I’m due for a new car soon as my old Honda is dying. I have been trying to get more input about the Tesla Model Y. The wife really seems to like it, so it’s definitely on our shortlist. I wanted to ask those of you who own one or have driven one — what’s your real-world experience like?
There’s a new rear-wheel drive (RWD) Model Y that just came out. It’s essentially the same as the all-wheel drive version but actually offers better range and comes in at a lower price point. On paper, it seems like a great option unless you really need AWD — but I’m curious if there’s more to consider.
The earlier versions of the Model Y differ from the new version in a few ways. The newer models include:
• A front camera,
• A softer suspension for a smoother ride,
• Improved sound insulation — noticeably quieter inside.
So for those of you familiar with the Model Y:
• What do you like or dislike?
• Any surprises or quirks — either good or frustrating?
• Is the range consistent with what’s advertised?
• Has AWD made a difference for you, or would RWD have been fine?
Also, has Elon’s public image or the overall sentiment around Tesla affected how you feel about owning one? Would it influence your decision to buy one?
Would appreciate your experiences or opinions. Thanks!
Don’t have specifics on the Model Y but I wouldn’t touch any Tesla with a barge pole. Build quality sucks, after sales is very questionable and worse their resale value is likely to plummet at any time due to either Tesla yet again reducing sale price on new cars, Musk doing something idiotic or they simply go out of business.
In that price range you can have way better vehicles from Toyota, even Lexus or Infinity.
Would not buy again - we like it enough, but probably would have gone with another EV to start with except for the charging network, but lots of other brands can use the charging network now, so…
The older ones had a front camera too.
RWD would be fine.
Tesla dealers and dealing with Tesla sucks, sucks, sucks, sucks, and would be the primary reason to avoid.
The high volume models (Model 3 and Y) seem to have resolved their build issues.
Depends what you’re looking for - there’s always a tradeoff. For the price, you can get a more luxurious vehicle, but you’re getting a seriously good drivetrain with more power in the Tesla than you’d get in something else. For something like a Toyota… you’d definitely get something less powerful with a shitty tech package, and not any more luxurious (but for the price you’d be into something larger as well with toyota). Always a tradeoff.
Yea, not so much. Just a dick Uber driver.
The driver demanded NT$20,000 in compensation from a cram school teacher. Later the driver demands NT$40,000 in compensation complaining about potential damage. When the girl’s father asked the driver if there was any damage to his vehicle the driver responded by saying no, but there could be in fhe future! When the parents share a post online about the incident the driver actually commented under their post and said if the parents licked it clean then he would be willing to settle it with that…
many, many minor annoyances that could be fixed with software updates but never have been really detract from the experience (wipers that actually work properly would be much more useful than yet another fucking Polytopia update)
lack of tactile controls turned out to be a much bigger annoyance/problem than I expected
wife hates it (the stiff ride makes her carsick)
association with Musk
tl;dr;
5/10, would not buy again now that there are so many better options available
Yea, forgot to mention this. Fucking auto sensing wipers are the worst.
I’d prefer more buttons, but this turned out to be much less of an issue for me than expected (although there’s even fewer in the juniper version and a key one that would probably an oy me to no end- no physical gear select?! ). Other than the gear box. Gimme a freakin latch!
Car is great for commuting but Tesla customer service is really bad
Examples:
Tesla corporate does a poor job communicating with the service centers.
Your service guy does not know what’s covered under warranty and takes a week to confirm with their manager, or how long you must wait to receive a part
Elon tweets some shit about supercharging, trade-in offer, or FSD upgrades and your service center says “idk man, we just saw the tweet this morning too”
No loaner cars. Even if you have Model S/X
Information across service agents is not consistent. The mechanic at the service center will disagree with something the app chat representative said
Depending on your location, can take 1-4 weeks before you have an appointment. This includes mobile service when they come to your home.
Some people say “but the Model Y drives so great and rarely needs service” which is mostly true. But other EVs also drive great (some even better) and also have good customer service.
Speaking of the drive, I think the Model Y Juniper suspension is just as bad / harsh / painful as before. If you want ride quality / softness, Tesla is not it. Acceleration is fun and steering feel is generally an improvement for many first time Tesla buyers (but not for me). I didn’t mind the lack of physical buttons.
Source: many friends have Model 3/Y in Taiwan, I had a Model S plaid in US, but now drive Taycan in TW
But in the unlikely event they do, the inside of the front doors have a manual lever to open the doors. This is useful if your 12V low voltage battery dies and the car won’t start.
Then maintenance. Are other mechanics allowed to touch the cars? Or will tesla company punish you for using 3rd party?
Yes other mechanics can touch the cars.
The problem is when you inevitably take the car back to Tesla for service (high-voltage battery, motors, cameras), Tesla will complain and try to find an excuse to deny coverage.
To be fair, other manufacturers also do this. But since software is critical to Tesla, they claim “software misconfigured” more than Mercedes or Toyota, for example.
I test drove a new one in the UK. The suspension has been much improved now.
I drive a GLE coupe and the suspension is not very good for whatever reason. My girl likes how it looks and I agree it’s a sexy car but it’s not a very good car. Engine is underpowered compared to rivals and more expensive for whatever reason. The only thing great besides the style is the trunk space is really good for a coupe suv
But beyond that I can’t say I like the feeling of driving a computer with a touch screen. I still like physical buttons. Something all car manufacturers seem to be moving away from for reasons unknown. Are there people that like then touch buttons over physical buttons?
My view from the test drive is I would buy the new one in the UK because of tax advantages. If I didnt have that I would not buy it.
Did you set it up properly? I used to think it performed quite well when I drove a GLE for a few months around Europe. I did occasionally switch between city and highway modes, depending on where I was driving.
Always felt the suspension in US or Japanese car is far too soft. Feels like you’re sitting in a boat.
I’ve never had any issues like that with service, but I’ve heard what you’re saying from others as well. I think I just got lucky and actually have a good service manager!
I was in Naples recently, had a Fiat Panda, the main road just outside the airport was so bad it was virtually undrivable. The Panda was just shit and completely gutless, total pile of wank, hated it, most because of the crap modern electronic steering, the lane assist being an absolute pleb when you’re trying to avoid Giuseppe on his Vespa cutting you off whilst he’s simulatenously facetiming, smoking and in control of the vehicle, and the steering wheel being too low.
Getting a Tesla at the moment strikes tone-deaf for me. Public relations for big tech is pretty low right now, especially in the UK.
