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Used 2013 Tesla Model S Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
34 reviews
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5 out of 5 stars

Best car I've ever owned, could never go back

John Sanders, 11/06/2015
2013 Tesla Model S 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
37 of 39 people found this review helpful

I like to drive cars hard, but hated sticking $70 in the pump every week. I drive a lot and hate driving hybrids with CVTs. So when I could get an all electric performance car I took the plunge. I usually prefer coupes to sedans, but since Tesla no longer made the Roadster, I went with the Model S. I couldn't be happier. The service is excellent, especially compared with my wife's Lexus. If there's ever a problem, Tesla sends a valet out to get my car, leaves me a brand new loaner, fixes and washes it, and then brings it back to my house, all for free. The car is big, but it still gets close to double Prius efficiency, all while I drive it as fast as I want. Charging at home is also very convenient compared to stopping for gas. The only drawback for me is it is slightly more prone to interior rattles than my past vehicles. This could be because it doesn't make any engine noise, but overall it's still much quieter.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Great drivetrai + beta software

evdriver1, 10/21/2014
updated 04/24/2017
2013 Tesla Model S 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
28 of 31 people found this review helpful

I own 2013 model 85 that has 17k miles on it. Great drivetrain, power and handling. Interior is good but not on par with Germans. Quality of materials and assembly probably like Volvo. 2014 models may be better. Fortunately Tesla have been fixing squeks, creaks and leaks. Drive unit developed whine, replaced. Sunroof seals replaced. Glovebox stuck, replaced. Software is hit and miss, feels like perpetual beta. Service center is useless if issue is in software. 4.x was OK. 5.0 - garage opener started to work every other time. Some next version fixed it. 5.11 randomly rebooted. 5.12 seemed stable. 6.0 added calendar which doesnt sync with iphone 6. Make sure you read forums and blog comments. UPD: Sold at 30K. Did not buy another. Will wait some until software stabilizes. Don't feel like paying $100K to be a tester.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

122K miles and still a thrill!

Cord, 09/18/2020
updated 03/23/2022
2013 Tesla Model S Performance 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful

The silent mind blowing torque of the Tesla is second to none. I get hopped up Mustangs, Chargers, Vettes at a stop light that try to jump ahead. I didn't even see them trying until I hear the gas engines rev and before they even get to shift I'm gone. So easy to drive and fits as much as my family minivan did. I love cars and have had many, but I will not be going back to gas. I have had no issues with the car and look forward to buying another one in another 100k or so. I drove from Sacramento, CA to Maine stopping at as many national parks as possible and had free charging the whole way. Then drove to Florida and back across the southern route through SoCal and back to Sac. It was a comfortable easy ride. We camped out some and stayed in hotels. Every campground in America is a charging station, but we only used them for convenience. There were plenty of Tesla Super charging stations all the way. I found using 70,000 mile warranty tires works great because you tend to go through them in about 35k miles. Just turn them in and get 50% off the next set. My range has dropped about 10% in 122k miles. Mine is a 2013 so it is was an early battery. They have gotten twice as good now according to the specs. My extended family drove mine and now they all have them too. Lol! Hope you have as much fun as I have! Saving for another one now. Really want 500 mile range so I don't even have to charge on the road. I charge with Solar at home so I drive on Sun. No need to pay the oil companies OR the Electric company! Lol!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

Tesla is to cars what Apple is to phones.

drbones911, 05/21/2013
2013 Tesla Model S Performance 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
37 of 43 people found this review helpful

I have approximately 7000 miles on this signature, performance version of the Tesla S. The car grabs a lot of attention and drives like a dream machine. I've driven the car from Boston to New York City then into New Jersey and back again with no problems. Other than that, I never really need to use an outside charging station since I charge it each night in my garage at home. This car is not just for local commutes. The car of the future is already here and still many still people don't believe that it's possible. Great job Tesla!

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2 out of 5 stars

Great drive, poor construction remains concern

MyTesla, 04/07/2021
updated 05/24/2022
2013 Tesla Model S Performance 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

A pleasure to drive, fast, comfortable, safe but unfortunately too many quality control. issues such as windows or trunk not opening or closing, computer screen leaking, inside cloth doors wearing down and ripping too fast, rattle , rear drive train breaking (an $8000 repair!) etc. "High tech service" on app does not allow for discussion with Tesla. Hopefully more recent cars better built. Not yet a top luxury car. UPDATE: Although a lot of fun to drive my car is unreliable, constantly breaking down and in service for weeks because Tesla does not have enough spare parts to fix. I have no issues with the battery but windows not closing, computer screen leaking, rear drivetrain braking etc etc. I have unfortunately spent thousands in repairs. Service center is primarily interested in sending estimates and getting them approved (ie paid). I guess Uber credits for 3 weeks is how Tesla deals with delays in fixing and customer inconvenience. Sure it's fun to drive although seats are uncomfortable and this car is definitely not what I would consider a luxury car. Not buying a second Tesla. They are overpriced and poorly constructed

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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