As an avid Tesla fan, I was beyond excited when I finally got my hands on a Tesla Model S Plaid in November 2021. The speed, the technology, everything about the car was just too enticing to resist. I had been a supporter of Tesla since its early days, even investing in their stock in 2014. But little did I know that within just two years of owning this car, my love for Tesla would turn into disappointment and frustration.
It all started with a strange issue I noticed with my tire. It was sticking out too far and was dangerously close to the side of the car. This led to a series of tire problems that I never could have anticipated. The aggressive camber of the wheels caused the inside of the tires to wear down rapidly, leading to multiple tire replacements in a short span of time. This not only cost me a fortune but also posed a serious safety risk, as the tires could potentially fail on the highway without warning.
But the tire issue was just the tip of the iceberg. The real shock came when I realized how much the value of my Model S Plaid had plummeted in just a year and a half. The base price of the car had dropped by over $40,000, leaving me with a car that was worth significantly less than what I owed on it. The lack of gap insurance further exacerbated the situation, leaving me vulnerable in the event of an accident.
To make matters worse, Tesla‘s decision to drastically reduce the prices of their cars across the range left many customers feeling cheated and betrayed. The rapid depreciation of the Model S Plaid made it the worst depreciating car I had ever owned, surpassing even luxury brands known for their steep depreciation rates.
As much as I loved the performance and technology of the Tesla Model S Plaid, the combination of the tire issues, depreciation, and lack of customer support from Tesla left me with a sour taste in my mouth. I had to come to terms with the fact that I would never buy another Tesla again.
Despite my disappointment, I hope that my story serves as a cautionary tale for those considering purchasing a Tesla. While the cars are undeniably impressive, it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls and drawbacks that come with owning one. As for me, I’ll be looking elsewhere for my next car purchase, steering clear of Tesla and their questionable practices.
