A mechanic has named the Tesla Model Y as the most comfortable used electric vehicle on the road, ahead of rivals from BMW, Hyundai and Renault.
Matt Cleevely, managing director of Cleevely Motors in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, specialises in electric vehicles but also works on combustion-engined cars. Given a £20,000 budget, he said he would ignore petrol and diesel cars and choose a used Tesla Model Y.
Why the Tesla Model Y stands out
“I would choose a long-range Tesla Model Y, single rear motor, because it is one of the most comfortable and versatile cars on the road,” Cleevely told the Telegraph. “The range is plenty, at around 250-280 miles, plus the Supercharger network is brilliant.”
Auto Express echoed the sentiment, stating: “Tesla has gradually enhanced the comfort of the Model Y as the years have passed. It has a firmer edge at higher speeds (making it one of the more unsettled choices in the class), but there’s greater sophistication than before and it’s only upset by the most severe potholes and undulations.”
Driving dynamics and price
The magazine added: “Body roll is pretty well contained in corners, and grip is relatively strong through a balanced chassis that edges towards understeer when pushed. It’s easy to reach that limit, because the hyper-sensitive steering makes it easy to turn the front axle faster than the chassis can handle. Given that the steering has a gloopy feel and precious little feedback, driving the Model Y with enthusiasm is not very enjoyable.”
Depending on mileage, used Model Ys can be bought for as little as £18,000 – a fraction of the £41,990 retail price of the entry-level model.
Other mechanics' top picks for comfort
For a non-electric option, mechanics Alex Alfano, owner of north London garage Diagnostic Service & Repairs (DSR), and Robert Hannah, owner of East Kilbride Autocare, both highlighted the Audi A6 Avant estate in 3.0-litre automatic form as a high-powered yet economical and comfortable choice with plenty of space.
James Dudley, founder of Automotive Cardiff, favoured the Maserati Ghibli with a 3.0 V6 engine. He said: “It's comfortable and even though it’s Italian the quality is pretty damn good. Parts can be quite expensive but who cares, you own a Maserati.”
