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Keep my Model S or get a Model Y?

Jul 8, 2016
190
234
Seattle, WA
Hey folks, I'm pretty conflicted here. I hope you can help me out.

I'm a happy owner of a 2015 Model S 85D. We're a family of four (2 kids under 10) and we've owned the car for 3 years. The car has performed really well for us in the following ways:
  • As a daily driver (getting kids to school, running errands).
  • Going on extended road trips (maxing out front/rear storage).
  • Trips to the mountains (dual-motors).
So, why would I even consider getting a Model Y? Well, a few reasons:
  • Increased range (265 -> 315)
  • Latest AP tech
  • More storage? Honestly not sure if this is true.
  • Higher clearance? Also not sure about this.
Would love to hear folks thoughts here. I've seen a few "Model 3 vs. Model Y", but in some ways I feel like the Model S is similar in its own ways.
 
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DFeredinos

Member
Mar 18, 2019
6
2
Seattle
Ha! You DID post the same. Man this is such a weird spot because I think we’re aligned in our reasonings for considering the new vehicle.

how have the car seats in the back been working out? No complaints on comfort anything?
 
Jul 8, 2016
190
234
Seattle, WA
Ha! You DID post the same. Man this is such a weird spot because I think we’re aligned in our reasonings for considering the new vehicle.

how have the car seats in the back been working out? No complaints on comfort anything?

No issues with the backseat, but 99% of the time it's our 8 and 9 year olds back there.
 

BlackM3

Member
Nov 2, 2017
145
163
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA
I have a unique point of view. Model S has quiet cabin and air suspension (comfortable). My Model 3 Long Range has a noisy cabin and bumpy/jarring suspension compared to my previous Lexus GS. I'm concerned that Model Y will be the same. So my advice is: Buy a used 2018 Model S 90D with air suspension and full self driving.
 
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weanusoffice

New Member
Jul 31, 2019
3
1
Cary, NC
I believe the Model Y will be using the same battery pack as the Model 3. According to videos featuring Teardown Specialist Sandy Monroe, and others, Model 3's battery pack technology that's far ahead of anyone else is not used on the Model S. That superior battery temperature management design will help the Model 3 maintain its driving range during extreme heat and cold. That would be another check for your reasons to buy a new Model Y instead of a used Model S.
 

Chopr147

Active Member
Apr 3, 2016
1,938
1,348
Wantagh, NY
Same boat er...... car. Don't use it as a boat. :) I love the S and since I bought out the lease I can wait until I'm ready for the Y. Most likely buy one next year after initial bugs are straightened out. This will also give me the luxury of others doing the R&D :) But man, that 2020 Corvette is hot! I digress. This is a good position to be in for me. Usually I'm scheduling a sale/buy for the same day
 

pt19713

Member
Feb 5, 2020
706
845
Delaware
Your local Tesla showroom is probably expecting Model Y demos to drive by the end of March or early April 2020, so it might be worth testing out the Y. Personally, I'd stick with the S covers most of your check marks.
 
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Vjacobs84

Member
Jan 31, 2020
15
11
Charlotte, NC
My Model 3 Long Range has a noisy cabin and bumpy/jarring suspension compared to my previous Lexus GS. I'm concerned that Model Y will be the same. So my advice is: Buy a used 2018 Model S 90D with air suspension and full self driving.
This is exactly what My decision has come down to. A 2018 Model S w/ MU2 or the Model Y. I’m really afraid I’m going to be disappointed in the ride quality of the Y. Also afraid of a Model S refresh that will immediately put me behind the times.
 

SabrToothSqrl

Active Member
Dec 5, 2014
3,627
2,882
PA
I'm digging the looks of the Y, but FWIW, I went from a S--> 3 and only lasted 6 months before buying a X. the suspension did me in on the 3. Loved it to death, but the suspension was KILLING Me. Plus I always wanted the X.

Anyway, if you're going to a SUV from the S... get the X.
 
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Jomak

Member
Dec 27, 2018
92
11
ATL
I believe the Model Y will be using the same battery pack as the Model 3. According to videos featuring Teardown Specialist Sandy Monroe, and others, Model 3's battery pack technology that's far ahead of anyone else is not used on the Model S. That superior battery temperature management design will help the Model 3 maintain its driving range during extreme heat and cold. That would be another check for your reasons to buy a new Model Y instead of a used Model S.

Correct me here, I heard the MS has a better battery warranty than the M3, if that is the case why switch?
 

Dadiggaman

Member
Mar 9, 2018
54
84
USA
You have a 2015 with an 8 year battery and powertrain warranty as well as free supercharging. Unless depreciation is of no concern to you I would keep that car until 2023 and replace it with a CYBRTRK.
I know the Tesla pull to want the latest and greatest that Tesla offers. Maybe you have some other ICE car in your garage that you can trade in for a Model Y. At least those are my plans. Maybe they will work for you.
 

VijayR

Member
Feb 9, 2020
13
3
Alpharetta
This is exactly what My decision has come down to. A 2018 Model S w/ MU2 or the Model Y. I’m really afraid I’m going to be disappointed in the ride quality of the Y. Also afraid of a Model S refresh that will immediately put me behind the times.

What is the range on a used 2018 Model S?
 

Tummy

Member
Dec 25, 2016
224
279
Atlanta
In some ways the current AP tech is not as good as AP1. For me, going from a 2016 to a 2018 with AP2.5, it's not as smooth on the highway and has way more phantom emergency braking than our AP1. The newer system also doesn't read speed limit signs, it uses the database and it's not very accurate. Maybe I don't trust it enough, but Nav on Autoplilot has done some scary things. I usually turn it off and use only the basic cruise, lane keep and auto lane change. The same features as AP1. The current AP has some party tricks and potential, but I think it's still a few years away from what was promised and possibly another hardware revision.

I think the ground clearance of the Y will be very similar to the S on the highest setting. Around 7".
 

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