Should You Purchase the Tesla Model X in 2023? A Thorough Analysis

Before the end of the year, the Tesla Model X has never been cheaper, and it's unclear whether it will qualify for the federal tax credit in 2024 if you live in the US. This article delves into the pros and cons of purchasing the Model X, providing a comprehensive guide to help you decide if it's a good buy in 2023.

The Current State of the Market

The Tesla Model X has been a popular choice for those looking for an electric luxury SUV. However, with the release of the Model Y Juniper in mid to late 2024, which is expected to come with some improvements, there's some uncertainty around whether the Model X will see further updates or continue to be produced.

As of 2023, Tesla sold 1.3 million cars, of which just 17,500 were Model X. This indicates that the demand for the Model X is not as high compared to other models like the Model S, 3, and Y. Given the limited production, it's unclear if Tesla will continue making the Model X in the future.

Pros of the Tesla Model X

For those looking for a spacious and luxurious electric SUV that can seat as many as 7 people, the Tesla Model X is a viable option. It offers a competitive range and is significantly cheaper to operate than many of its counterparts, such as the Porsche and Audi electric SUV models.

Cons of the Tesla Model X

Build Quality and Depreciation

The build quality of the Model X is often criticized. According to one owner, they had to take their car to the service center 8 times in the first year, and the materials and finish are subpar. Depreciation is a significant concern as the new owner may face issues with maintaining the value of the car, especially if they have to pay for each repair.

In a short period, Tesla offered a 52% trade-in value on a 10-month-old single-owner car with less than 10,000 km on the clock. This confirms the poor build quality and depreciation rates of the Model X.

Safety Concerns

The safety of the Model X is another point of contention. The rear seats lack removable headrests, making it difficult to fit child seats correctly. Additionally, recessed seat belts are challenging for children to adjust, and the seat belt warning system may not work if a child seat is installed. The driver's experience is also compromised by the subpar design, with intermittent wipers and cluttered, rattling controls.

Furthermore, the visibility is poor, especially for rear passengers, and there is a risk of clipping pedestrians due to the FWD setup. The doors and panels fit are comical, with noticeable rises and falls, making the FWD setup problematic.

Operational Challenges

The operational aspects of the Tesla Model X present further challenges. Despite the promise of over-the-air updates and advanced features like autopark and autopilot, these features often fail to deliver. Version 9.0 of the update is still not providing the value promised, and issues like intermittent wipers and poor visibility persist.

Superchargers

While superchargers offer convenience, they are not available in Ireland, where only 3 or 4 are located. Tesla helpline support for these locations is limited, indicating that for users in specific regions, superchargers may not be a significant advantage.

Conclusion

After considering both the pros and cons, it seems that the Tesla Model X is not a particularly good choice for purchasing in 2023. If you're willing to wait until the first quarter of 2024 to see if any new incentives or price drops are offered, it might be worth considering then.

For those who don't mind driving a Tesla and require a minivan-like vehicle, the Tesla Model X could be a good choice. However, it's important to address the build quality, safety concerns, and operational challenges before making any decision.

Alternative options like the Tesla Model S, Model 3, or even the Porsche or Audi electric SUVs may be better choices in terms of reliability and market demand. If you're looking for a more comfortable and reliable electric SUV, consider models like the Jaguar I-PACE or BMW iX3.