1 Month With a DIRT CHEAP Tesla Model S: Is It Trash or Terrific?

Summary

In this video, the creator reflects on owning a 2014 Tesla Model S with 100,000 miles, purchased for just $13,000. Despite its age and potential issues like battery degradation and screen failures, the car offers impressive performance, tech, and features, making it a great deal for the price. The review highlights its fun driving experience, Tesla's robust software integration, and spacious design. However, the car's charging speed and winter performance are drawbacks. Ultimately, the creator finds the Model S an excellent value, emphasizing its quality even after 11 years on the road.

Takeaways

• 😀 Teslas, including the Model S, have become significantly cheaper, with the 2014 Model S 85 purchased for just $13,000 after 100,000 miles.
• 😀 The 2014 Model S 85 offers great driving dynamics for the price, with 0-60 acceleration in under 5 seconds and tight, precise steering.
• 😀 The car's rear-wheel drive and suspension provide a smooth ride, though it's prone to clunky sounds and needs attention to its suspension components.
• 😀 The main issue with the 2014 Tesla Model S is the drive unit, which is prone to failure due to coolant leaking, though a 'coolant delete' can prevent further problems.
• 😀 Tesla Model S screens, including the instrument cluster, can delaminate and fail, which could be an expensive repair.
• 😀 Other issues include faulty door handles and suspension clunks, though many of these problems are manageable or replaceable.
• 😀 The battery in the Model S shows minimal degradation over 100,000 miles, with only 30 miles of range lost, disproving the fear around EV battery failure.
• 😀 The Tesla app remains highly user-friendly and efficient, offering features like preconditioning the climate and monitoring the car remotely.
• 😀 While the fast charging capability of older Model S's is slow, the free Tesla Supercharging is a major perk, even though charging speed is limited to about 62 kW.
• 😀 The 2014 Model S still offers remarkable tech integration and features, such as a user-friendly navigation system, despite its age, keeping it competitive with newer EVs.
• 😀 While the car isn't ideal for snow due to its rear-wheel drive and heavy weight, it performs well for daily driving, especially with free supercharging and lifetime connectivity.
• 😀 The Model S' front trunk (frunk) offers surprising storage space, proving Tesla's foresight in design even in older models.

Q & A

What is the primary reason for discussing the Tesla Model S in this video?

The video discusses the Tesla Model S to evaluate whether buying a cheap used Tesla is a good idea, specifically focusing on the experience of owning a 100,000-mile 2014 Model S that was purchased for $13,000.

What are the key advantages of owning a used Tesla Model S?

The used Tesla Model S is fun to drive, offers rapid acceleration, precise steering, and a smooth ride. It also provides features like free supercharging, a large storage capacity with front and rear trunks, and a user-friendly app for vehicle control.

What are some common issues that can occur with a used Tesla Model S?

Common issues include failure of the drive unit (leading to expensive repairs), delamination of the instrument cluster screen, malfunctioning door handles, and suspension clunks. Additionally, the battery may degrade over time, but not as drastically as some headlines suggest.

How does the battery degradation of the 2014 Tesla Model S compare to other electric vehicles?

After 100,000 miles, the 2014 Model S has lost only about 30 miles of range, which is minimal compared to the degradation that some might expect. This is consistent with the data from the Recurrent company, suggesting that Tesla batteries tend to degrade less than other EVs.

What are the driving dynamics like for the 2014 Tesla Model S?

The driving dynamics are impressive for the price, with tight and precise steering, a smooth ride, and a large rear-wheel drive motor that offers fast acceleration. It's described as a $70,000-driving experience for just $13,000.

What are the drawbacks of the 2014 Model S in terms of performance?

The main drawback is the slow DC fast charging speed, which is comparable to older electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf. It also has a less advanced autopilot system and struggles in snowy conditions due to its rear-wheel drive and heavy weight.

Does the 2014 Tesla Model S have any advanced features despite its age?

Yes, the 2014 Model S still offers advanced features such as seamless software updates, easy access to controls, impressive route planning, and a simple driving experience without the need for a start button or excessive reliance on screens.

How does the Tesla Model S handle long-distance road trips?

The 2014 Model S can handle road trips but has a slow fast-charging rate, meaning charging takes a significant amount of time. However, the advantage is the free unlimited supercharging, which makes it cost-effective, albeit time-consuming for longer trips.

What are the storage options in the Tesla Model S?

The Tesla Model S offers large storage capacity, including a front trunk (frunk) and rear trunk, with additional space underneath the floor. This makes it an ideal choice for carrying luggage, groceries, or other large items.

Is the 2014 Tesla Model S good for snowy conditions?

The 2014 Model S, especially in rear-wheel drive, performs poorly in snow, especially with all-season tires. For better snow performance, a dual-motor version would be recommended.