new member here and not sure if this is the right forum for this post. Also I am coming from a Prius, so Tesla technology is fairly new to me. Been eyeing a used 2016 Model S and a friend suggested to go with a Model Y instead. The MY is a bit out of my budget at this point. Just wanted to gain more knowledge from this forum and hear everyone’s thoughts on this topic.
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2016 Model S 90D vs Model Y
- Thread starter Carbonfiber
- Start date
Drive both. The MY will have the range advantage. It’s still an expensive car, but the 3 and the Y feel a lot cheaper to me than the S and X. Lack of the instrument cluster and ride quality kills it for me. I’d never trade my 2016 S or 2016 X for a Y, but there are many here who are doing just that. Personal preference at the end of the day, although the Y is definitely more comfortable than the 3 imho, even though I love the look of the 3
ucmndd
Well-Known Member
Lots of different “2016 Model S”, so the details matter a bit.
Pre facelift? Post facelift? AP1? AP2? Details matter, do your research.
I’d more seriously consider a late 2016 (November or December) facelift AP2 car as a serious candidate vs. the earlier cars.
Pre facelift? Post facelift? AP1? AP2? Details matter, do your research.
I’d more seriously consider a late 2016 (November or December) facelift AP2 car as a serious candidate vs. the earlier cars.
BlueRocket
S90D HW3.0 MCU1 "No FSD 7 years" 2022.8.10.16
I need a sunroof so any of the newer Teslas are non starters. I like the heat pump vs resistance heating tech though and if you live in a cold climate and need the winter range that may be an important factor. They are all awesome cars and as ucmndd says , details matter.
I was in the same spot. I opted for a pre-facelift, AP1, Model S P90D over a new Model Y. Got the S for $53k, which is about $5k cheaper than a non-performance Y.
The S is just so much more luxurious. Plus the free connectivity and free supercharging were huge pluses. Range isn’t a big deal to me, the ~247 miles this car gets lasts me at least 2 weeks - especially these days.
Y will have the latest computer and self driving though, so if that’s important to you consider that. I have the upgraded autopilot and with AP1 it’s plenty enough for me.
The S is just so much more luxurious. Plus the free connectivity and free supercharging were huge pluses. Range isn’t a big deal to me, the ~247 miles this car gets lasts me at least 2 weeks - especially these days.
Y will have the latest computer and self driving though, so if that’s important to you consider that. I have the upgraded autopilot and with AP1 it’s plenty enough for me.
FrunkLover
Member
Echoing what others have said, I just gave up my 2017 MS for a new M3. I like it a lot more than I thought I would, but the ride quality difference is no joke.
Premium fit and finish of the new car, newer tech, more contemporary looking are making me happy overall. The seats are way more comfortable in all new Tesla's vs. older ones -- I also do not think the leather ages well in older Teslas, so buying used would bother me if not in tip-top shape.
Detailed a bit here if you'd like to read more.
Premium fit and finish of the new car, newer tech, more contemporary looking are making me happy overall. The seats are way more comfortable in all new Tesla's vs. older ones -- I also do not think the leather ages well in older Teslas, so buying used would bother me if not in tip-top shape.
Detailed a bit here if you'd like to read more.
Alysashley79
Active Member
Here’s my two cents...the Y is a really nice car. It’ll be our second car (next to my S) next year when My son gets his license. As an early adopter S (not the one I currently have but a previous P85) wait a year for the Y. Let them work out the fittament issues and any growing pains of the new features the Y has over the S3X.
Glad I stumbled upon this thread. I'm in essentially the exact same spot right now: wavering between a used 2015 Model S P90DL (AP1, pre-facelift) with just under 40k miles for $47k or a base model Y for ~$51k (not including other fees). Prices between the two are relatively even, so I can see why it's a common decision for prospective buyers right now.
For me, the big trade-off seems to be that the S has exhilarating acceleration and handling, but it has dated electronics, no warranty, and inevitable problems to be fixed (like with the MCU, I assume). Plus the particular one that I'm looking at is currently 100% dead in the dealership's parking lot, which isn't exactly a confidence-builder (means it was neglected so long that the battery drained out). Meanwhile, the Y is more boring (I know I don't need to go 0-60 in 2.8 seconds, but I can't deny it would be a fun option to have), but it's undoubtedly more practical with its increased storage space, better range, current electronics, and warranty. Plus, with a new Y, I would be the original owner, which is better than buying a used P90DL that might have been abused by its previous owner.
I've heard that model S owners love their cars and find them fun to drive. But then you get a few people with horrible experiences who visit the shop way too often, and it kind of scares me. But when I put it all in perspective, it seems like S owners are generally happy with their cars. Some folks just wind up with lemons, which sucks, but it could happen to any model of Tesla. Meanwhile, the Y is an untested product, and it's in its first few months of production. That first model year might have some kinks to iron out.
I didn't give you an answer, but maybe hearing some thoughts from someone making the same decision might help. Let me know what you plan on doing and why.
And if anyone else wants to weigh in on my wavering between the 2015 model S P90DL and the base Y, I'm all ears.
For me, the big trade-off seems to be that the S has exhilarating acceleration and handling, but it has dated electronics, no warranty, and inevitable problems to be fixed (like with the MCU, I assume). Plus the particular one that I'm looking at is currently 100% dead in the dealership's parking lot, which isn't exactly a confidence-builder (means it was neglected so long that the battery drained out). Meanwhile, the Y is more boring (I know I don't need to go 0-60 in 2.8 seconds, but I can't deny it would be a fun option to have), but it's undoubtedly more practical with its increased storage space, better range, current electronics, and warranty. Plus, with a new Y, I would be the original owner, which is better than buying a used P90DL that might have been abused by its previous owner.
I've heard that model S owners love their cars and find them fun to drive. But then you get a few people with horrible experiences who visit the shop way too often, and it kind of scares me. But when I put it all in perspective, it seems like S owners are generally happy with their cars. Some folks just wind up with lemons, which sucks, but it could happen to any model of Tesla. Meanwhile, the Y is an untested product, and it's in its first few months of production. That first model year might have some kinks to iron out.
I didn't give you an answer, but maybe hearing some thoughts from someone making the same decision might help. Let me know what you plan on doing and why.
And if anyone else wants to weigh in on my wavering between the 2015 model S P90DL and the base Y, I'm all ears.
As mentioned, 2016 has a wide spread of model S’s. You’d have to run me over twice (forwards and backwards) to get me to trade my 2016 S P100D with MCU2/AP3 with third row seats for a Y.
ucmndd
Well-Known Member
* if you have the updated MCU2 computer (included on anything built April 2018 or later otherwise available as a $2500 upgrade). Cars produced November 2016 and later will have minimally the necessary cameras needed to obtain FSD capability.
Y because Munro recommends it. It's the only Model he recommends to his family and friends (until the CT comes out).
...and he knows Teslas inside & out.
Go watch Munro Live on youtube and see Y.
Personally, I'd go and test drive both just to see which you prefer especially if you have children.
...and he knows Teslas inside & out.
Go watch Munro Live on youtube and see Y.
Personally, I'd go and test drive both just to see which you prefer especially if you have children.
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TravelFree
Active Member
You will have to pay for the FSD on either Y or an older MS. Depends if the used 2016 was transferred through Tesla. If buying from a private original owner the 2016 may be equipped with it. Autopilot and Full Self Drive are two levels of automation. Learn the difference so you understand what the FSD does better.
Also, the charging is better in the newer models, as they can take advantage of the faster Supercharging. The Y has the latest battery technology.
Get the S. It’s a nicer car for the money and has more than enough cargo capacity. It’s the only car they make that had quality standards.
Completely agree with the two above. If coming from an ICE vehicle, any Tesla is a step up and will blow your mind. As a repeat customer, that's where the differences really stand out.
We have a Raven S and I test drove a Y and Raven X a few days ago. The Y is okay to me and a good value for the price, just like the 3 is, but the ride quality of the 3/Y is something I can't compromise on and is a deal breaker to me. Fifty-thousand is still a lot of money, but I'll echo that the Y does show the cheaper quality. I like the minimalist interior design of the 3/Y, but much prefer the dual screen setup in the S/X and the main display provides more information options than the 3/Y. I also didn't like the rubbery feel of the turn-signal stalks on the Y and like the dedicated AP stalk on the S/X. As been mentioned before, it's down to priorities and personal preferences.
Side note: I know it's much more money than what we're discussing here, but I came away very impressed with the Raven X ride quality! It literally matches the smoothness on a Raven S. I did not expect how good it really is. A tremendous improvement! Initially, we were all set for a 6-seater X, but back then the ride quality on 2017 X was atrocious and a dealbreaker. Glad to see the huge ride improvement and better noise insulation on the latest X.
What about issues with 90 packs and degradation? That alone would steer me clear.
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