Tesla Cybertruck Owner Who’s Paid $5,848 For Out Of Warranty Work Says, “100K Miles, and It Still Looks Awesome, Zero Oil Changes, Zero Brake Pads, Zero Range Anxiety... Well Maybe a Little”

This Tesla Cybertruck owner says he’s "driving the future into the future.” Here’s the rest of the story.

Imagine pushing a futuristic stainless steel beast through 100,000 miles of dust storms, torrential rains, and grueling Utah mud flats without ever changing a single brake pad or a drop of oil. While most heavy-duty pickups would be on their third or fourth major service interval, this owner is out here shooting his own door panels just to prove they are as "life-proof" as promised.

Joseph Jefferson on the Cybertruck Owners Only Facebook page says,

“I just hit 100,000 miles on my Cybertruck, and it still looks awesome. Driving the Future into the future. This thing has hauled everything: It’s been through dust storms, crazy rains, snow, and that one time I accidentally took it off-roading in a mud flat in Utah (don't ask). Zero oil changes. Zero brake pads. Zero range anxiety (okay, maybe a little when I’m 2% and still miles from a Supercharger, but that’s on me). Elon said it was bulletproof; turns out that's true (we shot it), it’s also life-proof. 100k down, probably a million to go. Cybertruck owners: you know the feeling. Everyone else: Come ride along sometime. Just grab the yoke and let the truck take you on an adventure.”

“The Out Of Warranty Life:” 

• PCS- $4,000
• Bed outlet - $584
• Fender liners (both right & left) $300
• Door (We shot it) $954
• Tailgate strikers (right & left) $10
• Total: $5,848.

100,000 Miles Later: The Real Cost of Driving the Future

I have spent over 30 years in the automotive industry, and I have seen everything from the rise of the Japanese imports to the current electric revolution. When a vehicle like the Tesla Cybertruck hits the 100,000-mile mark, my "mechanic’s brain" immediately starts looking for the cracks in the armor. Joseph Jefferson’s experience is a fascinating case study in what happens when the warranty expires, and the real world takes over.

For a truck that has been shot, mud-bogged, and driven through every imaginable weather condition, $5,848 in total repairs over 100,000 miles is actually quite revealing. If you were driving a heavy-duty diesel truck, your oil changes, fuel filters, and brake jobs alone would likely have eclipsed that number long ago. As I noted in a previous report, many owners are finding that a Cybertruck feels like switching from a dinosaur to a spaceship compared to traditional workhorses.

Breaking Down the Out-of-Warranty Costs

The elephant in the room is that $4,000 Power Conversion System (PCS) replacement. The PCS is the heart of how the truck manages its high-voltage battery and charging. Seeing a failure here at 100k miles suggests that while the "mechanical" parts of the truck (like the brakes) are staying fresh, the high-tech electrical components are where the financial risk lies.

Then there is the $954 door repair. Joseph admitted they shot it! While Tesla’s 30X cold-rolled stainless steel is tough, it is not invincible. Replacing a stainless steel panel is not like popping a dent out of an aluminum F-150; it is a specialized, expensive process. We saw similar structural concerns when a Cybertruck owner traded his fragile Model 3 after $17k in road damage, seeking the peace of mind that only a steel exoskeleton can provide.

The Maintenance Paradox

One of the most striking parts of this story is the "Zero Brake Pads" claim. Thanks to regenerative braking, the physical brake pads on a Tesla often outlast the car itself if driven correctly. For a heavy truck, this is a massive win for Tesla Cybertruck's long-term reliability and maintenance costs. However, there are still "consumables." Tires on a 7,000-pound beast with instant torque are going to disappear faster than on a Honda Civic. In my experience, choosing the right rubber is key, as one owner found out his Cybertruck eats tires.

Key Takeaways for Potential Cybertruck Buyers

• Budget for Electronics: The drivetrain is solid, but out-of-warranty electrical components like the PCS are expensive.
• Brakes vs. Tires: You will save thousands on brake jobs, but expect to spend some of those savings on high-performance EV tires.
• The "Bulletproof" Tax: The stainless steel is great for door dings, but if you actually damage it (or shoot it!), the repair bills are steep.
• Range Strategy: Even at 100k miles, range anxiety is more about planning than battery degradation.

What Cybertruck Owners Are Saying

The community response to high-mileage Cybertrucks is a mix of awe and skepticism. Here is what some owners are reporting on Reddit:

u/redditissocoolyoyo: "94k miles almost... No repairs. Nothing but changed tires. Drives like new. Just the typical battery degradation."

u/whiskeyvacation: "I detailed it last weekend, and it could almost pass for a brand new car, in every way." 

u/woodcutwoody: "152k miles, 88% battery health."

Conclusion

Joseph’s 100,000-mile journey proves that the Cybertruck isn't just a pavement princess; it’s a legitimate workhorse that can survive the elements (and small arms fire). While the nearly $6,000 in repairs might sting, the lack of traditional maintenance makes the total cost of ownership surprisingly competitive. It’s a bold new world for high-mileage trucks, and the stainless steel pioneer is leading the charge.

Tell Us What You Think

Would you be willing to pay $6,000 in repairs to avoid every oil change and brake job for 100,000 miles? Is the Cybertruck the ultimate high-mileage beast, or are the repair costs a red flag? Click the red link below to write your comment and join the community in sharing experiences.

Next Up: A Cybertruck owner taking delivery found four major flaws on his brand-new pickup. A frunk fail, a scratch, odd discoloration, and a rivet issue. Did the dealership swap it for a pristine one, and was he handed a reject first? What buyers need to know. Read the full story here.

With over 30 years of industry experience, Denis Flierl brings an insider’s perspective to Torque News, where he has been a Senior Reporter since 2012. Before picking up the pen, Denis consulted for the automotive industry's biggest brands and honed his skills as a test driver. He cuts through the noise to deliver the latest auto news, compelling owner stories, and the expert analysis necessary to navigate today's changing automotive market.

Have a tip or question? Follow me on X @DenisFlierl and @WorldsCoolestRides, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Joseph Jefferson