If you’re hunting for a used EV right now, you’ve probably noticed the 2018 Tesla Model X sits in a weird spot. It’s not the "old" Tesla anymore, but it definitely isn't the shiny new refresh with the horizontal screen and the yoke steering wheel.
Honestly? It might be the best value in the lineup if you can handle some of its baggage.
Most people look at the 2018 Model X and see the Falcon Wing doors. They either love them or think they're a maintenance nightmare waiting to happen. There’s some truth to both. But there is a lot more to this car than just doors that look like they’re about to fly away. By 2018, Tesla had actually ironed out many of the early production "beta" vibes that plagued the 2016 and 2017 models.
The Battery Math You Actually Need
In 2018, the naming convention was still simple. You had the 75D, the 100D, and the P100D. Basically, the number tells you how much juice the battery holds in kilowatt-hours.
The 100D was the sweet spot. It was rated for about 295 miles of range when it was brand new. Fast forward to 2026, and you’re likely looking at a car with 10% to 12% degradation if the previous owner didn’t treat the battery like a burner phone. That means a real-world highway range of maybe 240 to 250 miles.
Is that enough? For most, yeah.
The 75D is a bit tougher to live with if you do a lot of road trips. It started with 237 miles. Subtract eight years of life and a cold winter morning, and you might find yourself sweating while looking for a Supercharger after just 160 miles.
Those Infamous Falcon Wing Doors
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Or the wings on the car.
The Falcon Wing doors are the reason some people buy this car and the reason others run away. In 2018, Tesla improved the sensors. They added more "insulation" against the ghost detections that used to stop the doors from opening if they thought a blade of grass was a concrete pillar.
But they aren't perfect.
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If you're buying one today, you need to check the seals. Seriously. Rain is the enemy. Over time, the rubber seals on the roof section can dry out or shift. If you see "telltale" water spots on the headliner, that’s a hard pass.
Also, they’re slow. If you’re in a hurry and it’s pouring rain, waiting those few seconds for the motor to whine and lift the door feels like an eternity. But, if you have kids in car seats? Total game changer. You can stand straight up while buckling them in. Your back will thank you.
Hardware 2.5 vs. The FSD Dream
The 2018 model year is a bit of a transition period for Tesla's brains. Most of these cars rolled off the line with Hardware 2.5 (HW2.5).
It’s fine for basic Autopilot—keeping you in the lane, matching speed with the car in front. It’s solid. But if you want the "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) experience that Tesla talks about today, you’ll want to check if the car has been upgraded to the FSD Computer (Hardware 3.0).
Many owners did this for free if they bought the FSD package originally.
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You can check this in the car’s menu under Software > Additional Vehicle Information. If it says "Full Self-Driving Computer," you’re golden. If it says "Autopilot Computer 2.5," you might have to pay for a hardware swap if you want the latest AI driving features.
What Usually Breaks?
It isn't just the doors. The 2018 Tesla Model X has a few "known" quirks that you should look for before handing over any cash:
- The Half-Shaft Shudder: This is the big one. Under hard acceleration, the front of the car might vibrate. It feels like the wheels are wobbling. It’s usually a wear-and-tear issue with the front half-shafts because of the car's extreme torque and air suspension height.
- Yellow Screen Borders: The 17-inch vertical screen sometimes develops a yellow tint around the edges. It looks like an old book. Tesla used to fix this with a "UV light" treatment, but eventually, most people just live with it or upgrade to the newer MCU2 processor.
- The MCU1 Lag: Speaking of processors, some early 2018 models still had the Tegra-based "MCU1" infotainment system. It is painfully slow in 2026. Netflix won't work well, and the maps will stutter. Most 2018s should have the faster Intel Atom "MCU2," but always double-check.
- Front Control Arms: These are heavy cars. Like, really heavy. The suspension takes a beating. If you hear a "creak" like an old wooden ship when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, the control arms are likely shot.
Why 2018 is the "Value" Year
The reason 2018 is a sweet spot is that it avoids the "experimental" phase of 2016-17 but costs significantly less than the 2019 "Raven" models.
The Raven update (late 2019) brought a much better adaptive suspension and more efficient motors, but the price jump on the used market is often $10,000 or more. If you just want a big, fast, electric SUV that can tow 5,000 pounds and looks like it’s from the future, the 2018 is the "smart" money.
Pricing in 2026 has stabilized. You can often find a decent 100D for a fraction of its original $100,000+ sticker price. Depreciation has been brutal to the original owners, which is great news for you.
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Actionable Steps for Buyers
If you are seriously considering a 2018 Tesla Model X, do not just click "buy" on a used car site.
- Check the MCU Version: Go to the software tab. If it doesn't have "Infotainment Processor: Intel Atom" (or better), the screen will feel like a 2012 iPad. It’s a $1,500–$2,000 upgrade if you have to do it yourself.
- Test the "Launch": Put it in "Sport" or "Ludicrous" (if it's a P100D) and floor it from a stop. Listen for that shudder. If the front end shakes, tell the seller to knock $1,500 off the price for new half-shafts.
- Cycle the Doors: Open and close the Falcon Wings five times in a row. Listen for clicking or grinding. Look at the "spine" of the roof for any paint rubbing.
- Verify Battery Health: Charge it to 100% (just once for the test) and see what the projected miles are. Compare that to the original 295 (for a 100D) or 237 (for a 75D). Anything more than 15% loss means the battery was likely "supercharged" exclusively or sat at 100% too often.
- Look at the Tires: Look at the inside edge of the rear tires. The Model X has a lot of negative camber, meaning the inside of the tire wears out way faster than the outside. You might think the tires look new from the side, but they could be down to the wires on the inside.
The 2018 Model X isn't a perfect car. It’s a complicated, ambitious piece of tech. But as a daily driver in 2026, it still offers more storage, more speed, and a better charging network than almost any brand-new EV in the same price bracket. Just keep a "rainy day" fund for those doors, and you'll be fine.