Hey everyone, DennisCW here! Today, we're diving into a hot topic in the Tesla community: Is Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature worth the hefty $8,000 price tag—or the $100 monthly subscription? Tesla recently shared a thread inviting users to share their experiences with FSD, and I’ve got some thoughts to share based on their feedback, plus my own journey with this tech. Let’s break it down!
If you’ve followed my channel for a while, you know I used to be pretty skeptical about FSD. I wasn’t sold on the hype early on. But over time, as Tesla has rolled out updates and improved the system, I’ve come around. Now, I’d say it’s absolutely worth it—if you’re driving more than an hour to an hour and a half round trip daily. For shorter commutes, the value might not be as clear, but for longer drives, FSD can be a game-changer.
Tesla’s recent thread on social media showcased real-world experiences from FSD users, and the feedback is pretty compelling. Let’s highlight a few:
Brandon’s Take: Brandon shared a video saying, “Full Self-Driving Supervised drives me nearly everywhere hands-free.” I can relate to this. With FSD, you can often just sit back, relax, and let the car handle the heavy lifting. Sure, it might not always take the fastest route, but it will get you there.
Shaer’s Experience: Another user, Shaer, mentioned how invaluable FSD Supervised has been for daily drives across the Twin Cities metro area in any weather. He also makes frequent 520-mile road trips between Minneapolis and Des Moines. This is where FSD and Autopilot truly shine—on open highways with minimal traffic (or even moderate traffic). You can kick back, listen to a podcast, and let the car do the work.
Teslaomics’ Fun Moment: Teslaomics posted about “drinking my tea in peace with no warnings.” While you still need to keep a hand on the wheel (safety first!), it’s nice to enjoy a drink (non-alcoholic, of course) or a snack without stressing about the road.
These stories highlight how FSD can transform your driving experience, especially for long commutes or repetitive routes.
That said, FSD isn’t perfect. It’s still a computer at the end of the day, and computers do… well, computer things. There’s definitely a learning curve—for both you and the vehicle. You’ll need to get used to how it reacts, understand why it makes certain decisions, and trust the camera-based system. But once you’re past that initial adjustment, it becomes second nature.
If you’re on the fence about FSD, here’s some good news: Tesla currently offers a Full Self-Driving Transfer Program. This allows you to transfer FSD from your original Tesla to a new one, adding significant value if you’re upgrading or switching vehicles. It’s a great way to test the waters without committing to the full cost upfront.
So, is FSD worth it? If you’re someone who spends a lot of time behind the wheel—especially on highways or for long commutes—I’d say yes. It reduces stress, frees up mental energy, and makes driving more enjoyable. But if your daily drives are short or mostly in complex urban environments, you might want to hold off or try the subscription model first.
What are your thoughts? Have you bought a Tesla with FSD, or are you considering it? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experiences!
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Joah doesn’t stop at the basics. They’ve also got cool extras like a wireless game controller (fits perfectly in the glove box), a portable air compressor for peace of mind on road trips, and even an electric scooter—because why walk from the Supercharger to your destination?
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Full Self-Driving is an incredible piece of tech that’s only getting better with time. While it’s not for everyone, it offers undeniable value for frequent drivers. Whether you’re sipping tea on a long highway drive or just enjoying a hands-free commute, FSD can elevate your Tesla experience. Let me know what you think—have you tried FSD, or are you still on the fence?
Thanks for reading, and I’ll catch you in the next post!
-DennisCW
Tesla enthusiast and EV expert. Sharing tips on maximizing your Tesla ownership experience.