# Tesla Model S 55 Hacker News commenters recommended Tesla Model S and 59 criticized it, November 2025 to November 2026. It was recommended in 12 of 13 months; owners who said how long report a median of 10 years (11 owners). **Verdict:** Owners praise its fast acceleration, long range and durability, with many reporting cars still running well after a decade. Critics point to build quality and touchscreen-heavy controls. ## Why people recommend it - Lasts a decade with few repairs (4 comments): "Only wiper fluid and tires and had to change out break disks in the front but besides that, nothing." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49688180)) "after eight years of EV driving (2015 Tesla S 70D) I am not anticipating any problems." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46757326)) "My 2013 Model S is still going strong, still gets software updates." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47424177)) - Quick acceleration and high top speed (3 comments): "Tesla model S accelerates faster and has a higher top speed, and also more range on a smaller battery" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48275552)) "incredible acceleration, and looks pretty normal and practical" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49696844)) "Tesla has completely dominated acceleration vs ice cars" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46701656)) - Long range on the battery (3 comments): "My ancient 2015 Model S 70D would do that 300 mile journey with less than an hour of charging in the middle." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49846814)) "one of the most (if not the most) practical electric vehicles on account of range alone" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46809417)) "still 320 miles of EPA range which is a lot better than many other EVs" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47142233)) - Roomy, comfortable, quiet ride (2 comments): "the S is roomier, the seats are more comfortable, the dash screen is helpful, the ride is plush and quiet" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46856265)) "Bigger battery, larger center console and the cabin is slightly more premium." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46806871)) ## What people warn about - Poor build quality and fit (4 comments): "my model s, supposedly a good build year is absolutely crappy and feels like a cheap piece of plastic" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46065128)) "Terribly put together. Awful interface. And so utterly fucking distracting it was a liability." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47374554)) "Even people paying $100K for a Model S Plaid end up with things coming unglued or misaligned." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48283102)) - Controls moved to touchscreen, disliked (4 comments): "Tesla did test out the new steering yoke and removing the control stalks in the S: both features were met with tepid reception and partially rolled back." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46805381)) "Lucid does something similar to Tesla where too much (IMO) is controlled through the touchscreen." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46812333)) "Terribly put together. Awful interface. And so utterly fucking distracting it was a liability." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47374554)) - Owner reports of malfunctions and waits (3 comments): "several reviews have not exactly been kind, along with lots of comments from owners about annoying issues and malfunctions" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46809264)) "A friend of mine just sold his Model S because he'd been waiting over 7 months for the shop to source a replacement part." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46979565)) "my model S chimed at me to drive into the intersection while sitting at a red light" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47092589)) ## Alternatives hackers recommend - [Xiaomi SU7](https://hackerapproved.com/p/xiaomi-su7.md): 20 recommend - [BYD Seal](https://hackerapproved.com/p/byd-seal.md): 18 recommend - [Hyundai Ioniq 6](https://hackerapproved.com/p/hyundai-ioniq-6.md): 10 recommend - [Lucid Air](https://hackerapproved.com/p/lucid-air.md): 9 recommend ## Where to get it - [Visit the official site](https://www.tesla.com/models) ## Cite as Hacker Approved, "Tesla Model S", https://hackerapproved.com/p/tesla-model-s/ (counts from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026).