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Why does Tesla suspension suck so bad?

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My 17 year old son drove my car for a few days (MY LR, 19" Gemini wheels) while we were out of town. When we got back his comment was "your car is like riding on a board - the suspension sucks!" I have to agree. It's totally fine on smooth roads, but a go kart is fine on smooth roads. The test is when you have some bumps and that's where it fails. For half of my drive to work I can't drink my coffee because the ride is so bad, especially in the winter where the cracks in the road tend to expand from frost heave. You know it's bad when your 10 year old Odyssey does better.

I've thought about upgrading the suspension but I'm hesitant to spend $2500 on something without being able to test it first.
Hah yes - I've compared driving the MY is like sitting on a pile of bricks with wheels (I have the 20" inductions too). Selling it once we get (we hope) the MX. Our M3LR with 18" Aero wheels ride a LOT better. I wouldn't really explore upgrading the suspension, that's a lot of what-ifs - Ryan Shaw (look him up on Youtube) upgraded his suspension on his MY and the new setup helped, but it was still firm.
 
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Hah yes - I've compared driving the MY is like sitting on a pile of bricks with wheels (I have the 20" inductions too). Selling it once we get (we hope) the MX. Our M3LR with 18" Aero wheels ride a LOT better. I wouldn't really explore upgrading the suspension, that's a lot of what-ifs - Ryan Shaw (look him up on Youtube) upgraded his suspension on his MY and the new setup helped, but it was still firm.
Thanks - Very helpful video! It's intrinsically hard to describe how something feels, like a car's suspension but I'm definitely considering making the plunge. $2500 is just a big chunk of change. Tesla's are heavy cars so the suspension has a big job to do, and from what I understand the newer Ys are better (I have a July 2020 model, so fairly early.) Like I said above, my big judge is whether I can drink my coffee on the way to work. MN roads are not great in the winter but most cars manage better than my MY.

I've also thought about getting different wheels with higher sidewalls, since that would give more damping as well. Realistically, that's probably about $2k, too, by the time I get the tires, wheels, etc, so at that point I might as well just get the suspension kit.
 
Just got my Tesla MYP with 21 inch uberturbines, and this and many other threads on TMC got me REALLY worried about ride comfort and I have to say these worries were completely unfounded. Coming from a 2018 Honda CRV EX-L, I would say the MYP is on par or slightly worse (but negligible) coming from that car. We also have a 2nd car, a 2017 BMW 320 xDrive, and the MYP is WAY better than that ride.

All in all, my take is YMMV, and I shouldn't have fretted so much about a lot of what people mentioned on this forum.
Agreed. Folks think just because the cost it should ride like a Bentley. It is a small performance SUV that happens to be able to move a few soccer balls quickly around town.
 
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I actually think the suspension is simply over-damped. To keep bounce out of it, the shocks are a bit too firm for the springs.
I'm waiting for a company like Koni to come out with shocks for it. Then I'll go Eibach/Koni. I know lots of people swear by various coilover set ups, but I've been investing in massive suspension changes for 40 years on a wide variety of cars, and I have NEVER found a set of coilovers I thought were comfortable on the street
 
It is called a test drive. Check it out next time and then you won't be so disappointed in your purchase. I am SO GLAD our MYP doesn't handle or ride ANYTHING like a mini van.
I'm surprised your particular genius isn't aware that a 30 minute test drive may not reveal the driving characteristics over all surface types. Your lack and empathy really adds to the discussion. We all feel much shame that we didn't test drive as well as you. You and WhiteWi can bask in your negativity and feel joy in the rest of our suffering. I'll start writing my apology letter to Tesla now.
 
It's called a TEST DRIVE for a reason. That's the whole point of a test drive, right? Checking out seating position, seat comfort, headrests, engine sounds, HVAC, navigation, suspension, handling, etc. etc.

It doesn't take any "particular genius" to understand this. It's not "genius" in the slightest. It's called...uhh...common sense.

It's inconceivable to me that anyone would spend $30k, $40k, $60k on ANY car w/o a sufficiently long test drive over multiple road surfaces.

Caveat emptor.
 
I'm surprised your particular genius isn't aware that a 30 minute test drive may not reveal the driving characteristics over all surface types. Your lack and empathy really adds to the discussion. We all feel much shame that we didn't test drive as well as you. You and WhiteWi can bask in your negativity and feel joy in the rest of our suffering. I'll start writing my apology letter to Tesla now.
No negativity at all. You are the one complaining and negative. I love my MYP and am actually really positive about it. If you can’t feel the suspension in 30 minutes then I can’t help you. I could tell how a suspension is going to be in about five minutes. You should probably then RENT or Toro a Tesla next time and you can drive it all day. Any car for that matter if 30 min isn’t enough
 
Hahah amazing people who complain now complaining about negativity hahaha you can’t make this up.
I'm surprised your particular genius isn't aware that a 30 minute test drive may not reveal the driving characteristics over all surface types.

If someone makes a 60k decision in 30 minutes without covering their bases then that’s on them. Especially, as it’s a tiny deposit and a long wait so there was plenty of time to research on forums like this and book more test drives before committing.

If they don’t like it, sell it and move on and take more time making a decision on the next 60k ècar.
 
It's inconceivable to me that anyone would spend $30k, $40k, $60k on ANY car w/o a sufficiently long test drive over multiple road surfaces.
Or at least understand they're taking a risk if they don't. Yes, much whining here from those who don't do due diligence, especially when there is a long wait time to research and plan. I bought mine as soon as they were available and waited 6 months to get it but had a M3 previously - I assumed the risk and have enjoyed everyday since, understanding this isn't a life or death decision and I can always sell it if I choose. For those looking for a Lexus suspension they're widely available for sale and Tesla resale values are through the roof so no excuse not to cut and move on....
 
Wow you are really trying to compare Sporty Crossover with heavy battery and Soccer Mom boat like van handling? Unbelievable
yes. I agree. It's unbelievable that the suspension on a 10 year old minivan so handily beats my 1 ½ year old $70k Tesla.

Maybe I should compare it to the Audi A4 I had. (loses)
Or a Subaru Forester. (loses)
Or an Audi Q5.(loses)
Or a Toyota Camry. (loses)
The Model Y loses every time.
 
yes. I agree. It's unbelievable that the suspension on a 10 year old minivan so handily beats my 1 ½ year old $70k Tesla.

Maybe I should compare it to the Audi A4 I had. (loses)
Or a Subaru Forester. (loses)
Or an Audi Q5.(loses)
Or a Toyota Camry. (loses)
The Model Y loses every time.
Please add Ford Focus RS 2009, Golf R, Toyota Supra 2.8, Ford Escort Lotus 1971, RenaultSport Megane 2009c Renault Sport Clio 200, GSXR1000 K4, Peugeot 206 2.0 Diesel, Ariel Atom 300.