2013 Tesla Model S Base AC Induction Electric from North America

Summary:

Great electric vehicle

Faults:

12V battery terminal got disconnected disabling the entire car.

General Comments:

I have always wanted a Model S, but price ($90,000+) new made it unattainable. I bought the Chevy Volt as a compromise and owned it four years (25,000 miles) while I kept watch on the prices of used Model S. When the price dropped into the mid $30,000 I went looking for one. I researched the overall reliability/performance history and decided it was time to buy. I was sure I wanted the large 85KwH battery vehicle with its idealized 265 mile range. The car I got was a one owner corporate vehicle and had high mileage (146K). The battery capacity has dropped from its original 85 KwH down to 81 KwH, a 4.7% reduction over 8.5 years & 148K miles.

The car is a rocket... One must drive an electric car to truly understand this comment. The regenerative braking is great, it basically reduces 90% of the wear on the disc brake system. At nearly 150K miles there is more than half of the original brakes pad material left.

I have to say the interior is quite 'spartan' and could be better fitted. The seats are on the firm side, and there is nothing in the back for passengers to place or store any drinks or stuff.

So far, the car has averaged 320 watts/mile at around a 96% efficiency. I had Tesla do a complete heath check on the car and the result was a clean bill of heath.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th January, 2022

26th Dec 2023, 19:06

The Model S is the only electric car I would consider. But is it true if you take elsewhere for service/adjustments other than Tesla, it locks the battery to 75% reducing your range? This seems unfair if true...

21st Aug 2024, 16:49

I have been to my mechanic to work on it and the Tesla dealer has no problem with that.

2013 Tesla Model S 60 from North America

Summary:

Worth the range anxiety

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

The range is comfortable for a daily commute. Supercharging is beginning to have great coverage, and the battery life is still good.

Very comfortable and obviously quiet, performance you wouldn't expect from an EV, and great looks and gadgets.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2014

24th Sep 2014, 21:10

I guess that it would be OK around town, but not for any highway trips. And especially not in the cold.

26th Sep 2014, 16:53

Most have a large SUV with room and a back seat if they also own 2 seater sports cars for fun.

11th Sep 2015, 09:39

Maybe you should look into what supercharging is, then you'll understand why long trips are easy in a Model S. Also why would it not be good in the cold? The car is popular all over Europe, e.g. Norway where it is often extremely cold.