Introduction
As the world becomes increasingly environmentally conscious, the demand for electric cars has increased dramatically. The most popular electric vehicle on the market over the past decade has been the Tesla Model S. Tesla Model S was the first electric vehicle to offer a range of over 200 miles on a single charge, making it a game-changer in the electric car industry, along with its sleek and modern design that is both stylish and functional.
In this article, I will be reviewing the Tesla Model S 2012 to 2021, discussing its performance and technical specifications, safety features, interior design features, maintenance and repair costs, expert and customer reviews, comparison to similar vehicles, tips to look out for when buying a used Tesla S, and my overall verdict.
Tech Specs
The Model S battery is located underneath the car, which helps to distribute its weight and improve the car’s handling and stability. It comes with a choice of two battery sizes – a 75 kWh battery, and a 100 kWh battery. The 75 kWh battery has a range of 259 miles, while the 100 kWh battery has a range of 373 miles. The Tesla S comes with either a single or dual motor option, which affects the car’s horsepower and torque. The single motor option has a horsepower of 283 and a torque of 325 lb-ft. The dual motor option has a horsepower of 518 and a torque of 487 lb-ft. The Tesla S can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 2.4 seconds.
The Tesla S is also one of the most environmentally friendly cars on the market. It produces zero emissions and has a low carbon footprint.
Safety Features, Recalls and Ratings
The Tesla S has received a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Tesla S is equipped with a variety of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The car also features a rear-view camera and all-round visibility, which helps to reduce the risk of accidents.
In terms of recalls, the Tesla S has had a few in recent years. In 2015, more than 59,000 Model S cars were recalled due to faulty front seat belts while another 68,000 were recalled for air bag inflator modules. In 2018, over 123,000 Model S vehicles were recalled due to a power steering issue. In 2019, a potential fire risk prompted Tesla to recall over 14,000 Model S vehicles. However, the company has been proactive in addressing these issues, and the recalls have not affected the car’s overall safety rating.
Interior Design Features
The Tesla S has a spacious and luxurious interior that is designed with both comfort and functionality in mind.
The car features a large touchscreen display that controls the car’s infotainment and music systems. The display also shows the car’s battery life and range.
The Tesla S has seating for up to five people, and the seats are designed to provide maximum comfort and support. The car’s interior also features ample storage space and cup holders, making it ideal for long road trips.
Tesla S: Maintenance, Repairs, and Cost of New Batteries
One of the key benefits of owning a Tesla S is that the car does not require oil changes or any other major engine maintenance. It also has an 8-year/150,000 mile drive unit and battery warranty from new. However, you do need to keep up regular services to check the electronics, suspension, brakes, tires and air filters. The Model S can be expensive to service due to the car’s advanced technology and unique design.
The car’s battery will eventually need to be replaced, which will need doing after ten years when the battery will only charge between 30% and 50%. Unlike a gas-engined car battery that costs no more than a couple of hundred dollars to replace, the cost of a new battery for the Tesla S ranges from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the battery size and type. So you need to factor this huge cost into what you spend on a used Model S.
Expert Reviews, Customer Reviews, Owner Testimonials, and Consumer Feedback
The Tesla S has received numerous positive reviews from experts and customers alike over the years. Consumer Reports named the Tesla S ‘Best Electric Car’ in 2015, praising its long range, quick acceleration, and luxurious interior. Owners of the Tesla S have also been very satisfied with their cars, praising the car’s performance, safety features, and low emissions.
However, the Tesla S has also received some negative feedback from customers, mainly in regards to the car’s reliability and build quality. The most common complaints have been with the car’s door handles and touchscreen display. The worst year for complaints is the 2013 model.
Tesla S: Comparison to Similar Vehicles
The Tesla S is often compared to other electric vehicles on the market, such as the Chevrolet Bolt and the Nissan Leaf. While these cars are more affordable than the Tesla S, they do not offer the same level of luxury and performance. The Tesla S is also often compared to other luxury cars, such as the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. While these cars offer similar levels of luxury, they do not offer the same level of environmental friendliness as the Tesla S.
Tips to Look Out for When Buying a Used Tesla Model S
If you are considering buying a used Tesla S, there are a few things to look out for. Firstly, make sure to check the car’s battery life and range. Age plays a big factor in electric cars as the battery life reduces over the years. This can be checked using the car’s touchscreen display. The touchscreen is another component that needs a thorough check to ensure everything works correctly.
Secondly, check the car’s service history to ensure that it has been well-maintained and make sure it hasn’t been in any accidents or had any battery or flood damage.
Third, since 2014 Tesla has continually been releasing Autopilot hardware versions for their cars. However, it is important to note that not all used Tesla’s have the advanced Autopilot Hardware version. This can help you negotiate the price down if it doesn’t come with this self-driving technology. AP1 was included in some models between 2014 and 2016. AP2 replaced AP1 in late 2016 and was included in all models through to 2019. From late 2019 AP3 was released and all AP2 models could be upgraded to this hardware.
Finally, check for any signs of uneven wear on the tires, and know the common problems and recalls for the model year you are looking at so you know what to pay extra attention to.
Overall Verdict
Overall, the Tesla S is a fantastic electric vehicle that offers a great combination of luxury, performance, and environmental friendliness. While it is not the most affordable electric car on the market, it is worth the investment for those who value luxury, performance and range. The Tesla S is also a great choice for those who are looking for a used electric car with low running costs. If you are considering buying a Tesla S, make sure to do your research and consider your options carefully.
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