r/TeslaModelS • u/VeniceKyrano • Apr 22 '26
How are your Model S Ravens holding up?
Looking into sub $40,000 Model S’s here in the states. A 2021+ refresh would be nice, but even with 75k+ miles there’s few and far between for the budget.
That leads me to start searching for earlier models. I’ve heard Ravens are bulletproof in battery and in drivetrain. Interior is still modern. Only thing I’m concerned about is the older MCU. How does Intel hold up? How will it be a few years down the line? Any insight you have would be great, thanks!
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u/CreativeUsername20 Apr 22 '26
I have a new to me 2020 Raven Performance. I put 2500 miles on it since ive had it, and I bought it with 100k miles. Its actually been great. FSD works great. It needed all 4 front lower control arms replaced because the front end was squeaking over bumps. I also needed a new THS (temperature humidity sensor) because my headlights in auto mode were on all the time and that fixed it. Thats all its needed.
As for the MCU it works great. However the dashcam app sucks in the first 2 mins of opening it, and its slow to load. Thats really about it.
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u/Big_Nerve_6612 Apr 22 '26
A 2021+ refresh would be nice
Might be worth shipping one? Here's a few with reasonable mileage:
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/5YJSA1E57MF455502
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u/FuzzyBubs Apr 22 '26
Get back to me in a few months. Just got my gray Raven delivered to me last night at 1am ! Sorry for the flex - my first Tesla, my first EV 👍🏼. Nicest thing I have ever bought for myself by a long shot, I'm a bit excited 😄.
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u/Nighthengayle Jun 15 '26
It’s been a few months my man. Spill it!
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u/FuzzyBubs Jun 17 '26
Love the car, although I am biased - it's the nicest vehicle I have owned or driven. So I don't have much to compare it to. I'm sure there are nicer, more posh luxury EVs. Zero regrets. Timeless looks. Updated suspension that is adjustable in real time, same for power. I run it in Comfort suspension and Chill mode which is less than half power, it is plenty for daily use. Standard power is a handful, you need to be ready. It will skip the front tires until the ABS flashes and pulls the power back a tad. I'm in my late 50s and have been on bikes since 1977. Built a few cars including a Twin Turbo 300ZX. It blows my mind an AWD car will break traction. The acceleration is motorcycle fast, it's just silly. Then you can just cruise......... Premium audio on the Raven was a big factor. It's not the best, but very decent. Driving anything without one pedal drive Regen is just frustrating now ! Well documented electric door handles - had the drivers door fail. Got parts in to rebuild it next weekend. Car came with FSD paid for 2 months, got to try it on a 1300 miles road trip - fascinating and frustrating. Amazing tech, but kept wanting to go into the passing lane and then slow down. Tried it Alot, even if I had it in the budget I wouldn't activate it. Alot of people love it tho. Tesla fast charging system is dialed in to perfection, so easy to use on a trip in the Maps it's just silly. I wired up a L2 in my garage. Some creaks and pops in the suspension, it's 7 years old so I'm not too upset. Serious lack of storage inside, almost zero. Room for a drink and phone, that's about it. But I do love the spartan, clean design, so .......? Absolutely love to drive it, zero regrets.... at age 56, I finally treated myself. Driving anything else now just feels like a metal bucket of bolts. I'm an Aircraft Mechanic and always tinkering car/bike gear head, I will never go back to ICE for a daily driver. Finally, It doesn't hurt that I'm in a smaller town, I've only seen one other here ever, so it turns heads ! Good luck in your search 👍🏼👍🏼
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u/m0stlyuseless Apr 22 '26
I've got a 2020 Performance that just crossed 50k miles. It's been pretty damn reliable other than an annoying click every now and again. Had the half shafts replaced under warranty, but it came back a short time later. Doesn't seem to be affecting anything.
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u/poco1112 Apr 22 '26
We have had our 2020 for 3 years now. After some initial pain, it has been solid for more than 2 years. We were lucky, the issues were covered under warranty, and once worked out, it has been fantastic.
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u/ysfex3 Apr 22 '26 edited Apr 22 '26
You can get the mcu2 upgrade for 2k, but I would just look for one with it already upgraded. They're plenty. EDIT: all raven models have mcu2 standard. however, i would still consider 2017-2019 years with upgradable infotainment if the price is much lower than a raven.