FSD on older cars

Discussion in 'Tesla' started by mikefocke, Jun 16, 2025 at 4:19 PM.

  1. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    "Tesla has confirmed that a recent change made to some of its recently refreshed vehicles is, in fact, a strategy it will use to improve its suite as it continues to work toward autonomy." from Teslerati

    So do they upgrade all the older cars? Do they refund the purchase cost of FSD for older cars because they can't achieve autonomy with the hardware suite they sold despite repeated promises?
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no refunds, leon needs the cash for drugs and baby mama payments
     
  3. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Perhaps a link to the Teslerati source?

    I have a 2019 Model 3 Std Rng Plus with software 2025.20.3 and FSD 12.6.4 downloaded this past week:
    • My original HW 2.5 was upgraded for free to HW 3.0 nearly two years ago.
    • No refund offered and HW 4.0 is not backward compatible.
      • Used HW 4.0 Teslas are still too pricy but no known features not found in mine.
    Over in "Tesla Owner's Forum" (Tesla Owners Online Forum) we are tracking at least two branches in the Model 3 / Model Y family based on HW 4.0. There is a third in the Model S / Model X family but I don't really follow what they are doing.

    With experience, I typically drive hands in my lap with:
    • 66% - tricking the navigation system to drive not only where I want but how I want to get there.
    • 24% - touching accelerator to get a little speed boost
    • 5% - touching the turn signal stalk for lane choice
    • 4% - steering wheel, right thumb wheel to adjust driving style and max speed
    • 1% - brake or steering wheel to disengage when I've screwed up one or the more above
    There is a significant learning curve with Full Self Driving so I throughly urge having a mentor introduce you to the software. Since November 2024, I have driven so much, hands free, that I've noticed these unanticipated attitude changes:
    • street racing - I can no longer be goaded into maximum accelerations at a traffic light or on multilane roads. It used to be "loud" pony cars could tempt me to "shame them."
    • traffic jams - don't irritate me as FSD is dealing with the mess. Actually, I've gotten better at reducing "standing waves."
    • weaving, two lane, multi-curve routes - OH BOY! So that is how to drive them!! Wow! The "E" ticket ride.
    I try to let folks know when I'm wandering around Dixie or longer distance trips. I have no problem with visiting other PriusChatters with some mentored FSD seat time (must like dogs.) Best done with two 'students' but takes at least 30-45 minutes to go over the "newness."

    Bob Wilson

    ps. I may visit South Carolina in about a month or so possibly via Sandford NC, shopping for a rifle part.
     
    #3 bwilson4web, Jun 17, 2025 at 1:41 AM
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2025 at 1:52 AM