Discussion
First step into pure ev ownership.
This started after the latest surge in fuel prices led me to work out just how much I was underwater when using my Range Rover for work. It was clear that something needed to change, and it seemed that it was very much not going to be my mileage rate.
I then did some lazy maths with chat gpt on a sample journey to the in-laws in Bristol and back. It looked like this.
1. Range Rover £95
2. Wife’s BMW 225 XE £50
3. Tesla on home electric at each end £4
4. Tesla on more realistic home charge plus public Charge. £20.
The saving is considerable and too much to ignore.
I considered a new one on Salary Sacrifice which would be very tax efficient if my employers offered it. They are considering it, but along with a general look at staff benefits worldwide. It seems unlikely to deliver a speedy result, it’s very uk oriented policy which might see us not adopt it. The pricing of the deal look to me like the biggest winner are the lease companies.
The decision was therefore to buy used myself.
I like a bit of height and am of a size that I prefer to not bend like Beckham to get into a car. Therefore a Model Y was required
I had been sensible for long enough, therefore a performance would be required with a 0-60 of 3.5 seconds.
Picking it up was bumpy. It had been plugged in the previous evening and the workshop promptly unplugged it. Before I had chance to think about it the garage said they would pay for a fast charge. The Tesla supercharger did not recognise me so I ended up at very expensive instavolt facility. I’m now properly setup to use Tesla chargers.
The tech is impressive but going to take time to adjust to. The performance is eye watering. I’ve not driven a car like this and looking forward to trying it more along with a home charger in a couple of weeks.
This started after the latest surge in fuel prices led me to work out just how much I was underwater when using my Range Rover for work. It was clear that something needed to change, and it seemed that it was very much not going to be my mileage rate.
I then did some lazy maths with chat gpt on a sample journey to the in-laws in Bristol and back. It looked like this.
1. Range Rover £95
2. Wife’s BMW 225 XE £50
3. Tesla on home electric at each end £4
4. Tesla on more realistic home charge plus public Charge. £20.
The saving is considerable and too much to ignore.
I considered a new one on Salary Sacrifice which would be very tax efficient if my employers offered it. They are considering it, but along with a general look at staff benefits worldwide. It seems unlikely to deliver a speedy result, it’s very uk oriented policy which might see us not adopt it. The pricing of the deal look to me like the biggest winner are the lease companies.
The decision was therefore to buy used myself.
I like a bit of height and am of a size that I prefer to not bend like Beckham to get into a car. Therefore a Model Y was required
I had been sensible for long enough, therefore a performance would be required with a 0-60 of 3.5 seconds.
Picking it up was bumpy. It had been plugged in the previous evening and the workshop promptly unplugged it. Before I had chance to think about it the garage said they would pay for a fast charge. The Tesla supercharger did not recognise me so I ended up at very expensive instavolt facility. I’m now properly setup to use Tesla chargers.
The tech is impressive but going to take time to adjust to. The performance is eye watering. I’ve not driven a car like this and looking forward to trying it more along with a home charger in a couple of weeks.
How far is the trip to Bristol for you? From Torbay to Bristol and back in the same day, I did it on 82% of the battery in my Model 3 Dual Motor. I charged it to 80% on the Wednesday night, drove to work on the Thursday and then charged it from 58% to 100% that night. Without doing the equation, it was £3 or so.
At these prices, I now regret not getting a slightly older Performance with slightly higher miles, but next time, I absolutely will.
At these prices, I now regret not getting a slightly older Performance with slightly higher miles, but next time, I absolutely will.
Coming up to a week now and not driven it lots yet. Getting a handle on the technology and how not to drain the battery when sitting on the drive.
As a driving experience it’s unique. Very fast but silent, firm suspension and direct steering. After a Range Rover it feels very planted.
I’ve spent £34 on super charging this week, which has given me around 500 miles. That compares very favourably with the Range Rover but I need the home charger due to be installed later this month for it to really make sense.
My daughter’s boyfriend commutes 40 miles a day and as a result there is now a second Tesla on the driveway. There will be no competition for the charger!
As a driving experience it’s unique. Very fast but silent, firm suspension and direct steering. After a Range Rover it feels very planted.
I’ve spent £34 on super charging this week, which has given me around 500 miles. That compares very favourably with the Range Rover but I need the home charger due to be installed later this month for it to really make sense.
My daughter’s boyfriend commutes 40 miles a day and as a result there is now a second Tesla on the driveway. There will be no competition for the charger!
Does your car have adaptive damping or fixed?
If fixed you can readily swap the dampers out for the current revision Juniper suspension as pick up points did not change. Complete front struts and rear springs and dampers available direct from Tesla for about 900something US. Very easy to do - lots of youtbe videos and various tesla forum posts about this
Rsymons (see youtube channel) has done this and may let you drive one of his converted cars - he is a great source of information
Get the Tesla supercharger account sorted out - its a game changer for long distance travel.
ps congrats
If fixed you can readily swap the dampers out for the current revision Juniper suspension as pick up points did not change. Complete front struts and rear springs and dampers available direct from Tesla for about 900something US. Very easy to do - lots of youtbe videos and various tesla forum posts about this
Rsymons (see youtube channel) has done this and may let you drive one of his converted cars - he is a great source of information
Get the Tesla supercharger account sorted out - its a game changer for long distance travel.
ps congrats
Edited by ShortBeardy on Friday 3rd April 21:21
ShortBeardy said:
Does your car have adaptive damping or fixed?
If fixed you can readily swap the dampers out for the current revision Juniper suspension as pick up points did not change. Complete front struts and rear springs and dampers available direct from Tesla for about 900something US. Very easy to do - lots of youtbe videos and various tesla forum posts about this
Rsymons (see youtube channel) has done this and may let you drive one of his converted cars - he is a great source of information
Get the Tesla supercharger account sorted out - its a game changer for long distance travel.
ps congrats
Pretty sure it’s not adaptive. I managed to get supercharger access on the 1st night using my invoice..If fixed you can readily swap the dampers out for the current revision Juniper suspension as pick up points did not change. Complete front struts and rear springs and dampers available direct from Tesla for about 900something US. Very easy to do - lots of youtbe videos and various tesla forum posts about this
Rsymons (see youtube channel) has done this and may let you drive one of his converted cars - he is a great source of information
Get the Tesla supercharger account sorted out - its a game changer for long distance travel.
ps congrats
Edited by ShortBeardy on Friday 3rd April 21:21
So if you swap in the current generation (Juniper), Model Y dual motor suspension, I think it will raise your ride height a little bit. But likely it will all just bolt up. You could get on the tesla forums and ask (or maybe the subforum here), or perhaps sidle up to you local service centre.
but drive a current non-performance dual motor and see if you like the difference in the suspension. Its pretty noticeable.
but drive a current non-performance dual motor and see if you like the difference in the suspension. Its pretty noticeable.
This weekend we did the journey where I ran my comparison figures..
Doncaster to Bristol and back, with a side step to the beach at Weston Super Mare
Total cost £30.
Half what it would be in my wife’s bmw 225 hybrid and 1/4 of my former Range Rover. It’s just a shame my in-laws don’t have a home charger as that would reduce it to £6.
I’ve got used to the screen and really like autopilot in traffic.
I was recently in California and experienced Full Self Driving (supervised) for the first time. It was very impressive and as a passenger felt very safe.
It’s an expensive option over here but a $99 a month subscription over there
Doncaster to Bristol and back, with a side step to the beach at Weston Super Mare
Total cost £30.
Half what it would be in my wife’s bmw 225 hybrid and 1/4 of my former Range Rover. It’s just a shame my in-laws don’t have a home charger as that would reduce it to £6.
I’ve got used to the screen and really like autopilot in traffic.
I was recently in California and experienced Full Self Driving (supervised) for the first time. It was very impressive and as a passenger felt very safe.
It’s an expensive option over here but a $99 a month subscription over there
These previous-gen electric cars from 3-4 years ago are looking like excellent value now for cash buyers they are coming off lease aren't they.
Especially high mileage examples as the high-mileage reliability of these cars is increasingly looking very good.
I have been looking at the old shape ix3s which also look like decent cars also albeit with only 170ish miles of winter motorway range.
I would have already bought an old shape model Y and modified the suspension to the current gen if it were not for the fact that it hasn't got a 360 camera - I live down some rickety tight rural lanes where the 360 is well worth having. Hence interest in the ix3 despite worse range and no Tesla supercharging network.
But for motorway cruising I don't see a better VFM car on the road. It's the modern day diesel, isn't it.
OP, what about nvh in the Model Y on the motorway, especially bearing in mind you're used to a Range Rover? Would love to hear your view.
Especially high mileage examples as the high-mileage reliability of these cars is increasingly looking very good.
I have been looking at the old shape ix3s which also look like decent cars also albeit with only 170ish miles of winter motorway range.
I would have already bought an old shape model Y and modified the suspension to the current gen if it were not for the fact that it hasn't got a 360 camera - I live down some rickety tight rural lanes where the 360 is well worth having. Hence interest in the ix3 despite worse range and no Tesla supercharging network.
But for motorway cruising I don't see a better VFM car on the road. It's the modern day diesel, isn't it.
OP, what about nvh in the Model Y on the motorway, especially bearing in mind you're used to a Range Rover? Would love to hear your view.
It’s absolutely fine. No engine noise obviously, wind noise is low and the stereo great.
I miss the height of the Range Rover and the suspension was far more wafty but the firm ride suits the car and its performance. I have to remind myself that if I corner at those speeds I better start saving for tyres!
I miss the height of the Range Rover and the suspension was far more wafty but the firm ride suits the car and its performance. I have to remind myself that if I corner at those speeds I better start saving for tyres!
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