Tesla cars are amazing. They’re all-electric, have insanely fast acceleration, and are packed with a lot of high-tech features. But they’re also pretty expensive. That’s why buying a used Tesla can be a great way to get one of these amazing cars without breaking the bank.
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when buying a used Tesla. These cars are still fairly new, which means there aren’t that many of them on the used car market. And because they’re so new, it can be difficult to find one that’s truly “used.” Many of the used Teslas are leased cars that were returned at the end of the lease – meaning they may not have been well cared for.
To help you sort the wheat from the chaff, we’ve compiled a list of questions you should ask before buying a used Tesla, whether Model S or Model X. With these questions in mind, you’ll be able to spot a used Tesla and avoid making an expensive mistake.
62 Questions you should ask when buying a used Tesla:
- How many miles are on the odometer?
- When was the last time the car had its oil changed?
- What type of battery does the car have?
- Have any of the batteries ever been replaced?
- What condition are the brakes in?
- What type of tires does the car have?
- Have the tires ever been replaced?
- When is the next scheduled tire rotation?
- What’s the status of the car’s warranty?
- Does the car have any aftermarket modifications?
- If so, were these modifications done by a certified Tesla installer?
- Has the car ever been involved in an accident?
- If so, was it repaired by a certified Tesla body store?
- Does the car have any outstanding recalls?
- What’s included with the sale (e.g., charger, floor mats)?
- What’s the cost of transferring ownership of the vehicle?
- Are there any hidden fees associated with the purchase of the vehicle?
- Can I take the car to my own mechanic for inspection before I buy it?
- Is there anything else I need to know about this car before I decide?
- What’s the condition of the paint?
- What’s the condition of the tires?
- What’s the price?
- Is the price negotiable?
- What’s not included in the selling price?
- When was the last time the car was serviced?
- What needs to be done to get the car serviced?
- Are there any accidents or damage documented in the history report?
- Is there an extended warranty?
- How long is it valid?
- What’s covered by the warranty?
- Are there any loan or lease payments still due on the car?
- If so, how much are they and how long do they run?
- Are there any liens or encumbrances on the vehicle title?
- Can I test-drive the car before making a decision?
- When can I take a test drive?
- What’s the condition of the battery?
- Are there any dents, dings, or scratches on the body of the car?
- Have all regular maintenance appointments been kept?
- When was the last time the brakes were serviced?
- What’s the total cost of ownership?
- Do you have the car’s service history available?
- What’s your return policy?
- Who should I contact if I have problems with the car after purchase?
- Have you ever had problems with the car?
- How long have you owned the car?
- Why are you selling it?
- Do you know of any other potential problems with the car that I should be aware of?
- How old is the Tesla?
- How much does it cost to charge the battery?
- What’s the estimated range and MPG?
- What safety features does the car have?
- Does the car have autonomous driving features?
- What “extras” does the car come with (e.g., premium sound system, heated seats)?
- How much will it cost to insure the car?
- What’s the resale value of this Tesla model?
- Are there any known manufacturer defects with this particular model?
- Where did you buy the Tesla (e.g. from a dealer, from a private individual, or online)?
- What’s the condition of the interior?
- What kind of gasoline does the car run on?
- When was the last time the car was pimped out?
- What’s the Kelley Blue Book value of the car?
- Can I contact you if I have any other questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need to know when buying a Tesla?
You need to be aware of the different types of Teslas that are available. There’s the Model S, the Model X, and the Model 3.
You need to know how much it will cost. Teslas can be expensive, so you need to make sure you have enough money saved up.
You need to consider that you will need to install a Tesla charger in your home to charge the car. That can get expensive, so you need to budget for that as well.
If you can afford it and are interested in buying a Tesla, do your research and head down to your nearest Tesla dealer to test drive one!
How often should a Tesla be serviced?
Frequent servicing is an important part of keeping a car in optimal condition, and this is especially true for Tesla vehicles. Depending on the model, Tesla vehicles typically need to be serviced every two or three years.
For example, the Model 3 and Model Y should be serviced every two years, while the Model S and Model X need to be serviced every three years.
A regular service check can help keep your Tesla running smoothly and safely, and save you money in the long run. During a service check, a professional technician will inspect your vehicle to make sure everything is working properly and fix any problems he/she finds.
He/she will also check parts like brakes and tires, replace worn components, and top off fluids as needed. He/she also check diagnostic codes, which can help him/her identify potential problems before they develop into major issues.
Conclusion
Once you’ve asked all these questions and received satisfactory answers, you can be sure you’re making a smart decision by buying a used Tesla! Don’t forget to do your research beforehand so you know what to look for and what questions to ask – with this knowledge, you’re sure to find your perfect vehicle soon!
