Tesla Y - Family Car?

Anonymous
We're expecting our first child and my old car that never gets driven any longer thanks to WFH is in need of replacement. We're historically a Mazda family but spouse wants me to get a Tesla Y "because it drives itself." I know this is a new model so I'm not expecting anyone to have any direct experience, but any insight from other Tesla owners, particularly the X as to reliability, family-friendliness, and safety would be appreciated.
Anonymous
We’ve had our X for going on five years, and purchased it after having our third child and needing a bigger car. I really love it as a family car, in no small part because it’s one of the safest vehicles on the road. It’s nearly impossible to roll over, which is an issue with many larger “family cars. We’ve found it can fit a great deal between the front and rear trunks, so that’s a plus. It’s reasonably reliable; the biggest issue has been more flat tires than with most cars, because it’s so heavy. Keep in mind that it’s not Honda/Toyota-level reliability, but for us, the trade-offs are well worth it. When our second car (an elderly Prius) finally kicks the bucket, we’ll get a 3 or a Y.
Anonymous
We’ve had a Model S for years and recently got a Y. We love it as a family car. There is a ton of trunk space and we got the 3rd row for when we do carpool.
Anonymous
PP - I would be interested in your thoughts on S vs Y as a family car. I much prefer the styling and cockpit layout of the S and it's not too far behind the Y in cargo space, but it is still a bit smaller.
(Family of 4 here, plus two dogs.)
Anonymous
Test drove my neighbors. It would not be big enough for me. But YMMV.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:PP - I would be interested in your thoughts on S vs Y as a family car. I much prefer the styling and cockpit layout of the S and it's not too far behind the Y in cargo space, but it is still a bit smaller.
(Family of 4 here, plus two dogs.)


The S is tight with 4 people and 2 dogs. The Y gives you the option of 6 or 7 seats which has made a huge difference for us on providing a comfortable spot for the dog. I’d go with the 7 seater Y.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:We're expecting our first child and my old car that never gets driven any longer thanks to WFH is in need of replacement. We're historically a Mazda family but spouse wants me to get a Tesla Y "because it drives itself." I know this is a new model so I'm not expecting anyone to have any direct experience, but any insight from other Tesla owners, particularly the X as to reliability, family-friendliness, and safety would be appreciated.


Family of 3 young kids, X and Y owner. If you are planning on road trips, the 6 seater X is unbeatable. Closest thing to the utility of a minivan without being a minivan lol. The utility of the second row captain seats and the middle aisle are great and the floor is spacious enough to nap in during a road trip. Model Y is also great. With only 1 kid, I would recommend the 5 seater Y or X. Plenty of room and floor space, very spacious trunk/cargo.

Considerations
- MX is the most comfortable and luxurious ride (soft close doors that automatically open and close). Refresh model has a screen for the second row...
- MY is half the price of the MX and honestly makes a lot more sense for 1 or 2 kid families.

Either way, you will love the car, they are both light years ahead of anything in the market and an absolute joy to drive.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:PP - I would be interested in your thoughts on S vs Y as a family car. I much prefer the styling and cockpit layout of the S and it's not too far behind the Y in cargo space, but it is still a bit smaller.
(Family of 4 here, plus two dogs.)


The S is tight with 4 people and 2 dogs. The Y gives you the option of 6 or 7 seats which has made a huge difference for us on providing a comfortable spot for the dog. I’d go with the 7 seater Y.


Y does not have a 6 seat option. Only the X.
Anonymous
Pretty sure the Y does have a third row option.
Anonymous
Just know that the car does not in fact "drive itself".

If that is why your wife wants it, she will be disappointed.
Anonymous
We’re in our second X and love it. Have 4 kids and the captains chairs are great. Toyed with the bench seating to get one more person but prefer the captains chairs.
Anonymous
Family of 4 with a model 3 as our primary car. Kids are in elementary school. Yes, it’s smaller than our previous SUV but it’s also been perfectly fine. We don’t feel smushed and have found it has a lot more storage then it appears. I think a Y would feel very similar to a small SUV. It is a joy to drive.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Family of 4 with a model 3 as our primary car. Kids are in elementary school. Yes, it’s smaller than our previous SUV but it’s also been perfectly fine. We don’t feel smushed and have found it has a lot more storage then it appears. I think a Y would feel very similar to a small SUV. It is a joy to drive.


Same. We have a model 3 and a regular SUV, and we actually take the 3 on road trips because it has more room for our stuff, even golf clubs.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:We're expecting our first child and my old car that never gets driven any longer thanks to WFH is in need of replacement. We're historically a Mazda family but spouse wants me to get a Tesla Y "because it drives itself." I know this is a new model so I'm not expecting anyone to have any direct experience, but any insight from other Tesla owners, particularly the X as to reliability, family-friendliness, and safety would be appreciated.


Family of 3 young kids, X and Y owner. If you are planning on road trips, the 6 seater X is unbeatable. Closest thing to the utility of a minivan without being a minivan lol. The utility of the second row captain seats and the middle aisle are great and the floor is spacious enough to nap in during a road trip. Model Y is also great. With only 1 kid, I would recommend the 5 seater Y or X. Plenty of room and floor space, very spacious trunk/cargo.

Considerations
- MX is the most comfortable and luxurious ride (soft close doors that automatically open and close). Refresh model has a screen for the second row...
- MY is half the price of the MX and honestly makes a lot more sense for 1 or 2 kid families.

Either way, you will love the car, they are both light years ahead of anything in the market and an absolute joy to drive.


OP here, thanks so much for the breakdown!
Anonymous
Yes, do it!
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