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Tesla folks, need some genuine advice please! 🙏🏽

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Hello all - Like everyone else here, I am super excited for my Model S LR, blue, cream, 21” FSD that is scheduled for Sep 19-Sep 30.

This is going to be my first Tesla ever and as I was visiting LA this weekend, I decided to rent a Model S 2017 model 90D on Turo to see how I feel owning a Model S for a weekend. This experience has raised some questions for me:

1. Size of the car: I have always wanted a smaller size car, hence Model Y was my first choice but given the newly refreshed Model S, interiors, yoke, etc I switched to S. I did not feel any big difference in parking the S while driving this weekend, but curious if people whow have owned the S longer what your thoughts are? any practical challenges with a longer sedan?

2. Ride height: the S that I drove obviously drover lower and I typically like to sit higher while driving, the reason why I enjoy my X4 M40i and the Y. But given I am going to continue with two cars, I will have the S and x4 and then eventually the S and the Y, so I guess one car with lower height is good to have. Any practical constraints of being in lower car that others have noticed?

3. Constant charging worries on a trip: Granted that the model S has greater range but the 260 range of the S that I drive this weekend was not great. Constant worrying about range and waiting for more than an hour to charge at a supercharger was not fun at all. How fast does the new Model S charge?

4. HP and acceleration: I saw that the 2017 90D Model S has 690 HP and the new refreshed Model S LR has 670. I don’t think the 2017 90D I drove this weekend was particularly crazy fast, so is the new one a step down? Who knew! Thoughts?

5. 4680 in the Ys: I still have the Model Y order on hold with the expectation that I can delay it to March next year, when hopefully the 500 miles range Model Y is released (with the 4680 hopefully) and then I can have the S and the Y, but any feedback on what you all have read about the 4680 or the 500 miles range Tesla?

I know it sounds like this weekend experience has put me on the fence with respect to getting this model S, it has! And I know I may be asking a lot of basic questions that you all may have addressed before, but I still have these questions and any kind advice would help me make up my mind :) Thank you in advance!
 
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Im not touching most of those questions, but the "waiting for an hour to charge at a supercharger" means you were trying to charge to a high state of charge before leaving, and thats not how you use a supercharger for best effect on a trip.

Your location says "danville CA" so since you are in CA, you have almost NO worries about being out of range of the supercharger network. Trip charging for fastest impact is "more frequent stops, lower state of charge" to paraphrase. You arrive at a supercharger at 10-15% tops, then charge to "enough range to get to the next supercharger +10%" (something like 50-60%.

I am guessing you rented a model S for the weekend, drove it around, then went to a supercharger to "fill it back up" to 90% which is not anything at all like you would do on a trip, nor what you would do for regular usage unless you plan on not having home charging.
 
Im not touching most of those questions, but the "waiting for an hour to charge at a supercharger" means you were trying to charge to a high state of charge before leaving, and thats not how you use a supercharger for best effect on a trip.

Your location says "danville CA" so since you are in CA, you have almost NO worries about being out of range of the supercharger network. Trip charging for fastest impact is "more frequent stops, lower state of charge" to paraphrase. You arrive at a supercharger at 10-15% tops, then charge to "enough range to get to the next supercharger +10%" (something like 50-60%.

I am guessing you rented a model S for the weekend, drove it around, then went to a supercharger to "fill it back up" to 90% which is not anything at all like you would do on a trip, nor what you would do for regular usage unless you plan on not having home charging.
Yeah I hear what you’re saying. Exactly how I used the car on the trip but from Disneyland to Beverly Hills to Hollywood Bowl, it was just crazy how quickly the miles went down. The owner of the call this morning told me that newer cars are a lot more efficient as well and he does not believe one needs 500 miles. I still feel like I do :)

thanks for your response :)
 
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I can speak for point #1: I prefer a smaller car, too, but the Model S size has never been an issue for me. My garage is barely wide enough, but if I line it up straight I can drive in with no problems. I use summon to pull it straight back.
Parking garages seem tight, but looking back in the side mirrors I see that they aren't, really.
I don't notice the size of the car, otherwise.
 
1. Size of the car:
I came from Ford Escort an Toyota Prius so Model S was giant for me but it fits fine even in "compact only" public parking spaces.
2. Ride height:
The suspension height is adjustable to suit your needs.
3. Constant charging worries on a trip:
Range is King even I've heard many down playing it especially when the EPA numbers are not the same as my own numbers.

That said, there are ways to deal with the problem.

Don't use optional bigger tires. Use the "free" standard ones.

Don't get "Performance" at the expense of range.

Charge when you don't feel like you are waiting such as when you sleep at night, busy at work, shopping, eating...

When you are on the road, just charge enough to get to the next charging destination. That means maximum at 80% because the rate is really slow afterwards. Tesla advertises that it gets 200 miles in 15 minutes (that's less 50% of 405 full miles).
4. HP and acceleration:
I don't think I would notice the difference unless I am a professional racer.
...5. 4680 in the Ys...
Without the pandemics, it's been a chore for Tesla to meet the deadline.

There could be lots of waiting for Tesla in normal time and in pandemics.


 
Hello all - Like everyone else here, I am super excited for my Model S LR, blue, cream, 21” FSD that is scheduled for Sep 19-Sep 30.

This is going to be my first Tesla ever and as I was visiting LA this weekend, I decided to rent a Model S 2017 model 90D on Turo to see how I feel owning a Model S for a weekend. This experience has raised some questions for me:

1. Size of the car: I have always wanted a smaller size car, hence Model Y was my first choice but given the newly refreshed Model S, interiors, yoke, etc I switched to S. I did not feel any big difference in parking the S while driving this weekend, but curious if people whow have owned the S longer what your thoughts are? any practical challenges with a longer sedan?

2. Ride height: the S that I drove obviously drover lower and I typically like to sit higher while driving, the reason why I enjoy my X4 M40i and the Y. But given I am going to continue with two cars, I will have the S and x4 and then eventually the S and the Y, so I guess one car with lower height is good to have. Any practical constraints of being in lower car that others have noticed?

3. Constant charging worries on a trip: Granted that the model S has greater range but the 260 range of the S that I drive this weekend was not great. Constant worrying about range and waiting for more than an hour to charge at a supercharger was not fun at all. How fast does the new Model S charge?

4. HP and acceleration: I saw that the 2017 90D Model S has 690 HP and the new refreshed Model S LR has 670. I don’t think the 2017 90D I drove this weekend was particularly crazy fast, so is the new one a step down? Who knew! Thoughts?

5. 4680 in the Ys: I still have the Model Y order on hold with the expectation that I can delay it to March next year, when hopefully the 500 miles range Model Y is released (with the 4680 hopefully) and then I can have the S and the Y, but any feedback on what you all have read about the 4680 or the 500 miles range Tesla?

I know it sounds like this weekend experience has put me on the fence with respect to getting this model S, it has! And I know I may be asking a lot of basic questions that you all may have addressed before, but I still have these questions and any kind advice would help me make up my mind :) Thank you in advance!

My opinion, you really should look for a refresh on Turo. The differences are beyond huge comparing a 2017 90D to a refresh Model S LR. I had a P100D which I sold in March. I just picked my refresh 2 days ago and it's so much nicer in every way. It's definitely not a small size car but you know that already.

Are you sure you rented a 90D and not a P90D ? There is no way a 90D has 690HP. The P90D probably does. Regardless, The Model S LR has a faster trap speed than a P100D and Model S performance in a 1/4 mile. The LR 0-60 is electronically limited by Tesla. The LR refresh will feel 'night and day' quicker than a 90D and will feel noticeably quicker than even a P90D.

You will charge at home most of the time. The few times you have to wait at a SC shouldn't be a factor. I've never had to wait even 5 min at any SC.

You probably have a better chance hitting the Powerball than a Model Y with 4680s and 500 miles of range in your driveway by March.

Definitely try to find a Model S LR on Turo. Cheers
 
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My opinion, you really should look for a refresh on Turo. The differences are beyond huge comparing a 2017 90D to a refresh Model S LR. I had a P100D which I sold in March. I just picked my refresh 2 days ago and it's so much nicer in every way. It's definitely not a small size car but you know that already.

Are you sure you rented a 90D and not a P90D ? There is no way a 90D has 690HP. The P90D probably does. Regardless, The Model S LR has a faster trap speed than a P100D and Model S performance in a 1/4 mile. The LR 0-60 is electronically limited by Tesla. The LR refresh will feel 'night and day' quicker than a 90D and will feel noticeably quicker than even a P90D.

You will charge at home most of the time. The few times you have to wait at a SC shouldn't be a factor. I've never had to wait even 5 min at any SC.

You probably have a better chance hitting the Powerball than a Model Y with 4680s and 500 miles of range in your driveway by March.

Definitely try to find a Model S LR on Turo. Cheers
Thank you so much! I confirmed I drove a 90D in LA on Turo which was roughly 400hp. It was NOT P90D :)

I have decided it’s just a car at the end of the day, and so am going to go ahead with my Model S LR. And will wait for the next big thing from Tesla or another maker :) Preferably Tesla because I want them to win the EV race :)
 
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I believe the P90D had about 690 hp, the 90D was nowhere near that. The new LR is just crazy fast.

After 3-4 road trips you will learn how the car and supercharging works and you won't have any issues. The first few trips are a bit scary mostly because it is new and different.
Agree completely. Thank you for your response :) I will just go ahead and get the LR :)
 
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Thank you so much! I confirmed I drove a 90D in LA on Turo which was roughly 400hp. It was NOT P90D :)

I have decided it’s just a car at the end of the day, and so am going to go ahead with my Model S LR. And will wait for the next big thing from Tesla or another maker :) Preferably Tesla because I want them to win the EV race :)
Yea 400hp sounds right. Even 400HP in an EV feels pretty darn quick compared to 400hp ice cars. Keep us posted if you end up renting a LR on Turo.
 
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Hello all - Like everyone else here, I am super excited for my Model S LR, blue, cream, 21” FSD that is scheduled for Sep 19-Sep 30.

This is going to be my first Tesla ever and as I was visiting LA this weekend, I decided to rent a Model S 2017 model 90D on Turo to see how I feel owning a Model S for a weekend. This experience has raised some questions for me:

1. Size of the car: I have always wanted a smaller size car, hence Model Y was my first choice but given the newly refreshed Model S, interiors, yoke, etc I switched to S. I did not feel any big difference in parking the S while driving this weekend, but curious if people whow have owned the S longer what your thoughts are? any practical challenges with a longer sedan?

2. Ride height: the S that I drove obviously drover lower and I typically like to sit higher while driving, the reason why I enjoy my X4 M40i and the Y. But given I am going to continue with two cars, I will have the S and x4 and then eventually the S and the Y, so I guess one car with lower height is good to have. Any practical constraints of being in lower car that others have noticed?

3. Constant charging worries on a trip: Granted that the model S has greater range but the 260 range of the S that I drive this weekend was not great. Constant worrying about range and waiting for more than an hour to charge at a supercharger was not fun at all. How fast does the new Model S charge?

4. HP and acceleration: I saw that the 2017 90D Model S has 690 HP and the new refreshed Model S LR has 670. I don’t think the 2017 90D I drove this weekend was particularly crazy fast, so is the new one a step down? Who knew! Thoughts?

5. 4680 in the Ys: I still have the Model Y order on hold with the expectation that I can delay it to March next year, when hopefully the 500 miles range Model Y is released (with the 4680 hopefully) and then I can have the S and the Y, but any feedback on what you all have read about the 4680 or the 500 miles range Tesla?

I know it sounds like this weekend experience has put me on the fence with respect to getting this model S, it has! And I know I may be asking a lot of basic questions that you all may have addressed before, but I still have these questions and any kind advice would help me make up my mind :) Thank you in advance!
3. Constant charging worries on a trip: The new MS has a range of 405 miles vs the 260 miles on the one you drove. That is a big difference. If you charge at home at night you won't need to recharge unless you are making a long trip. In that case, you will have a lot of superchargers. Charging from 10% to 80% is generally very fast at a supercharger. On a long trip, you need to take a break every three to four hours anyway. I don't think you should worry about the range.
4. HP and acceleration: With the new MS you will do 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds. Lot of power.
Please update once you have the new car and have driven it a day or two. Good luck.
 
Thank you so much! I confirmed I drove a 90D in LA on Turo which was roughly 400hp. It was NOT P90D :)

I have decided it’s just a car at the end of the day, and so am going to go ahead with my Model S LR. And will wait for the next big thing from Tesla or another maker :) Preferably Tesla because I want them to win the EV race :)
Please don't think the refreshed MS is just a car. It is n supercar. This is the next big thing that you are getting. The wait is over for the next big thing for you once you get the new car in September.
 
Hello all - Like everyone else here, I am super excited for my Model S LR, blue, cream, 21” FSD that is scheduled for Sep 19-Sep 30.

This is going to be my first Tesla ever and as I was visiting LA this weekend, I decided to rent a Model S 2017 model 90D on Turo to see how I feel owning a Model S for a weekend. This experience has raised some questions for me:

1. Size of the car: I have always wanted a smaller size car, hence Model Y was my first choice but given the newly refreshed Model S, interiors, yoke, etc I switched to S. I did not feel any big difference in parking the S while driving this weekend, but curious if people whow have owned the S longer what your thoughts are? any practical challenges with a longer sedan?

2. Ride height: the S that I drove obviously drover lower and I typically like to sit higher while driving, the reason why I enjoy my X4 M40i and the Y. But given I am going to continue with two cars, I will have the S and x4 and then eventually the S and the Y, so I guess one car with lower height is good to have. Any practical constraints of being in lower car that others have noticed?

3. Constant charging worries on a trip: Granted that the model S has greater range but the 260 range of the S that I drive this weekend was not great. Constant worrying about range and waiting for more than an hour to charge at a supercharger was not fun at all. How fast does the new Model S charge?

4. HP and acceleration: I saw that the 2017 90D Model S has 690 HP and the new refreshed Model S LR has 670. I don’t think the 2017 90D I drove this weekend was particularly crazy fast, so is the new one a step down? Who knew! Thoughts?

5. 4680 in the Ys: I still have the Model Y order on hold with the expectation that I can delay it to March next year, when hopefully the 500 miles range Model Y is released (with the 4680 hopefully) and then I can have the S and the Y, but any feedback on what you all have read about the 4680 or the 500 miles range Tesla?

I know it sounds like this weekend experience has put me on the fence with respect to getting this model S, it has! And I know I may be asking a lot of basic questions that you all may have addressed before, but I still have these questions and any kind advice would help me make up my mind :) Thank you in advance!
The wait is excruciating, isn't it?
1. Size, coming from an ex smart car driver - you can get used to it well. I am still hugging the lane markings to give space, though. 5+ years, no problems.
2. Ride height. Wife has a Y. I still prefer my S. Visibility is better in S. Also I can confidently go 25mph over recommended speed for turns in S. In Y - up to 15, and then it just feels wierd. Car can probably go faster, but I don't want to, because I sit high.... Maybe It is a PTSD ftom GLK 350.
3. Range anxiety. Coming from a 16kwh iMiev i don't understand you. Chargers are spaced every 150mi or even closer. The slow and steady wins the race. The car will warn you if you're going too fast to reach destination. Auto-routing through chargers is great, and has enough buffer. I routinely remove charging spots and can easily go 200+mi in my 5 y.o. 75d.
4. Don't really care, as 99% of my driving is in chill mode. Really.
5. No. Just got a M Y LR. 4680 alone and next year won't give you 500mi. Even if they did, it would still be useless, unless you quit caffeine AND upgrade your bladder. I can only do a bit more than 200mi before i can't ignore the call of nature...