The UGLY TRUTH About Buying A Ridiculously Cheap Tesla
TLDRIn this video, Tarish discusses the unexpected purchase of a 2016 Tesla Model S by his friend Rex, who was looking for a more practical and fuel-efficient car. Rex managed to buy the car for an astonishingly low price of $17,000, which Tarish finds hard to believe. The car, a 90D model with dual motors, has a minimalist interior with a large central screen and autopilot capabilities. Tarish and Rex explore the car's features, including its spacious trunk, the convenience of keyless entry via a smartphone, and the car's ability to play games and potentially stream YouTube while on autopilot. They also discuss the car's history and check it using CarVertical, a vehicle history report service. Later, they visit Electrified Garage to examine the car's common failure points and learn about its maintenance needs. The video concludes with the discovery that the Tesla has been pre-modified with a higher amperage for faster acceleration, and Tarish test drives the car, confirming its impressive performance.
Takeaways
- 🚗 The Tesla Model S purchased by Rex is a 2016 model with dual motors (90D) and has been driven for approximately 52,000 miles.
- 💰 Rex bought the Tesla for $17,000, which is considered a very good deal compared to the original price of around $177,000.
- 🔋 The Tesla has a second-generation battery, which is more reliable than the first generation and can potentially last over 150,000 miles.
- 🛠️ Common issues with older Model S cars include wearing bushings, ball joints, and the need for regular maintenance such as brake cleaning and tire rotations.
- 🚨 The car's autopilot feature is not fully autonomous; the driver must remain attentive and actively control the vehicle.
- 🚧 The Tesla does not require a traditional key and can be controlled via a smartphone app, but this means the phone must be kept charged.
- 🔊 The car had an issue with the audio system where no sound came from the door speakers, but the problem was diagnosed as a disconnected ground wire.
- 🔋 The battery in the Tesla is protected by a titanium skid plate, and while battery replacement can be expensive, repair shops like Electrified Garage can offer more cost-effective solutions.
- 🏎️ The car has been modified to include a 'Luda' mode, which enhances acceleration, but this can significantly reduce the car's range.
- 🔧 The Tesla was found to have some minor software glitches, which were addressed by the team at Electrified Garage using specialized tools.
- 🌟 Rex's purchase is considered a great deal by the hosts of the show, given the car's performance, low mileage, and the potential for further enhancements.
Q & A
What is the make and model of the car discussed in the video?
-The car discussed in the video is a 2016 Tesla Model S.
Why did Rex decide to purchase the Tesla Model S?
-Rex decided to purchase the Tesla Model S because he was looking for a more practical car and was concerned about gas prices.
What is special about the Tesla Model S that Rex bought?
-The Tesla Model S that Rex bought is a 90D, which means it has dual motors, and it is a rare 'hillbilly edition' with only five made, making it quite unique.
How much did Rex pay for the Tesla Model S?
-Rex paid $17,000 for the Tesla Model S.
What is the range of the Tesla Model S Rex bought in terms of mileage?
-The Tesla Model S Rex bought has approximately 52,000 miles on it.
What are some common issues with older Tesla Model S cars?
-Some common issues with older Tesla Model S cars include wearing out of suspension bushings, ball joints, and camber and tow arms. These can lead to tire wear and potential safety issues.
What is the significance of the battery in a Tesla Model S?
-The battery in a Tesla Model S is significant because it determines the car's range and performance. However, battery replacement can be costly, although places like Electrified Garage can offer repairs or upgrades at a lower cost than Tesla.
What is the 'autopilot' feature on the Tesla Model S?
-The 'autopilot' feature on the Tesla Model S is a driver assistance system that can control the car's steering, speed, and braking under certain conditions. However, it does not mean the car can drive itself without any input from the driver.
Why did the car's previous owner likely have low mileage on the Tesla?
-The previous owner likely had low mileage because they lived only 7 miles away from work and primarily used the car for that commute.
What did the team at Electrified Garage do to enhance the Tesla's performance?
-The team at Electrified Garage increased the amperage discharge on the battery to give the car a slight performance boost, particularly in the range of 60 MPH to 80 or 90 MPH.
What was the issue with the Tesla's audio system?
-The issue with the Tesla's audio system was that no sound was coming from the door speakers, only from the center speaker. Upon inspection, it was discovered that an aftermarket amplifier's ground connection was not properly connected.
Outlines
🚗 Introduction to Tarish's Second Channel and Ford Focus RS
The video begins with Tarish introducing himself and his second channel, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at his main channel's content. He discusses his fondness for the 2016 Ford Focus RS, a car they built on the channel, praising its aesthetics, power, fuel efficiency, and practicality. Tarish also mentions his friend Rex, who unexpectedly bought a Tesla Model S, a decision that surprised him due to Rex's previous complaints about gas prices and lack of interest in electric cars. The Tesla, a 2016 Model S 90D with dual motors, was purchased used with low mileage at a good price, and Tarish explores its features, including the spacious trunk and minimalistic interior with a large central screen.
🔋 Discussing Tesla's Autopilot and Vehicle History
Tarish emphasizes that despite its name, Tesla's autopilot feature does not enable the car to drive itself unattended. He also talks about the car's advanced features, such as the cameras and sensors, and the convenience of controlling the car through a smartphone app. Tarish and Rex discuss the importance of checking a car's history using CarVertical, a service that provides detailed reports on a vehicle's past, which can reveal issues like flood damage or mileage discrepancies. They confirm that the Tesla's history is clean, and there were no hidden problems with the car.
🛠️ Inspection of Tesla Model S with Chris from Electrified Garage
Chris, from Electrified Garage, who is well-versed in Tesla's Model S, especially older models, joins the conversation to discuss common failure points of the car. They cover the suspension, bushings, ball joints, and the potential for premature tire wear due to the car's weight and power. Chris also addresses the battery's protective features, such as the titanium skid plate, designed to prevent damage and battery punctures. The discussion includes the car's maintenance needs, including tire rotations, suspension checks, and brake maintenance.
💰 Battery Life and Potential Upgrades for the Tesla
The conversation shifts to the longevity of the Tesla's battery, with Chris providing insights into the second-generation battery's reliability and the possibility of battery repairs or upgrades. He mentions that while minor issues may arise, they can often be fixed without replacing the entire battery, which is a more cost-effective approach than what Tesla typically offers. The potential for increasing the car's performance through software adjustments is also discussed, along with the importance of regular maintenance checks.
🚦 Addressing the Tesla's Audio System and Key Recognition Issues
The video addresses a problem with the Tesla's audio system, where sound only comes from the center speaker. Upon inspection, they discover an aftermarket amplifier and a disconnected ground wire, which they attempt to fix. Additionally, an issue with the car's key not being recognized is mentioned, suggesting a problem with the car's antenna. Travis, another individual in the video, works on the car's software to potentially enhance its performance, while Tarish shares his excitement about the car's capabilities.
🏎️ Testing the Tesla's Performance and Discussing its Value
Tarish test drives the Tesla and is impressed by its acceleration, even in non-performance trim. They discuss the car's value, considering its price and the potential cost of replacing the battery. Tarish highlights the savings on fuel and the convenience of home charging. The video concludes with a humorous exchange about trading cars and a reminder about the importance of not using autopilot to engage in distracting activities while driving.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Tesla Model S
💡Autopilot
💡Dual Motors
💡Battery longevity
💡Key fob issues
💡Regenerative braking
💡Car history report
💡Suspension components
💡Ludicrous mode
💡Electric vehicle maintenance
💡Vehicle range
Highlights
Tarish discusses the surprising purchase of a Tesla Model S by his friend Rex, who never thought he would own an electric car.
The Tesla Model S 90D was bought for an unexpectedly low price of $17,000, which is considered a great deal.
The car has a range of approximately 52,000 miles, making it a good buy for the price paid.
Rex highlights the practicality of the Tesla, including its good looks, power, fuel efficiency, and spacious trunk.
The Tesla's minimalistic interior features a large central screen for controls and entertainment.
Autopilot functionality is a significant selling point, although Tarish clarifies that it does not mean the car can drive itself.
The car is equipped with three 360-degree cameras and has a frunk (front trunk) for additional storage.
Rex shares his excitement about the car's features, including the keyless entry system controlled via smartphone.
A visit to Electrified Garage reveals common failure points of older Model S's, such as suspension bushings and ball joints.
The battery in the Tesla is protected by a titanium skid plate due to early issues with battery punctures.
Tarish and Chris from Electrified Garage discuss the possibility of modifying the Tesla for better performance.
The Tesla's battery life is a concern for many, but the second-generation batteries are more reliable and can last over 150,000 miles.
Electrified Garage offers a more cost-effective solution for battery issues compared to the high prices from Tesla.
The car has an issue with the audio system, but a potential solution is discovered by checking the amplifier and speakers.
The car's acceleration is impressive, especially considering it's not a performance-oriented model.
Tarish emphasizes the savings on fuel costs by owning a Tesla and the convenience of charging at home.
Rex is pleased with his Tesla purchase and considers it a fantastic deal, despite potential concerns about the battery.
The video concludes with a humorous moment where Tarish pretends to negotiate a trade with Rex for his other car.
