Tesla Model 3 2013

Павел, owner #2, 164,000 km

27 October 2025

I’ve got a 2013 Tesla Model S, 85 version, rear-wheel drive. Bought it used in 2021 with 68,000 miles, now it’s at 102,000. The car is out of this world—I used to drive a BMW, and the difference is night and day. You drive in silence, no gears, instant torque, press the pedal and you’re gone. The acceleration from a standstill is insane, first time I tried it, it scared me—it really pins you to the seat. Ride smoothness is great, but the rear shocks are getting worn, they thump on bumps, so I’m thinking of replacing them. The interior is spacious, all-touch dashboard, huge screen, but honestly, it lags sometimes, especially in heat. Navigation glitches, sometimes freezes, needs a reboot, like a phone. Charging—well, it’s not all rosy. Fine at home, but at stations, there are often lines, and in cold weather, charging slows down. Battery range is about 230 miles now, used to be closer to 260, it’s slowly degrading. In winter, it’s more like 186 miles max. Maintenance is a whole story. Parts take time to get, good service centers are rare, not everyone knows how to handle it. Brake pads last long, no oil needed—that’s a plus. But I’ve had to replace bushings and control arms on the suspension, like any regular car. Overall, the Tesla is awesome, but not for those who just want to drive and forget. You need to understand it’s electric, finicky, expensive, and needs attention. But the driving experience—out of this world, honestly, I’ve never driven anything like it.