Used 2021 Tesla Model Y Consumer Reviews
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Buy the Model Y
Dale, 04/19/2021
updated 10/31/2022
2021 Tesla Model Y Performance 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
115 of 117 people found this review helpful
Overall we love our Model Y Performance. The "Long Range ... " model identified at the bottom of this review is misstated. The handling and performance are absolutely excellent. It is exhilarating to drive each and every trip. The front seats have copious adjustments and are very comfortable. We have had no returns to the dealer for problems in the 27,000 miles we have owned our Tesla. People frequently stop and want to chat about our Model Y. Plan to pay full price. Factory fit and finish do not match most other vehicles. There will be a learning curve. Adjusting most car functions on a computer screen is a new experience. Driving it on the mostly flat interstates of the Midwest gives us a comfortable, realistic range of 225 miles - far short of the claimed 303 miles. Use the range metric of about 23 miles (less in cold weather) per 10% of battery energy to plan your recharge points. Around town, hilly or slow-speed driving may give you as much as 30 miles per 10% of battery energy. When reaching the risky limit of about 250 miles, you better be at the charging station. Note that due to regeneration of battery charging on deceleration, driving in stop and go traffic gives better mileage than highway driving. Our Model Y Performance came with "summer tires." That means you really do not want to drive in ice or snow and/or temperatures much below freezing. Trust me. Park it until Spring or change to all season tires. Installing mud flaps and applying the accessory plastic protectors on the front curve of the rear fenders is recommended. I also paid to have a plastic rap professionally installed over the entire front bumper. That flatish nose is an inevitable target for bugs and other road debris. As far as recharging is concerned, everyone always asks if I purchased the factory home charger. No. I just plug the car into a 115v 12amp wall or outside outlet using the factory mobile connector. This connector came with the car when I bought it but is now a $200.00 option. However using a regular outlet recharges the battery very slowly. Specifically, charging from a low battery up to 90% could take all weekend. An alternative with much faster results is using a home 240 volt outlet such as where your electric clothes drier is plugged in. If you live in an apartment or do not have a garage, see below. The next most common question is regarding concern finding recharging stations away from home. We drive our Tesla interstate all the time. There are copious Tesla-installed "Superchargers" nationwide, especially near Interstate Highways. However they still are not as common as gas stations and remaining charge-vigilant is necessary. Note that maintaining your electric vehicle battery at or near full charge is no more necessary than neurotically keeping the fuel tank in your gasoline car full. Should you be unlucky enough to experience a breakdown, such as exhausting the the battery or getting a flat tire (no spare), you will need to contact Tesla Road Assistance for rescue via the car's computer or your mobile phone. This service is available for the four years of factory warranty. I do not know anyone who used this service to speak of its efficacy. For those drivers not experienced with a high-performance vehicle, prudence may suggest reducing power from "sport" to "chill" on the control menu until mastery is achieved. Inexperience in this really fast vehicle can lead to a really bad outcome.
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2021 Tesla Y dual motor long range at 25,000 miles
JRS, 02/02/2021
updated 08/04/2022
2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
73 of 74 people found this review helpful
Now with 25,000 miles and through a New England winter in this vehicle. Pros: Great driving, tight on the road, excellent handling, fit and finish holding up no rattles, 300 plus miles range, superb in snow (using snow tires). Service has been excellent. A mobile unit showed up to replace a filter in the HVAC system due to a smell. The problem was resolved. Cons: The touch screen for everything is great for most things but certain controls such as windshield wipers and climate control should really be easier and on a stalk or a button near your steering. I know the screen is "cool" but on a long drive tis can be tiresome especially in bad weather.
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Best car I have ever owned
electrolux, 03/30/2021
2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
54 of 57 people found this review helpful
I have owned lots of different makes of vehicles. The technology and drive experience in the Model Y is second to none. The seats are the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. I have only been getting about 280 miles of range in my normal driving but superchargers are plentiful and reliable.
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Car from the future, but with problems
Valentin , 10/09/2021
2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
31 of 34 people found this review helpful
This car drives like nothing else. Love the accelaration, lower center of mass, regen. braking. Love most of the tech. When driving it, you feel like the car was made in 2030s. Now the negatives: 1. Could not drive my car before accepting the delivery. Sure enough, there were multiple wheel and steering issues right from the delivery lot. In this respect, buying from a dealer is a better experience. At lease you can drive the car you're buying before you buy it. 2. Tesla service center is a horrendous experience. No customer service, have to Uber back and forth, no updates on the car status, the service advisor does not respond through he app nor the phone. 3. After three trips to the service, still have steering issue and wheel vibration at highway speed. 4. Lack of parking assist (360 degree cameras or similar) makes parking this car difficult, can't see the perimeter from the driver's seat. 5. Lack of blind spot monitoring, coupled with really poor visibility from the car is also a big minus. The Tesla display is not always accurate showing the cars around your vehicle.
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Notions improvements.
Jim , 02/09/2021
2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
63 of 72 people found this review helpful
My first Tesla was early production 2018 Model 3. My newest Tesla is a 2021 Model Y. People compare to ride quality of Mercedes. Okay fine, maybe doesn’t float like a Benz but I’ll take that over endless costly engine troubles with both a M and C class I owned. I’ve gone across the country in my 3 from NYC-CO and had 0 issues. I agree with some service comments. Tesla can improve its human interaction and being more reachable. This Y is super fun to drive, seats are comfortable, it’s quiet. Mine has 0 panel gap issues, 0 paint issues, and my biggest complaint is they no longer include NEMA adapters. The ease of ordering and delivery is wonderful and I’m glad to never step foot inside a shady car dealer again. Once more legacy brands come onto the scene with range-worthy full EVs then Tesla will have to step up its feature offerings and those legacy brands will need to have a comparable to Tesla’s supercharger network.
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