MotorTrend Magazines Two Year Test Review of a 2023 Tesla Model Y

[JeffKeryk]

$430 for something that the worst econobox gets right?!? Crazy!

I think I’d stick with the buttons at that point.

I think I paid $350, but yeah, IMO deleting the stalks was a mistake in more ways than one. Having said that, I am fine with the blinker button concept. You don't have to take your hand off the wheel. The real problem is that the left turn button sticks; sometimes it will not press. That's a straight up failure. I think Tesla should offer a blinker stalk free retro fit. Even if the buttons worked properly, they are not for everyone. That's my opinion. Perhaps Elon could bulk buy some S3XY Stalks?

Now, regarding the S3XY products, they are on another level. The led interface makes blind spot monitoring as good as it gets.
There are like 75 or more settings on the S3XY app and more are added. This is a strength of the centralized technology based Tesla architechure; accessing vehicle peripherals is enabled. I am not sure any other car company is even close.

Here's an Enhance Auto video showing some functionality. And we are just getting started. I fully expect others car companies to follow suit. As evidence, the upcoming Neue Klasse is using this centralized technology concept with the Heart of Joy. Welcome to the future!

 

[demarpaint]

+1

 

[GON]

A few years ago I posted on BITOG my total frustration receiving a Tesla as a unselected rental car. I was a very unhappy camper, and even more unhappy after the first 24 hours of the rental.

By the time the rental ended, I learned to greatly appreciate the Tesla, except for the recharge requirements which is a massive liability for road trips, I don't care what @JeffKeryk states. I can write a entire thread on the risks and associated constraints on a road trip with a EV.

At the end of the rental, I turned the Tesla in enjoying what the vehicle offered.

What I discovered is the old saying rings true with a very new vehicle technology design " nobody likes a change but a baby".

 

[Torrid]

A few years ago I posted on BITOG my total frustration receiving a Tesla as a unselected rental car. I was a very unhappy camper, and even more unhappy after the first 24 hours of the rental.

By the time the rental ended, I learned to greatly appreciate the Tesla, except for the recharge requirements which is a massive liability for road trips, I don't care what @JeffKeryk states. I can write a entire thread on the risks and associated constraints on a road trip with a EV.

At the end of the rental, I turned the Tesla in enjoying what the vehicle offered.

What I discovered is the old saying rings true with a very new vehicle technology design " nobody likes a change but a baby".

I know I've been living with EVs for awhile now, but as far as I've experienced charging on a road trip is basically a non issue. Everyone has different experiences though. I've done it a few times now where I've had longer trips that required 2-3 charges. My wife did one that required 5 in each direction. For us it's been fine.

 

[RhondaHonda]

Slightly over 2 years with my 2023 Model Y Performance and 35,000 miles. I still love the car for a zippy commuter car, which is what I bought it for. My only gripes are:

-The phone key sometimes takes a second for the car to realize it’s nearby, but inconsistently so.

- The rain sensing wipers sometimes are too fast for the amount of rain. I usually just turn them to off if there’s barely any mist coming down.

-I had a weird interior squeak from where the rear view mirror/camera housing rubbed the windshield. I jammed some rubber up there as apparently others had done from online searches and that fixed it.

Still in the original Michelin All seasons at 35,000 miles and expect them to make it another 7,500 - 15,000 before I’ll replace. My average electricity cost per mile is 3.7 cents.

 

[RBT]

I had seen this MT review previously.
The problem I have with it that the Model Y can't be any worse than the Model 3 from which it is derived, both models have strong owner loyalty and both are on the list of top twenty five models by sales in the US.
If the Model Y is really that bad, then why don't the punters just save themselves some money and buy an Accord or a Camry instead?
OTOH, the mag did buy this test car and did drive it for a considerable distance, so who knows?

I agree with this. If it was that bad, how could they sell so many? All the buyers are compete imbeciles?

When I was a kid I used to love to read car magazines. But when I got to the point where I was an adult and buying them myself, I found their reviews bear little resemblance to reality. It’s just one person’s opinion. When thinking about buying any car, I generally try to rent one for a few days and make my own conclusions etc.

 

[JeffKeryk]

A few years ago I posted on BITOG my total frustration receiving a Tesla as a unselected rental car. I was a very unhappy camper, and even more unhappy after the first 24 hours of the rental.

By the time the rental ended, I learned to greatly appreciate the Tesla, except for the recharge requirements which is a massive liability for road trips, I don't care what @JeffKeryk states. I can write a entire thread on the risks and associated constraints on a road trip with a EV.

At the end of the rental, I turned the Tesla in enjoying what the vehicle offered.

What I discovered is the old saying rings true with a very new vehicle technology design " nobody likes a change but a baby".

I never understood the viability of a EV as a rental.
A vehicle can be a good choice or a bad choice, depending on one's use case.
Charging at home, with solar panels, beats the snot outta wasting so much time at gas stations buying $4 - $5 per gallon gas. Starting out every day with a full tank has to be experienced to be appreciated. This is a huge benefit to EV ownership. I remember one BITOGer posting he sends his wife out to buy gas. Sheesh.

For my use case, I cannot ever see buying another ICE car, except for a PU. And when you throw in the performance bargain of the M3P, it is flat out no contest.

Your results may vary...

 

[RhondaHonda]

I agree with this. If it was that bad, how could they sell so many? All the buyers are compete imbeciles?

When I was a kid I used to love to read car magazines. But when I got to the point where I was an adult and buying them myself, I found their reviews bear little resemblance to reality. It’s just one person’s opinion. When thinking about buying any car, I generally try to rent one for a few days and make my own conclusions etc.

I used to read them all too and came to the same conclusions. The car has its flaws, but could it be that Tesla doesn’t advertise (not sure if this is still true) and advertisers are what keep the magazines in business?

 

[JeffKeryk]

I used to read them all too and came to the same conclusions. The car has its flaws, but could it be that Tesla doesn’t advertise (not sure if this is still true) and advertisers are what keep the magazines in business?

Tesla advertises a little. Not much. I think I saw a 30 second Model Y with a young family.