Used 2023 Tesla Model S Consumer Reviews
Phenomenal performance, best technology
The Model S Plaid is the best car on the planet. It’s faster than all hyper-cars, safer than the vast majority of cars and has the best technology out there. Where it could improve is it fit & finish.
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Shocking disappoint. Half baked technologies.
As a disappointed owner of the Tesla Model S Plaid, I must caution prospective buyers about the numerous shortcomings of this vehicle. Upon delivery, I was dismayed to find paint imperfections and noticeable gaps in the panels, indicative of subpar manufacturing standards. Throughout my ownership, I encountered a litany of electrical issues, from software glitches to malfunctioning components, which marred the driving experience and eroded my confidence in the car's reliability. Despite its hefty price tag, the interior of the Model S Plaid lacks the craftsmanship expected in a luxury vehicle. Cheap materials and shoddy assembly detract from the overall appeal, leaving me feeling shortchanged for my investment. Admittedly, the Model S Plaid delivers impressive acceleration, but harnessing its power on the road requires costly aftermarket upgrades to enhance control and handling—a disappointing necessity for a car of this caliber. Equally disappointing is Tesla's service center experience. Lacking in customer service and refinement, these centers make you feel like you're dealing with a budget brand rather than a premium automaker. The lack of attention to detail and professionalism further underscore the Model S Plaid's shortcomings. In conclusion, while the Tesla Model S Plaid may dazzle with its speed, it falls short in delivering the quality and luxury expected in its price range, making it a regrettable choice for discerning buyers.
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- Plaid SedanMSRP: $66,944407 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $49,455407 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $49,900425 mi away
Plaid - Fast, poor tech reliability, awful service
Cons: 1) Delivered brand new with a faulty front cruise sensor after waiting in line for 6 months. Rendered cruise functions unusable with error message. Took 8 phone calls to call center to receive a phone call back from service center. 2 visits to showroom were zero help. 2) Door vibrates from day 1. 3) Computer functions stop working without cause at least once a week, have to reset the car. 4) Headlight went out at 4 months, $2200 repair claiming “collision”, voiding warranty. No collision and no structural damage, likely damaged in transit but Tesla refused to take responsibility. 5) Tesla chargers were out of stock for months, but you can pay an extra $300 for them on eBay because they sell them to non-owners. 6) Service appts are commonly 3-week waits. 7) Updates occur frequently. 8) App to unlock/connect to car only worked after continually deleting and reloading on phone. Pros: 1) It’s fast and kids think it’s cool. 2) Don’t have to stop as gas station. This company’s service continues to decline, and when buying a $150K+vehicle (I have owned many), you expect far more than this joke. This trend will die or changes will be made.
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Amazing Peak Into the future
Wow, what can I say! An amazing car. Very comfortable and really fast if not too fast. Great on demand performance. The yolk too some adjustment, buy now I can’t go back. Software updates give you a new experience each time. Large screens work at a superior level. Please drive one before reviewing or even reading reviews!
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Just amazing
Extremely comfortable and luxurious. I have found seven series and has classes in the past and this car is just better as an overall package than those vehicles the ride comfort safety reliability is second to none and the performance is nuts.
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Horrible - Tesla bought it back
They don’t let you test drive the actual unit you’re buying. That should have been a red flag but I decided to trust Tesla given its reputation. On delivery day I drive off and immediately notice vibration in the steering column and cruise control doesn’t work. Five service visits and about 90 days later, Tesla ends up buying it back. Lots of other issues but in general… my experience was disappointing to say the least. In the end, they did what was right and for that I still respect Tesla, but will never buy another car from them.
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I feel like I got screwed by Tesla
I prepaid for the self-driving package years in advance, and finally, I got just a beta version, a few weeks later I was hit by a car, and the Tesla immediately caught fire. The car was totaled, so I decided to go down and buy a new Tesla. I was surprised to find out that now they want an additional $15,000 prepaid for self-driving software, even though I had bought it before and never got to use it. I complained over and over and got the BS that it was impossible to transfer to a new vehicle. Like an idiot, I bought a new Model S, Then I was in shock to find out just days later after delivery that Tesla is offering a transfer of self-driving software now if you buy Tesla this quarter.All the salesperson had to do is tell me to wait like five days. but they kept up the lie, no transferring But the greedy Elon/Tesla still won't transfer mine. No appreciation for returning clients. I will never buy a Tesla Again. FYI the 405-mile range is more like 250.Also, the cars catch fire very easily Advice, never ever pay the $15,000 for self-driving, if you get hit or the car burns, you're out the $15,000 for the software, even after only one day, and insurance companies do not cover the software So very disappointed in Tesla and Elon.
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Disappointed with Tire Wear & Roof Issues
The Model S has great performance, but the tires wear out too quickly—I have to change them almost every year. Also, my roof cracked unexpectedly, which was a big disappointment for such an expensive car. Maintenance is more than I bargained for.
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Best car I have ever owned
Got car in Dec 2021. Build quality was great. some squeeking from back seats fixed with gaffers tape. Driver car handle broke and was fixed with a few visits to Tesla. Had car xpel wrapped in front and ceramic coated. One nit pick.. rims scrape easily if you brush a curb since the rim and tire are at the same depth (Pirelli tires) $150 dollars to repair each time. . Full self driving is fantastic.. the car takes me anywhere with very little oversite. I have solar panels and a charger at home, free costs to charge the car thanks to the solar panel. I added an ecohitch and can take my bike (or e-bikes) with a Thule bike rack. Car looks fantastic. Full AI driving is coming which will make the already good driving system better human like driving.
This car is really hard to beat
One thing reviews seem to neglect a lot is efficiency. This is one of the most efficient EV cars on the road. So few cars can match its range AND efficiency. I have had Teslas since 2018. A model 3, a Model X and this Model S. I’ve visited the Service center once for cracked rear window on Model 3 and have not been back since. Tesla has taken a long time to get gremlins out of auto highbeam, auto wipers and FSD. They have been nailing it lately. Even adding an auto trunk opening when you stand in the back. You don’t even have to kick the car. And Rear cross path too (not as good as true radar based cross path but not bad) Doggy mode is one of my favorite features and won’t own another car without it. Yoke is great too. If I did order another Tesla I would choose the Yoke again. Took forever to get used to blinkers but I’m good now. And newer cars fixed the horn placement. I keep looking for alternatives because I don’t like being associated with the CEO any more. But honestly nothing can touch this car. The only car that beats it on range and efficiency is Lucid. But Lucid is dreadfully behind on the tech. Even the premium audio systems have quality issues. And Rivian efficiency is a joke.
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