I'm making this post to help inform other buyers, if you don't agree with it or think it's dramatic, feel free to pass on this post. If I came across this posting, I would have put some deeper thoughts into the purchase before placing a deposit.
Like many others in the Tesla space, I've wanted a Tesla for a long time, but the price has always been out of reach, with the recent price reductions and now the LR qualifying in Canada for the government incentive, it became something that fit within my budget, so I acted. I watched videos, read articles but I for some reason never came across the issues that owners are experiencing in my searches, maybe I didn't know what to look for, or simply didn't think of these as I've never thought a vehicle in this price range or for what it is, would have limitations that it does.
Here's my list of reasons, and this isn't a 'you'll always be waiting for the next improvement' mindset
1. Removal or missing of technology features
- No Radar or USS, which if Tesla Vision (TV) was properly functional could potentially be ok, but Tesla removed these without a clear indication that TV would ever be able to function as good or better than these products. TV has some big blind spots that USS helped mitigate. I also find the MY has some big blind spots that USS helps.
- No front bumper camera which seem key to replacing the USS system, and enhancing parking abilities with reduced blind spots and enabling 360 camera
- Removing features with no indication of when or if it will return, example would be along the lines of USS, a lot of people lost parking abilities until Tesla decided that TV was good enough, even now reports are saying that owners cannot use things like summon because TV isn't where it needs to be or if it will ever be up to task
2. Existing QA challenges that Tesla seems to not (publicly) acknowledge
- Lots of quality issues are experienced across the board, from panel gaps to rattling, I somewhat expected this but at the same time, it shouldn't be accepted for the price point
- Issues with resonance (booming) and air pressure (buffeting) which is not consistent across all vehicles but there's no indication if you will be impacted or not, coupled with the fact Tesla will not let you test the vehicle before accepting delivery, this is a major issue in my mind. You could be forever at the mercy of these, could have a simple fix with tubing or hatch adjustments, or simply have no issues at all. But is that a risk that's worth accepting? I'm not sure.. if you hate your car then what?
-Phantom braking? Is this due to removal of features on this model year?
3. Model Refresh
- lots of articles and reports of a refresh being released Q3/Q4, exact date is all speculation but ideas that new hardware will accompany the units that address shortcomings detailed above.
- Yes if you always wait for the newest tech, with Tesla, you would never buy it due to the constant evolution, however if physical hardware is changing that supports a better experience, why not wait to obtain it if it makes sense and there's no immediate requirement for a new vehicle
- Will vehicles manufactured for the '23 segment be able to use EAP, FSD? Or will this be a model year that becomes the one to avoid, not so much on QA issues, but due to removal of features that limit the functionality that other vehicles can obtain (EAP, FSD)
Less important but consideration
4. Range vs cost
- Raising costs of utilities and use of public charging has increased in some areas quite substantially, in some areas the cost to charge is more expensive on a per km basis than a comparable ICE
The goods which unfortunately for me are overshadowed by the above
1. Maintenance costs are typically less in an EV, however if out of warranty can quick add up
2. Always being ready to go if charging at home
3. New technology that Tesla continues to deploy vs typical ICE that you don't get any updates without buying a whole new vehicle
The considerations that need to be thought about (but wouldn't be a deal breaker for me)
1. Winter range in cold climates is about 50-60% of warm weather range
2. Need an ability to reliably charge in a low cost area (eg home or work)
3. Availability of charging depending on where you live, not everyone is in the US with a super charger near by
4. Overcoming range anxiety, see #3