Help me decide: Mach-E or Model Y

[Asheck]

I haven’t been a fan of Ford for decades. I grew up with Honda and drove a Toyota RAV4 for the past decade. I have to say the MME is one well-engineered car. It really seems like they thought of everything. I’ve only found two things in the car that it seems like they missed the mark just a smidge: the cargo cover can get floppy if the windows are rolled down and the door latch to the charging port could be a bit more “something.” (Hard to say just what I think should be different.) Overall, these are two very minor things.

My husband details it every month and can’t get over the close attention to detail that shows in the MME’s bodywork. I am so impressed with this car, and it is so much fun to drive!!!

The Tesla, during test drives and when riding as a passenger, leaves me with a “Meh” impression.

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[joshmeister]

I reviewed Model Y and MME in June 2021 and then ordered MME (specifically GT) without reading any online reviews. These were my reasons:

• MME has better ergonomics for me. The layout of the front instrument panel in the MME felt more familiar, more like a car meant to be driven than the Y which felt weird.
• MME had a more comfortable back seat for an adult to sit in. Try it!
• MME allows you to pipe in the sound of an engine. I loved this feature! Contrariwise, I just detest the fart feature in the Tesla. It has nothing to do with a car's function.
• MME had more real buttons and a volume control. I like buttons. I don't care for touch screen.
• MME had tax rebate. That's 9k off for me.
• MME GT has a sub 4 second 0-60. Sounds fun!
• The Tesla sales guy was super annoying

Things I didn't care about:

• Difference in body style. I like both.
• Apple Play. I don't care.
• Auto pilot. I will drive my own car thank you.

My car should be here in a week. I hope it works out!

 

[GoGoGadgetMachE]

I trust Bernie Madoff more than I trust Elon Musk.

The CyberTruck does kind of look like a pyramid if you look at it the right way... ?

 

[RetiredDP]

In late September, I placed a deposit on the Mach-E ($53,100 for Premium, Extended Range, RWD, Grabber Blue) and the Model Y ($53,990 for Long Range, Pearl White, 19" Gemini, Black Interior). Both were originally scheduled to be delivered in April, though the MY is now showing a Feb 19 - March 19 delivery. I can only buy one. There are still many months before I need to decide. As of today, I am exactly 50/50 on which I will pick. Some of this decision will depend on the available tax credit at the time of purchase. Hopefully congress gets its s*$@ together and both get a credit next year. If one is substantially cheaper due to a tax credit I will likely go that way (though hard to say if the MY shows up without a credit and the Mach-E still has one but is still months away from delivery).

Anyway, I need your help! I've put together a list of pros and cons in the fine tradition of Benjamin Franklin and Walter White. These lists are specific to my own decision, as I see it. Please let me know if any of these considerations are off base, or if there is anything else I should be considering. I will post the two lists in subsequent posts.

I have several concerns about Tesla:

1. Elon seems to be trying much too hard to be different. Having to dive into the console menus to open the glove box? Having to control the vent directions by accessing the the central console? WHY? Being different JUST to be different is just stupid. You should do things differently because they work better. Have you tried to change the vent direction while driving, with your finger bouncing around on the screen? Not applicable in your case, but a yoke instead of a steering wheel on the S? Elon is like a pre-teen, who wants to be different, but doesn't know from experience that some things are standardized because that's what works best.

2. I drove a new Model 3, and there were some rattles. My Mach-E has NO rattles...the first car I've ever owned that could make that claim.

3. Fart noises? WTF??? It's like Tesla is being run by cast members of "Animal House". Instead of juvenile farts, how about a thicker layer of paint? How about consistent panel gaps? Tesla has had these problems for a long time, but nobody at Tesla seems to care.

4. The Supercharger network is a Tesla advantage, but drivers of EVs do 95% of their charging at home. Is a somewhat-improved experience 5% of the time worth having a shoddily-built vehicle all of the time?

5. Take a careful look at both cars. Inspect the paint. Look at the styling. Is driving a Toyota Camry what excites you?

 

[RetiredDP]

No.

The adapter allows him to use most of the Tesla home/destination chargers. It does not work with Superchargers (it does not support DC fast charging or Tesla's billing mechanism).

You can charge the MME at Tesla DESTINATION chargers (what you'll find at a lot of hotels). You'll have to get a TeslaTap or Mini-TeslaTap adaptor. Plug it into the charger, wait for 30 seconds (dialogue being setup), then plug into the MME.

 

[trutolife27]

You can charge the MME at Tesla DESTINATION chargers (what you'll find at a lot of hotels). You'll have to get a TeslaTap or Mini-TeslaTap adaptor. Plug it into the charger, wait for 30 seconds (dialogue being setup), then plug into the MME.

you both saying the same thing. tesla tap works for any tesla level 2 charger no matter where it is correct. Home, hotel anywhere it works. I never have to wait 30 seconds it works right away also.

 

[Rolling ions]

In late September, I placed a deposit on the Mach-E ($53,100 for Premium, Extended Range, RWD, Grabber Blue) and the Model Y ($53,990 for Long Range, Pearl White, 19" Gemini, Black Interior). Both were originally scheduled to be delivered in April, though the MY is now showing a Feb 19 - March 19 delivery. I can only buy one. There are still many months before I need to decide. As of today, I am exactly 50/50 on which I will pick. Some of this decision will depend on the available tax credit at the time of purchase. Hopefully congress gets its s*$@ together and both get a credit next year. If one is substantially cheaper due to a tax credit I will likely go that way (though hard to say if the MY shows up without a credit and the Mach-E still has one but is still months away from delivery).

Anyway, I need your help! I've put together a list of pros and cons in the fine tradition of Benjamin Franklin and Walter White. These lists are specific to my own decision, as I see it. Please let me know if any of these considerations are off base, or if there is anything else I should be considering. I will post the two lists in subsequent posts.

Hello!

So little late to this thread but here is the perspective of someone that owns both and is trying to make the best decision on which one to keep because we will sell one of them. we have about 1200 miles on the Y and 3500 on the Mach-E

Body style - Yes hands down we agree Mach-E is much more appealing.

Paint - Black Mach-E paint was perfect but so was the White Y no discoloration or any issues on either.

Build Quality - I really think this is real but blown out of proportion based on Tesla's history. We scrutinized the Y much more than the Mach-E. The only issue on the Y is the drivers side A pillar is not perfectly aligned had this been any other car that we didn't scrutinize probably wouldn't have ever noticed it is that minor.

Novelty - Yes, hand down the Mach-E we live in San Diego you can't drive 5 miles without seeing several Tesla's so far only seen 2 other Mach-E's.

Dashboard- Not having a screen in front of you in the model Y my wife and I both thought this would be a big thing. After driving the Model Y home we both said the screen just to your right didn't bother us at all. The only time I really notice it is at night when it is dark and you don't have the light of a dash right in front of you. That is an odd feeling to me still.

Physical controls- Yes, I think the Ford is much more natural and comfortable. The model Y has a lot of voice commands for doing the things you would want to do but I certainly give this to the Ford.

Garage door opener - Our opener is so old we still use the clicker but I can see where the Mach-E would be the winner here.

Apple car play - We use android play and I have to say it is spotty in the Mach-E at times even frustrating so while it has it I would say it doesn't have it well. Both cars could always get an over there update for this and improve. However, Sirius XM radio is nice in the Mach-E and not available in Tesla.

Long company track record - no doubt Ford has the history (arguably of Found On Road Dead but has the record) I think Tesla has shown they are here for the long stay and have the sales now to sustain a future.

Known reliability - Tesla has been virtually bug free. We have had a few bugs in the Ford most notably the phone as a key. This feature has been difficult and challenging.

Polished UI yes tesla wins this as well but an over the air update could instantly change the Ford and honestly I am comfortable with either one.

Supercharge of Tesla is faster and easier to use. We have not really had issues at the Electrify America chargers when we plugged in the Mach-E. Most issues have been user error but they are not as fast charging as the Tesla superchargers. The charging curve certainly goes in Tesla's favor. Depends how often you're going to drive long distance and need the super chargers as to how much this matters.

Joy of driving - Both are fun and have plenty of acceleration, yes the Tesla AWD is faster and zippier but the Mach-E is still just so much fun to drive.

Performance - How often are you going to romp on it? Trust me both get up and go and have plenty of passing power when you need it.

Cargo Tesla wins this mostly because of the space under the rear "trunk" floor board.

Autopilot or lane assist is better in the Tesla but works well in both. Haven't had issues with either but Tesla is more stable.

I feel like the Mach-E has a quieter cabin and more comfortable seating over all experience though I might give the Tesla a slight upper hand on suspension on rough roads.

Range - We have RWD premium extended range Mach-E and AWD Long Range Y I honestly feel the Mach-E has better range (though a bigger battery pack so maybe not as efficient but its really close) We live in the foothills at 2500ft so driving up the hill home is a battery killer.

Purchasing experience sucks with Ford Dealers (the only reason we have a Model Y is how bad the initail dealer experience was with Ford) The ever moving delivery date with Telsa is torture. I got to where I said I was Charlie Brown and Elon Musk was Lucy with delivery dates instead of a football.

Things my wife likes best:
1. She has stated she finds it easier to back up the Mach E than the Tesla. She likes the camera view/360 degree view in Mach E. The model Y back window is smaller than the Mach E when looking over your shoulder to back up.
2. She likes the body style of the Mach E over the Y.
3. When driving the Mach E you can see the hood of the vehicle with the Model Y you cannot see the hood unless you sit really high.
4. Wife prefers center console of the Mach E over Tesla.
5. Wife finds the seats in the Mach E more comfortable than Tesla but she still loves the heated seats in both.
6. Wife prefers the phone as a key with the Tesla as the Mach E gives her issues.

Wife favors the Mach-E 70/30 Hubby favors the Mach-E 51/49.

 

[RockwallRick]

Nice to see an unbiased review from someone that has both! We probably would have gone with the MY if Ford didn’t come out with the MME. We currently have just over 3400 miles on ours and my Wife had PAAK issues as well but we both love the car!!

 

[J Duce]

you both saying the same thing. tesla tap works for any tesla level 2 charger no matter where it is correct. Home, hotel anywhere it works. I never have to wait 30 seconds it works right away also.

Did you need to set up an account to use the Tesla destination charger? Fee?

 

[pepper]

Hello!

So little late to this thread but here is the perspective of someone that owns both and is trying to make the best decision on which one to keep because we will sell one of them. we have about 1200 miles on the Y and 3500 on the Mach-E

Body style - Yes hands down we agree Mach-E is much more appealing.

Paint - Black Mach-E paint was perfect but so was the White Y no discoloration or any issues on either.

Build Quality - I really think this is real but blown out of proportion based on Tesla's history. We scrutinized the Y much more than the Mach-E. The only issue on the Y is the drivers side A pillar is not perfectly aligned had this been any other car that we didn't scrutinize probably wouldn't have ever noticed it is that minor.

Novelty - Yes, hand down the Mach-E we live in San Diego you can't drive 5 miles without seeing several Tesla's so far only seen 2 other Mach-E's.

Dashboard- Not having a screen in front of you in the model Y my wife and I both thought this would be a big thing. After driving the Model Y home we both said the screen just to your right didn't bother us at all. The only time I really notice it is at night when it is dark and you don't have the light of a dash right in front of you. That is an odd feeling to me still.

Physical controls- Yes, I think the Ford is much more natural and comfortable. The model Y has a lot of voice commands for doing the things you would want to do but I certainly give this to the Ford.

Garage door opener - Our opener is so old we still use the clicker but I can see where the Mach-E would be the winner here.

Apple car play - We use android play and I have to say it is spotty in the Mach-E at times even frustrating so while it has it I would say it doesn't have it well. Both cars could always get an over there update for this and improve. However, Sirius XM radio is nice in the Mach-E and not available in Tesla.

Long company track record - no doubt Ford has the history (arguably of Found On Road Dead but has the record) I think Tesla has shown they are here for the long stay and have the sales now to sustain a future.

Known reliability - Tesla has been virtually bug free. We have had a few bugs in the Ford most notably the phone as a key. This feature has been difficult and challenging.

Polished UI yes tesla wins this as well but an over the air update could instantly change the Ford and honestly I am comfortable with either one.

Supercharge of Tesla is faster and easier to use. We have not really had issues at the Electrify America chargers when we plugged in the Mach-E. Most issues have been user error but they are not as fast charging as the Tesla superchargers. The charging curve certainly goes in Tesla's favor. Depends how often you're going to drive long distance and need the super chargers as to how much this matters.

Joy of driving - Both are fun and have plenty of acceleration, yes the Tesla AWD is faster and zippier but the Mach-E is still just so much fun to drive.

Performance - How often are you going to romp on it? Trust me both get up and go and have plenty of passing power when you need it.

Cargo Tesla wins this mostly because of the space under the rear "trunk" floor board.

Autopilot or lane assist is better in the Tesla but works well in both. Haven't had issues with either but Tesla is more stable.

I feel like the Mach-E has a quieter cabin and more comfortable seating over all experience though I might give the Tesla a slight upper hand on suspension on rough roads.

Range - We have RWD premium extended range Mach-E and AWD Long Range Y I honestly feel the Mach-E has better range (though a bigger battery pack so maybe not as efficient but its really close) We live in the foothills at 2500ft so driving up the hill home is a battery killer.

Purchasing experience sucks with Ford Dealers (the only reason we have a Model Y is how bad the initail dealer experience was with Ford) The ever moving delivery date with Telsa is torture. I got to where I said I was Charlie Brown and Elon Musk was Lucy with delivery dates instead of a football.

Things my wife likes best:
1. She has stated she finds it easier to back up the Mach E than the Tesla. She likes the camera view/360 degree view in Mach E. The model Y back window is smaller than the Mach E when looking over your shoulder to back up.
2. She likes the body style of the Mach E over the Y.
3. When driving the Mach E you can see the hood of the vehicle with the Model Y you cannot see the hood unless you sit really high.
4. Wife prefers center console of the Mach E over Tesla.
5. Wife finds the seats in the Mach E more comfortable than Tesla but she still loves the heated seats in both.
6. Wife prefers the phone as a key with the Tesla as the Mach E gives her issues.

Wife favors the Mach-E 70/30 Hubby favors the Mach-E 51/49.

Wow! I can’t tell you how useful a post like this is. Why can’t I mash that thumbs up button multiple times?

It’s interesting to see the items you thought might be an issue turning out to not be an issue, like the Tesla dashboard or build quality. Regarding build quality issues, I too wonder how overblown they are. I’ve watched a few YouTube videos of people going over their new Tesla and pointing out minor panel gaps, etc, and then noticing the same things on my 8 year old Outback that I thought was perfect when I bought it. People expect perfection when they spend so much money. Some of the paint issues do seem to be real though, at least for some folks. Glad yours wasn’t a problem, but I’ve seen a few real horror stories with chipping, etc. I imagine Tesla is constantly working on quality control, so maybe most of these have been resolved too.

I’m curious, where does the extra 1% in favor of the Tesla come from for you? Is it the better polished UI? The better acceleration? If you had the extra performance from the AWD on the Mach-E, would that have balanced the scales or would the Tesla still have the edge? (I ask because I just changed my own order to AWD partly based on feedback from this forum.)

One more question… has either been in the shop more to resolve minor or major issues? I know these are both very young cars for you, but this gets to the final piece of the equation I want to sort out before taking the plunge. I’ve had cars that run forever with zero issues (an Outback and a Prius), cars that seem to have had major issues every few thousand miles (a Jetta and a Saab 93), and a bunch in the middle. It can really make or break the joy of car ownership.

 

[Rt1AWD]

In late September, I placed a deposit on the Mach-E ($53,100 for Premium, Extended Range, RWD, Grabber Blue) and the Model Y ($53,990 for Long Range, Pearl White, 19" Gemini, Black Interior). Both were originally scheduled to be delivered in April, though the MY is now showing a Feb 19 - March 19 delivery.

What do you mean "scheduled to be delivered in April"?
I'm looking at my Mach E order and I don't see any specific month or date on it.

 

[Malacandra]

Wife favors the Mach-E 70/30

This man who’s been married for over 32 years says that this seals your decision, right there.

 

[Rt1AWD]

What about insurance rates? Who wins there?
I've heard that insurance rates for tesla are ridiculously high

 

[sockmeister]

Not sure if it's been mentioned yet, but OP, don't forget that charging network differences will soon be moot. Both the supercharger network and CCS charging will soon be available to both cars. (according to Elon).

 

[macchiaz-o]

Not sure if it's been mentioned yet, but OP, don't forget that charging network differences will soon be moot. Both the supercharger network and CCS charging will soon be available to both cars. (according to Elon).

Probably just before or after the Tesla Robotaxi or new Roadster releases.

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