Hey folks, welcome back! Today, I want to share my recent experience with Tesla’s new Quick Silver Model Y. I managed to get my hands on one from Tesla Scottdale, complete with full self-driving capabilities, and I’m excited to give you all the details.
The new Quick Silver color option caught my eye, and I was eager to see it in different lighting conditions and share my thoughts. Plus, there’s an amazing financing deal right now—0.99% through the end of May—which makes this an irresistible time to consider buying a Model Y.
Table of contents
- First Impressions and Key Features
- Financing: Why Now is a Great Time
- The Full Self-Driving Experience
- Build Quality and Ride Comfort
- Exterior and Color Options
- Driving Dynamics and Efficiency
- Future Updates and Expectations
- The Reality of EV Adoption
- Final Thoughts and Recommendations
- Considering Your Purchase
- Customization and Personalization
- Wrapping Up
First Impressions and Key Features
The first thing you’ll notice about the new Model Y is its sleek Quick Silver finish. Under sunlight, it has a unique shine that’s more subdued than the traditional Mercedes silver, but with a modern, almost futuristic look.
But looks aren’t everything. This Model Y came equipped with Tesla’s full self-driving package. It’s worth noting that Tesla has recently reduced the monthly subscription for full self-driving from $12,000 to $99 a month, making it more accessible.
Initially, I was skeptical about paying for full self-driving, but given the significant price drop, it seemed worth a try.
Financing: Why Now is a Great Time
Let’s dive into the financing deal. Currently, Tesla offers 0.99% financing through the end of May. To put this in perspective, consider a standard car loan at 6.49% for well-qualified buyers.
On a $47,900 Model Y over 60 months, you’d typically pay around $7,499 in interest. With Tesla’s 0.99% deal, the interest drops to just over $1,000. Essentially, you’re getting a near-free loan, which, coupled with potential gas savings, makes this an outstanding offer.
The Full Self-Driving Experience
With the full self-driving feature activated, driving the Model Y felt almost futuristic. Tesla offers a 7 or 30-day free trial of full self-driving for new owners, which is a great way to test out the feature before committing.
While driving, I noticed several improvements over previous models. The sound deadening is significantly better, with double-paned glass and additional insulation in the door panels, creating a quieter cabin. This improvement is particularly noticeable at higher speeds or on rough roads.
Build Quality and Ride Comfort
I own a 2020 Model Y, and the difference in build quality is immediately apparent. Everything feels tighter and more refined. The ride quality has also improved, especially in the performance model, which has seen the most significant adjustments.
At slower speeds, the ride feels solid and controlled, thanks in part to the 19-inch Gemini wheels. The black interior is another highlight, with a more premium feel compared to earlier models. However, I’m not a fan of the wood paneling—white interiors might be a better choice if you prefer a cleaner look.
For those interested in customization, I recommend Fusion Motorsports. They offer a matte carbon fiber dash that uses OEM parts, providing a high-quality, cohesive look. This upgrade is a small but effective way to enhance the interior without significant changes.
Exterior and Color Options
Now, let’s talk about the exterior. The Quick Silver color is stunning, though I think the $2,000 price tag for this paint option is a bit steep. I’d suggest it should be priced around $1,000. Despite this, the color is a fresh addition to Tesla’s palette, and I’m excited to see more unique colors available.
The Model Y I tested also came with Pirelli all-season tires, featuring some form of noise-canceling technology. This addition contributes to the overall quiet ride.
This particular model, the long-range version, boasts 310 miles of range with the 19-inch wheels and 292 miles with the black induction wheels.
Driving Dynamics and Efficiency
The 19-inch wheels strike a good balance between ride comfort and efficiency. They provide excellent handling and a smooth ride, making them ideal for daily driving. If you prefer a sportier feel, the black induction wheels offer better steering response, though at the cost of a slightly firmer ride.
One of the standout features of the Model Y is the processor and screen. Everything operates faster and more smoothly compared to my 2020 model. The reduced latency and quicker response times make for a more enjoyable driving experience, especially when using the full self-driving features.
Future Updates and Expectations
There’s a lot of speculation about Tesla’s future updates, particularly the rumored Juniper model, which many expect to arrive by 2026. Given the slow rollout of changes for the Model 3, it’s unlikely we’ll see a major overhaul for the Model Y in the immediate future. However, continuous minor improvements keep the Model Y competitive in the rapidly evolving EV market.
The Reality of EV Adoption
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular, but there’s still a long way to go. Many manufacturers produce what I call compliance cars—vehicles made to meet regulatory requirements rather than consumer demand. This issue is less prevalent with Tesla, which remains a leader in the EV space.
Dealerships often struggle to sell electric vehicles outside of states like California, where demand is higher. Tesla, however, consistently improves its product, ensuring that people buy a Tesla not just because it’s electric, but because it’s the best option available.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
After spending time with the new Quick Silver Model Y, I’m thoroughly impressed. The improvements in build quality, sound deadening, and ride comfort make it a significant upgrade over previous models. The full self-driving feature, especially at the reduced monthly rate, adds considerable value.
The 0.99% financing offer is another compelling reason to consider purchasing a Model Y now. This deal, combined with potential gas savings, makes it an economically smart choice.
Considering Your Purchase
If you’re contemplating buying a Tesla Model Y, now is an excellent time. The combination of improved features, attractive financing options, and ongoing enhancements to the vehicle’s software and build quality make it a standout choice.
To make the most informed decision, consider your driving needs and how an electric vehicle can fit into your lifestyle. The long-range capabilities and efficiency of the Model Y make it suitable for both daily commutes and longer trips.
Customization and Personalization
Don’t forget the customization options available. Whether it’s upgrading the interior with Fusion Motorsports’ matte carbon fiber dash or choosing the right wheels for your driving style, there are plenty of ways to make your Model Y uniquely yours.
Wrapping Up
I hope this detailed look at the new Quick Silver Model Y and my personal experiences with it helps you in your decision-making process.
Tesla continues to push the envelope with their vehicles, and the Model Y is no exception. From its striking new color option to the advanced self-driving features and unbeatable financing deal, there are plenty of reasons to consider making the switch to a Tesla Model Y.
If you have any questions or need further insights, feel free to reach out in the comment section below.
