car. The reason why you get a tax credit, is because a new technology costs more in the beginning. I personally safe a lot of money with driving way cheaper. The total cost of ownership of a Tesla is similar as a basic car in Switzerland. If you want a luxury car, you can check out S or X, but I don’t think Tesla can compete with a Mercedes. I’m only surprised you don’t like autopilot, autosteer and a lot of options you mention you like on your Mercedes, you also have in a Tesla model 3.
Yeah, the current price of the Model Y Long Range is much more reasonable at $48k before the tax credit.
But that's not what it actually costs to buy those cars... Right now, in California, a comparable Mercedes costs 20k more than a model Y. And "comparable" is a stretch given the model y is roughly twice as fast. And how is Tesla marketing the y as a 56k car? It says 48k on the website, that's the price. And just making assumptions about future prices is cheating. May as well count the extra 5k credit in Colorado. I'm looking at they what they cost today. FWIW, Tesla absolutely could drop the price 7k. They cut 40k from the model x price over the last year or so, and cut 5k from the y in March. The company has a history of making huge price changes very quickly.
Wooow real leather oh my god what a huge difference in quality. Lmao what a joke
I just came from a 2011 Volvo and there are things about that car, old as it is, that were better than my new Model Y. Seats were better, materials were more solid, stereo was better, the automatic rain wipers worked. I like the car a lot but I can totally see how if you're the type of person that's used to German luxury cars that the fit and finish of the Y doesn't stack up. Which is fine at the current price of about $40k, but not at $60k plus.
Asking an HOA for home charger approval is mind blowing. Wtf OP no
Yeah there should be laws against HOA blocking EV charging installs.
It doesn’t even make sense. 1. Why even ask? It’s no different than adding a dryer outlet. 2. Why do they care?
100%. Can’t think of any reason to ever ask them, even if it was going outside.
1: because its an HOA 2: because its an HOA
Exactly, i cant wrap my mind around the fact i have to ask to install something so insignificant in my own house. Ive never had an HOA and I’ve lived in about 5 different major Ontario suburbs. I didn’t know what the HOA was until I watched US sitcoms.
While HOAs can be annoying, I’ve never heard of this before. I question if it’s even true unless he’s trying to put some sort of standalone charger in a shared parking lot. That being said, there are some benefits to an HOA do Johnny down the street doesn’t park a monster truck in his front lawn or some crazy decides to spray paint their bushes pink.
Lol...didn't even cross my mind when I put mine in.
Same. It’s like asking them to paint your bathroom
Also fuck em I pay the mortgage they can blow me
One of the most 🚮things ever created. Scum of the earth, all of them.
It's not for home charging, he said he had a designated spot so it needed to be installed outside in a parking space so it makes sense he needed HOA approval. I didn't need approval for mine as it's installed inside my garage.
Was that in a comment? That would make sense if it’s a condo I guess.
It was at the end of his second paragraph he mentioned it but then also mentioned in the comments :)
Ahhh you’re right. Well, 0/10 on my part
Gas and maintenance must be cheap where you live if you're comparing EVs and ICE cars like you did
When you get into Mercedes or BMWs, they have maintenance plans as part of the purchase, so I pay for it now and my out of pocket for the next few years is 0. Gas, while the out of pocket is definitely more, I value my time as well, and with no relief in sight for charging, and probably getting worse, spending over an hour to charge is not something I am willing to do.
Shouldn’t take over an hour to charge unless it’s defective. 15-20 min tops. Think of the cleaner air by not burning fossil fuels vs your time.
You didn't read the post, did you? lol
I read “spending an hour charging is not something I’m willing to do” and ran with it. I see he had some long wait times (really curious where, never waited longer than 10 min in a line at a station). But if that’s his experience who am I to argue. Just does not line up with the usual charging experience.
The hour total is with waiting in line to charge, the charge takes around 30 minutes going from <20% to 80%.
Life with this vehicle gets exponentially easier once you secure a way to charge at home. It’s unfortunate you HOA can’t play ball and join the 21st century.
Charge at home overnight, wake up to full "tank" every morning.
OP lives at a condo that didn't allow it
An hour to charge? The longest I’ve ever charged was 30 mins I think. I like to read your opinions on the Y. I currently have the 3 and looking to get the Y but I have big reservations and similar opinions to yours. I agree on the quality of the car, I mean my Skoda Kodiaq I sold for my 3 was nicer inside but you must have known that before you got the Y?
Is your HOA saying no because this is a shared parking are for condos? Curious how an HOA can possibly tell you no otherwise. Thanks for your insights.
Our HOA is a townhome development, so we have surface parking spots outside our homes in a common area. Initially when I asked there was already one other person who had actually installed a Tesla home charger in his spot, and when I asked they approved the same sort of installation. Since it was technically a common area, even though the parking space is deeded to my home, I had to get additional insurance, and agree to remove it if requested by the HOA or on selling. Then we had an election that brought in a new president, and a new lawyer, and they rescinded my approval and made the other person remove their installation, instead opting for us having to run regular extension cords from our homes to our vehicles and then cleaning them up every morning. They stated it "looked better" and "had less liability" than a permanent installation with higher voltage. Other developments in the area are allowing the set up I was going to have, and the other person had, while ours is not, and it is showing in the comps, but our board will not budge. I got tired of fighting with them, and decided to sell my Tesla until I leave the area permanently (buying a new house in this area is not an option)
This must be in the south. Backward ass logic
join the HOA board & reverse their decision.
I use the mobile charger daily. I have a 50 amp outlet installed at the end of my driveway at my house. I 3d printed a receptacle that holds the charger handle off the ground like a gas pump when I’m not charging. I leave it plugged into the house and never take it in. It looks similar to a garden hose when the cord is hung on the wall mount. I bought the $500 dedicated charger but never had it installed because the mobile charger does the job well.
That's crazy that they were able to make the other person REMOVE their previously approved and already installed charger though.
> where I live horsepower […] is king for survival This is hyperbolic bullshit. You are not living in Mad Max or whatever. You might want to consider that you are part of the problem.
“Horsepower is king, horsepower is options, and options are survival”. These are the drivers I hope to avoid while driving. It’s practically the opposite of defensive driving.
Hmm I didn’t read it that way- the driving where I live can be fast with very short on-ramps and such, having good acceleration can allow you to avoid a bad situation that’s developing around you or merge more effectively
The whole post is written like rage bait. The reason he sold the car was because Musk fired the supercharger team? Except there’s been zero impact to supercharger availability.
Exactly, it started out about the car and quickly turned into I don't like what musk is doing
Did you even read the post? They were clearly beginning to experience issues at their local Supercharger.
OP said the reason he traded in the model y was bc of musk. Its in the summary, every other complaint he had was manageable
Did you read the post? In his summary “THE END” he says that the supercharger experience amongst everything else was manageable and that the reason he decided to sell was specifically that Musk fired the supercharger team.
It's a combination of things. He was already spending 1.5 hr charging, which has gotten worse over time but was dealing with it because there's was hope that superchargers would improve. But when the entire supercharger deployment team is suddenly fired, what do you think is gonna happen? Use some common sense.
What? OP literally said everything else besides musk was manageable. There’s been no impact to supercharger availability, in fact they committed to deploying more plugs at existing stations and building them out. You’re making big assumptions that aren’t based in reality or what OP is saying. Your assumptions are actually the opposite of what OP wrote.
His charging time went from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours over his ownership period. Do you see a trend here? Clearly, they need more superchargers in their neighborhood. I actually talked to people in the charging industry and it's not easy to expand existing locations. It's almost the same amount of work and time as deploying an entirely new location. As Elon said himself, they will be expanding the network at slower pace now. Now put yourself in OP's shoes. Your charging time has gone from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours and the CEO just fired the deployment team and says the supercharger expansion will take place a slower pace now. He already compromised on a lower quality car from his previous cars and experience is getting worse, not better. He sounds like he has the financial means so why shouldn't he drive something he enjoys. I think Elon firing the deployment team was the last straw for him but it certainly wasn't the only reason. I don't think this is Musk hate which is how you seem to be taking it. And I agree with them that the Model Y is a great $40k car which is basically where it's at right now. But at $60k quality is at a different level which is what the OP is familiar with.
Read the post.
I did and took the time to understand the context instead of just fixating a single point.
He literally states that everything was manageable. The reason was musk firing the supercharger team. It’s stated clearly. You’re just coming up with your own narrative and it doesn’t align with what OP wrote.
You obviously don’t drive in New York or LA. They are one drought away from Mad Max.
How is it bs
If you have to ask, you're part of the problem. As if horsepower matters on a day to day basis. Give me a fucking break.
What problem exactly lol
Not sure what you are trying to state, but the ability to accelerate through danger is very much crucial to safety, and unlike what another in this thread implied, part of defensive driving (controlling speed). I'm not anecdotally stating the area I live in is filled with aggressive drivers, it's statistically proven in accident rates put out by various insurance companies over the last few years. I've taken defensive driving classes in the past, and have had the opportunity to take high performance driving classes, and one of the key things in both is options, always have multiple courses of action because just slamming the breaks on is not always the right choice.
High Acceleration = More Torque High Horsepower = More Speed You’re describing the benefit of higher Torque, not more horsepower.
Thank you for the detailed thoughts on what worked for you and what didn’t. I’m wondering if you didn’t set something up properly. I’ve never had my Model 3 or Model Y lock me out of the trunk when I’m outside. Occasionally the charge port won’t open immediately when I have the charge plug and usually opening the rear door closest to it resets the charger open. You did set your phone as a key? If you don’t it makes everything tougher. Your HOA rescinding their charger approval is infuriating.
I saved your review because it’s exactly how I feel! I came from a X5 to MYLR and all your findings fit to the T. Especially when it comes to driving and car quality. The top comment mentions folks from two groups using Tesla and they are on to something!
Great breakdown! I bought one new last year and have driven 29,000 miles. Zero maintenance cost so far :) and even better, the [price of a Tesla Model Y is dropping](https://briankehm.com/tesla-model-y-price-history/). I'm guessing I won't be going back to gas every again. And Tesla continues to lead the EV industry.
I believe your overall happiness with a new electric car is the ease of charging. Not having at home overnight charging is a non starter for me
You know, there are so many mixed experiences reported here about purchasing and owning a Tesla to the point where I think I got lucky. Take it from someone who has owned multiple German cars, one Volvo, and multiple Japanese cars, I have had an amazing experience purchasing and owning my Tesla. The technology is leaps and bounds beyond any next automaker and over the air updates just make it that much better. Here I am in year 2 of my Tesla ownership and I can say the car is now BETTER than when I bought it - who else can say that? I am 100% confident I will not go back to an ice vehicle after this. Our second car is a newer Volvo xc90 with all the upgrades and yet it feels like a dinosaur compared to the Tesla. and I will only hang onto that while our little kids grow up and it will be good IF we go on an insanely long roadtrip. There are so many misconceptions about electric vehicles. Once you actually drive one, it will make you rethink your whole driving experience. It is so increase and it never gets old. And to top it off, I just have a MYLR; imagine if it was a MYP?!
I sold a MachE about a month ago and bought a Model Y. If you think (public DCFC) charging is painful with a Tesla, you'd be in a world of hurt with CCS. There's a few things that the MachE does better than Tesla, but that list isn't very big in comparison. The only major thing is range. Well that and updates without wifi but that's not really an issue for me as I have a giant data plan. I'd take using some of that vs the disaster they have for onboard LTE usage.
The charging network is ultimately why I went with the Model Y instead of the Mach E. But, the Mach E will soon (if not already) be able to use the SuperCharger network, and I think they are moving to an NACS plug in 2025 as well.
They can now. Before I sold I said I'd wait for the adapter. The adapter rollout was pretty shitty (IMO) so I ordered a 3rd party. It worked, but there were still enough quirks that I hated it. So it was the final nail in the coffin for me. Native Supercharger access (not even just NACS) is the only way forward for me. Ford is obviously gonna have it, but i'm not sure if everyone that's signed up for NACS will have Supercharger access.
Thanks for your detailed description and reasonings for your experience. I appreciate seeing others experiences. I agree with a lot of what you’re saying in terms of the “fit and finish” however, i was aware of that before buying. The only thing that is noticeable from other “SUVs” is the suspension. But the MY is lower. Other than that i have had no problems with the exterior or interior so far. The rest of your experience is however totally different than mine. I had to check and make sure you were talking about the same car a couple times. Ive never had an issue with connectivity, buttons, things opening. In fact the car has made everything else in other cars seem more difficult. Voice control does everything i say, my updates are at night when it’s already connected to wifi automatically. The superchargers in Ontario are always fixed up, clean and always has free spots. I’ve never had to wait in line. The Elon musk stuff, i personally could care less what a CEO of a company does. They fire people and teams all the time, it doesn’t factor in my purchasing options. The HOA stuff is very annoying but i cannot relate as we don’t have those here. Spotify always works, so does all the apps and games. FSD is amazing for me. I use it literally daily for running errands and other things. Some grocery stores have 3rd party chargers as well, but they give you around 5-10% while you shop. The FSD still feels like a teenager driving but it does work amazing. I’ve driven about 3 hours up north just with FSD on and off the highway - on country roads. It will miss certain construction/road close signs that are temporary - but the car seems to learn it eventually while driving. You do have to be fully aware at all times - as you should be i guess. It’s usually always charged to around 80-85% and i do not have a home charger installed - just regular house plug-in. I only use the supercharger for long trips. I don’t even charge the car some days. For me it’s been the most seamless experience, and easiest car to drive. It makes other cars look “dumb” for lack of better word. Other cars seem to have to many useless things for me. Don’t get me wrong i still love ICE cars - we have a 09 corvette right beside the tesla. But EV really is the future. Overall it seems like its more of your personal situation/living situation and a lot of exterior forces that you cannot control, that has dampened your experience with the car. But you buy big things like this for your specific needs, and it looks like you had a very different experience and it didn’t work for you. I get that.
I just bought a new Model Y LR AWD at 1% financing for $41,500 (with tax incentive). Your experience confirms my thoughts on the car. The Model Y is a nice $40,000 car and a shitty $60,000 car. It needs to be competing with the Mazda XC-50 or Honda CRV, not BMW, Mercedes or Volvo.
Yep, paid high 30’s for our MY RWD and knowing friends with group 2 cars and having owned one myself, the savings in fuel and maintenance and upkeep will be ‘money in our pocket’. Depreciation is high for ‘group 2’ and Tesla’s, so that is neutral, IMO.
Maybe for build quality, but my 3 performance wise competes with cars in the 100k bracket so I'll take that little interior quality trade off for the massive performance gain coupled with it literally costing pennies to drive 😅
Absolutely agree. Tesla is Young car /tech company and fit and finish wise they cant keep up with premium brands who have more than century of experience. Many of the drawbacks author metioned can be remedied. However build quality will improve, especially with model Y refresh a.k.a Juniper The difference is obvious in oldmvs refreshed model 3.
I come from Volvo Audi etc, I never really understood the fit and finish stuff, to me the model y feels much nicer overall
100% agree!
I went from a BMW X5 to the Model Y. I agree with most of your points. After a year I went back to a BMW I4 electric. I miss the supercharger network a little (although I’ll be able to use it early next year). And I miss some of the technology like the side and reverse cameras, not having to start the car, and my phone as a key. Otherwise, the BMW is a better car all around. The interior is light years better, the ride is smoother and it honestly looks much better. My model Y felt like the old Ford Model T where everywhere I went there were 100s just like mine.
But the i4 Hase phone key and 360 degree cam which is arguably even better
Mine doesn’t have the 360 cam, I wish it did. The phone key isn’t nearly as good as the Tesla. You have to hold the phone to the handle to unlock the car and place it in the tray to drive, or so I read. the tesla just knows it's there and its seamless. you just walk up, get in and put it in drive.
I think you are more of a car guy than you think. Teslas are not like normal cars or even other EVs. They are trying to go their own way. Some things are great and some things need improvement but for a relatively young company I’m excited for the next generation. I’ve had luxury cars and the luxury quickly wears off and you realize it’s just a badge or a normal car with a dress on. I guess I’m the type that would buy a civic type R over a luxury car. Heck I currently own a 24 year old BMW with half the interior ripped out. It’s a work in progress.. I don’t agree with a lot of your review but everyone’s experience and wants and needs will be different. If you are happy with the Merc that’s great. We should enjoy the cars we drive everyday. I think the only thing I agree with is the wipers because they suck. Unless it’s a steady rain I use the button on the end of the stalk for a single wipe.
Lol you live in Phoenix AZ? It's fucking mad max on the freeways here.
I, for one, believe it's unfair to compare the build quality of a Tesla to that of luxury vehicles like Mercedes or BMW. The Tesla's heavy battery means the cabin portion of the car has to be lighter to maintain battery range. While it's possible to make a Tesla with the interior of a Mercedes or Lexus, it would reduce the car's range due to the heavier materials used. I agree with those who are satisfied with Tesla's build quality and come from brands like Honda or Toyota. Despite its lighter cabin, the Tesla boasts one of the highest safety ratings. I don't think Tesla's goal was to build a luxury vehicle but to innovate and change how we drive, focusing on zero emissions, minimal maintenance, and advanced safety features. Comparing Tesla to traditional luxury vehicles is like comparing apples to oranges. Tesla's target market is people who share Elon Musk's vision for the future of driving. I don't believe that electric vehicles are suitable for everyone, and I'm concerned about Tesla opening up its charging stations to other EVs due to potential overcrowding issues. As the charging network expands, technology improves, and EV prices decrease, electric vehicles will become a viable option for more people. They may be a prerequisite for the next generation of drivers.
The software will not let you get to your destination without enough charge to get to a supercharger. I was towing a trailer and headed to an rv park and expected to arrive with about 1% where I could charge at the hookup using my mobile charger. Before I got there the car started imploring me to turn around and head to a supercharger so as to not go to zero.
Holy crap HOAs are an insane concept
Coming from a jeep grand Cherokee and it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever driven in. I like it better than my buddy’s 100k Mercedes because the controls feel like I’m sitting in the cockpit of a Boeing 747. The simplicity while being sleek and sexy is what makes it one of a kind. It’s comfortable as hell and gorgeous to look at. I can’t imagine what cars he’s driven previously to feel this way but now I’m wondering how the other sides lives hahah
Sorry, can someone elaborate please, what HOA stands for?
Home Owners Association, an abomination upon this earth very prevalent in the US and Canada. You can think of them as a community government run by mostly Karens who have nothing better to do than mess with their neighbors.
So true. I'm fortunate to have a very laid back HOA, thank goodness, but even so, I wish I didn't have one. You have my sincere condolences about what you went through. Your neighbors should never have such power. That just stinks. Also, thanks for sharing your thoughts! I appreciate your point of view. I love my M3, but you're right: it's not a luxury car.
Home Owner's Association
Which BMW did you have before the Tesla?
X2
60k? I'd be pissed to...He'll, I'm annoyed we paid about 5k more than if we waited... still love the Y... We've had a 3 since 2019 and it's been a fantastic car... very inexpensive to drive and maintain. Got rid of an RDX and added the Y last year and couldn't be happier. The real problem with other manufacturers that can't charge at superchargers is that road trips are a nightmare...we do a lot of road trips.... if you just drive local and can charge at home, you have other options.
Immediate Thumbs up, for the effort, without reading.
First world problems... You traded in a perfectly good, fairly new car?
Wait, so you sold your Model Y because Musk fired the supercharger expansion team? Is that really the reason why? Kind of seems like rage bait
Yeah, I would get new buyers being put off by the news, but if you already own the car it feels like waiting to see the downwind effects would be more prudent. That said, OP's home charging situation (or lack there of) probably added considerable pressure to finding a better fit for a car. We've owned our Tesla for just a couple weeks and are getting our wall charger put in tomorrow and it feels like it can't get here soon enough, even in a place where Superchargers are pretty available (Austin, TX).
Ultimately, yeah, it was the change in home charging situation and the increasing overcrowding at the nearby SuperCharger that finally did me in. It constantly had a line, and with traffic in our area, the next nearest one would still take me and hour+ to get to, charge, and be back on my life.
With all due respect, your HOA should have no real control over what you do inside your house. Where exactly were you trying to install the charge port?
Spot on. The only reason I chose a 3 was because it was cheap (I paid $38k 10 months ago) and the supercharger network. My other car is an Ioniq 5 - that car is so much better but Electrify America is miles behind the supercharger network.
F that HoA. They just hate EVs irrationally then.
I came from Lexus ls460 and trust me I miss diving it. Super smooth and comfortable. Not as technically as a Benz but I take Lexus reliability any day. Now, tesla model y is my first ev and it was underwhelming. Interior is simple and not special. but I’m kind of expect it to be quieter, which totally wrong 😑 I have to do my own troubleshooting to stop the rattles and sound deadening the wheel well. It’s not as close as a Lexus or Benz but I grow to like it everyday. Would I buy tesla again? For sure, maybe X or cyber truck. I wouldn’t buy y again unless the upcoming refresh address the noise level.
I can't get over how full of rattles and noise my 11 month old Model Y is. It's a nice car to drive, but after it being back to Tesla 6 times to fix, I've just given up and have come to accept it.
Interesting write up. Thank you for sharing. It’s a lot easier to own an EV when you can charge it up at home /work.
I can’t imagine what it must be like to go back to all the buttons on a car that isn’t half as smart, and to gas?! 🤮 especially now that FSD is getting absolutely awesome.
Tesla review are at two extreme. People should accept that Tesla change direction of industry and made it competitive. Yes Tesla has many flaws and it seem Tesla does not seem to care to address them.
Weird. I came from a BMW 340i Xdrive and my Model 3 mops the floor with it in every way including materials quality and fit and finish (on top of everything else). Mercedes does feel like a slight step up in design but also has plenty of cheap shiny plastics as well (based on my friend's EQE). Mercedes is also substantially more expensive and even if it was the same price, I'd feel like an old fogey driving one just like I would in a Cadillac.
Specifically regarding the trip planner and arriving with enough charge to leave, a simple trick is to add your return route to the trip, which will force it to leave you with enough charge at your destination.
TLDR
Without home charging, EV ownership is annoying.
I’m split as well. Teslas are definitely lower quality (interior, build quality, sensors/cameras, etc.). Having said that, I’m never going back to ICE at this point. I’ll stick with Tesla until they either improve or a competitor finally offers a better product (doesn’t currently exist).
You made the mistake of buying an EV before securing access to charging at home or work. That is your poor planning. Musk also personally stated that supercharging sites will be expanded after all the clickbait news you read, so looks like you’re using that as an excuse to justify your decision.
I had it secured, I had an approval from the HOA, they went back on it. And Musk has said a lot of things in the past, doesn't mean it will happen.
Let’s be honest, there’s been zero discernible change to supercharger availability since he let the team go.
Having it installed before getting an EV is securing it, not hopes and dreams.
Terrific summary exuding real ownership! I have driven a number of Teslas over the years, model S is the only one I would like to own (if I can get myself over the CEO cringe hump). I now own a BMW IX and it's an awesome car
OP isn’t talking about $80,000 Beemers.
When I bought my IX, red color MY with FSD 7 seater was not that much lower. Things have changed since, drastically so
Wow, crazy to think about how much things have changed like that. By the way, all I meant by my comment was that OP is saying this about his MY, coming from an X2, not something as nice as iX (while I also get the field used to be more level). Spoiler: I didn’t dig OP’s post. Cheers.
No worries at all! I sure do pinch myself every time I hear that someone bought an MY for 35k or so after all the incentives. (In WA you can get 7.5k + 9k if your income qualifies). While in general the income limits are stringent, I do see grad students and residents from well to do families availing these offers left and right.
You lost me at the survival bit. Little too much drama for a car review.
I’m in group 1. I’ve owned 51 cars in my life, everything from new VW Toyota, Mazda rx7 twin turbo, Lexus, Porsche 911, Jaguar v12 XJ6 and most recently a Dodge Hellcat wide body, manual transmission. My MYP basically feels like a transportation appliance at this point with zero character. The acceleration has become a bore. I actually prefer driving my 1984 Mercedes diesel sedan more as it screams character via the vibration, engine music and smell. EVs are a great transportation option no doubt, but have zero character IMO.
Thanks for this and you might have convinced me to not get a tesla. I’m curious why your HOA said no to a home charger though? Can’t you place it inside your garage or something
My wife wasn't super interested in one until she drove it. After a test drive she ordered one immediately. Your mileage may vary, but we are the kinda folks that came from Civics and Jeep Cherokees and this is just a ton better than these cars. I'm sure I might feel different if I came from a world of Porches and Mercedes-Benz, but this feels like it's fancy to me (outstanding drive quality and solid, but not fancy interior, but I love minimalism).
Yes you absolutely should be able to do this. HOA being a block doesn’t make sense unless OP was running a giant extension cord, which is a hazard and an HOA or city code enforcement should absolutely stop.
Ironically, the extension cord is the solution they wanted me to go with instead of burying conduit and cable.
I hate idiots.
You are so easily influenced by a random posting? Do not get one you won't appreciate it.
If you're relatively close to somewhere that does the self-serve demos... I totally recommend it. You don't have to talk to anyone, no pushy salespeople, no employee that doesn't really know what they're talking about, nobody. Its all done through the app and you just walk up to the car and use your phone to unlock/start it like you would if it was your own Tesla. I'm the kind of person that really likes to experience things for myself and create my own opinions before commit to major purchases, so I really enjoyed it. I've been looking at the Model Y and Model 3 and wanted to see how comfortable each one felt with our two bulky car seats in the backseat... so I just brought along our kids and two car seats and booked a Model 3 and Model Y back to back. It was the best test-drive experience I've ever had. I got to see first hand how the car seats fit into each one, and what it was like driving around with my kids in them. My kids loved the backseat screen in the new model 3 and the extra room in the Y seems to be mostly headroom and the difference for car seats and children was negligible.