7 Things To Consider Before Buying a Used Tesla

Key Takeaways

• Checking the battery health is crucial when buying a used Tesla since the battery is the most expensive component. The Tessie app can help determine battery degradation.
• The status of the vehicle’s warranty is important. Tesla’s new vehicle limited warranty is transferable, and the battery warranty lasts for 8 years or 100,000 miles.
• It is advisable to buy directly from Tesla to enjoy extra warranty coverage and get a vehicle that has passed a 108-point inspection. Purchasing from a dealer not versed in EVs may come with risks.

Spotting a Tesla isn’t the novelty it used to be. Now there are Tesla Model 3s (and Model Ys) seemingly everywhere you look. The proliferation of Tesla EVs means they are also much more common in the used market. Buying a second-hand Tesla is different from buying a regular used car, but some of the same used car shopping principles still apply.

Let’s look at the key things should be on the lookout for when buying a used Tesla!

1. Check the Battery Health

Checking your EV’s battery health is important, but it’s crucial to do it if you’re looking to purchase one used. The battery is the most expensive component in your EV, and making sure that the car you’re interested in has a battery that’s been well taken care of should be a top priority. If you want to check the battery health of any particular Tesla you’re interested in purchasing, the Tessie app can show you how much its battery has degraded.

The app allows you to determine if the battery degradation is within what’s considered normal. Around 2% degradation of the battery’s capacity per year is considered normal, so if the Tesla you’re considering has abnormal battery degradation for its model year, you should maybe consider another vehicle.

Remember, the cost of replacing a Tesla battery is astronomical, so opting for a cheap used Tesla with a battery that’s on its way out is not a good deal in the long run. If you’re worried about how long a Tesla’s battery will last, the good news is that battery modules should be good for anywhere from 300,000 to 500,000 miles, so even a used example should have plenty of battery life left over for its second owner.

2. Check the Status of the Vehicle’s Warranty

All new Teslas include a new vehicle limited warranty, which covers the car for four years or 50,000 miles. The good news is that the warranty is transferable to the new owner whenever the vehicle is sold. Every new Tesla also includes a separate eight-year warranty that covers the drive unit and the battery. The fact that the battery warranty lasts for eight years or at least 100,000 miles (mileage varies by model) should be very comforting for used car shoppers.

Purchasing your used Tesla directly from the manufacturer has a few benefits as well, the most significant one being the used vehicle limited warranty. When buying directly from Tesla, you’ll be able to enjoy the remainder of the factory warranty period on the car (if it still has any left), as well as an additional one year or 10,000 miles of coverage. If the vehicle in question is out of the factory warranty period, you’ll still be covered for one year or 10,000 miles from the date of delivery.

3. You Should Buy Directly from Tesla

The extra warranty coverage is the biggest reason to purchase your vehicle directly from Tesla, but it isn’t the only one. We all know used car sales representatives could lack integrity and sell you a car that has faults, so purchasing an advanced vehicle like a Tesla from a dealership that lacks the technical know-how to properly inspect the car is just asking for trouble.

Used Teslas sold by the manufacturer have to pass a 102-point inspection, which might include small repairs to get the car ready to go on sale. Tesla has a long list of mechanical standards that the vehicle in question must meet, and this benefits the buyer because you’ll ultimately be purchasing a vehicle that’s in good running condition.

If you purchase an out-of-warranty Tesla from a dealer, there’s no guarantee the battery won’t suffer catastrophic failure at some point or that the vehicle’s title is clean. If you purchase a Tesla with a salvaged title, you run the risk of owning a vehicle that’s permanently banned from using the Supercharger network. Purchasing through Tesla gets you peace of mind and a comprehensive warranty; Tesla will even ship the car to you for a fee.

4. Check the Vehicle’s Accident History

Just like any pre-owned vehicle you might be considering purchasing, it’s vital to check the accident history of the used Tesla you have your eyes on. When a vehicle is in an accident, especially a significant collision, the car might never function properly again.

You should obtain the vehicle’s VIN and check its accident history using an online vehicle history reporting tool like Carfax to avoid unwanted surprises. You can also check the vehicle’s service records, which are extremely important when shopping for a used car. In this regard, shopping for a used Tesla is very much the same as shopping for any other vehicle.

5. Visually Inspect the Vehicle

Visually inspecting a vehicle before purchase is one of the most basic (and effective) tools you have at your disposal when you are used car shopping. If the vehicle fails the eye test, there’s no need to perform any of the more involved tests.

When visually inspecting a vehicle, you can start from the outside and look for any telltale signs of accidents, like bodywork, misaligned panels, and any visible damage. After a visual inspection of the vehicle’s exterior, you can use a small mirror to inspect the underside of the vehicle for any noticeable oil leaks.

The wheels and tires are also very important and often indicate how well taken care of a vehicle is. Scuffed wheels often indicate neglect while driving and parking, and tires that are unevenly worn (and not of the same brand) also indicate that meticulous maintenance wasn’t one of the owner’s priorities.

Inside the vehicle is the same story. You should look out for any obvious signs of neglect, such as torn seats and stains on the roof trim. Also, be sure to check that basic components like the turn signals, headlights, and wipers are functioning correctly. It’s also important to see if the infotainment screen is working, as well as the door locks.

You should also make sure that none of the windows are cracked, especially the windshield, which can be very expensive to replace. If the vehicle is equipped with a sunroof, make sure it functions correctly, and inspect the roof and floor for any possible leaks coming from the sunroof.

6. Test Drive Before Buying

Test-driving the Tesla you’re thinking of purchasing is non-negotiable (unless you’re buying directly from Tesla). During the test drive, you’ll be able to verify that the vehicle is properly aligned and be on the lookout for any suspension noises that might indicate the upper control arms are damaged.

During the test drive, you should check that the HVAC system is working properly while the vehicle is in traffic, and you should also go hard on the brakes to make sure they’re functioning properly.

Accelerate the car and make sure that the accelerator pedal’s response is linear, and also listen for any noises from the electric motors that might hint at any mechanical issues. If your vehicle is equipped with Tesla’s FSD (Full Self Driving), you should make sure the service is transferable to you with the car (before the sale is complete).

If you’re purchasing your Tesla from a private owner, the FSD transfer should be pretty seamless. If you’re buying from a dealership, it’s best to contact Tesla and make sure the service will stay with the used vehicle you’re going to purchase.

7. Make Sure Free Supercharging Is Transferable

If you’re about to purchase a used Tesla and the owner is listing free unlimited Supercharging as a perk, make sure that the free Supercharging is indeed transferable to you once you buy the vehicle.

Some Model S and Model X vehicles included free unlimited Supercharging that transfers with the vehicle, meaning the car will still have free supercharging even after it changes hands. It’s best to contact Tesla and ask if the vehicle you’re interested in has free Supercharging that is transferable, because some vehicles may be equipped with non-transferable free Supercharging.

Free charging for your EV can save you a lot of money, so making sure that the one you’re purchasing has this perk is very important.

A Used Tesla Can Be a Great Choice if You Do Your Homework

Buying a secondhand Tesla can be a great way to save money while still getting an awesome EV. Teslas are great vehicles, but it’s important to do your homework when shopping for one, just like you would with any other used car.

The biggest thing to watch out for is the health of the battery, because the cost of replacing a Tesla battery may be a deal-breaker.