I have a love-hate relationship with my Tesla. It's both a brilliant and frustrating car.

• I imagined having a beautiful driving experience when I took the plunge and bought my Tesla.
• I wasn't ready for how chaotic the experience of owning one could be.
• I've experienced broken chargers and expensive repairs.

When I made the leap into Tesla ownership in 2022, I imagined seamless road trips, effortless charging, and a driving experience that felt straight out of a sci-fi movie.

As with any car, it's not perfect. I didn't expect the quirks, frustrations, and occasional chaos that come with owning a car that feels more like a tech gadget than a traditional vehicle.

Despite the headaches, I don't regret buying my Tesla. The driving experience is exhilarating, and I love never stopping for gas. But if I were buying an EV today, I might explore other brands that offer fewer software quirks and easier repairs.

Here's what no one tells you about life with a Tesla.

Charging your car is not infallible

Tesla owners like to tell you that "range anxiety" is a thing of the past, but it's still very much a thing. My 2022 Model Y boasts an estimated range of over 300 miles, which sounds impressive, but those numbers fluctuate wildly in practice.

Cold weather? Say goodbye to 50 miles. Highway speeds? That'll shave off another chunk. Suddenly, my "300-mile range" is more like 200 on a good day.

Then there's the charging situation. Home charging makes things easier if you live in a house with a garage. For those relying on public chargers, the experience can be unpredictable.

Tesla's Supercharger network, which consists of more than 50,000 fast-charging stations worldwide, is designed to provide rapid charging for Tesla vehicles, often allowing a charge from 10% to 80% in about 20 to 30 minutes is impressive, but it's not infallible.

On road trips, I've encountered broken chargers, long wait times, and occasional chargers that seem to take their sweet time despite promising a fast charge. Tesla advertises that Superchargers can add up to 200 miles in 15 minutes, but in reality, I've sometimes waited 40 minutes to an hour just to get enough charge to continue my trip — especially when chargers are busy or the battery is cold.

That said, when everything works as expected, the Supercharger network is still one of the most extensive and convenient EV charging systems available, making long-distance travel easier than with most other electric cars.

Software updates can be annoying

One of the things that sets Tesla apart is its over-the-air software update technology, which can bring new features, UI improvements, and even performance boosts overnight. It's like getting a new car without leaving your driveway.

While Tesla's ability to improve its cars through software is a game changer, it also means you're a beta tester for whatever the team decides to push out next.

Still, updates can also introduce new bugs. One morning, after an update, my car's touchscreen suddenly became sluggish and unresponsive. The solution was a "soft reboot," which felt more like troubleshooting a laptop.

Another time, a parking sensor update made my car think I was about to crash into invisible obstacles, setting off alarms and scaring me half to death while driving.

Repairs are expensive

Tesla's minimalist design is sleek. One of its most striking features. The clean, button-free interior, dominated by a sleek touchscreen, makes the car feel futuristic and high-tech. Driving a Tesla often feels like operating a piece of advanced technology rather than just another vehicle. However, that same minimalist approach comes with drawbacks. With fewer physical controls, simple tasks like adjusting the climate or opening the glovebox require navigating through the touchscreen. And when things break — like the door handle or a sensor — repairs can be costly and time-consuming. There are a few third-party repair options. Traditional mechanics often won't touch Teslas, which means you have to go to Tesla's service centers. You could be waiting weeks for an appointment for a minor repair.

When I had an issue with my car's door handle (a problem frequently reported by Tesla owners in forums and service complaints), I was told I would have to wait three weeks for a service appointment. I'm not alone: Model S and Model X owners, in particular, have faced issues with retractable door handles failing due to motor or sensor malfunctions.

Even cosmetic repairs can be expensive. Like many automakers, Tesla uses proprietary parts, but what makes repairs particularly expensive is the limited availability of third-party repair options. Many mechanics won't work on Teslas, and body shops often charge more due to the specialized materials and repair processes Tesla requires. Even minor cosmetic repairs, like fixing a dent or replacing a side mirror, can cost significantly more than on a traditional gas-powered car.

The community feels intense to me at times

For me, buying a Tesla isn't just about getting a car — it's about joining a movement centered on sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and a bold vision for the future of transportation. And while there are plenty of enthusiastic and helpful Tesla owners, the community can sometimes feel a bit intense.

Criticizing Tesla in an online forum can invite a wave of die-hard defenders who refuse to acknowledge any flaw. When I shared my frustrations about my car's range in an online Tesla forum, I was surprised by the backlash. Instead of sympathy or helpful advice, I got responses like, "Maybe you don't deserve a Tesla." It was clear that for some owners, any criticism of Tesla is off-limits.

That said, there's also a genuine camaraderie among owners. At charging stations, I've had great conversations with fellow Tesla drivers, sharing road trip tips, commiserating over software bugs, and swapping stories about our favorite (and least favorite) features.

I don't regret buying my Tesla

Despite the headaches, I don't regret buying my Tesla. When it works as intended, it feels like magic. The instant torque, the smooth ride, the futuristic minimalism — it's hard to go back to a gas car after experiencing it. And yes, I love never having to stop at a gas station.

Would I do it all over again? That's a tougher question. The Tesla experience requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to deal with things that traditional car owners never have to consider. A Tesla might not be the right fit if you want a reliable car that gets you from point A to B without surprises.

For me, the Tesla dream is both a blessing and a curse. I love my car, but I also brace myself whenever I update the software, take a road trip, or need a repair. Owning a Tesla is an adventure — one that's as thrilling as it is occasionally frustrating.

Tesla did not respond to a request for comment on the author's issue with her car and general complaints.