Model Y (new/mildly used) vs used Model X vs used Model S vs Cybertruck — what would you buy in 2026?

Cybertruck

Technically, the Cybertruck is the newest platform, not the Y. The 3/Y platform are essentially 10 years old... March 2016 is when the Model 3 debuted. I've had two Model 3s, a Model S Plaid and now have a Cybertruck coming any day now. So my bias is to the Cybertruck.

MS all the way, it’s a way more enjoyable car. However the MY will check more boxes and you won’t have to worry about nuisance issues like our door handles. I got a MS after wife’s car died and she consumed my MY, it was a blessing in disguise 😇 https://preview.redd.it/m80wp2icjbog1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4b3334d1561989277573dd79ff537a009c3debb1

https://preview.redd.it/hcyxyhwwlbog1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=85953a32e6b076f4f6545605e0bfff71ddc960f0 Had a pickup truck slam into me full swing into the side, this is all it did to the door, tbh if it wasn’t for the metal wedging itself in there full speed it probably wouldn’t have been noticeable Cybertruck for safety

Model y all the way

Wow! that is really awesome. Do you mind sharing more insights into the cybertruck? I don't want to spend 80k but not finding many used ones.

Any particular reason?

Any particular reason?

Got it! Any particular reason to get the cybertruck? and what are the best possible ways to find a good used cybertruck? any chance I can get it under 60k?

Got it, thanks for the insight! Are you worred about them discontinuing MS? like they wouldn't prioritize updates and stop support to it?

Zero concerns, though my MS isn’t getting much besides what I’d guess are security patches. HW3 fsd is stuck with 12.6.4 indefinitely and mcu2 cant handle all the modern toybox stuff.

There's not many used available for sale, and most are $70K+ You might need to wait a few years. As for "why"... just find one to test drive. Every other Tesla will feel "old".

Definitely not a Cybertruck; it isn't as comfortable as other Teslas unless you're a truck guy or really need a truck. Also, it will cost you 70% more in electricity to run compared to the Y. Not the X or S either. If you're willing to pay that much, there are many brands that are much more luxurious and have way better build quality you can buy. Tesla is a cheaply made car and becomes outdated quickly, so just get a Model Y or 3 and exchange them every 3-4 years.

Sent you a DM dude I get this question all the time at work!

You say model Y is less comfort, any reason why? I just got my model Y and it is a lot more comfy than my 2021 model 3. They’ve dialed in suspension issues pretty well for the juniper. It is super quiet too. Granted, I might be biased as my butt have not been graced with sitting in the S or X. I did get to demo the Cyberbeast. Cybertruck doesn’t seem any more comfy than the Y imo. The Y is the best selling vehicle for a reason so my choice is the Y

get HW4 as a baseline. you can find them in Model S / X 2023 but you have to hunt. They're not always priced more than HW3 models either.

With that budget I’d get a new model Y and take advantage of the financing offer they have right now. The CT is out of your budget, even used. I would not get an S or X used unless you really want the form factor or size. Tesla has committed to servicing them for as long as they’re on the road, but that also means at some point parts are going to be hard to find and slower to arrive

Demoed a new y for a day and an x for a day last week. To me the x doesn’t give enough to justify the higher price tag. Then with the model x in the price range you are looking at you aren’t going to find a hw4 model and there is a big difference between the hw3 and hw4 fsd. If you can find a hw4 model x in that price range then I would go for it but based off what I am seeing, I would get a newer used y than an older software x.

I like the MS Plaid if you can get one with HW4. The acceleration at all speeds is brain-numbing if you floor it. It’s a quiet riding, good handling car that looks terrific. The variable height adjustment and air cushioned ride are things you won’t get in a Model Y. The lift back and folding rear seats allow an amazing degree of hauling space when needed. It’s a beautiful car. The X falcon wing doors are troublesome and the second row seats limit use of the vehicle for bulky loads. The Model Y is a good car and a very good value, but it’s a notch below the Model S in pride of ownership and luxury. I think the Model S will hold its value as a classic car. Some classic model nameplates, such as the Lincoln Continental and the Cadillac Eldorado, were offered for sale in some years and sometimes not, before the names were later attached to a routine line of luxury cars. We may see the Model S nameplate revived, particularly when Tesla begins to appreciate the damage to their brand caused by ditching their flagship model.

Model Y hands down over the others to meet the needs you've posted.

Why DM and not just share here?

More towards their specific scenario, happy to answer any questions in general but for this person specifically they have their needs rather than supplying surface level advice

Do you want a sedan (S), SUV (X/Y), or truck (CT)? But the Y would probably be the sweet spot between low maintenance and road trip comfort. The S/X discontinuation wouldn't affect my decision unless I wanted an S or an X.

The cyber truck is really comfortable. I like sedans though so the s would be my choice.

Cybertruck is the best vehicle that Tesla makes. It’s extremely safe, comfortable, has the best technology, is the most versatile, and is actually holding its value so far better than any other Tesla as well. Spend a day driving one and you’ll realize the others are inferior.

It is a nice car. If you have a home charger then you have it made.

Used model X hands down. I own a Y and have driven 3 and X a fair bit. The model Y is a very practical DD but a new Juniper is the last car on this list I would ever consider - it's been watered down compared to the previous model to make you pay for basic features as "premium" and subscription options. Doesn't even have autopilot. Very associated with far-right politics. I'd go with a different brand over this car. If you want a Y, get a used one that has way better features for less money. Don't buy a new one. A used X comes with Advanced Autopilot, which has summon and is halfway to FSD. If you have kids or need more space, the gull wing doors are just incredibly nice for easy access. It's like a super cool minivan in terms of convenience. Unlike the Y it has a fully usable third row - and captains chairs. And they are so, so cool. Lots of other premium features like fully opening and closing the passenger door with a button to let your passenger in. I might actually consider swapping my Y for a used X once I'm ready to replace it.

Cybertruck is THE most comfortable Tesla. Yall just be saying anything on here.

The Y got the upgraded comfort suspension in 2023. That might be what you are noticing. It's much better over the older suspension. But compared to an old school Cadillac or air ride suspension; it really is a different league. My grandpa's caddy could drive over potholes, and you would never notice. A lazy boy on wheels. I miss the days when comfort was the sole focus. Too many companies trying to make everything a sports competition.

IMHO FSD will get the most training on Model Y and then CT so those are the ones to get if you want to use FSD