Tesla Model S (2021 on) buying guide

The Plaid is tri-motor all-wheel drive with one front and two rear motors, 1,020 hp, 0-60 mph in 1.99 sec and a 200 mph top speed, according to AutoEdgeView. Its rotors are carbon-sleeved so power does not fade at high rpm. The Long Range is dual-motor, with 670 hp, 0-60 mph in 3.1 sec and 155 mph.

EPA range for 2023-2025 cars is 402 miles for the Long Range and 396 miles for the Plaid on 21-inch wheels. AutoEdgeView gives 359 miles for 19-inch wheels. Both peak at 250 kW on V3 and V4 Superchargers, and a 10-80% session takes about 25-30 minutes in ideal conditions.

Squeezed calls the Long Range the sensible choice: still very fast, with slightly better range and lower running costs. It says the Plaid is worth its premium only if you want the performance, a want rather than a need. Plaid costs more to run, mainly in tires and insurance.

The steering wheel matters more than usual. 2021 and 2022 cars came with a rectangular yoke and no stalks, so indicators are buttons on the wheel and gear selection is on the touchscreen. A conventional round wheel returned from 2023. Squeezed says round-wheel cars carry a premium because many buyers want one, and that yoke retrofit kits and a Tesla conversion exist but are neither trivial nor cheap. Drive a yoke car properly before you commit.

The best-documented faults are on the earliest cars.

Heat pump and Octovalve

On early refresh cars the heat pump could fail in cold weather, leaving the cabin unheated and costing a lot of range. Squeezed says this affects 2021-2022 cars and was addressed with software and hardware replacement on affected vehicles.

Assembly and trim quality

Early refresh cars had inconsistent assembly and seal problems. AutoEdgeView says panel gaps and minor interior trim faults are still reported on 2021-2022 units.

Doors, latches and keys

Owners of 2021 cars told Consumer Reports of failed self-presenting door handles, phone key recognition failures, a failed trunk latch and a dead front passenger door capacitive button that needed a door panel replacement.

Steering and electrical complaints

2021 owners reported power steering failure, pulling after alignment, steering shudder, a seat that would not adjust and a battery that failed during charging and was replaced under warranty. Consumer Reports rates the 2021 car much less reliable than other cars from that model year.

Air suspension

Adaptive air suspension is fitted to every refresh car. Out of warranty, AutoEdgeView puts replacement at $2,000 to $3,500 per strut, so check it works before you buy.

Body repair

Squeezed says body repair remains expensive and slow, so a car with accident history deserves a close look.

Tires and insurance dominate running costs rather than maintenance, according to Squeezed, and the Plaid wears through rear tires quickly. AutoEdgeView puts four 21-inch Michelin PS4S tires at $1,400 to $1,800 installed, replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, and insurance at 20-40% above comparable combustion luxury sedans.

CarVision PA says routine maintenance is mostly tires, cabin filters, brake fluid and wipers, because regenerative braking spares the pads. Kelley Blue Book lists Tesla's service interval as every 12 months or 12,500 miles, with the 2-year service adding an A/C desiccant bag, brake fluid and a cabin air filter.

The big bills are out of warranty. AutoEdgeView quotes $20,000 to $28,000 for a refurbished battery pack. Warranty is 4 years or 50,000 miles comprehensive and 8 years on the battery and drive unit, and one source cites 8 years or 150,000 miles with 70% capacity retention. Check what is left on the car you are viewing.

Squeezed and CarVision PA point to the Long Range as the sensible buy, and the Plaid only if you will use the performance. Squeezed does not say to avoid 2021 and 2022 cars, but says to inspect them harder and price them accordingly. CarVision PA and AutoEdgeView both suggest starting at the refreshed cars for the cabin, range and fresher batteries. If the yoke puts you off, look at 2023 and later cars, and compare with the Model S vs Model 3 before you decide.

Insist on the heat pump record for any 2021-2022 car, closed recalls and a battery health report from Tesla. Without all three, walk away.