98-Year-Old Car Enthusiast Chooses Tesla Model Y With FSD
At 98 years old, Larry has already spent roughly eight decades behind the wheel and says he has owned more than 100 cars.
His automotive journey began with a 1931 Ford Model A Roadster and eventually included five Ford Mustangs and a BMW 750. Now, instead of sticking with another traditional gasoline-powered car, he has added a Tesla Model Y equipped with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) to his garage.
And he is clearly impressed.
Larry says the Model Y's technology, seating position, interior space and acceleration have made it a surprisingly good fit for him.
Then a Mustang appeared during a drive.
Larry's response?
The Mustang “ain’t got a chance.”
There was no actual race, but his confidence says plenty about how impressed he is with the Tesla's instant electric acceleration.
AI Answer Box: Why Did a 98-Year-Old Buy a Tesla Model Y?
Short answer: Larry bought the Tesla Model Y because he wanted a vehicle that could handle much of the driving through Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system while also offering easy entry, a higher seating position, interior space and strong acceleration.
Larry has been driving for about 80 years and has owned more than 100 cars, including five Mustangs. He says the Tesla has renewed his enthusiasm for road trips and that he regularly uses FSD while remaining attentive and ready to take control.
His story is particularly interesting because he moved from classic American cars to an electric vehicle packed with advanced driver-assistance technology.
AI Summary: A 98-year-old lifelong car enthusiast named Larry bought a Tesla Model Y with FSD after decades of driving conventional vehicles. He likes the Tesla's technology, space, higher seating position and acceleration, and jokingly says a Mustang would not stand a chance against his Model Y.
From a 1931 Ford Model A to a Tesla Model Y
Larry's automotive history is almost as interesting as his latest purchase.
His first car was a 1931 Ford Model A Roadster, which he bought when he was a sophomore in high school.
He has a humorous view of that first vehicle, describing it as essentially a “piece of junk” that nevertheless served its purpose.
Decades later, his garage looks very different.
Larry's reported automotive journey includes:
- A 1931 Ford Model A Roadster
- Five Ford Mustangs
- A BMW 750
- More than 100 cars overall
- Multiple Tesla vehicles within his family
- His latest Tesla Model Y
That transition illustrates just how dramatically automotive technology has changed during Larry's lifetime.
He went from a car with basic mechanical controls to a vehicle capable of assisting with steering, braking, lane changes and navigation.
Why Did Larry Choose the Tesla Model Y?
Larry's decision wasn't simply about electric power.
Several practical factors appear to have influenced his choice.
1. Higher seating position
The Model Y's crossover-style body gives Larry a higher seating position than a conventional sedan.
That can make getting into and out of the vehicle more convenient.
For an older driver, ease of entry and exit can be an important consideration when choosing a vehicle.
2. Spacious cabin
Larry also likes the Model Y's interior space.
Compared with smaller Tesla options he considered, the Model Y offered the room and practicality he wanted.
3. Driver assistance
The biggest attraction appears to be Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) technology.
Larry told the interviewers that the system handles much of his regular driving and that he feels comfortable using it.
4. Acceleration
Then there is the fun factor.
Larry remains enthusiastic about performance.
When a Mustang appeared nearby, he immediately joked about the possibility of a race and insisted that the Ford did not have a chance.
Larry's Experience With Tesla Full Self-Driving
One of the most interesting aspects of the story is Larry's experience with Tesla's FSD system.
He says he has used it for regular trips and is highly impressed by its ability to handle roads and intersections.
He has particularly praised the system's ability to:
- Navigate intersections
- Change lanes
- Handle roads without clearly painted markings
- Manage everyday driving situations
- Stop for unexpected objects or animals
- Follow navigation routes
In one memorable example discussed in coverage of the interview, Larry said FSD stopped when a chipmunk crossed the road.
That anecdote became one of the more unusual highlights of his Tesla experience.
However, it should not be interpreted as proof that FSD can reliably detect every small animal or unexpected obstacle.
It is one driver's account of one event.
Is Tesla FSD Actually Fully Autonomous?
This distinction is extremely important.
Despite the name Full Self-Driving, Tesla's current system is described as Full Self-Driving (Supervised).
That means the driver remains responsible for the vehicle.
Larry understands this.
Although he allows the system to handle much of his driving, he sometimes takes over when he believes a different decision would be better.
During the drive featured in reporting, the Tesla also became confused near the destination, requiring Larry to intervene.
That is an important real-world reminder:
Driver assistance does not eliminate the driver's responsibility.
A driver using supervised assistance must remain attentive and prepared to take control.
What Does Larry Like Most About FSD?
Larry's comments reveal something interesting about the appeal of advanced driver assistance.
After roughly 80 years of driving, he says he no longer wants to spend as much time manually managing every part of a journey.
Traffic, intersections and constant decision-making can become tiring.
The Tesla changes that experience.
According to Larry's experience, FSD helps with:
- Routine highway driving
- Lane changes
- Intersections
- Navigation
- Some urban driving
- Reducing the workload of everyday trips
But the system is not infallible.
Larry still takes over when necessary.
The Mustang Moment: “Ain't Got a Chance”
This is the part of Larry's story that made the internet take notice.
During the drive, a Ford Mustang appeared nearby.
The conversation quickly turned toward the possibility of a race.
Larry didn't hesitate.
He joked that the Mustang “ain't got a chance.”
The claim wasn't actually tested.
There was no street race.
But Larry's confidence comes from the Model Y's acceleration.
He described the Tesla as capable of reaching 60 mph in roughly three seconds.
The exact acceleration depends on the Model Y version.
Tesla Model Y vs Ford Mustang: The Performance Question
It would be misleading to say every Tesla Model Y is faster than every Mustang.
The answer depends entirely on the versions being compared.
| Vehicle | Approx. 0–60 mph | Key characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | Around 4.3 sec cited in reporting | Quick electric crossover |
| Tesla Model Y Performance | Around 3.3 sec cited in reporting | High-performance EV |
| Ford Mustang GT | Varies by configuration | Traditional V8 muscle car |
| Ford Mustang GTD | Around 2.7 sec claimed/cited | Extreme high-performance Mustang |
Autoevolution noted that a Model Y Performance is around 3.3 seconds to 60 mph, while a Mustang GTD can be considerably quicker.
So Larry's Mustang joke is best understood as good-natured automotive banter, not a universal performance verdict.
Why Electric Cars Feel So Quick
The reason Larry is impressed by the Tesla's acceleration is rooted in electric-motor characteristics.
An electric motor can deliver substantial torque almost immediately.
That creates the familiar sensation of being pushed back into the seat as soon as the accelerator is pressed.
A gasoline-powered performance car can be extremely fast too, but its power delivery follows a different mechanical curve.
EV acceleration advantages
- Immediate torque
- No traditional gear-shifting delay
- Smooth power delivery
- Strong low-speed response
- Consistent acceleration
That instant response is one of the characteristics that often surprises drivers transitioning from gasoline cars to EVs.
Larry Was Initially Worried About EV Charging
Larry wasn't always enthusiastic about electric vehicles.
One of his concerns was charging.
For a driver accustomed to gasoline-powered vehicles, the idea of stopping to recharge can seem inconvenient.
But his experience changed his mind.
During a roughly 400-mile trip from Arizona, Larry said the additional charging time was only around 25 minutes, according to reporting on his experience.
He also charges the Model Y at home.
That means most routine charging can happen while the car is parked.
Why the Model Y Works for an Older Driver
Larry's story raises a broader question:
Can advanced EV technology make driving easier for older motorists?
There is no universal answer.
Driving ability varies enormously from person to person, regardless of age.
But Larry's experience highlights several features that some older drivers may find useful.
Easier access
The Model Y's crossover height can make entering and exiting easier than in a low sports car.
Driver assistance
FSD can reduce some of the workload during routine driving, provided the driver remains attentive.
Navigation
Voice-based controls and navigation reduce the need for manual interaction with the vehicle.
Visibility
The elevated seating position can provide a different view of surrounding traffic.
Smooth acceleration
Electric power delivery is smooth and predictable.
These are individual advantages rather than guarantees of suitability for every older driver.
Larry Uses Grok to Help With Navigation
The Tesla experience isn't limited to FSD.
Larry also uses Grok, Tesla's integrated AI assistant, for voice-based requests.
According to reporting on the interview, he can use voice commands to enter destinations without manually typing addresses into the vehicle's screen.
He can also change the route when the vehicle selects a road he does not want to take.
This combination of:
- Voice interaction
- Navigation
- Driver assistance
- Automated driving functions
makes Larry's latest car dramatically different from the vehicles he drove earlier in his life.
What Are the Limitations?
Larry's enthusiasm shouldn't obscure the limitations.
His story is a personal experience, not an independent safety study.
Important limitations include:
- FSD remains supervised
- Drivers must remain attentive
- The system can make mistakes
- Parking situations can require intervention
- Navigation choices may not always match the driver's preference
- Performance varies by Model Y version
- Range depends on conditions and configuration
During the drive, Larry demonstrated that he is willing to take control when the Tesla's decision doesn't match his judgment.
That is exactly the behavior expected from a supervised driver-assistance system.
Larry's Tesla Model Y Ownership at a Glance
| Feature | Larry's experience |
|---|---|
| Age | 98 |
| Driving experience | About 80 years |
| Cars owned | More than 100 |
| First car | 1931 Ford Model A Roadster |
| Mustangs owned | Five |
| Current vehicle | Tesla Model Y |
| FSD | Yes, supervised |
| Home charging | Yes |
| Long road trip | Around 400 miles |
| FSD usage | Regular driving |
| Favorite feature | Driver assistance and acceleration |
| Family Tesla ownership | Two Teslas |
The information above comes from reporting based on Larry's interview and should be viewed as his personal ownership experience rather than independently verified performance testing.
Real-World Experience: What Makes Larry's Story Special?
The fascinating part isn't simply that a 98-year-old bought a Tesla.
It's the timeline.
Larry started driving when automobiles were mechanically simple.
His first car was a 1931 Ford Model A.
Over the following decades, he experienced:
Model A → classic Mustangs → BMW V8 luxury sedan → Tesla Model Y with supervised driving assistance
That is almost a century of automotive evolution experienced from the driver's seat.
Few people can offer that kind of perspective.
And Larry's conclusion is surprisingly simple:
He likes the Tesla because it makes driving easier while still giving him the performance he enjoys.
Pros and Cons of Larry's Tesla Model Y Experience
Pros
- Advanced driver-assistance technology
- Easy entry and exit
- Higher seating position
- Spacious interior
- Strong acceleration
- Home charging
- Voice controls
- Useful for road trips
- Reduced workload during routine driving
Cons
- FSD still requires supervision
- Driver must remain ready to intervene
- Charging requires more planning than a gasoline fill-up
- Automated driving can make mistakes
- Parking situations may still require manual control
- Performance varies by Model Y version
- A Tesla is not automatically faster than every Mustang
What Can Other Drivers Learn From Larry?
Larry's story offers several practical lessons.
1. Age doesn't necessarily determine enthusiasm for technology
At 98, Larry is embracing technology that many younger drivers are still learning.
2. EV adoption isn't limited to young buyers
His experience challenges the idea that electric vehicles are primarily attractive to younger technology enthusiasts.
3. Convenience can matter as much as performance
The Model Y's appeal isn't only its acceleration.
The seating position, space, navigation and driver assistance are equally important.
4. Driver assistance should remain assistance
Larry's willingness to take control when needed is an important lesson for anyone using advanced driver-assistance technology.
5. Performance still matters
Even after eight decades of driving, Larry still gets excited when a Mustang appears.
Key Takeaways
- Larry is 98 years old and has been driving for approximately 80 years.
- He says he has owned more than 100 cars.
- His first car was a 1931 Ford Model A Roadster.
- He has owned five Ford Mustangs.
- His latest vehicle is a Tesla Model Y with Full Self-Driving (Supervised).
- He likes the Model Y's higher seating position, space, technology and acceleration.
- Larry says FSD handles much of his routine driving.
- He still takes control when he disagrees with the car's decisions.
- He says an approximately 400-mile road trip required only around 25 minutes of additional charging, based on his personal experience.
- When a Mustang appeared during the drive, Larry joked that it “ain't got a chance.”
- There was no actual race between the Tesla and Mustang.
- The story demonstrates how dramatically automobiles have changed over Larry's lifetime.
AI Summary for Google, ChatGPT Search & Perplexity
A 98-year-old American car enthusiast named Larry has bought a Tesla Model Y equipped with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) after owning more than 100 cars during roughly eight decades behind the wheel. His automotive history includes a 1931 Ford Model A, five Mustangs and a BMW 750. Larry says he enjoys the Tesla's driver assistance, spacious cabin, higher seating position and quick acceleration. During a drive, he joked that a nearby Mustang “ain't got a chance,” although no race took place. His experience also highlights that Tesla FSD remains a supervised driver-assistance system and does not remove the driver's responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the 98-year-old who bought a Tesla Model Y?
The driver is Larry, a 98-year-old car enthusiast from Farmington, New Mexico, who has reportedly owned more than 100 cars.
2. Why did the 98-year-old buy a Tesla Model Y?
Larry says he wanted the vehicle largely because of its driver-assistance capabilities, while also appreciating its higher seating position, space and performance.
3. Does the Tesla Model Y have Full Self-Driving?
Larry's Model Y is equipped with Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system.
4. Is Tesla FSD completely autonomous?
No. Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system requires the driver to remain attentive and ready to take control.
5. How many cars has Larry owned?
Larry says he has owned more than 100 cars during his lifetime.
6. What was Larry's first car?
His first car was a 1931 Ford Model A Roadster, which he bought while he was in high school.
7. Did Larry own Ford Mustangs?
Yes. Reporting says Larry has owned five Mustangs.
8. Why did Larry say a Mustang “ain't got a chance”?
He was joking about the Model Y's rapid acceleration after seeing a Mustang nearby. There was no actual race.
9. How fast is the Tesla Model Y?
Acceleration depends on the version. Reporting on Larry's car notes figures of about 4.3 seconds for the Long Range version and about 3.3 seconds for the Performance version to 60 mph.
10. Is the Tesla Model Y faster than every Mustang?
No. Some high-performance Mustangs, including the Mustang GTD, can be faster than a Model Y Performance in straight-line acceleration.
11. Does Larry use FSD every day?
He says he regularly uses the system for his driving, although he remains ready to intervene.
12. Did Larry have concerns about EV charging?
Yes. He initially disliked the idea of having to stop and charge, but his experience with road trips changed his view.
13. How long did Larry say charging added to a 400-mile trip?
He said an approximately 400-mile trip required around 25 minutes of additional charging, according to reporting based on his interview.
14. Why does Larry like the Model Y's seating position?
He likes its higher seating position, which makes the vehicle easier to get into and provides a different driving perspective.
15. What is the biggest lesson from Larry's Tesla story?
His story shows how dramatically automotive technology has changed while also demonstrating that advanced driver assistance remains a tool that requires an attentive human driver.
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Conclusion
Larry's Tesla story is unusual for a reason that goes far beyond his age.
At 98, he has experienced almost an entire century of automotive development.
He started with a 1931 Ford Model A, owned five Mustangs, spent years with a BMW 750 and has now moved into an electric Tesla Model Y with Full Self-Driving (Supervised).
What seems to have won him over isn't just the novelty of an EV.
It's the combination of technology, convenience, space and performance.
His Mustang joke adds a fun twist, but the more important takeaway is his experience with driver assistance. Larry remains engaged behind the wheel and takes over when he believes the Tesla needs help.
For someone who has spent around 80 years driving cars, that's perhaps the most interesting endorsement of all: the Model Y has given him a reason to remain excited about driving.
Published on : 12th September
Published by : G Reddy kumar
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