Used 2013 Tesla Model S Consumer Reviews
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Best car I've ever owned, could never go back
John Sanders, 11/06/2015
2013 Tesla Model S 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
31 of 33 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.
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Great drivetrai + beta software
evdriver1, 10/21/2014
updated 04/24/2017
2013 Tesla Model S 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
25 of 28 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.
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Tesla is to cars what Apple is to phones.
drbones911, 05/21/2013
2013 Tesla Model S Performance 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
35 of 41 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!
Great drive, poor construction remains concern
MyTesla, 04/07/2021
updated 05/24/2022
2013 Tesla Model S Performance 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
5 of 5 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
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Tesla Battery Failed after only 43,000 miles!
Ro, 01/18/2022
2013 Tesla Model S 4dr Sedan (electric DD)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
After only 43,000 miles my Tesla Model S battery began to fail. A full charge dropped from about 235 miles to a mere 100 miles. The Tesla experts informed me that the battery would completely fail very soon or months down the road and I could be stranded. They wanted to charge me $22,000 for a new battery, which they would install in a few months or so. I was furious and hugely disappointed. Counting tax, registration etc., I paid $98,000 in 2013 for this new Model S Tesla. That the car essentially quit after 43,000 miles and 8 years leads me to regret every buying it. I begged a Tesla manager to charge less or nothing at all for a new battery since the warranty was up about 5 months prior and the Tesla had only 43,000 miles. The Tesla manger refused. I told him that I thought, given the money I paid, that Tesla would consider finding a good solution for the sake of customer satisfaction. The employee hardly even responded to my request. His communicated: You are just out of luck and Tesla policy is not going to help you. The Tesla service manager said that he knew of other Tesla’s with failed batteries so mine was not an unexpected event. I will NEVER buy another Tesla. Those cars are expensive, yet their batteries may fail within or just after 8 years. Previously I purchased non-Tesla cars that lasted 110,000 to 150,000 miles. Not my Tesla – only 43,000 miles. The environmental impact of Tesla cars includes all the effort to mine lithium plus other unattractive environmental effects to produce the massive battery. Now my battery may end up in the landfill. Tesla said they have no rebuilt batteries. So the environmental impact is not simple.
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