VERDICT · FALCON DOORS ADD A THIRD CHECK BEYOND MCU1
Tesla Model X 75D/100D
is it a safe used buy?
Tesla's distinctive SUV, sharing its early MCU1 infotainment computer with the Model S of the same era, plus its own, unique mechanical complexity in the form of the Falcon Wing rear doors.
GENERATION1st gen (2016–2020)
POWERTRAINDual or tri-motor
RANGE (NEW)237–305 mi (EPA)
USED PRICE$29,000–48,000
How the engine fits this car
This generation shares its early MCU1 infotainment computer with the contemporary Model S, so the same essential checklist applies here with full force.
The Falcon Wing rear doors are mechanically unique to this model — a genuinely impressive engineering feat when functioning correctly, but with documented sensor and hinge-related complexity that adds a third system worth checking alongside the battery and MCU.
Tesla Model X-specific pros and cons
This is about the car itself — for engine-specific failure points, see the dedicated engine page below.
WHAT HOLDS UP WELL
- Battery degradation data, detailed on the shared battery page, is genuinely reassuring even on this early generation
- Genuinely distinctive styling and practicality, with the Falcon Wing doors offering real access advantages when functioning correctly
- Strong towing capability for an EV of this era, a useful differentiator against rivals
- A thoroughly checked example (MCU, doors, and battery all verified) is a known, reasonable buy
WHAT TO WATCH
- MCU1 eMMC wear, detailed in full on its own dedicated page, is a significant concern on unaddressed examples
- Falcon Wing door sensor and hinge issues are a documented, model-specific complexity not found on any other Tesla
- Repair costs for Falcon Wing door issues can be significant given the mechanism's complexity
- Resale value has softened somewhat, reflecting broader awareness of this model's added mechanical complexity
Pricing on the used market
Documented history
Typical price
What to expect
MCU upgraded, doors function correctly
$40,000–48,000
Meaningfully safer, thoroughly verified
Partial documentation, minor door quirks
$33,000–40,000
Budget for MCU upgrade and door inspection
Unknown history or symptoms present
$29,000–33,000
Treat with real caution
Pre-purchase checklist for this generation
Ask whether the MCU has been upgraded, and test the touchscreen thoroughly for responsiveness and app performance.
Cycle the Falcon Wing doors through a full open-and-close sequence multiple times, checking for hesitation, sensor errors, or unusual noise.
Run a battery health check comparing current range to the original EPA rating for this specific configuration.