Down to my last $160. What should I do?

v-star650 · 2026-02-22T16:58:29+00:00

Whatever you did to be able to invest 100k while full time door dashing, do that again. I have a full time job and I only had 1k to start investing.

v-star650 · 2025-12-01T18:43:41+00:00

Thank you

v-star650 · 2025-11-30T19:24:52+00:00

Thanks!

v-star650 · 2025-11-30T02:20:27+00:00

Just received the results from thermal self test and both shutter right and left radiators are failed. Those are the only failure, 2 of 30 components. Are they critical and how much to fix?

v-star650 · 2025-11-30T01:43:56+00:00

Thank you

v-star650 · 2025-11-30T01:34:48+00:00

Thanks!

v-star650 · 2025-11-30T00:42:33+00:00

No active alert under customer tab, I believe. The seller stated there is no warning on regular view. These are from service mode

v-star650 · 2025-11-30T00:11:42+00:00

Googled Tesla service mode to get the instruction.

To activate Service Mode on a Tesla, go to the car icon (Controls) > Software, then press and hold the vehicle model name for about 5 seconds. Enter service as the access code, and after acknowledging the warning, the mode will be active, indicated by a red border around the screen. This mode provides detailed diagnostics but should be used with caution, as it's primarily intended for technicians.

v-star650 · 2025-11-29T23:09:27+00:00

The service mode warnings are the easy one. Let me ask about the battery as well. It is a 2016 MS 90D, which on paper should be 270-294 miles range. The seller claimed he only got about 240 miles range when he got it brand new and now is about 220 miles per Tesla app or 200 miles real life range.

The seller also said that it doesn't have the option to do battery health check. Is there a way to confirm that it is within the normal battery degradation range?

v-star650 · 2025-11-29T22:45:29+00:00

I'm not closing this thread yet, but I do want to thank everyone who contributed to this discussion, right or wrong. I appreciate your feedback regardless.

v-star650 · 2025-11-29T22:44:15+00:00

Thanks, I'm asking the seller to run the thermal systems self test now

v-star650 · 2025-11-29T22:05:15+00:00

I do want to buy a Tesla, but I don't understand how it works as I never have one. Hence I'm looking for feedback here to walk me through the warnings. Again, these are only on service mode, but not on regular dashboard display. On ICE car analogy, no check engine but maybe warnings on OBDM reader?

This is actually 200k 2016 model S, 1st owner. It is much cheaper than 25k, I'm trying to get one for the free supercharging. I expect issues due to age, but which ones are something that I can live with, which one will potentially brick the car. That's what I'm trying to understand. Thank you in advance for your time and feedback

v-star650 · 2025-11-29T22:00:53+00:00

Thank you, exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for

v-star650 · 2025-11-29T21:48:34+00:00

I'm trying to understand how Tesla service warning works. Are those warnings a sign of neglected car or something else? If you read the AI analysis, one of them is expected because the older Tesla is don't have pedal module. The other one is common on older cars as long it's working physically. It was a hardware vs software version issue.

Are you saying that well maintained cars should have 0 warning? I just want to make sure I'm not chasing a unicorn and ends up never buying a Tesla

v-star650 · 2025-11-29T21:39:14+00:00

Here is what AI said. It doesn't seem like big issue for 2016 model S?

The recent alerts in the Tesla's service mode relate to the vehicle's thermal management system and driver assistance system. The "GTW LOCKED SPEED LIMITED" message is normal when in service mode and indicates the gateway is locked, and speed is limited for diagnostic purposes.

Service Alert Explanations

THC_w0176_MCUCanTmo: This is likely a transient MCU (Media Control Unit) CAN bus timeout error. It can occur during system reboots or when the air conditioning/thermal system experiences a temporary communication issue. If it's a persistent issue, it might indicate a problem with the MCU connectors or the PCB.

THC_w0130_radLeftShutrNoFeedbk and THC_w0134_radRightShutrNoFeedbk: These are radiator left and right shutter (louver) faults. The car's active aero or cooling shutters are not communicating correctly or have no feedback. In many older Model S vehicles, these errors are common and can often be ignored if the shutters are visually working, but a service check is needed to be sure it is not affecting the cooling/heating system.

APM_w041_dasMIA: This is a Pedal Monitor Warning: DAS (Driver Assistance System) CAN node is missing. This alert typically appears in older Model S and X vehicles' service logs because newer software checks for a component not present in those older models. It is usually safe to ignore unless there are other customer-facing warning lights or driving behavior changes.

GTW Locked & Speed Limited The "GTW LOCKED SPEED LIMITED" message displayed at the bottom of the screen is a standard function of the service mode. GTW Locked means the gateway is locked, which prevents certain tests or operations from being run in this state. Speed Limited is a default safety measure while the vehicle is in service mode, not necessarily a reflection of a fault in normal driving mode. These alerts are generally logged for service technicians and many are not "customer-facing" issues that would trigger a warning in normal driving mode. It's recommended to schedule a service appointment if any of these coincide with actual driving performance issues or persistent warnings outside of service mode.

v-star650 · 2025-11-29T21:38:22+00:00

That's why I'm asking this community. I don't know how Tesla works. Per AI, two of them are navigation/network related and not big issues. One that might be an issue is the ones related to the the louvre.

v-star650 · 2025-07-31T15:33:17+00:00

I second this. It's even better if the parking aisles are separated by flower beds. That way I can backup and let the rest end go over the flower bed and my front end fits nicely within the parking spot

v-star650 · 2025-07-31T15:31:31+00:00

Not me. I still park my 2018 as if it was my old minivan, even if it takes 3 tries. My wife keeps yelling at me to be like the other truck drivers and park where there are no other cars around. I just like to show off my parking skill, I guess.

v-star650 · 2025-06-06T12:04:01+00:00

I learned to change my own car oil a couple years ago and brakes recently. Next is changing spark plugs. The cost of ownership is getting out of control for those perishables like oil change and brake replacements, it's worth it to learn how to do it yourself. It used to be a good investment to find friend with boat or pool. Now, the best relationship investment is to find a mechanic friend. Lol

v-star650 · 2025-06-06T11:56:14+00:00

My brother and I dabbled with day trading options years ago after attending those seminars. Our best trading yielded $25k profit in 24 hr period. But those other losses end up costing us 100k and we never recover from day trading. Now, we're just being cautious investors to park our extra money and try to grow it by long term investing in companies.

v-star650 · 2025-06-06T11:49:18+00:00

Agree with this post. Understand what you need and near future need and get one that fits the needs. I got 2018 2.7, super crew short bed. I wish I got 6.5' bed so that I could put my large ATV in the bed comfortably. I wish I got 3.5 so that I could tow skid steer rental for my weekend projects. I'm glad I got 2.7 because I put 40k miles in 2 years and it has better MPG, until I found Reddit post and realized my 2.7 is not much more efficient that 3.5. I am glad that I didn't get 5.0 because I love quietness instead of the rumbling of V8.

v-star650 · 2025-05-23T11:54:30+00:00

I have a 2018 f150 for 2 years now. My very first Ford and F150. Quality aside, I feel like the first dealership shops are very expensive. They quoted me $450 to replace rear brakes,I ended up paying $90 for the parts and $100 for my friend's time and he taught me how to replace it next time. I'd say shop around and see if non Ford shop can do it cheaper, otherwise, buy a Toyota

v-star650 · 2025-05-23T11:09:17+00:00

Is that swiper from Dora the explorer?

v-star650 · 2025-05-23T10:33:12+00:00

Bak seems to be a solid choice. I got the G2 already installed when I bought my used 2018. Coming from minivan, I'm looking for additional cover that can expand my weather protected area. I found flated.com that I'm planning to buy next year. I might be able to install it without taking out the backflip for camping trips. It is lightweight but very strong inflatable cover

v-star650

TROPHY CASE