Tesla Model Y: What I Learned After 50k Miles of Ownership | Review & Impressions

We took delivery of our Tesla Model Y back in May of 2021. This was our second Model Y as we had originally taken delivery of one of the first 3k Model Y's built back in 2020. When the 7 passenger option started delivering, that is when we switched to the Model Y we have today.

Along with a fresh interior update, the Model Y came with a larger battery. This was of course on top of adding the 7 seat option, which we would use from time to time with multiple adults and our 2 children in the car. This combined with the impressive storage space in the Model Y makes it one of the best cars to consider. Don't just take my word for it, the Model Y was the best selling car of any fuel several times this year, throughout the entire world.

We have surpassed 50k miles on our Tesla Model Y and there is a lot to talk about. In this video I will review the costs, wear and tear, battery degradation, autopilot, FSD, overall pros and cons and wrap it up with final thoughts following this 50k miles.

The hard thing to explain to people is just how much cheaper it is to operate an electric car. Because EV's usually come with a higher price tag than their gas equivalent, it takes a shift in thinking for the average consumer to understand. When factoring in the maintenance and fuel costs, an electric car can save substantial money.

In this last 50k miles, degradation of the battery has been as much on my mind as it is many. That said, the battery has seemed to really settle in at the 10% mark. When I took delivery, the BMS read 79 kWh nominal. At this time, that is now reading 71 kWh nominal. This 10% reduction seems to be pretty good considering that over half of the lifetime charging on this car was on a supercharger.

Autopilot and FSD continue to make progress. The good news is that in this last year, FSD and Autopilot have improved at a much faster rate than the previous year. Phantom braking does still happen, but it is much more rare these days compared to a nearly daily occurrence last year. FSD, while not ready for wide release in my area, has made pretty significant improvements over the last year also.

Overall, this car hits a lot of the marks. It executes in ways that other EV's are not able to. The Model Y is the best balance of price, range, space, performance and comfort. Add on top of that the qualification for the $7,500 EV Tax Credit, this Tesla Model Y is going to be hard to beat. If your budget is somewhere close to the average new car price in America, there is no other car you should be looking at as the Model Y is the BEST all around EV on the road today.

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[tiffanylukianenko]

I just went to a showroom (Nov 14, 23) and I literally watched the sales person pour his iced coffee all over the drivers white seat and clean it up after 2 mins without any stain or wetness left behind. I’m getting the white seats in my model Y

[Dcc]

I’m a mechanic and am tired of all the oil changes, filters we do on me and my wife’s cars. Our Tesla Model 3 is mostly maintenance free, and I can probably find a good used set of tires here at the dealership I work at for free.

[jerz]

Just got a brand new Model Y Performance for 42, 700, recieved 10k free supercharging miles, and was able to move my FSD at no cost from my 2018 Model 3 Performance.

[fpartidafpartida]

Please do not get rid of this vehicle. Keep throwing miles on it. Would love to see the battery degradation after 120K miles. Actually, would love to see how many miles you can throw on it before it needs a battery replacement. Even then a video on getting a refurbished battery replacement would be super cool to see and then seeing how many miles a refurbished battery would last you would also be an interesting vid.

[daveparrish]

For older persons me 69/ wife 72, this car is so enjoyable 2023 Y longer range. Passing weaving trucks on up hill freeway, a joy. Super charger all over the place. Just bought FSD AT $8000, great to have, still some issue at road work areas and other quirks so do have to still pay attention. But on long distance highways, awesome.

[denveroilers]

I did the math on my RAV4, with my mileage and services it will take 12 years for cost parity with the modelY, so not exactly cheaper to own a Tesla. This does not include the cost of insurance, I was shocked how much more Tesla was to insure.

[ericn]

You are an absolute natural at this. Flawless delivery and great content. I am seriously considering a new M3P, and decided to watch some Y reviews before deciding.

[zaidpatel]

The updates you get for Tesla over the years make it awesome. I have owned several cars in my life. Never got a single update on any of them throughout the ownership.

[samerabdallah]

I purchased a pre-owned Tesla via the official Tesla website, but when it arrived, I noticed it was quite dirty, and there were paint chips all over the car, likely from its previous owner in a Texan farm area. I was surprised by the condition because I expected better from a Tesla website purchase. Nevertheless, after bringing it to Arizona, I took the time to restore it, and now it looks as good as a brand-new Model Y. I admire how well you maintain your vehicle; I wish the previous owner of mine had been as diligent as you are.

[aquint]

Cost of ownership makes sense. Cost of entry, still looking at about 15k saved on a gas variant of the Rav4 (gas would be better on the hybrid trim). I think many ppl get hung up with the idea that also you don't get a tax credit if you don't owe money to the IRS. If you're a person that constantly switches cars, getting an EV is pretty much a mute point. It's probably why you see a lot of used EVs in the market today and they have a significant depreciation value compared to hybrids/gas powered vehicles

[wranglerlifeever]

You should also add a chart that shows the cost of the Model Y you have vs the cost of the RAV4 you are comparing it to. If the RAV4 (non hybrid) was $35k and the Model Y you have was $56k then the cost to own/operate/maintain would still be well in favor of the RAV4. After 150, 000 miles the Tesla might start to pull ahead. Now, factor in the $7500 tax credit and it becomes even closer and might be a wash closer to 100, 000 miles.

[bluedog]

It’s also a great car for seniors! We love ours and it’s a great road tripper. The charging stops actually make the overall trip more enjoyable and autopilot alleviates the fatigue of a long trip so you don’t feel so wiped out when you get to your destination. We have a 2021 Model Y too and I’ve noticed less phantom braking the last six months or so as well. I’ve been a subscriber since the early days and appreciate all the hard work you’ve done to bring great content to us all. Thanks so much!

[brandon-built]

Incredibly informative video, thank you! With the additional price cuts, federal rebate, and 0.99% financing it's literally a steal.

[BobbieGWhiz]

My base model 3 RWD on inventory in June 2023 cost me $32, 100 including fed-$7500 and state (CT-$2250) incentives. Inventory cars are even cheaper now. Add a trade in of a 2012 Forester with 108, 000 miles ~$7500 and my final cost was slightly less than $25k.

[skuvakid]

I also have 7 seater and have used it several times with all 7 passengers.
What I do is leave the Trunk blackout cover on so heat does not enter and point middle air vents up towards the roof/back.
We are in Puerto Rico and temp gets to 100 easily.
With this method I’ve felt cold in 3rd row with Ac at 70 degrees.

[Outrigger]

Best ownership video I've seen. Great job. Subscribed.

[gregorysims]

You do consistently excellent videos. I have had a 3, Y and X. My biggest problem (so far) was with the Y, when the power steering just died. Car had to be towed on a flatbed truck. But Tesla paid for everything and loaned me a Model S during repairs. They even brought my Y out from Schaumburg so I didn't have to drive in and get it. Loaning me the S was brilliant as I later bought an X because of the great features -- air suspension, chilled seats, power doors, remarkable sound system, two extra screens, three years free supercharging and three months free FSD. I have love all of my Teslas, and can't imagine buying anything else -- unless my X starts having major problems.

[saneauto]

3:26 Thanks for sharing this. I have about the same cost of driving as your Tesla Y in my old 3rd gen Prius. Because i drive a lot I have the additional cost of frequent oil changes. Yes Ive had to recondition the battery pack twice and replace some modules but most of my repairs have been under the hood. Approx $4K of ICE repairs in 400, 000 miles of driving.

[stevenroglen]

I'm at 69, 500 on my 2021 Y (Dec 2021 delivery) and it's been 1 set of tires, a windshield replacement which could happen to anything and 1 set of wiper blades.

I came from a V6 Ford Edge so my gas savings is off the charts. Tesla app says I saved $1925 over the past year, but I was getting 16 MPG in my edge. In 60k miles with my Edge I'd of spent close to $9500 in gas alone, compared to the ~$3, 690 in charging costs (this is number is probably lower because that's just for the past year and doesn't include my first 6 months of free Supercharging. More than made up the difference between the price. Edge was 45k got my Y at 49k

[civwarbob]

Thanks for the great review! I've had my white Y/LR for 5 months (my first BEV). I love the car. My only complaint is all the bugs on the front after road tripping! Also, as a new owner, there were a bunch of unexpected small costs for me: Floor mats (didn't come with in NY), mud guards, portable tire inflator, screen protector, microfiber towels (to hand wash those bugs off!). And for emergencies: CCS adapter, lift pucks, tire patch kit. No spare tire crossing fingers. I've only been charging at 120V household current (which is working fine so far, but others my have to spend a few thousand for Lvl 2 charger install). Also I haven't put any PPF wrap on the car to protect the "soft paint" (which also costs a few thousand). Still, it's a wonderful car.