Who owns a Tesla?

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by donaldinc

I've had the Y for over a year and can say it's an absolute joy to own. The fact you never need an oil change or ever visit the gas station is quite nice.

Although, if you ever need service, it is probably the worst car experience you will face. The servicing & customer service like their panel gaps, need improvement.

On that note, there are very few systems to go wrong. Brake pads should last…..forever. I’ve touched the brakes pedal about 3 or 4 times in a week and a half. Very few fluids to deal with. Basically, no routine maintenance. BUT, if one of the few systems fails, you’re screwed.

[Phil t 32]

Originally Posted by donas

If you don't mind sharing, what part of the EV experience didn't work for you? Was there a breaking point that drove you back to a regular vehicle?

Don’t mind at all Donas, it was several aspects….bearing in mind I didn’t do the research and rushed into it (for tax purposes to be brutally honest) the mileage / range was quoted around 240 which I could cope with in ‘everyday’ day use actually dropped to 170 in the winter months (using pre conditioning / lights etc) which wouldn’t cover some of my work journeys, which meant after a full day on site I would have to stop on the way home for 30/49 mins to charge and then finish my report off when I got home. A few times I’d have a call to say would I go to another vendors premise for say 3.00pm (which would be another days pay!) and I’d have to say no because it could mean factoring in another charge stop on a route I wasn’t familiar with. Many times I’d stop at the motorway services to charge and they wouldn’t be putting the power out it should so I’d stop for 40 mins and only put about 50 miles in. I forgot to put it on charge one night and got up in the morning to realise I wouldn’t have enough charge and ended up using my van. Had many times when chargers weren’t working so moved onto another stop, not the end of the world but not what I wanted after a long day with work still to do at home. One of the points that tipped me over was when my daughter needed to go to the hospital (she lives 40 miles away) I had to work out if I could get to hers, take her to the hospital and either back home or back to hers as I don’t think she would appreciate a charge stop en route.

I know I’m making it sound very negative and probably justifying to myself the reasons I wanted to change back but I felt with my work I needed to be very flexible and it would take a lot of planning to be efficient which I didn’t want to do.

I’m quite certain that if I could have used the Tesla chargers I would still have the Audi, there’s loads about and rapid chargers too but no access to other than Tesla. I know it been trialled in Norway (I think) to allow other vehicles to use them so hopefully it’s successful and then I’d consider going back (but without the cameras for mirrors….no no and no)

I could go on with positives and negatives but hopefully that gives you an insight, if you have the range (which is getting greater all the time) and your journeys are fairly structured daily no problem….forgot to mention the holiday in mid wales…chargers??


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[PBJ1925]

Currently own a 2021 Y. Pros and cons comparing it to the Audi Q5 it replaced.

Pros - Instant acceleration. It's pure on demand crack, stop light to stop light. Overall UI is intuitive, minimal maintenance outside of rotating tires. Range is sufficient for 99% of what we need. Respectable 14 speaker audio system. Teslacam, along with a slew of security/safety features all included along with a nice navigation system.

Cons - Interior fit and finish compared to the Q5 is lacking. Suspension crashes over uneven pavement with quite a bit of unwanted cabin noise. Real world range is 10-15% less than advertised so you'll need to strategically plan if you decide to take it on road trips further than 250 miles, cold weather, or elevation. Q5 was just more comfortable, arguably better headlights/lighting.

Would I recommend and buy again the Y again? Absolutely. Prices have crept up in the past 12 months, but for around 50k (now closer to 60k) its a solid value prop based on the acceleration alone.

[donas]

Originally Posted by poweredbyjae

Currently own a 2021 Y. Pros and cons comparing it to the Audi Q5 it replaced.

Pros - Instant acceleration. It's pure on demand crack, stop light to stop light. Overall UI is intuitive, minimal maintenance outside of rotating tires. Range is sufficient for 99% of what we need. Respectable 14 speaker audio system. Teslacam, along with a slew of security/safety features all included along with a nice navigation system.

Cons - Interior fit and finish compared to the Q5 is lacking. Suspension crashes over uneven pavement with quite a bit of unwanted cabin noise. Real world range is 10-15% less than advertised so you'll need to strategically plan if you decide to take it on road trips further than 250 miles, cold weather, or elevation. Q5 was just more comfortable, arguably better headlights/lighting.

Would I recommend and buy again the Y again? Absolutely. Prices have crept up in the past 12 months, but for around 50k (now closer to 60k) its a solid value prop based on the acceleration alone.

Thanks, very helpful as were many of the previous replies. The price creeping up is a concern of mine. I read today there have been 8 or so price increases in 2021 alone. I'm leaning towards justifying the purchase by telling myself I could more than likely sell it and at least break even, if not make money, if I ended up not liking it.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by donas

I'm leaning towards justifying the purchase by telling myself I could more than likely sell it and at least break even, if not make money, if I ended up not liking it.

Exactly how I see it.

[Zoomerang]

Originally Posted by donas

Thanks, very helpful as were many of the previous replies. The price creeping up is a concern of mine. I read today there have been 8 or so price increases in 2021 alone. I'm leaning towards justifying the purchase by telling myself I could more than likely sell it and at least break even, if not make money, if I ended up not liking it.

I sold my 2019 Model 3 for 90% of what I paid. That doesn't include the $3,750 tax credit I got in 2020, $2,500 check I received from the State of California and the $800 SDG&E credit I got for installing a home charger. I essentially made a few hundred dollars for driving the Model 3 two years.

Now, the inflated used car values apply to all vehicles at the moment not just Teslas but I think you could try the Model Y and sell it if you don't like it and not lose (much?) money.

The price increases are reflecting two things IMO: (1) high demand for those vehicles and (2) the potential for tax credit. The MSRP next year minus tax credit (assuming it passes in current form) will likely be close the the MSRP earlier this year.

If you think there is a more than 50% chance you might buy it, put your $250 nonrefundable deposit now. I'm guessing there might be one or two more price increases this year.

[ratty]

Originally Posted by Phil t 32

Don’t mind at all Donas, it was several aspects….bearing in mind I didn’t do the research and rushed into it (for tax purposes to be brutally honest) .....


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So would it be fair to say that your problem wasn’t with the car itself, but more with you use of the car and the current problems in the UK with convenient charging EVs?

[Phil t 32]

Originally Posted by ratty

So would it be fair to say that your problem wasn’t with the car itself, but more with you use of the car and the current problems in the UK with convenient charging EVs?

Most definitely, charging from home and local journeys fantastic, the quietness, smoothness and speed of the vehicle was excellent.

My personal opinion is, and it’s not to dis Tesla at all and I don’t want to sound like a car snob (but I guess it will)…build quality on the Audi was second to non but there is a price to pay, 5 or 6 charge accounts, very limited rapid chargers (I’m in north midlands and generally around the north west) many phone apps needed !

I’m guessing (as I said before I did rush in a little) with Tesla you only need one account, 1 app and have access to loads of rapids which covers all my ‘issues’


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[BroncoOne]

I’ve been looking at EVs and heard about the Tesla poor build quality and lack of service options (don’t ask the fanbois, they talk around it). I suppose it isn’t surprising when the CEO selling cars says that Tesla is not a car company.

I decided to wait as more EVs from actual car companies are coming to market. I reserved the Hummer EV and who knows when that will ever be in production and what quality issues it might have (but at least there is a wide array of service options that are convenient). I saw a Mustang EV last night but have no feedback on it yet. F150 EVs are coming out and Audi EVs look beautiful.

Still doing research but for me it’s too early. Maybe in 18 months.

[bp1000]

I've had one since 2015. Best cars I've ever owned.

At the moment I have a P90DL MS and next year once GIGA Berlin is up and running I'll get the new battery cell technology in the model Y and will likely keep the MS still.

I have nothing but praise for it. Its a bit big for the UK at times, car parks, parking spaces etc, but that's minor.

Im a petrol head too. My previous car was a supercharged v8, very loud thing, but only occasionally, whilst going through a tunnel, do I miss the noise it made.

[donas]

I continue to research EVs and came across what seems like a ridiculous law in my state of TN; it actually costs $100 more a year to own/register an EV. This seems somewhat counterproductive in trying to get people away from fossil fuels. Does anyone else have laws like this in their state/region?

Title 55-4-116Motor and Other Vehicles. ... (a) In addition to all other motor vehicle registration fees prescribed by law, in the case of electric vehicles, there shall be paid to the department at the time the vehicle is registered or renewed an additional registration fee in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100).

[bp1000]

Too late to edit my post but I must add the main reason I bought a Tesla was the 100% capital write down from my pre-tax profits (it was a company purchase) and the 0% BIK (so no tax). I went to see a demo of a dutch demo car in 2014 on a tiny car park behind a hotel on the outskirts of Manchester. Didn't even drive one before ordering it.

I wasn't disappointed in the P85D at the time and upgrading to a ludicrous car PD90L after a couple of years.

[Blansky]

Originally Posted by pickettt

On that note, there are very few systems to go wrong. Brake pads should last…..forever. I’ve touched the brakes pedal about 3 or 4 times in a week and a half. Very few fluids to deal with. Basically, no routine maintenance. BUT, if one of the few systems fails, you’re screwed.

Pardon my ignorance, but why should the brake pads last forever?

I've never driven an EV, and only drove a hybrid as rental for a week.

[albertf]

Originally Posted by donas

I continue to research EVs and came across what seems like a ridiculous law in my state of TN; it actually costs $100 more a year to own/register an EV. This seems somewhat counterproductive in trying to get people away from fossil fuels. Does anyone else have laws like this in their state/region?

Title 55-4-116Motor and Other Vehicles. ... (a) In addition to all other motor vehicle registration fees prescribed by law, in the case of electric vehicles, there shall be paid to the department at the time the vehicle is registered or renewed an additional registration fee in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100).

I thought the logic behind that was that taxes on gas contribute towards infrastructure and road related expenses. The city/state need to re-capture that revenue if a vehicle only uses electricity.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by Blansky

Pardon my ignorance, but why should the brake pads last forever?

I've never driven an EV, and only drove a hybrid as rental for a week.

There is an option for “one pedal” driving. When you let off of the accelerator, the motor instantly starts decelerating to a stop. When you learn to modulate it, there is very little use for the conventional brake. Also, during the deceleration, the motor is charging the battery, much like an ICE alternator would do. How efficiently it charges, I’m skeptical about.

[Phil t 32]

Originally Posted by bp1000

Too late to edit my post but I must add the main reason I bought a Tesla was the 100% capital write down from my pre-tax profits (it was a company purchase) and the 0% BIK (so no tax). I went to see a demo of a dutch demo car in 2014 on a tiny car park behind a hotel on the outskirts of Manchester. Didn't even drive one before ordering it.

I wasn't disappointed in the P85D at the time and upgrading to a ludicrous car PD90L after a couple of years.

Same here for the tax reasons but I did manage a couple of test drives…with the tax benefits it certainly does remind me of…..have a diesel, less company car tax, cheaper fuel, it’s a no brainer


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[Blansky]

Originally Posted by pickettt

There is an option for “one pedal” driving. When you let off of the accelerator, the motor instantly starts decelerating to a stop. When you learn to modulate it, there is very little use for the conventional brake. Also, during the deceleration, the motor is charging the battery, much like an ICE alternator would do. How efficiently it charges, I’m skeptical about.

Wow. Thanks.

I’m also interested in the motor and what kind of maintenance it needs in pluses and minuses compared to an ICE engine. And it’s longevity.

[tritium8]

Originally Posted by BroncoOne

I decided to wait as more EVs from actual car companies are coming to market. I reserved the Hummer EV and who knows when that will ever be in production and what quality issues it might have (but at least there is a wide array of service options that are convenient). I saw a Mustang EV last night but have no feedback on it yet. F150 EVs are coming out and Audi EVs look beautiful.

Still doing research but for me it’s too early. Maybe in 18 months.

Agree with you on competition being good but the issue with "actual car" companies is exactly that. Find the YouTube video on the improvements Tesla made to the model S door handles. That's one example of how a non traditional car company like Tesla can adapt quickly and make improvements. Door gaps, well, that is something a "actual car" company would have done a better job with but my X isn't that bad. I've seen pictures of what is supposedly a refreshed X and it's actually worse. Not sure how that happens. Also, you made me laugh that you put a deposit on a Hummer EV. I've owned GM cars, possibly the worst build cars and service/repairs was always a nightmare. I originally had a deposit on the Audi e Tron (coming from a Q7) but the delivery delays and less than originally promised range moved me to Tesla.

Hopefuly Tesla continues to succeed and put pressure on all auto manufacturers to get outside of their comfort zones.

[donas]

Originally Posted by albertf

I thought the logic behind that was that taxes on gas contribute towards infrastructure and road related expenses. The city/state need to re-capture that revenue if a vehicle only uses electricity.

That makes sense I suppose, but to take away the tax credit and add an additional registration fee sure doesn't seem like a move to encourage people to migrate to EVs. I can't really complain, it costs about $20 annually to register a vehicle in this state vs the almost $1000 a year from my previous state.

[Speedbird-1]

What's the life expectancy (mileage) of the motor, and what is the likely replacement cost?

[Goin2drt]

Originally Posted by Speedbird-1

What's the life expectancy (mileage) of the motor, and what is the likely replacement cost?

Not sure many people know this at least for the Tesla yet. Personally I don’t plan on keeping ours past the warranty.

Also I do think some of the above comments are valid. Lots of “savings” incentive to get into EVs which is what “they” want you to do. Once more and more get into EVs the price of everything will definitely go up. None of the governments can sustain the spending levels they need while losing BILLIONS in gas tax dollars (knee jerk I am sure they never thought of that) so the overall cost of owning a EV vs ICE will end up the same if not more.

Personally we bought the MYP for the thrill and the tech. Really nothing to do with gas savings or even the “environment” saving. I have a completely screwed take on that but it will bring in politics so will leave it alone.

If anyone is thinking of a Tesla and you are a car person, go drive one. You will be sold. If you just need something to get you from a to b then there are,plenty of cheaper alternatives and this is not for you.

[904VT]

Originally Posted by albertf

I thought the logic behind that was that taxes on gas contribute towards infrastructure and road related expenses. The city/state need to re-capture that revenue if a vehicle only uses electricity.

You're 100% correct here. Most states use gas taxes to contribute to infrastructure. Makes sense why registration of EVs should be greater to offset lost infrastructure contributions.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by 904VT

You're 100% correct here. Most states use gas taxes to contribute to infrastructure. Makes sense why registration of EVs should be greater to offset lost infrastructure contributions.

A mileage tax is on the horizon, sure to be incorporated into your registration costs. Digital age; here in CA, we have smog checks required to register our cars. At that point, odometer reading will be recorded and forwarded to the state (DMV) who will assess your mileage charges at that time.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by tritium8

I've owned GM cars, possibly the worst build cars and service/repairs was always a nightmare.

Hopefuly Tesla continues to succeed and put pressure on all auto manufacturers to get outside of their comfort zones.

I still have our 22 year-old Saturn, whose build quality is higher than my month-old Tesla. I bought that Saturn new for $17k, and the Tesla for $68k.

To your other point, I agree. I think other car companies have got some catching up to do. I believe Tesla, if so desired, can build a better car faster than other companies can build better tech.

[s14roller]

I also have a Model Y and build quality also seems to come down to luck. You have those who will say it’s horrible and then those who say it’s perfect. On mine, I had a few minor issues that I only knew because I went over the whole car. My wife wouldnt have noticed. A few MM gaps in the front and rear diffuser for example. When compared to other luxury brands, there’s no doubt they have built them better and this should be expected given their experience, but my personal view is the QC has gotten much better. I see no issues with my interior other than the minimalistic approach.

I do agree you are paying for more tech than luxury, but if that’s what you understand going in, you’ll be just fine. I was debating a Cayenne GTS who’s owner was selling it for a Model Y, which got me thinking about it. On that car it still needed clicking the keyfob to enter/exit and to turn on ignition. Here, everything is on my phone. Car locks as I walk away.

[rick lee]

Crazy question here. I'm self-employed and drive about 30k miles a year for work appointments. Would I get the same mileage deduction for a Tesla as for my gas-powered BMW? And for the tax credit, how long do you have to keep the car to get it or how often can you flip cars and get it again?

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by s14roller

On that car it still needed clicking the keyfob to enter/exit and to turn on ignition.

Oh, hell nah.

[Chester01]

Yes well the oil cartels will ensure everyone has one sooner rather than later.

[logo]

Just took delivery of a Model Y today, it’s pretty cool so far!

[BillA]

I have a 2021 Model 3 LR. Took delivery in May of this year.
The car is a software marvel but is a little quirky at times.
This is my 2nd EV, had a 2018 Nissan Leaf before this and really liked the car, except poor battery range and lousy in any snow.
The car rides great, very peppy. The only negative I have is that it is low to the ground and getting in and out can sometimes be a challenge.
I looked at other EV’s but Tesla has more superchargers in the US than all other superchargers combined. They have a good network, available on major highways. Although Musk says the Tesla supercharger will be open to other cars, right now only a Tesla can charge at a Tesla supercharger.