Car Dealer Says Don’t Buy the 2026 Tesla Model S. Then He Says It’s Not Just the Money
‘You can get that in the 2025.'
A car dealer argues that folks looking to buy a Model S Plaid should consider going for a 2025 over a 2026 Tesla. JJ (@jjdealswheels) uploaded a now-viral TikTok that explains his logic.
For JJ, and many who agreed in the comments, the thinking is simple: Buy the technology when it's proven, not when it's new.
The price matters, too.
2025 Tesla Model S Plain Vs. 2026: Which One To Get?
Both the 2025 and 2026 Model S Plaid drivetrains boast a maximum horsepower and torque of 1,020 and 1,050 respectively. The newer model does reportedly get a range boost of 20 miles: 368 for the 2026 versus the 2025 interactions 348.
But the 2026 Model S Plaid is built on a new platform, though it doesn’t seem like there’s all that much of a difference between the newer refresh and 2025’s offering.
Autoblog seems to corroborate this, stating that the 2026 refresh was “quietly” updated. Although, the website does report that initial perceptions speak to a quieter overall cabin and smoothing driving and steering experience in the vehicle. This perception was echoed by another Tesla enthusiast on Reddit, who gushed about the upgraded Model S Plaid.
JJ begins his video with a recording of a slate grey Tesla Model S.
According to him, purchasing a 2025 vehicle from the auto manufacturer is a better bet than opting for the brand’s newer offerings. “Why you should buy the 2025 Tesla not 2026,” he writes in a text overlay in his clip.
First, JJ hypothesizes that because the platform in which the Model S has been built upon is a few years old, Tesla’s engineers have perfected this manufacturing process. He argues that since the 2025 is the last model year of this particular platform, any recurring issues and how to subsequently address them have already been addressed by Tesla’s team. “One main reason is because the 2025 is off the same platform as the 2021. So all the little bugs have been tweaked.”
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Following this, he walks over to the Model S’s driver’s side door and pops it up. He peeks his camera inside the car’s cabin, revealing its white, bucket seats. According to JJ, and others online as well, this option is available to those who buy a 2025 Model S Plaid Performance. “Another reason is if you like these performance seats you can get that in the 2025,” the TikToker remarks.
Saving Money
He says that folks can save a significant chunk of change if they opt for the earlier model year Tesla. Indeed, 2025 models can be had for around $10,000 less than their 2026 counterparts, which start at $86,630, according to Tesla’s website.
He contends that the additional features aren't worth the upcharge, either. “What are you getting? You’re getting a front camera, you’re getting ambient lighting. And I think they said something about suspension,” JJ rattles off.
However, he believes that the rims that come with the 2025 Model S Plaid are more aesthetically pleasing than the ones offered on the 2026 variant. “But you won’t be getting these nice wheels,” he remarks, zooming into the lower portion of the vehicle.
Furthermore, JJ tells folks that if they really do want these updated features on their 2025, they can have them installed in their cars after the fact. Not to mention, that these after-the-fact upgrades will more than likely be easier on someone’s wallet than just purchasing them standard. “And with all that being said all of that can be added at a lower cost than what they may be charging you for a 2026,” he says.
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To close out his video, he reiterates that he feels more comfortable purchasing the last model year of a particular vehicle’s platform. Conversely, getting the first model year of a platform could potentially open customers up to bearing the brunt of growing pains that presumably comes with the manufacturing processes of a new platform.
“Now mind you I’m making this video in the year of 2025, so if you have a 2026 let me know. But I just feel like it’s something about getting that last year model, versus that first year model,” he says at the end of his clip.
Last Gen Auto Purchases: A Better Deal?
Many auto enthusiasts would concur with JJ’s logic when it comes to purchasing the “first gen” year of a new car release, even if the 2026 Model S Plaid seems more like a refresh than a re-imagining. “You will usually see more production issues in the first year models,” one person in this Reddit post remarked in a discussion on this same topic.
Additionally, YouTuber @Realistick also shared his own experiences in buying the first model year of a vehicle over various automotive ownership experiences. Several folks also remarked that they, too, were tentative about buying the “latest and greatest” iterations of a car. One person who replied to his clip said that while taking an analytical approach to car buying may be boring, high car costs are a “make or break” financial decisions for most people. They added, “Waiting a couple years also allows buyers to consider long term user reviews and insurance rates rather than just whatever C&D had to say on the first drive.”
Although there was one Tesla Model 3 owner who stated that they bought a 2022 Model 3 which was technically “6 years into the production run.” They added that the car “has a leaking trunk.” And after bringing the vehicle to a Tesla service center on five separate occasions, a service guy said, “this car only came out in 2017 so it’s a really new design.” By this logic, even a few years in a production run may not be enough to iron out any kinks that are only discovered through repetitive, real-world usage.
Tesla Fit and Finish
Concerns over build quality issues have circled Tesla as far back as the automaker gained market prominence. InsideEVs found the end result of a fully assembled Tesla “problematic,” but that there are other luxury automakers, when scrutinized, who can also be accused of not being as meticulous in their production output.
However, another YouTuber looked at the fit and finish of a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid. Their assessment highlights sticking points about the vehicle that some may find frustrating, whereas others would only consider minor annoyances.
As for the first-hand accounts regarding the overall quality of Teslas, this person seemed overwhelmingly satisfied with their vehicle. In a comment on this r/TeslaLounge Reddit post, one person penned that their ‘22 Model S had a “superb” fit and finish. “I have zero complaints and tons of praise. My only regret is that I didn’t buy one sooner,” they remarked.
Although Car Connection thought otherwise when it came to the 2025 Tesla Model S. Their assessment suggests that JJ’s notions about Tesla tweaking the vehicle over the platform’s lifespan may be presumptuous. The outlet penned, “despite its high price tag, the Model S doesn’t feel as luxurious as its competitors. The interior materials and design lack the premium feel found in rivals…build quality remains a persistent issue. With reports of squeaks, rattles, and ill-fitting trim—problems that shouldn’t exist in a vehicle at this price point.”
InsideEVs has reached out to JJ via TikTok comment for further information.
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