Tesla Model Y buying guide

The first cars from early 2020 had red rear turn signals and lacked a heated steering wheel, auto-dimming mirrors and double-glazed front side windows, which made them louder inside. InsideEVs says those were added late in 2020. Radar was removed in May 2021, so later cars use camera-only Autopilot, and ultrasonic parking sensors went in 2022 in favor of a vision-based system. An AMD Ryzen computer replaced the Intel unit in early 2022, and a softer suspension setup came in 2023.

Rerev, CarScout and TopSpeed all point the same way: avoid 2020 and 2021, and 2023 is the best original-generation year. CarScout adds that the Long Range AWD on 19-inch wheels is the one to find for range, ride, charging speed and tire costs.

Battery cells matter. Giga Texas opened in early 2022, and CarScout says some Texas-built Long Range AWD cars use 4680 cells that charge 10-80% in more than 40 minutes, against 27-30 minutes for 2170 cars from Fremont.

The Performance AWD was sold 2020-2023, with 0-60 mph in 3.5s and an estimated range of 303-315 miles. It adds larger brake calipers, sportier front seats and 21-inch wheels, and it sits about 10mm lower than the Long Range, which makes it harsher on broken pavement. It was never offered with 4680 cells. Owners report its brakes need replacing less often than the Long Range's, but the 21-inch tires go faster: some owners report replacement at 15,000 to 18,000 miles. See every Model Y Performance for sale for what is listed.

The faults below are the ones the sources return to, with the costliest first.

Heat pump failure

Loss of cabin heat is the most consistent complaint, according to CarScout. A full heat pump and supermanifold replacement costs $3,700 to $5,000 out of warranty.

Drive unit replacement

If a drive unit fails outside warranty, CarScout puts the replacement at $6,000 to $7,000. Performance and Long Range cars usually get the 120,000-mile warranty limit, so mileage matters here.

Suspension knuckle recall

Recall 21V912000 covers front and rear suspension knuckles that may fracture on 2020-2022 Model Y. Confirm it was done on any car in that range.

Worn suspension bushes

The bushes are known to wear out relatively quickly. Control arm or fore-link work costs $300 to $700 per side, per Rerev.

Phantom braking

It was worst on 2021 cars after radar removal, and NHTSA investigated 2021-2022 cars. It is one more reason to be wary of that year.

Water ingress

A service bulletin addresses water getting into the trunk or liftgate area. Look for damp carpet or stains back there.

12V battery and seat sensor

A depleted 12V battery can lock occupants in, and Rerev says a service trip for it can cost around $400. The driver's seat pad sensor can also fail, with replacement costing no more than a few hundred dollars according to InsideEVs.

Curbed wheels

Cars on 20-inch wheels have little sidewall protection and are easy to curb. Inspect each rim edge.

Tesla's battery and drive unit warranty is 8 years, with at least 70% battery capacity retained, according to InsideEVs and the TBX Report. Check how much of it a given car has left.

Out of warranty, the big bills are the heat pump at $3,700 to $5,000 and the drive unit at $6,000 to $7,000. Suspension arm work runs $300 to $700 per side, and a 12V battery trip around $400. Performance owners should budget for tires at around 15,000 to 18,000 miles.

Look for a 2023 Long Range AWD on 19-inch wheels with a 2170 pack, which the sources rate best for balance and charging speed. Skip 2020 and 2021. Take a Performance only if you accept the harsher ride and faster tire wear.

Insist on a clean recall record, proof of the knuckle recall on 2020-2022 cars, and a heat pump that blows hot on the day you drive it.