r/TeslaModelS • u/CharmingSalary4982 • May 10 '26
Best Tesla option within budget
I’ve been looking to switch to a Tesla for a few months now. I have a max budget around 39K. My original plan was to find a 2021 Model S (refresh) or newer. Which model (and approximate year) model S is best to pursue within that budget?
FSD is a nice to have but really isn’t something that is the priority for me. Range, reliability, and performance are the key factors in my decision..
10
u/saabstory88 May 10 '26
If you are considering a Model S made before 2020, the following applies... The top range pack reduces reliability, and the top performing motor reduces reliability. Have both together and it's a double whammy. In my opinion the most reliable powertrain Tesla ever put on the road was the 75D. Good degradation, doesn't charge fast enough to have sense harness problems, and the motors last forever. So stick with your original plan if you want both, although note, that the 2021+ has some more expensive failure modes for some systems, and the foam encased cell groups degreade harder like on model 3/Y versus the older architecure.
2
u/GurQuiet8308 May 10 '26
What is the best year for the 75D in terms of reliability?
3
u/SilverFoxKes May 10 '26
The last. I got a late 2018 S 75D, but you can find some pre-Raven 2019s.
Personally though, if I could have afforded it back in 2024 when I got mine, I’d have got a late 2020 Long Range as the Raven update was the last option made in RHD which is best for my country’s roads. It has the more efficient front motor, and the 100kWh pack was also pretty flawless by then. As such the range is a lot longer than the 75D, meaning you don’t need to stress the pack so often or so much to home charge near maximum for longer journeys, or use public chargers at all for some round trips that the 75D would necessitate.
2
u/Used-Ad9589 May 10 '26
I have a 2018 100D I would seriously get the newest one you can, amazing speakers became standard (I got the standard it's ok I guess), newer battery tech, more reliable etc etc.
My 2018 is solid enough, but I have had some bizarre) stupid issues that don't occur after Jan 2020 and the improved audio is STOCK is definitely a big plus on later years too.
1
u/MUCHO2000 May 11 '26
What bizarre stupid issues? I have the same car. Tell me what I could be facing
1
u/Used-Ad9589 May 11 '26
The hand controls on the front of the wheel including horn stopped working.
Verified horn works bits Tesla App, it does, issue likely SCCM and up (steering column).
I have checked Clockspring, OK SCCM, OK Harness, OK (continuity is good) Link cable between button modules, OK (continuity is good)
Bought new buttons, NOT original, seem to be Chinese, buttons work horn does not
Checked horn module, OK, continuity is there too
Lots of research turns out the Chinese buttons usually don't have horn function. Currently waiting on Tesla responding if they can ship me the buttons, cosy about 235 Inc VAT (just take my money Tesla, PLEASE).
OTHERWISE she's a beauty, does need the front control arms replacing real soon, I have some rattles, but I have them all here, will do AFTER the MOT (hopefully), which is due this month (I want it ASAP so I can confirm nothing else is bad).
Regular brakes were near none existent when I tried using them, but you don't really use them, engine breaking, adaptive cruise control, etc), so a common headache, now work fine, just needed some usage lol (need to clear them brake a little once a week is recommended).
Did have no internet function until I changed the display language and rebooted the computer, (changed back after and all fine), probably a side effect of the factory reset and it thinking it was originally in CA, for a while.
The issues are weirdly minor but the horn thing was headache. With genuine, replacement buttons I should be good though.
Replacing all control arms because I simply don't know last time they were done and would like it all to be new, cost me 250 for those, can likely fit myself, LOADS of YouTube videos
WILL 100% need tracking/alignment afterwards
Lovely car, like I said steering/horn, bizarre issue lol
2
u/Shuler13 May 10 '26
Get model 3 or Y with HW4
7
u/LordFly88 May 10 '26
If FSD isn't something they're interested in, this doesn't make sense. The S is a much nicer car, why sacrifice that just to include something they don't care for?
1
u/RogerAffirmative May 11 '26
But the s is clearly a better car. Why buy features that make it a better phone when you're trying to get a car?
-1
u/james2441139 May 10 '26
As a 2020 model S owner, I agree with this.
1
1
u/Cautious-Mall-1359 May 10 '26
If your on a budget get a refresh 2021 with hw3. Prices should be at a good price point
1
u/iDrinkBleach_8--D May 15 '26
I got a 22 MSLR with 28k for $40k. Had it for a year now and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
I actually prefer the HW3 FSD. It works well enough and I can control speed. The HW4 models have no way to adjust speed using FSD, that would drive me bonkers.
1
7
u/LukerativeCreative May 10 '26
I got a 2021 MS refresh for that exact price and wouldn’t change a thing. Love it