“If you went on TikTok talking about how ‘I love my Tesla…’ you’re a liar!” TikToker @this.is.not_mariah took to social media this week, not to show off her new luxurious EV…but to shed tears ranting about it.

She just purchased a Toyota Camry in September but told the dealer that what she really wanted was a Tesla.

Then, on December 27, the local car dealer gave her a ring. He had a Tesla come in, and there was a lot of interest in it. She needed to move quickly.

After jumping through trade-in and financing hoops, within 24 hours, the sparkling white Tesla was parked with her at home.

Regret seeped in almost immediately, but she toughed it out…for 48 hours

In a follow-up TikTok to the Tesla adoption posted just a day into ownership, Mariah already seemed unsure of her decision.

First, she seemed hesitant to operate the car in general, citing its “newness.” She mentions not knowing where to go to manually turn on the lights and windshield wipers. 

Mariah said she likes certain features, like being able to watch TikToks on the main screen while charging the EV. “I love her, I’m just trying to get used to her,” she tells viewers.

It goes downhill from there. The very next day, she’s overcome with second thoughts.

@this.is.not_mariah literally can not stop crying. #fyp #tesla #newcar #gonewrong ♬ original sound – mariah

To sum up her qualms, she feels like the Tesla’s interior is luxurious, but that it isn’t designed well for her needs as a driver. She’s also charging it just as often as if she were driving a gas-powered vehicle. In response to some comments, she mentions that it takes a long time to charge, too.

After just 48 hours, she started the several-days-long process of getting back into another 2025 Toyota Camry.

Here’s some additional context

There are a few points to cover that might help explain her Tesla sentiment. While I’m hesitant to bring this up, the driver is 18 years old. She needed a cosigner on both cars and accepted lots of emotional support from her family through these processes. She was already financing the original 2025 Camry for about $1,000 a month.

The comments section lights up with advice…and agreement

One of the top comments on her rant video offers a tip to first-time Tesla buyers: “First rule when getting a Tesla-get a home charger.” The advice is repeated many times over.

Otherwise, lots of folks agree with her rant. “I’ve sold cars for 10 years, I would never recommend a Tesla! This needs to go viral!! Sorry hon!!” one posted. The same commenter recommended Hondas, Toyotas, and Subarus instead.

Several mention their personal Tesla ownership and seem to be part of the 46% of U.S. drivers considering going back to gas-powered cars after driving an EV. According to the 2024 survey released by the McKinsey Center For Future Mobility, EV owners cited several barriers to committed adoption. Blockers included a lack of reliable public charging infrastructure, an inability to charge the vehicle at home, and the cost of entry and ownership, to name a few.

It’s not all knocks against Tesla

Some commenters say they’re very happy with their Tesla. After reading several affirmations, it sounds like the key to a good EV experience is proper research before buying one and having a home charger.

“I do love my Tesla. It’s my second one. I charge every night in my garage and rarely go below 70% on a daily basis. It literally has a dock for your phone ???” one pointed out.

“If you don’t have a home charger a Tesla is not a good choice. I love mine.. I left my Mercedes behind, no regrets,” another explains, “I also did research before the purchase since it’s way different than a gas vehicle.”

All told, it seems like in this case, the driver just wasn’t altogether educated on the ins and outs of Tesla operation and ownership. Moreover, once she found out some of these aspects, Mariah would rather be in a Toyota.