2023 Tesla Model Y: What I’ve Added So Far (a.k.a. The Tesla Tax)

 

After bringing home my Tesla Model Y 7-seater, I quickly realized something every Tesla owner discovers: this is just the beginning of your spending journey. Unlike traditional vehicles that come fully equipped, Teslas seem to require a slew of aftermarket accessories to reach their full potential. Here’s my experience with the “Tesla tax” – all the extras I’ve purchased to improve functionality, comfort, and durability.

Why So Many Accessories?

Tesla seems to focus on minimalism and range optimization, sometimes at the expense of comfort and practicality. This creates a thriving aftermarket ecosystem where owners can customize their experience. While this approach keeps the initial vehicle cost lower, be prepared to open your wallet again (and again) after purchase.

Software & Connectivity Limitations

  • Tela app subscription required – You need a paid subscription to access Tela’s maps and apps functionality, which seems excessive after paying premium prices for the vehicle itself
  • No CarPlay or Android Auto – Despite numerous owner requests, Tesla still doesn’t support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration
  • CarPlay workarounds are impractical – While third-party solutions exist (like Carplay2air), they’re cumbersome, require additional hardware, and often result in laggy performance or connection issues
  • Limited app ecosystem – The native Tesla app selection is quite restricted compared to what you’d get with CarPlay/Android Auto

Exterior Modifications and Protection

  • Evannex 18-inch turbine wheels – An aesthetic upgrade that also impacts ride quality, possibly my favorite upgrade. I prefer the turbine look and I’m not having a panic attack every time I see a pothole.
  • Wheelership Black lug nuts (because the 20″ OEM are meant to be covered)
  • Center Cap Stickers the turbine wheels came with chrome center cap with an evannex logo, I took the caps off, removed the Ev stickers painted the center caps flat black and applied the center cap stickers.
  • Nokian WR G4 SUV All Weather 255/55R18 109V XL tires – Simple Tire I wanted extra sidewall to better handle New York’s notorious potholes
  • Tesbros PPF (Paint Protection Film) for front bumper and headlights – Self-installed with a steep learning curve, but worth it for protection
  • Tesbros PPF Installation Kit
  • Tesbros Mud Flaps 
  • Air Intake Protective Cover
  • Front Hood Weather Strip
  • Tesbros Jack pads – Essential for safely lifting the vehicle without damaging the battery
  • Teslaunch Rear Spoiler
  • Teslaunch No Drill No Adhesive Front License Plate Holder which I opted for after I had to remove the OEM for the PPF.
  • Side Moldings, got a door ding the first week I had the car
  • Black Out Logos. 3 Matt Black T stickers that cover the silver T on the hood, trunk and steering wheel and matte black dual motor.

Interior Comfort Upgrades

Visibility and Tech Enhancements

  • Brighter interior lights – The stock lighting is surprisingly dim
  • Dedicated drive for Sentry mode It has to be 2.0 backwards compatible???? not like tesla touts itself as a technology company or anything
  • Tesmanian Brighter trunk light – The stock one is practically useless (seems like they sacrifice everything for range and then lie about it)
  • Trunk side organizers – For better storage options
  • Phone mount solution – Since there’s no CarPlay, having a good phone mount is essential for using preferred navigation apps

Sound Reduction Attempts (With Mixed Results)

  • Sound proofing for front wheel wells (did not fit so no idea)
  • Door and trunk weather stripping for sound reduction (didn’t really work as hoped)
  • YouTube-inspired fix with tubing in the rear weather strip to reduce noise (also ineffective)
  • Reference: I got my sound proofing info from this YouTube video

Lessons Learned

If I could go back and give myself advice before this accessory journey, I would say:

  1. Budget for extras – Plan to spend at least $1000-1,500 on essential accessories beyond the car’s price
  2. Prioritize practical items first – Floor mats, Sentry Mode drive, and PPF should come before aesthetic upgrades
  3. Be skeptical of noise reduction “hacks” – Many don’t deliver significant improvements
  4. Research before buying – YouTube videos and Tesla forums can help separate truly useful accessories from gimmicks
  5. Install PPF early – Don’t wait until after you’ve gotten your first rock chips, although cold weather and PPF installation do not work well together.
  6. Consider software limitations – If you’re heavily invested in the Apple/Android ecosystem, be prepared for the lack of native integration
  7. Factor in subscription costs – Between premium connectivity and any third-party apps you might want, there are ongoing software costs

Questions for Fellow Tesla Owners

What accessories have you found essential for your Tesla? Any modifications that weren’t worth the money? Have you found any effective solutions for reducing road noise? How are you dealing with the lack of CarPlay/Android Auto? I’d love to hear your experiences and recommendations in the comments!

Next up: My honest four-month review of the Tesla Model Y LR 7-seater – the good, the bad, and the surprising!

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