Tesla Model Y LR 7-Seat: The Four-Month Reality Check
After four months and about 6,000 miles with my first EV—a used 2023 7-seat Model Y Long Range with acceleration boost—I’m ready to share my unfiltered thoughts. Surprisingly, despite the cons I’m about to list, I’d probably still make the same decision today—though not without some pretty significant reservations.
I’m old enough to remember when you had to turn off the AC to save gas. Now you turn off both AC and heat to save your charge!
The Good Stuff
- Torque and acceleration are fantastic
- The powerful acceleration makes the car feel quite sporty for what it is
- The 3rd row comes in handy for short trips (knew this limitation going in)
- Regenerative braking is a joy—I actually love driving this way
- The size is perfect—not huge outside, easy to park, yet feels much larger inside
- It handles fairly well
- Not dealing with oil changes and other ICE maintenance is liberating
The Reality Check
- Build Quality Concerns: Feels somewhat cheaply made
- Torque and acceleration can’t enjoy because of range drain.
- Body Panel Issues: Feels surprisingly lightweight, thin panels dent easily
- Door Design: Lightweight doors can be caught by wind gusts
- Noise Level: Significant road and wind noise (I expected a much quieter ride)
- Ride Comfort: The ride is fairly rough compared to competitors
- Energy Costs: My electricity bill has more than doubled (My solar panel installation, sized at 125% of my previous usage, won’t come close to covering it)
- FSD Limitations: Not ready for prime time—works on clear highways but can be dangerous elsewhere
- Sensor Technology: Uses only cameras—I was hoping for thermal imaging to detect wildlife
- Range Reality: Nowhere near the advertised 312 miles, even as weather has improved
- Practical Range: It’s challenging to do trips over 150 miles on one charge, especially when you need to keep the battery between 20-80%
- Feature Reliability: The automatic wipers are terrible, and I get constant warnings that cameras and self-park features aren’t available
- Control Issues: Limited vehicle controls—I can’t imagine using it without the stalks, which are frustrating enough (especially with unreliable voice commands)
The Range Reality
This deserves special mention. Tesla’s advertised range is, in my experience, pure fantasy. Even in mild weather, I’m seeing nowhere near 312 miles. The practical range, especially when keeping the battery in the recommended 20-80% charge window, makes road trips significantly more challenging than expected. Planning trips now requires careful charging station mapping and time budgeting for charging stops.
What I’ve Learned After Four Months
- EVs require a mindset shift – It’s not just a gas car with a different fuel source; it’s a different approach to transportation
- The real cost isn’t just the purchase price – Between accessories, home charging setup, and increased electricity bills, the TCO is higher than expected
- Technology isn’t perfect – Features like automatic wipers and self-parking are still very much works in progress
- Range anxiety is real – But you learn to manage it with experience
- The EV community is invaluable – Forums and YouTube channels have helped solve numerous issues
Would I Buy It Again?
Surprisingly, yes—but with more realistic expectations. The instant torque, convenience of home charging, minimal maintenance, and perfect size for our family’s needs outweigh the drawbacks. However, I’d approach it with eyes wide open about the real-world range, additional costs, and technology limitations.
Advice for Prospective Tesla Owners
- Test drive extensively – Including in bad weather if possible
- Assume 70% of advertised range for practical planning
- Budget for accessories – They’re not optional if you want a complete experience
- Research your electricity rates – Understand how much your bills will increase
- Have a charging plan – Both at home and for road trips
- Join owner forums – The collective wisdom will save you time and money
Share Your Experience!
Are you a Tesla owner with similar or different experiences? I’d love to hear your perspective! What surprised you most about EV ownership? What tricks have you learned to maximize range or improve your Tesla experience? Share in the comments below!
Coming soon: My review of the “Elongplant” sticker I designed to discourage vandals, available in my eco-friendly Print On Demand store at crookednum.com!
After four months and about 6,000 miles with my first EV—a used 2023 7-seat Model Y Long Range with acceleration boost—I’m ready to share my unfiltered thoughts. Surprisingly, despite the cons I’m about to list, I’d probably still make the same decision today—though not without some pretty significant reservations.
I’m old enough to remember when you had to turn off the AC to save gas. Now you turn off both AC and heat to save your charge!
- Torque and acceleration are fantastic
- The powerful acceleration makes the car feel quite sporty for what it is
- The 3rd row comes in handy for short trips (knew this limitation going in)
- Regenerative braking is a joy—I actually love driving this way
- The size is perfect—not huge outside, easy to park, yet feels much larger inside
- It handles fairly well
- Not dealing with oil changes and other ICE maintenance is liberating
- Build Quality Concerns: Feels somewhat cheaply made
- Torque and acceleration can’t enjoy because of range drain.
- Body Panel Issues: Feels surprisingly lightweight, thin panels dent easily
- Door Design: Lightweight doors can be caught by wind gusts
- Noise Level: Significant road and wind noise (I expected a much quieter ride)
- Ride Comfort: The ride is fairly rough compared to competitors
- Energy Costs: My electricity bill has more than doubled (My solar panel installation, sized at 125% of my previous usage, won’t come close to covering it)
- FSD Limitations: Not ready for prime time—works on clear highways but can be dangerous elsewhere
- Sensor Technology: Uses only cameras—I was hoping for thermal imaging to detect wildlife
- Range Reality: Nowhere near the advertised 312 miles, even as weather has improved
- Practical Range: It’s challenging to do trips over 150 miles on one charge, especially when you need to keep the battery between 20-80%
- Feature Reliability: The automatic wipers are terrible, and I get constant warnings that cameras and self-park features aren’t available
- Control Issues: Limited vehicle controls—I can’t imagine using it without the stalks, which are frustrating enough (especially with unreliable voice commands)
This deserves special mention. Tesla’s advertised range is, in my experience, pure fantasy. Even in mild weather, I’m seeing nowhere near 312 miles. The practical range, especially when keeping the battery in the recommended 20-80% charge window, makes road trips significantly more challenging than expected. Planning trips now requires careful charging station mapping and time budgeting for charging stops.
What I’ve Learned After Four Months
- EVs require a mindset shift – It’s not just a gas car with a different fuel source; it’s a different approach to transportation
- The real cost isn’t just the purchase price – Between accessories, home charging setup, and increased electricity bills, the TCO is higher than expected
- Technology isn’t perfect – Features like automatic wipers and self-parking are still very much works in progress
- Range anxiety is real – But you learn to manage it with experience
- The EV community is invaluable – Forums and YouTube channels have helped solve numerous issues
Surprisingly, yes—but with more realistic expectations. The instant torque, convenience of home charging, minimal maintenance, and perfect size for our family’s needs outweigh the drawbacks. However, I’d approach it with eyes wide open about the real-world range, additional costs, and technology limitations.
- Test drive extensively – Including in bad weather if possible
- Assume 70% of advertised range for practical planning
- Budget for accessories – They’re not optional if you want a complete experience
- Research your electricity rates – Understand how much your bills will increase
- Have a charging plan – Both at home and for road trips
- Join owner forums – The collective wisdom will save you time and money
Are you a Tesla owner with similar or different experiences? I’d love to hear your perspective! What surprised you most about EV ownership? What tricks have you learned to maximize range or improve your Tesla experience? Share in the comments below!
Coming soon: My review of the “Elongplant” sticker I designed to discourage vandals, available in my eco-friendly Print On Demand store at crookednum.com!
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