Tesla Model X: What I Learned After 6 Months of Ownership | Review & Impressions

We took delivery of our 2023 Tesla Model X Refresh 6 months ago now. Although it seems that time has flown by, we have put nearly 10k miles on the Model X, and have learned a lot about the car. There are many things to love about the refresh Model X, but there are also some things that could be better.

After 6 months and 9k miles, I have had a chance to calculate our total cost of ownership of our Model X. I have taken this information and compared it to a similar ICE vehicle, in this case, an Audi Q7. I have to estimate costs to the best of my ability as I dont actually have to pay for supercharging due to referral miles awarded over the years. After comparing the 2, there is nearly $2k in savings just in electricity vs gas.

On the other hand, our Model X was delivered after nearly $20k in price reductions. Unfortunately the Model X has come down another $20k since then and now qualifies for the EV tax credit. This additional $7,500 is only available for the 5 passenger Model X with no additional options. That said, you are now able to select any color you like for no additional cost. So although my configuration would not qualify for the EV Tax Credit, it certainly has an impact on the used car values for all Model X's.

The highlights of the Model X include a plush ride, fast acceleration, reasonably efficient in comparison to the Model Y, impressively fast charging, HW4 upgrades, premium soft touch materials with a better build quality than before and great storage and passenger space.

On the flip side, the car is starting to present some rattles and squeaks, service appointments are about 1 month out to fix issues, depreciation is massive, despite now coming standard with a wheel the turn signal and horn are still in inconvenient locations, the falcon doors have already had some issues and the Model X as a whole is very expensive.

No car is going to be perfect, and when you step into the limited world of EV's, there are sometimes even more compromises. That said, assuming the Model X is in budget, this car is amazing. It is super fast and comes with Tesla's untouchable Supercharging network. The overall comfort and charging speed really are the highlights, and in an electric car, those are 2 very important things.

In the end, its bigger, more comfortable, faster, better charging smoother riding SUV. It does come at a larger price tag, and will come with more issues in reliability, but can offer an amazing driving experience. It will be hard to overcome the value and reliability of the Model Y, so if you can afford it, it may be worth seriously considering to enjoy the various features exclusive to the Model X.

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[CraigD]

I have a 2020 Model X, 7 Seater, Long Range with 22” wheels. I have less problems than I expected. Here are the issues that were fixed - all under warranty: 1) MCU SD card failed twice, preventing software updates; 2) Ball joints developed vibration during acceleration; 3) 12v batterie failed twice. I have had zero issues with squeaks nor any issues with Falcon Wing doors. That said, I never open them inside the garage out of an abundance of caution. I didn’t have any debris in my paint but there were swirls which I had removed when I had the car ceramic coated. My biggest complaint is the road noise. It is significant at highway speeds. BTW I am still on original tires. I expect they will need changing at 50k. Would I buy another Model X? Yes, that’s how much I love it.

[adairmartin]

I traded my X to take advantage of transferring FSD to the new car. Love the new X! It Supercharges unbelievably fast! Just finished a 2000 mile road trip, and it worked great!

Pro tip: when I traded, I configured my new X, got a price, but then checked to see if there were any “inventory” cars available. And there was! I was able to find one with EXACTLY the configuration I wanted (color, wheels, 5 seats, round steering wheel) for $10, 000 less than ordering one, plus it was available immediately!

[NO_OPEC_NO_PROBLEM]

Our 2019 100D (Pre Raven) has been amazing for past 4 yrs, put 50k on it. Just needed a 12V after 44months (warranty) and tires around 45k, otherwise has been SOLID! Now just need to sell it.

Squeezed in a $79, 990 “Tax Edition” Model X right before end of 2023. So far the 2023 has been awesome, none of the issues you described. Great video!

[FONFBand]

I really appreciate your videos! The camera work and narration are among the best of these types of channels. With the huge price drop, I have ordered a Model X. I've had a M3 and MY (my current car). Each has had a few minor issues. However, they have never compromised the safety of the car or left me stranded. I've had that experience with new gas powered vehicles! I only would consider a Tesla because of the superior charging experience and the incredible software. I am renting FSD. While expensive, I enjoy the heck out of using it everywhere. Keep up the great work!

[pinolero.]

Thank you for being honest and providing us with a real non sugar coated review.

[AleksanderHoff]

We sold our 2017 Model X 100D last year… absolutely loved that car. Bought a Model Y Performance due to the prices of a new Model X. However, while we love the Model Y and it is the best in its segment in terms of price, space and overall package, it is a big downgrade if you have gotten used to all the extras you get in a Model X. Miss the screen in front of the driver, miss the bigger seats, miss the falcon doors (amazing in tight parking spaces with kids or stuff in the back), miss the regular electric doors in the front (I still put my foot on the brake a year later expecting my door to close 😢), and we miss the extra space. We might have to save up for a new Model X in a couple of years, nothing in the electric market beats the overall package you get for that price imo.

[chrisnchips]

Great video. The MX is tempting since the price reduction. My MS driver seat also used to squeak. I bought Lithium Grease off Amzn, removed the head rest, and greased up the back plate all around. Hasn't squeaked since. Also the seat belt latch can rub on the seat, you can put foam or grease between the latch and seat to solve that issue.

[hpwray]

That was the BEST video! Exactly what I wanted to hear about. Pros, cons, all your details about cost for electricity, etc. Very well thought out and produced!!! Thank you.

[StBernardFan]

I’ve had my model x for 5 yrs now and i’ve had no problem with the falcon wing doors opening into something. I have had no seat squeaks or rattles but i had a bunch of paint defects on the hood which Tesla fixed for me. I have 76000 miles now and when i got mine i received lifetime free supercharging and i also charge at work for free. I have to disagree with the cost of maintenance, i’ve had 0 issues with the falcon wing doors and still don’t need brakes.

[bruceeagleson]

We got our X the same week you got yours. We are just returning from Road Trip from Pennsylvania to Florida to Pennsylvania. Best Road Trip car ever. As you point out charges quickly, preforms superbly. Very comfortable. None of your issues yet. Best car I’ve ever had. I have a Might as well, like the rest of the world I’m waiting on the cybertruck. The X vs. Y is easy. If you can easily afford to have so much money tied up buy the X. I like to say the Y is 2/3 the car of the X at 1/2 the price. If you get a Y get the speed boost. :)

[sherwinm]

Our September 2022 MXLR has had many issues to a point that we submitted a buyback request. Aside from all the issues we had, it is a great car. We love road trips with it. Only thing I would say is, don't expect to have a problem-free Model X.

[dimasguzman]

I had pre-ordered a Fisker Ocean Extreme and have been waiting on that vehicle for about a year. I had recently gotten the notice that the vehicle was moving to production to be built when I learned that the Model X had been reduced to the point where it qualified for the tax credit. I ended up deciding to forfeit my $1, 000 USD deposit in the Fisker and decided to go with the Model X instead because of the insane value that it brings at the reduced price point with the 7.5k tax credit. Your videos helped me make the decision. Thanks for the content!

[ChuckKissner]

Love this Model X Refresh (2022). Quite a few small issues, but quickly solved by the service center. Fantastic for long road trips, especially with FSD. 23K miles now.

[CD-cibo]

The only color that is not extra is the stealth grey. You can upgrade to the white interior, and as long as you keep it to the 5 seater version, you still can qualify for the $7, 500. The solid black exterior is extra and it shows scratches extremely easily.

[mikellock]

I’ve owned a Model S (leased) which I gave back for a Model X (pre-Raven) in 2018. I love my Tesla, but I wouldn’t do the Model X again simply because of the gull wing doors. They are cool and they get attention, but they are also a real pain. I’ve lived in Tampa, Orlando, and Nashville and while I’m not comparing Apples to Apples the Orlando Service Center is hands down the worst service center I’ve been to from a customer perspective.

I’ve had a lot of issues with my Model X from delivery paint issues to wrong configuration. I’ve been locked out of the vehicle twice because the 12 v battery died with no warning. I had the HV battery fail and needed replacement in the middle of the pandemic which took 3 months. It also took more effort than it should have to get Tesla to make it right.

All that said though I’d still pick a Tesla every day of the week. The service side needs work, but in some centers you would never know this is an issue such as Nashville (at least in my experience). If you are in Orlando it is a huge issue. They can fix those things though and I view them as a temporary inconvenience. I do worry about all these companies adopting the Tesla chargers and Superchargers getting congested, but that really doesn’t affect me too much since 90% of my charging is at home.

But as I said, I can’t imagine my next car not being a Tesla.

[highprofits]

I have a 2018 Model X with currently 222, 000 relatively problem free miles. I have the 22in wheels, but my tires only had to be replaced at around 70k miles. Never had issues with the Falcon doors. At 190k I had to replace bushings on the front driver side suspension. That's about it. Unfortunately, while on the freeway, a truck's wheel came off and caused a fair amount of damage. Due to the high mileage, my insurance declared the car totalled. I'll be getting another Model x, hopefully that lasts over 200 thousand miles as well. Model x is well worth the money for performance and flexing 😁

[RxPharmer]

We are moving from a '19 Cayenne to a newly ordered MXP. We paid $94k for the Cayenne and will pay the same for the MXP. I chuckled when you talked about service wait times because we waited over a year for our dealer to replace our driver's seat. I have a M3P and while that thing is bullet proof, I'm holding my breath on the X but we are super excited!!

Oh and great video by the way! Your X looks great!!

[LanceJDanks]

What do I do? I have a 2023 X with none of the issues you've mentioned on your X. And that's my point, your issues and constant complaining is about your vehicle, not every X that is produced. I would suggest at this point you request a buyback. The fit and finish on mine is flawless, wing doors lock and load without any issues, no squeaks in the seats. I honestly feel left out of the constant negativity about a vehicle that I feel is one of the finest on the road today. Suggestion, somehow unload your X lemon and keep the Y, and may I say, happy trails to you.

[Ipaqalypse]

We have a 2022 Model X Plaid and have a little over 29k miles on it (Took delivery on September of 2022). Home is off grid (100% solar) we have saved literally thousands on gas. So far after 1.5 years of ownership we have saved tons of cash in comparison. Have had Tesla EVs for 5 years and have a total savings of over $35k in saving for gas between the two (based on how much we drive it). Fortunately, have not had any issues with any of the teslas in the past 5 years and battery degradation has been miraculously 0 for both cars... Model 3 had some paint issues (Which tesla fixed), Y was perfect (no issues at all) and the Model X we had was just a falcon wing door alignment but that's it. Most maintenance we have had so far has just been Tires.

[jameswhite]

Just got my X a couple of weeks ago (also have a Y). No delivery issues (went through everything twice over). Paint is perfect (fortunately). Just returned from ky first road trip with it and absolutely love it. Space is awesome (previously owned a Dodge Durango RT). Plan on keep this X for a long time.


Love my Y as well, but needed the space ... and oooohhh the space it has (I have a 5 seater simply because of the added space/fully folding back seats).