What to Look For in a Used Tesla

If you’re thinking about buying a used Tesla, it’s essential to do your research before making a decision. You’ll want to avoid buying a car that doesn’t have a valid warranty or has other issues.

During the past two years, a price bubble created by high fuel prices and a rush of new EV buyers led to some owners flipping their Teslas for profit upon delivery. Today, easing fuel costs, higher interest rates, and EV competition have reversed that trend, according to industry data.

Battery / Drive Unit Warranty

Tesla’s Battery and Drive Unit Warranty covers the battery for eight years or a certain number of miles, whichever comes first. There are some limitations to this warranty, including damage that occurs during driving on bad roads and impact from rocks or other debris.

In addition to the battery, Tesla also offers a warranty for some other components on a used Model S or Model X. These include the high-voltage battery, the wall connectors, and the touchscreen/media control unit.

Autopilot

Autopilot is one of the most popular driver-assistance options available on a Tesla. It is standard on all Model 3 and S vehicles and can be added to the X model for an additional $3,000 or $6,000 (depending on your car’s hardware).

Each version of Autopilot Hardware adds more cameras, sensors, and computers to see more and react faster. This makes it easier for Autopilot to work and improves performance and safety.

However, while it’s true that Autopilot is now standard on all Tesla cars, it doesn’t mean that it will automatically transfer to a used car if it was sold second-hand through a dealership sale. As a result, we’d recommend that you check with the dealer to find out what level of Autopilot or Full Self-Driving was purchased when it was new.

Half-Shaft Issues

One of the most annoying issues that affect many dual-motor Tesla S/X cars is front half-shaft vibration and front CV joint shudder. This is caused by the high ride height that Tesla uses on these vehicles, which increases the angle of the half shafts, causing extreme tension and binding inside them.

The problem is that the excessive amount of stress and binding within the half shafts causes premature wear. Once worn out, the front half-shafts and front CV joints begin to shudder during acceleration.

If you are looking to purchase a used tesla, make sure you check for these issues before you buy it. If you find that it does have these issues, make sure to negotiate the sale price accordingly.

Sunroof Issues

A panoramic sunroof is a great way to add an extra style to your Model S. It can also give you a better view of the world outside your car and improve air permeability during dense traffic.

However, there are some problems associated with the panoramic roof that owners have reported. These include issues with the motor mechanism and the glass itself.

The first issue is that the sunroof can leak during rain. This can be caused by drain blockage or rotten seals.

Alternatively, the sunroof can get stuck due to dirt in the sliding mechanism. If this happens, you must take the vehicle to a service center for repair.

Headlights / Tail Lights

The headlights/tail lights on a used tesla are one of the most visible parts of the car, so it’s essential to take care of them. This includes checking them for damage, replacing the bulbs as needed, and maintaining their condition.

If you want to upgrade your headlights, consider LEDs, which are more durable and brighter than halogens. Several car makers also offer laser headlights, which promise even more brightness and efficiency.

You can choose from a variety of colors, including white and blue. The color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), determines how warm or cool the light is. 6000K headlights are whiter and more similar to daylight, while 8000K headlights are blue-tinted and slightly brighter.