I’ve tried to record five times now. It’s not easy. If you look at my Model Y right now, you’ll notice something is different—the custom wrap is gone, the aftermarket wheels are off, and the stock 21-inch Überturbines are back on.
We are officially saying goodbye to my 2022 Tesla Model Y Performance.
This car has been more than just a vehicle to me; it’s the heart of the SherwinM channel. Over the last three years, I’ve put nearly 50,000 miles on this machine. It’s the car that transitioned my content from general technology reviews into the world of EVs, Rivians, and off-roading adventures. But as much as I love this car, it’s time for the next chapter: the Tesla Model Y Juniper refresh.
Why Upgrade? The Logic Behind the Switch
You might be wondering: “Sherwin, if the car is perfect and has no issues, why let it go?” It came down to a combination of timing, technology, and practical daily use.
1. The Juniper “Magic”
I recently took a 48-hour demo drive of the Juniper refresh, and honestly, I was worried I’d like it too much. My fears were confirmed. Tesla has taken an already great platform and refined the suspension and cabin noise to a level I didn’t think was possible for the Model Y.
2. The Performance vs. Commute Dilemma
The Performance trim is an absolute blast—don’t get me wrong. When I’m doing Socal Teslaruns through the canyons, it’s unbeatable. But 90% of my driving is a daily commute in heavy traffic. In a standstill on the 405, you can’t really “use” the performance. The Juniper refresh offers a level of comfort that I think will suit my daily driver needs much better while still being plenty quick.
3. The Financial “Sweet Spot”
Timing is everything in the EV world. My registration renewal is coming up, and more importantly, the $7,500 federal tax credit is a major factor. By trading in now, I can offset the depreciation of the 2022 model and step into the newest hardware with a significant incentive.
Prepping for the Trade-In: The Tear Down
Saying goodbye meant spending about six hours peeling off my custom wrap. My fingertips are still sore! I also headed down to Rialto Tire Center to swap my RVRN 20″ wheels back to the factory stock set.
We also had to remove several high-end modifications:
- AlphaRex Tail Lights: These have been a staple of the car’s look.
- Hansshow Sequential Fog Lights: A great tech add-on that I’ll miss.
- Roof Rack: I actually spent way too much time looking for the keys for this—pro tip: always keep your accessory keys in a dedicated spot!
Trade-In Strategy: Why I Chose Tesla
I ran the numbers across the board. CarMax offered $22,000, and Carvana was around $24,000. However, I decided to go directly through Tesla for the trade-in.
While I might have squeezed out an extra thousand or two elsewhere, the Tesla Ecosystem makes the transfer seamless. Selling to a third party often leaves the car stuck on your Tesla profile for weeks, and the new owner has a headache trying to claim it. By trading in through Tesla, the “roaming profile” and ownership transfer happen instantly. Plus, after submitting photos, Tesla actually bumped my offer up slightly to $22,100.
Tech Specs & Gear Comparison
The upcoming Juniper build will be a Long Range Dual Motor with a White exterior and Black interior. Here’s a quick look at the specs I’m moving away from versus what’s coming:
| Feature | 2022 Model Y Performance (Old) | 2026 Model Y Juniper (New) |
| 0-60 mph | 3.5 Seconds | 4.8 Seconds (est.) |
| Suspension | Performance (Stiff) | Refined/Comfort Tuned |
| Wheels | 21″ Überturbine | 19″ or 20″ (TBD) |
| Annual Reg. | Due Now | Brand New |
| Tax Credit | N/A | $7,500 Eligible |
Thoughts on the 2022 Model Y
If you’re asking me if the current generation Model Y is still worth it—the answer is a resounding YES. It is, in my opinion, the best car Tesla makes. It’s more versatile than the Model 3 and more practical for someone who carries gear, goes off-roading, or needs a mobile studio.
I’m sad to see this specific car go because of all the memories and the work I put into it, but I’m incredibly excited to start the “Juniper Chapter” with all of you. Expect delivery videos, “by the numbers” breakdowns, and a whole new series of accessory installs.
