My Tesla Model S Experience: A Year in Review

TLDRAfter a year of owning my Tesla Model S, I reflect on the ups and downs, including a car crash, replacement car, and battery issues. Despite the challenges, I still enjoy the quiet, smooth electric power and the reliable Autopilot. The car's repairability has been decent, with a few components needing replacement. Overall, it has been a worthwhile and enjoyable experience.

Key insights

💥Despite a car crash, my Tesla Model S proved to have excellent safety features, including a five-star safety rating and multiple airbags.

🚗💰Replacing my totaled Tesla Model S was more expensive due to the rising car market prices.

🌞🌧️The Tesla's panoramic sunroof has both pros and cons, with an elegant look but limited usability and potential leaking issues.

🔌🔋Charging the Tesla at home is convenient, costing between $35 and $85 in electricity per month, depending on the season.

🛣️Autopilot on the Tesla Model S (AP1) provides an almost flawless driving experience on highways, making long trips more enjoyable.

Q&A

Was the Tesla Model S repairable after the car crash?

Yes, despite the car crash, the Tesla Model S was repairable. However, the car market had changed, and the replacement cost was higher than expected.

How often did you need to charge your Tesla Model S?

For shorter local trips, charging at home was more convenient, while longer road trips required planning for supercharger stops. The monthly electricity cost ranged from $35 to $85, depending on the season.

How reliable was the Autopilot system on the Tesla Model S?

The Autopilot system on the Tesla Model S (AP1) proved to be reliable and accurate on highways, providing a pleasant and stress-free driving experience. However, newer systems have more features at the cost of dependability.

Did you experience any battery issues with the Tesla Model S?

Yes, the main high voltage battery pack failed, but it was covered under warranty and replaced with a newer and more reliable battery design. The original battery degradation was accelerated due to previous supercharging habits.

How was the overall driving experience with the Tesla Model S?

The overall driving experience with the Tesla Model S was enjoyable, thanks to its quiet and smooth electric power. Despite a somewhat sterile feel at times, the performance and range made up for it.

Timestamped Summary

00:00It has been over a year since I got my Tesla Model S.

01:54The Tesla Model S has excellent safety features, including a five-star safety rating and multiple airbags.

03:58Replacing the totaled Tesla Model S was more expensive due to rising car market prices.

06:59The panoramic sunroof has an elegant look but limited usability and potential leaking issues.

09:29Charging the Tesla Model S at home is convenient, with a monthly electricity cost range of $35 to $85.

09:59Autopilot on the Tesla Model S (AP1) provides an almost flawless driving experience on highways.

10:57The Tesla Model S was repairable after a car crash, but the replacement cost was higher than expected.

12:43The reliable Autopilot system on the Tesla Model S makes long trips more enjoyable and stress-free.

13:51The main high voltage battery pack failed, but it was covered under warranty and replaced with a newer design.

15:13The overall driving experience with the Tesla Model S is enjoyable, thanks to its quiet and smooth electric power.