Two Years with a Tesla: An Honest Review
This is an honest review after owning a Tesla for two years. Before buying one, consider my experiences and thoughts about the overall experience.
Things I Like About My Tesla
App Control
One of the best features is controlling the car via the app. This includes opening doors, warming it up, or cooling it down before driving. This is a very convenient feature.
Seating and Space
The six-seater configuration is convenient because of having two kids and frequent visitors. While it's not as spacious as a Cadillac, it's adequate. The back seats are comfortable.
Autopilot and Electric
There are two significant benefits: Autopilot and being an electric car. The goal is that the car drives itself, even on smaller roads. Charging at home saves time and money on gas.
Issues and Concerns
Quality Issues
The quality of materials, especially the wheel, is a concern. The plastic quality is poor compared to cheaper brands like Hyundai. Oddly, Model 3 has better quality because of its higher production volume.
Tire Wear
There are also issues with the suspension, causing uneven tire wear. The rear tires wear out faster, suggesting sub-optimal angles and alignment.
Yoke Steering Wheel Problems
The yoke steering wheel, initially exciting, has quality issues. It started peeling about a year after purchase. Tesla acknowledged it as a known problem and eventually replaced it for free.
Tesla Service Experience
I took the car in for the steering wheel replacement and three recalls. A recall involves necessary upgrades to the car.
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No loaner car was provided, but Uber credits were offered.
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A detached detail on the front of the car needed to be fixed independently.
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Tesla Service Issues (Continued)
The car was supposed to be ready the next day, with the steering wheel replaced. However, upon pickup, the steering wheel had not been replaced. The service claimed they didn't have the wheel. After some negotiation, they agreed to replace it with a "retro" (normal) wheel. There was also a surprise bill for $200 for the molding above the wheel, but my husband negotiated that away as well.
Lesson Learned: Push for What You Deserve
Always negotiate and ask questions. Don't accept the initial answer.
Financial Considerations and Lease
After the repair, the car feels new again, especially with the traditional steering wheel.
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There are 12 months left on the lease.
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Prices for Teslas have declined, but this model hasn't lost much value.
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The monthly lease payment is $1,500, plus $1,000 for insurance.
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Vehicle registration renewal fees are approximately $1,000.
Future Car Plans
I'm considering a Model 3 or Model Y for my next Tesla. I'm leaning towards the Model 3 due to no longer needing a six-seater. Giving up the lease early would cost an extra $17,000, so I will keep it for the remaining term. After the lease, I plan to buy a used Tesla rather than a new one due to the lower cost.
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Used Teslas, as of recording, range from $22,000 to $35,000.
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A used 2023 model with low mileage can be found for around $33,000.
Recommendation
Go for a Tesla, but consider a used model, especially for Model 3 or Model Y. Avoid brand new models straight from the factory. If you are a content creator who makes videos, then maybe buy a new model.
YouTube Success
A Tesla video received almost 1 million views and generated $9,200 in revenue. A video about washing a Tesla in California got 47 million views and brought in $500. These videos were translated into other languages, generating more revenue. This proves how Tesla can generate video views. It is a great lesson to not buy a car's brand new model.
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