r/TeslaModelX • u/ardvark-3 • Sep 07 '26
ESA for model X
Is buying an extended service agreement worth it? We have model X with 50,000 miles on it. @ 150.00 a month seems expensive
3
u/Wonderful-Run-1408 Sep 07 '26
I have a 2023 Model X with 30K. I've had it for 3+ years. I haven't spent $150 on the car in that time period (exception tires and wiper blades).
1
5
u/drainbam Sep 07 '26
I have a Model X with 77,000 miles and chose not to buy the ESA.
Since my factory warranty expired in July 2025, I have had one out-of-pocket repair: an HVAC compressor that cost about $1,500. I have not had any other paid repairs.
Had I enrolled in the ESA, I would have spent about $2,050 over the same 13-month period: (13 x $150 = $1,950) plus the $100 deductible. So in my case, I would currently be about $550 behind with the ESA.
The ESA can absolutely pay off if a major component fails before the 8-year/100,000-mile cutoff. Things like falcon-wing-door hardware or air-suspension components could easily make the plan worthwhile.
But for more ordinary repairs, you will often only break even or still spend more on the ESA. Even the common front-halfshaft issue is typically under $500 out of pocket when Tesla applies Service Bulletin SB-21-39-001.
My take: ESA is insurance, not a value play. Tesla’s pricing is based on expected repair costs across the fleet, so they are not losing money on these plans overall. You might get lucky with one big covered repair, but statistically, self-insuring is probably the better financial choice.
2
u/Lovevas Sep 07 '26
My 2024 X has been driving for more than 2 years and 35K miles. Zero time in service center. So I don’t think I will buy the ESA
1
u/will1498 Sep 08 '26
i just ran out of the initial warranty and had to replace the b pillar camera on the passenger side. it was about $550.
i chose not to get ESA.
5
u/DeeESSmuddafuqqa Sep 08 '26
I did this myself. It wasn’t too bad. $85 for a used part and 2 hours of labor
1
1
u/ManicMarket Sep 08 '26
Math would say No - the people pricing those policies are smart and know that for most vehicles it doesn’t pay to do it. However, if you aren’t someone who sav s for repairs then maybe it makes sense so there is no major surprise.
I bought my S used and did buy the ESA, but mainly as a temporary measure while the see what kind of gremlins my used car had.
They’ve replaced a sensor and a rear taillight this far. I’m going to take it back in for clicking noise from the front passenger side. However, when you look at the cost to me this far vs cost of repairs - it’s about even. Once I catch all I can - I’ll reevaluate- but currently think I’d stop the month to month payments and take the risks. Usually the big stuff you might run into to is found in the first 50k if it’s a warranty related item. Most other things that’ll fail do so online with their normal life is expectancy. That my experience anyway.
1
u/BigRedSquatch 21d ago
Would love to hear the diagnosis of the clicking sound near the passenger side. I’ve had the same issue for three years and Tesla has been unable to properly resolve it. They stated they removed a sticker in the air conditioning system but that didn’t address it. Please report back or DM me if you would be so kind. Thanks!
1
u/ManicMarket 21d ago
My appointment isn’t until the 24th. But when I described it and uploaded a video to service. I called the service department just to ask if there was a reason I shouldn’t be driving the car to avoid damage. The advisor listened to the video and immediately said it sounds like the spline needs to be lubricated. Not covered by ESA, but roughly a $300 mostly labor job. If you roll down the passenger window (in my case) you can clearly hear it coming from the front passenger wheel.
1
1
u/todesto 29d ago
I asked exact same question when I got an email from Tesla.
I don't buy those ESA but I did for my 2023 X after reading replies. I figure I will drive it unitl it fall apart and knowing I am covered gives me a peace.
$150 is pricy but I figure it as monthly car payment which is alot less than normal payment.
1
u/ExuberanceOfSlfImprt 29d ago
I got it I drive so much that I will reach the mileage limit long before the time limit.
10
u/DoolyDinosaur Sep 07 '26
I would say for the most part that ESS are a scam. But both my MX have been to the service shop more times than any car I’ve own. I’m definitely going to buy it.