Been looking at Model Xs (again), and wanted to sample the older Performance models (with 700+ hp) to see if it would be a good substitute for the $$ X Plaid (prices have dropped a lot recently). I test drive one at a Tesla dealership and here are my thoughts:

TL;DR : great value but questionable build quality / history mars an otherwise quick and (higher) grade materials

Good: seemingly higher grade quality setup (buttons, seat materials, etc), very good off the line performance, good suspension ride and handling for a heavy car, good tech still (self closing doors, infotainment setup, etc), and good prices on used market

Bad: mediocre highway performance, doesn't feel like a modern (minimalist) Tesla, looks a bit dated with the chrome accents, mediocre AC system

Ugly: questionable Tesla quality- falcon doors was dangling around a little upon open/close, rear trunk door creaking loudly, bumper panel gaps

Notes:

- compared to newer model x, looks a bit dated (mostly because of chrome accents) even though 95% the same.

​​​​​- loved the auto open and close doors, though worried about long term reliability of them

- interior is more "normal" then newer (minimalist) Teslas : column stalks for turns signal, wipers, and even autopilot.

- seat and internal.materials seem higher grade then present ones; cF option was just ok though

- massive vertical infotainment is well integrated into dash and has 90% of the features of newer ones, but shows small for 4:3 media

- performance model can be had with 5 and 7 seater (plaids only 6 seaters) so more cargo options then now

- comfortable ride with the newer adaptive suspension, and handled pretty good for a heavy car

- the new raven drivetrain was quick off the line (rated 0-60 in 2.6) but lost a lot of steam up top compared to newer refresh gen

All in all, I liked it but felt a little old and dated (even though it is only 2-3 years old), and I think will be a great value for those looking for an X but don't want to pay the 110k prices now.

 

good review, thanks.

what was the price of this 2020 and how many miles on it?

 

$69.5k w/ 34k miles.....

 

My brother in law had a loaner 2020 Model 3 when he was having his seatbelts changed and noticed it was not as good as his current Model 3 due to a lot of updates. I also drove in my bosses 2017 Model X, and it's extremely dated when compared to a 2022 I also drove in recently

 

with the rapid evolution of cars and ev's in particular, i feel like they're becoming more like cell phones... aging quickly! i think car makers like this because it may encourage more owners to trade in sooner than in the past.

 

I think in Tesla's case, it's more about improvements in quality and figuring out things over the last couple of years. They continually improve the software on even their older models, which is extremely important.

Tesla has pretty much almost figured out the build process, most of the future improvements are going to be batteries (lighter, more efficient, energy dense with battery chemistry using less rare earth materials), motors made without rare earth materials, and improvements in software. Even the upcoming project Highland I'm betting lots of improvements, but only incremental styling changes.

I don't have statistics, but most Tesla owners I know hold on to their Tesla's long term. I plan to hold on to my Y at least 10 years

 

until the next shiny new thing. if a model y comes out with twice the range of yours, would that interest you into upgrading?

 

The answer is no. I usually keep my cars 10 years or more. Unless it starts giving me issues or it's just not the car for me. I'm not attracted by shiny objects

 

says the guy with FOUR different ev's. LOL

 

I actually only technically own one. Two are leases and one is owned by my daughter. And none of them are shiny

 

The Model s and x are more niche high price point toys so need more change and incentives to move.

Model 3 has been around for about 6 years and not much has changed besides black trims and some stuff most wouldn't notice...

I'm actually considering getting a older model 3 performance even to race with, because there hasn't been significant changes and this is coming from a guy who likes new stuff constantly...