7 Things to Consider Before Buying a Used Tesla
Checking the health of your battery is crucial when purchasing a used Tesla since the battery is the most expensive component. The Tessie app can help determine the level of battery degradation.
- The car's warranty status is important. The New Tesla Vehicle Limited Warranty is transferable, and the battery warranty lasts for 8 years or 100,000 miles.
- It is recommended to purchase directly from Tesla to enjoy additional warranty coverage and have a vehicle that has passed a 108-point inspection. Buying from a dealer who is not familiar with electric vehicles can be risky.
Discovering a Tesla isn't as new as it used to be. There are now Tesla Model 3s (and Model Ys) everywhere you look. The popularity of Tesla electric cars means they are also more popular on the used market. Buying a used Tesla is different from buying a regular used car, but some used car shopping principles still apply.
Let's take a look at the basic things you should pay attention to when buying a used Tesla!
1. Check the health of the battery
Checking the health of your electric car's battery is important, but it's essential to do so if you're looking to buy a used one. The battery is the most expensive component of your electric vehicle, and making sure the vehicle you're interested in has a well-cared for battery should be a top priority. If you want to check the battery health of any particular Tesla you want to buy, Tessie's app can show you how degraded its battery is.
The app lets you determine if battery degradation is within what is considered normal. Battery capacity degradation of about 2% per year is normal, so if you're considering the Tesla has abnormal battery degradation compared to its model year, you should probably consider another car.
Remember, the cost of replacing a Tesla battery is astronomical, so opting for a cheap used Tesla with a battery that's dying is not a good deal in the long run. If you're concerned about how long a Tesla battery will last , the good news is that the 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 for its second owner.
2. Check the vehicle's warranty status
All new Teslas include a New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which covers the vehicle for four years or 50,000 miles. The good news is that the warranty is transferable to the new owner when the car is sold. Every new Tesla also includes a separate eight-year warranty covering the drive unit and battery. The fact that the battery warranty lasts for at least eight years or 100,000 miles (mileage varies by model) should be very comforting to used car shoppers.
Buying a used Tesla directly from the manufacturer also has some benefits, the most important of which is the used vehicle limited warranty. When you buy directly from Tesla, you'll be able to enjoy the remainder of the factory warranty on the vehicle (if there is still any remaining), plus an additional year or 10,000 miles of coverage. If the vehicle in question is outside the manufacturer's warranty period, it will remain covered for one year or 10,000 miles from the date of delivery.
3.You must purchase directly from Tesla
7 things to consider before buying a used Tesla
Additional warranty coverage is the biggest reason to buy your car directly from Tesla, but it's not the only reason. We all know that used car sales representatives can lack integrity and sell you a car with defects, so purchasing a car as advanced as a Tesla from a dealership that lacks the technical know-how to properly inspect the car is nothing short of a hassle.
Used Tesla cars sold by the manufacturer must pass a 102-point inspection, which may include small repairs in order for the car to be ready for sale. Tesla has a long list of mechanical standards that the vehicle in question must meet, and this benefits the buyer because you will end up purchasing a car that is in good running condition.
If you buy an out-of-warranty Tesla from a dealer, there's no guarantee that the battery won't suffer a catastrophic failure at some point or that the title is clean. If you purchase a salvage-title Tesla, you risk having a car permanently banned from using the Supercharger network. Buying through Tesla gives you peace of mind and a comprehensive warranty; Tesla will also ship the car to you for a fee.
4. Check the vehicle accident history
Just like any used car you might be considering purchasing, it's important to check the accident history of the used Tesla you happen upon. When a car is involved in an accident, especially a major collision, the car may never work properly again.
You should obtain the vehicle's VIN number and check its accident history with an online vehicle history reporting tool such as Carfax to avoid unwanted surprises. You can also check the car's service records, which is extremely important when shopping for a used car. In this regard, shopping for a used Tesla is very similar to shopping for any other vehicle.
5. Visually inspect the vehicle
Visually inspecting a vehicle before purchasing is one of the essential (and effective) tools you have when shopping for used cars. If the vehicle fails the eye test, there is no need to perform any of the more important tests.
When visually inspecting a vehicle, you can start from the outside and look for any telltale signs of an accident, such as bodywork, skewed panels, and any visible damage. After performing a visual inspection of the exterior of the car, you can use a small mirror to check the underside of the car for any noticeable oil leaks.
Wheels and tires are also very important and often indicate how well the vehicle has been taken care of. Wet wheels often indicate careless driving and parking, and unevenly worn tires (not of the same brand) indicate that careful maintenance was not one of the owner's priorities.
Inside the car is the same story. You should look for any obvious signs of neglect, such as torn seats and stains on the edges of the ceiling. Also be sure to check that essential components such as turn signals, headlights, and wipers are working properly. It is also important to know whether the infotainment screen is working or not, as are 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 is working properly, and check the ceiling and floor for any possible leaks coming from the sunroof.
6. Test drive before purchasing
Test driving a Tesla you're considering buying is non-negotiable (unless you're buying directly from Tesla). During the test drive, you will be able to check that the vehicle is properly aligned and be on the lookout for any suspension noises that may indicate damage to the upper control arms.
During the test drive, you should check that the HVAC system is working properly while the car is in traffic, and you should also press hard on the brakes to make sure that it is working properly.
Accelerate the vehicle and ensure that the throttle response is linear, and also listen for any sounds made by the electric motors that may indicate any mechanical problems. If your car is equipped with Tesla's FSD (Full Self-Driving) system , you must confirm that the service can be transferred to you with the car (before completing the sale).
If you're purchasing your Tesla from a private owner, the FSD transfer process should be pretty smooth. If you're buying from a dealership, it's best to contact Tesla and make sure service remains with the used car you'll be purchasing.
7. Make sure the free Super Shipping is transferable
If you're about to buy a used Tesla and the owner is offering Free Unlimited Supercharging as a perk, rest assured that the free Supercharging is transferable to you once you purchase the car.
Some Model S and Model It's best to contact Tesla and ask if the vehicle you're interested in has Free Transferable Supercharging, as some vehicles may be equipped with Free, non-transferable Supercharging.
Free charging for your electric car can save you a lot of money, so making sure the car you buy has this feature is very important.
A used Tesla can be a great option if you're doing your homework
Buying a used Tesla can be a great way to save money while still getting a great electric car. Teslas are great cars, but it's important to do your homework when shopping for one, just as you would with any other used car.
The most important thing to pay attention to is the health of the battery, because the cost of replacing a Tesla battery could be a deal breaker.
