In-depth reviews

Tesla Model S owner reviews

"The Model S is fast, well-equipped and practical with an impressive range, but it can feel cheap inside"

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs17m7g7qdhj { display: none !important; }

17 Jan 2023

.polaris__post-meta--date { display: none; } .polaris__post-meta--date.no-script { display: block; padding-left: 45px } 17 Jan 2023

Tesla Model S Plaid - front

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.4 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

71%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Other (1 case)
Brakes, Electrics, Engine, Gearbox / clutch, Suspension, Other (2 cases)
Electrics, Suspension (1 case)

Review 1 of 7

Tell us what you think about your car?

Unbelievable performance. Satnav and spec great. Free supercharging means virtually no running costs. I notice some road noise with 21" Tyres. Downside- no rain sensor/ auto wipers for £150k car. I do not regret selling my Range Rover for this!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

A revolution in automotive engineering. This car does everything it says on the box and more, including Ludicrous 0 to 60 in 2.8 secs. Areas for improvement in future models: needs more internal storage for sunglasses, travel sweets etc. At 6'3" tall I could do with a little more leg room. As battery technology improves, extending the range to 400 or 500 miles would make this the ultimate car. Not as sumptuous as Merc S class, but much more fun. The silence at lower speeds enhances the pleasure of wonderful music through the outstanding HiFi system. My rating is 4.5/5

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

The most responsive car on the road, superb handling due to low C of G, peanuts to run, drive in London for free, park free, fuel up free for life, no road tax, impossible to steal, massive acceleration, does not wear tyres due to finite control of AC drive that's impossible with ICE, nothing of any consequence wears out (never really use brakes due to regen) has no clutch to wear so will take standing starts all day, needs no service, dealers excellent, too. More space than other sedans as it has 2 boots, safest car on the road, timeless elegant design, minimal pollution (I charge mine off solar 50% on the time). Silence is the new noisey! and last of all NOT German. If I'd have bought 3 months later it would be driving itself like the loaner I'm in now but it's such a fantastic car I don't care.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Used Car Nightmare AVOID.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

I want to love my car but I don't. Which seems odd given that this is my second Model S - I'll come to that. In some respects the car is brilliant. I live in the North of Scotland, 130 miles from the nearest motorway so I drive mostly on A roads. I don't believe there is a better and safer car to drive on such roads and be able to overtake slow traffic. It grips brilliantly, the ride is smooth on good surfaces and it drives reasonably well - but don't imagine it has much agility; you can't hide the weight even if it is low down. The 4 wheel drive, which is excellent, allied to winter tyres also make it all year round family transport in the harshest of conditions. Range is excellent at around 250miles; I have driven up to 700 miles in a single day and it is effortless. The negative is obvious to anyone who knows anything about Tesla. Material quality is mediocre, it is shockingly badly put together and it is not reliable. My first one needed the steering, drive shafts, wiring loom, suspension, wiper mechanism and countless rattles repaired or replaced in just under 50k miles. With round trips of 350 miles to the service centre, this is more than inconvenient. The service staff were always brilliant but Tesla's recent move to do more online has created a disconnect and their service is now disappointing. Technology is a mixed bag, self-driving an expensive gimmick and it's huge for parking, garages and narrow roads. So why am I on my second? The good bits are truly brilliant and addictive. I am converted to electric for many reasons and have a large solar array to support that choice. I'm committed. I'm also an optimist and hoped Tesla had improved quality. I'm not sure they have. Critically, though, Tesla has a trump card. The Supercharger network. Normally I charge at home, it's easy. But as mentioned, I regularly drive very long distances. That kept me with Tesla but I'll change when there is a credible alternative. If you don't drive very long distances, look elsewhere.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Tesla deem an accident repaired inspected by their workshop car as safe, so dangerous they will not support it.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Effortless pace in total silence. Ability to leave BMW M5's for dead at traffic lights, but still a luxury super smooth large saloon car. 'Autopilot' which can drive the car without any driver input is a taste of the future.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Continue reading

Recommended

The cars with the biggest boots

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs17m7g7qdir { display: none !important; }

Best cars

12 Apr 2024

Top 10 cars with the biggest boots

Most Popular

Best hybrid SUVs

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs17m7g7qdis { display: none !important; }

Best cars

19 Feb 2025

Top 10 best hybrid SUVs in 2025

BMW Vision Driving Experience front quarter

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs17m7g7qdit { display: none !important; }

News

17 Feb 2025

New BMW M3 super-saloon goes electric – we ride in a prototype

Carbuyer best new car deals hero

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs17m7g7qdiu { display: none !important; }

Deals

14 Feb 2025

Best new car deals 2025: this week’s top car offers

Tips & advice

Car dashboard symbols and meanings

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs17m7g7qdiv { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Charging station

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs17m7g7qdiw { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs17m7g7qdix { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs17m7g7qdiy { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

Peugeot 208 hatchback

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs17m7g7qdiz { display: none !important; }

Best cars

25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Bets electric cars 2025

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs17m7g7qdj0 { display: none !important; }

Best cars

31 Jan 2025

The 10 best electric cars in 2025

Best cheap to run cars

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs17m7g7qdj1 { display: none !important; }

Best cars

8 Jan 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025

Fastest hot hatchbacks 2025

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_eexbs17m7g7qdj2 { display: none !important; }

Best cars

22 Jan 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025