We have shared our Tesla Model Y delivery process, the accessories we have installed, how much we paid, as well as how long we waited for our Tesla. In this blog post, I’m going to share with you what I wish I knew before buying our 2021 Tesla Model Y, plus what has changed for buyers in 2026.
2026 update: buying a Tesla Model Y now
Updated November 2026. Our experience below is from a 2021 Model Y. The lineup has changed a lot since then, so here is what you’re choosing between today. Check tesla.com/modely for current pricing and delivery estimates before you order.
The 2026 Model Y lineup (US)
- Model Y Standard, rear-wheel drive: new for 2026; EPA-estimated 321 miles on 18-inch wheels
- Model Y Standard, all-wheel drive: 294 miles
- Model Y Premium, rear-wheel drive (the old Long Range RWD): 357 miles on 19-inch wheels
- Model Y Premium, all-wheel drive (the old Long Range AWD): 327 miles
- Model Y Performance: 306 miles on 21-inch wheels
- Model Y L: a longer three-row version seating up to six, orderable in the US since July 2026 as the AWD Launch edition, with 325 miles of EPA-estimated range
What to know before you order
- Range estimates drop in cold weather, as we learned in a Boston winter, so size your choice for January, not July.
- If you need room for six, the Model Y L is the only Model Y with a third row right now.
- Delivery estimates vary by trim and change often; Tesla shows the current estimate when you configure the car. Our Tesla wait time post shows how ours played out in 2021.
- Bring our delivery day checklist with you; it caught real issues on our car.
The Negative Aspects of Tesla Ownership
Let’s start with the negative things I wish I knew before buying a 2021 Tesla Model Y.
The first thing I wish I knew was that the car would have some issues upon delivery that needed to be resolved. Thankfully, we took our time to prepare our delivery checklist, which helped us find the things that needed to be fixed. We had our rear driver’s side door repaired on delivery day and then a few weeks later we had our charge port replaced by Tesla Mobile Service.
The second thing I wish I knew is related to the cold weather. Unfortunately, cold weather negatively affects your range, and by cold weather, I mean a temperature of about 50 degrees. Of course, I knew that range would be affected by temperature, but I thought “cold” would be around or below freezing, not 50 degrees which is so common in the Northeast. So, expect your range to quickly decrease in “cool” temperatures.
The third thing I wish I knew is that charging a Tesla would be annoying at first. When you first buy a Tesla, you will have constant range anxiety. During our first road trips, we kept searching for charge points just to be safe in terms of range.
The last negative thing is needing a key fob. The phone application and the credit card are annoying to use. To unlock the car, you must tap the card on a very specific spot of the door, and then tap on the center console to drive. On the other hand, the key fob gives you normal keyless entry like any other luxury car, and it’s also a great way to ease the transition to the Tesla lifestyle from an ICE vehicle.
The Positive Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying a Tesla Model Y
First, once you get to know your new Tesla, you will love the process of charging it. The cost is way lower than gas and ends up being more convenient. Once you have a routine, the whole process is a no-brainer.
The next thing is that you will love one-pedal driving. One pedal driving is a term that applies to EVs meaning that you only use the accelerator pedal to drive because when you lift off the accelerator the car slows as if you are pressing the brake pedal because of something called “regenerative braking.” This is achieved by releasing the accelerator almost at the same speed you would press the brake on a normal gas car. Once you get used to this you will love it and it makes driving so intuitive.
Finally, the last thing I wish I knew about Tesla before buying one is that autopilot is truly amazing, and you’ll end up loving it. It makes highway driving easy and less stressful, which I believe is one of the best-selling points of a Tesla.
I hope this helps answer your questions about the Tesla ownership experience, be sure to read all about our Delivery Day experience, our Model Y starter kit and our favorite Tesla accessories.
Favorite Tesla Accessories
Check out our favorite Tesla accessories below; they are all available on Amazon.
FAQ
What Model Y trims are available in 2026?
In the US: Standard (RWD and AWD), Premium (RWD and AWD), Performance and the three-row Model Y L.
Which Model Y has the longest range?
The Model Y Premium rear-wheel drive, at an EPA-estimated 357 miles on 19-inch wheels.
Does the Tesla Model Y have a third row?
Yes, the Model Y L seats up to six across three rows.
How long is the Tesla Model Y wait time?
It varies by trim and changes often; Tesla shows a delivery estimate when you configure your car online. Ours took the time we describe in our wait time post.