Tips for Buying a Used Tesla

Thinking about buying a Tesla? Make sure you check out their used inventory but keep these tips in mind when you do. Use my referral code and get free stuff when ordering your Tesla - ts.la/ben4054
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// Credits
Editing: Ben Sullins
Graphics: Ben Sullins
Producer: Katie Felton
Audio: Xijin Chan: www.xijin.co.uk
Writing: Ben Sullins
// Music by Epidemic Sound
// Disclaimer
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[@dublinpatterson8200]

“So your ready to buy a Tesla” me with no money in my bank account and one Tesla share 🙃

[@justinn9570]

hey its a start

[@jz5748]

We in same boat🚣‍♀️ 😂a small boat

[@markhealth3386]

You only need like 1 bitcoin

[@rasheeddozier6083]

Lmao same here

[@JGallis]

Time brother time

[@johnburr9463]

I like your assessment. I just have one thing to pitch in. It's time to stop thinking about keeping cars for only 5 years. That is an artificial length of time created by the auto industry to sell more vehicles. Tesla vehicles, provided they don't have all those problems from day one like yours had, should last 7-10 years easily. This means you can expect to drive it for quite a while after it is paid for. Also, since it is paid for at that point, any small repair costs are still cheaper than trading it in for another one.

[@anthonymillett16]

Most people aint buying a new car so this is super helpful! This is the content we need! Thanks a bunch Ben!

[@100completelongplaytimecap6]

Maybe cuz most people aint rich 😂 Excuse me i mean financially sound

[@Zoltan1251]

@chaotic shitposter in Europe 90% (not real number but its vast majority) of new cars are business owned not private

[@billcichoke2534]

@@100completelongplaytimecap6 You mean able to spend someone else's money, and have to stay in their budget, right?

[@sdandersonjr5]

The Tesla used car site does not add on 2 yr warranty any longer. Only one year and 10K miles at this time. No Carfax nor pictures either. $500 non refundable deposit as well. No bueno.

[@waternotmelon7637]

Nice

[@gordonlowe5405]

They will provide you with a Carfax if you ask them. At least that has been my experience so far.

[@sdandersonjr5]

@@gordonlowe5405 Not as of two weeks ago.

[@Orca-hp4zx]

Seems they want to push new cars 😂

[@rodneycluff1190]

They do give a carfax but I agree, they need to do pictures and have the deposit be refundable on the basis of quality or damage issues.

[@youtubegio]

Thank you for the video, Ben. It's informative and helped me a lot in making my decision toward my next Tesla. Thank you so much!

[@AndreAlforque]

Yes! Future planning from past experience is important. And atop daily/weekly mileage for battery size, increasing years of ownership will also reduce overall costs. We owned our past car for 14 years (and still budget to own and maintain to this day) when we decided to buy; and we plan to own our EV for at least 10 years, if not the lifetime of the vehicle.

[@georgepelton5645]

I have a S with 1.0 and a 3 with FSD. I totally agree with Ben’s comments that V1.0 autopilot is as good or better in actual use. It is all you need in a used Tesla, and a much better value. It is nice to monitor the state of the art wit FSD software updates, but it just a science experiment at this time.

[@MM-bw1lo]

He spot on about buying an EV with the longest range, for the life of me, I've watch some performance Tesla videos and I saw a guy charge 3-4 times on 1 trip and I think the length of driving the vehicle was 5-6 hours. This is the first video I watched of his all the way through, no overboard Elon Musk fan admiration, I can dig this.

[@ltsky311]

I think the year, vs features matters more now for instance model 3's pre 2021 are lacking the heat pump, which helps increase battery performance. Also newer designed motors and battery technology make a difference in models near the 2019 and 2020 years.

[@spiritualwarrior4484]

Thank you for the streamline opinions...I am excited and keep my vehicles for a long, long time...Free Supercharging, Connectivity and V1 auto pilot, all in my sights...Thanks again...

[@ted101975]

We bought a used 18 model 3 in 2020. Very happy with it and feel we saved a lot of money.

[@jjgk228]

outstanding Ben...thanks!

[@alexspeck9538]

One other thing I never hear about but learnt from experience is to check which version of the MCU is installed. It’s a $3000 upgrade to get the latest if you buy a Model S from before late 2018 and without it you miss out on video entertainment and upgraded visualizations.

[@inelonwetrust9169]

Great video Ben. Very detailed and inclusive of many details, including even some of the challenges you’ve had. But as you said you still recommend Tesla. The future is bright for them and the EV movement as a whole.

[@markellwest5534]

Wow! This was so helpful. Great Video 👍🏽

[@314Xander]

Thank you for the very informative video because I really want to purchase a used Tesla. I was very worried about what to do and how to do it. Thanks again!!

[@chableepeterson1]

Yes got it your right yes I’m getting a Tesla three used 2020 It’s three cars that pic out of same year white on white but they’re different range like you mentioned in your and different miles. Big difference on price. Hopefully next week I make a decision and buy. Thanks for this wonderful video

[@StevenYang95]

I'm thinking of buying a used Tesla Model S. So thank you for this video!

[@i2LMedia]

Great video. I purchased a used model S last year and had to do weeks of research to understand all the features and when/where to buy one. Ended up with a great deal and couldn’t be happier!!

[@Mathis218337]

Same. Got a 14 S 85.from a Chevy dealership. 29.9k w 71k miles in December 2019. Only spent $300 to repair one handle

[@7AndyH]

Did you purchase it through Tesla’s used inventory?

[@i2LMedia]

@@7AndyH I ended getting lucky and found a local private seller who had the configuration I wanted. I would suggest using EV-CPO instead of Tesla’s used site, or search local private sellers. You might get lucky

[@Malibuflatliner]

@@i2LMedia I heard Tesla didn’t let you use the chargers if you didn’t buy from Tesla is that true ?

[@i2LMedia]

@@Malibuflatliner no that isn’t true. I frequently use super chargers on road trips. And another added feature was that this particular model has free supercharging which is nice.

[@__greg__]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@timogronroos4642]

I believe the weight is the prime reason for fast tyre wear. In every corner there's more heat to be generated from G forces.

[@iluvamp1685]

Definitely a factor but even mild acceleration in a Tesla is more than ICE car. No shifting and so much torque

[@AmperageY]

I really think it is the torque my i3 and allot of i3 owners can tell you this will also burn through tires, and they're not particularly heavy some versions not even making it to 3000lbs yet all versions will have people claiming they only got 25-35k out of them

[@Moon___man]

@@iluvamp1685 torque shouldnt really affect your tires unless youre peeling out everywhere. friction is what does it, and friction depends on gravity. more weight = more friction force

[@erickrubio3314]

This is videos we need awesome review and I was thinking getting my 1st tesla with CarMax and this video going to help me decide on what to look for. Thanks Ben!

[@BreauxSegreto]

Thanks Ben! Great material as always! Cheers ✌️

[@aj27781]

I can second your experience and knowledge (coming from 3yr old Model 3 owner). All solid points esp “cruise control+”… well explained. I think for new EV owners that range loss/degradation/calibration should be the big think to familiarize (since it gives real range!! given range is no 1 factor for me as well). Ballpark, you do lose about 30-40 (more like 35%) in practical use given the 10% low end of charge and 80/85% high end of typical charge and some degradation/range calibration issues. Would you recommend any sites (aside from Tesla which seems actually quite nice but it’s mostly new pre owned vs genuine pre owned by price)? Carvana seems very very high for some reason

[@bazb3716]

Ended up with 4000 mile With FSD 2021 model 3 pearl white 2021 clean history with black wheels , 53,000$ but since illinois rapes register and tax 57k out the door first car super excited

[@DonnyGT]

Sure just saved me money, thanks!

[@tesladura3085]

Great video. I wish I would have seen this before I bought my used Tesla this past March. As it turns out, I made all the right decisions, LOL.

[@connorkimball3064]

Yea, how do i find a standard range model 3 that isnt the same purchase price as a brand new one 😃

[@justavian]

Yeah, looking through the used stock on Tesla's site, it seems like it's always more than a brand new one. But maybe there just aren't any available that have no add ons?

[@erikcruz5354]

I am looking at the Model Y's and the purchase price is pretty close to the new ones plus you get incentives if you buy it new. Sooooooooo IMO I feel buying a used Model Y does not make sense in this scenario.

[@Chrisb8s]

@@justavian its because Tesla turns on the higher peformance and FSD which costs them nothing and charges a little, make sure you compare apples to apples

[@SHendrixx2]

@@Chrisb8s u can see ones with FSD and without..pricing is still similar to new

[@Endorusheric]

Moop

[@ericleszkowicz898]

As someone accelerating their buying decision. Thanks for this information.

[@gerardmackenzie5686]

Thanks for the info just tying to decide between a used model y or x one option i must have is the FSD.

[@LisaWong0518]

Thank for all this helpful info. Where do you recommend getting a warranty?

[@lifeofmike556]

Looking to buy a used model 3 now that the prices have came down! I’m so excited

[@DefiantAML]

What about mileage? Does it affect an ev as much as an ice car? Is it better to get a newer model with more mileage than an older model with less mileage?

[@popenheimer]

Two things. Tesla seems to be including FSD in all used cars on its site in order to keep the prices up. And if you buy a used Tesla from other dealers watch out for salvage/rebuilt cars. They look like a great deal but Tesla's policy is to disable all fast charging on those cars (including non-Tesla chargers)

[@kendrickmelendez8185]

Thank you

[@billywong1614]

Ben, great video, thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@begley09]

I took a Tesla for a test drive with FSD and I was blown away by the technology it is 100% full self-driving I couldn't believe it

[@Mar-gv4eq]

Sold my 19 model 3 and got a 23 for super cheap..went from 212 miles to 315, sooo much better and got warranty again!

[@fljohnson06]

Great video!!! 👍

[@vitaliy544]

Just FYI, all used models 3 from Tesla delivered with FSD included.

[@danielbustos16]

I was thinking about it. I see it listed but I didn’t believe they added a 10k option

[@vitaliy544]

@@danielbustos16 they do. My friend recently bought one. LR RW 2018 for $42300 FSD included as advertised.

[@misaelortega653]

Is this something new they started to do Maybe your confusing it with "FSD capable"?

[@vitaliy544]

@@misaelortega653 sure, it calls FSD capability for $10K which included in used M3 from Tesla. And the total car price was $42300. HomeLink also was there.

[@shawndeslandes712]

Yes this is true indeed. I bought a 2018 Model 3 LR dual motor for $39,600 three days ago. It comes with FSD, acceleration boost, and Homelink. I wouldn’t view all versions of autopilot the same as Ben said when you can clearly get a great deal on FSD with a used model 3 directly from Tesla.

[@springroll58]

August 2020 model s and later are the only models with the external speaker update

[@BigPowerAL]

Found the cost of a pre-owned Tesla was so similar to a new one it just made since to buy new. Just bought a new 2021 Model 3. Came blacked out, a 128gb Flash drive for sentry mode and a powered trunk hatch.

[@mattjames8683]

Good tips Ben! Another great tip is never buy a Tesla from eBay motors! eBay will lie and tell you you are fully protected when in reality nothing but the frame is covered in terms of the car. eBay will screw you over!

[@ATCO80]

Hi Ben! I live in Sweden and our used Tesla prices on the Tesla web-page are ridiculous. We have 60.000kr (7100 dollars) tax credit on new cars after 6 months of ownership which makes a new Tesla model 3 worth 640.000kr (76000 dollars) after incentives. A used one, 1-2 years old with same specs is PLUS FSD is 700.000. FSD alone is worth 77.000 when ordering. So for 17.000kr (2000 dollars) I get the latest mode with all the new goodies. I’ll never buy a used model 3 in Sweden. Just thought I’d tell u how it goes here! :)

[@tylerdking635]

Your content is so fire! What camera are you using

[@misterytram7355]

Great video Mr. Sullins. What are the details with the charging you on a used Tesla Sir?

[@businessmanph]

What tires do you use on your car and how much does it weigh? My Michelin Pilot Sport 4S normally past about 20 to 25k. My rears are currently bald. Lol

[@rufunny123]

Thx for the video. Please clarify if buying a higher mileage Telsa is risky? if so how risky is that?

[@OG_Honda_Grom]

Wow the tire thing blew my mind, my focus st lasts just about the same for tires and that’s no bueno

[@h27764]

One add on is any vehicle made prior to 2018 will have MCU1 which does not have features such as dash cam viewer and the ability to stream Netflix Hulu Etc also it won’t be able to record on the rear camera. Also if you have HW 2.0 you won’t be able to record anything at all, you would have to get a HW3 retrofit

[@michaelrubin408]

Ben. Thanks so much. Should I get FSD or not?

[@adiamond3]

You missed an opportunity to bring up salvaged title Tesla’s. Here in Utah there are more salvaged titles for sale than for sale by owner. Some people that bought them are finding out now that supercharging has been disabled.

[@winniethebeast2344]

since there are a lot of factory issues and there are lots of mobile repairs, they should make the vans that go to houses and fix the cars electric too

[@joeypore]

Bought my 2018 Model 3 this year, still got 3 full years of warranty and it was like new. Had to get a few cosmetic things fixed, which they did at no charge. Highly recommend getting a used M3.

[@dmoney3491]

Still happy with your Tesla?

[@sag-r]

I’ve driven Tesla Model 3 for 5 years and finally thinking of upgrading to Tesla Model Y as I feel it is getting harder and harder to get in and out of my Tesla because of my back issues. Other than that I don’t have much requirement but the recent drop in process got me thinking again if I should get a new or used. After Tax credit new and old are quite close. It’s a no brainier for some but I’m thinking I’ll get FSD for cheap in older cars. I’m also not happy that dropped prices depreciated my cars value to less than half. I’ve used Enhanced pilot for my office commute and find FSD quite promising. And watched this video to validate my decision. I agree with the author advise to stick with basic autopilot and don’t pay for enhanced Autopilot for newer buyers. Enhanced autopilot is Not worth the 6k. But when it comes to FSD I’m curious. I like to know what problems I’ll face if I try to buy a 20k miles mileage 2020 Model Y as against 2021 or 2022. Is there any difference ?

[@kenmasters007]

Great advice...! Esp about autopilot

[@ino8685]

What year of used Model 3 should I buy if I want to avoid problems?

[@ttp8973]

Tesla QC and reliability are very questionable. As much as I love Teslas, I noticed way too many customers paying for repairs that they should not. Watch out Tesla, competition is exponentially growing, and they are getting better. Great video!

[@mpeay3945]

Read an article where Tesla disabled the extended range(?) for the new (2nd) owner when the original owner sold the car because that add-on belonged to the original owner. Is this still a problem?

[@veganwally]

If I buy a Tesla from a non-Tesla dealer, can I bring that car to a Tesla service center for them to look over before I buy?

[@bahamaslive]

Bought my 2018 M3 standard range+ at a Florida mega dealership - I would not recommend doing this for the unanticipated.. Essentially, the salesman knew almost next to nothing (as much as me) about the car. In fact they desperately tried to sell me a “key replacement “ add on?.. $699 💩 Did I love the mega dealership experience-Absolutely not! Do I love the Tesla - A resounding Hell Yes 🤙🏼 * My recommendation* New or used - Buy through Tesla 👍🏼 (Great video Ben 🍺🍺

[@ryanw.975]

very nice tip! I am buying a used one soon!

[@JosephAraza]

Thumbnail looks like Messi selling used Teslas 😂. Great content, very helpful 👍

[@andrewhayden2477]

I wonder how much of the AC issue on the MX was because it was driven so little by the first owner? Several years ago I had a car that didn't get driven much for about a year. When I started driving it again regularly, the AC was my biggest issue. Could be the same thing on the MX, not specific to the car, just that the AC needs regular use or it starts to degrade and dies prematurely.

[@olebloom1641]

I get a lot of cheap used cars that have been sitting for years and the O rings on a/c are usually the issue for that system.

[@EmpireOfNerds]

This is super timely!! I just bought a Silver 2018 M3 LR AWD this week. Went with used directly through Tesla because like you said depreciation, plus they are including the FSD and Acceleration boost. My first Tesla/EV I’m excited.

[@jetrotcu]

How did you get them to include FSD?

[@EmpireOfNerds]

@@jetrotcu It was an included option along with the other acceleration boost and rear heated seats. If you check the used section on Tesla’s site they have included the upgrades for every used long range AWD. Plus an additional year of Warranty after the factory warranty ends.

[@Bbronson]

Can you purchase a 4 year extended warranty from tesla on a used model for around 5k?

[@harshag5423]

How was your experience with the Tesla's used site? Why didn't you choose dealerships where there is a possibility of getting it at lower price

[@josephus1983]

Buying used directly from Tesla is tough. You don’t get to see the car before delivery. It’s a $500 deposit and any transportation fees from $500 up to over $2,000 will be forfeited if there is something about the car you don’t like. No warranty will fix that issue. Be very sure you’re all in on the car if you go direct. I went with Carvana on my third Tesla. 7 day return policy. Will get to see and rest it for u to 400 miles or 7 days. Can return with no fee.

[@Chrisb8s]

Can I add a couple of used Tesla benefits? 1. AP1 has lane change control with your turn signals.. the base version of new AP does not.. unless you pay for FSD 2. a lot of the newer/used Teslas have FSD already... so for less than $50k you get an amazing car, with FSD with free connectivity etc. 3. Sunroof... I love my sunroof 4. some may not like this but, real leather also, tires are a real problem on the bigger wheels, stick with the 19s on a model S.. for range and for life of tires One more, when you buy used, the previous owner already worked out all of those new car kinks.. like the Y is having.. spending time at the service center for door handles or other issues. I love my used Tesla, it feels like new with the new MCU2

[@BenSullinsOfficial]

agree

[@alaaa1794]

Thank you for the information. I’m in the market

[@melangreathouse2209]

I’ve been watching your channel for about 3 years now, and while there are now a plethora of Tesla Nerds( pardon the pun) with their own Tesla centric channel, yours is a notch above. Your reviews are thorough in content, concise, informative and entertaining. You draw the audience in with things that pertain solely to Tesla cars, and you don’t banter about with meaningless speculations. Thank You.

[@BenSullinsOfficial]

❤️

[@OuijTube]

This is some honest content.

[@kendrickmora5437]

i just bought a used 2018 tesla model 3 standard in phoenix for 46k sale price from a local dealer(W/ a warranty on all electrical) and the car looks and feels mint condition. i’m not too familiar with all the features yet, my goal was just to replace my monthly gas cost with an investment ahah maybe it’s time for an updated version of this video with the current market?? i also live in SD and all EVs are marked up $15k+ lol

[@bahamaslive]

Totally agree, just got a 2018 M3 mid range with 22K miles- Absolutely love this car!!!

[@Cptrq]

Was thinking of getting a mid range versus the sr, how much range do you get at 80 and 100 percent

[@bahamaslive]

@@Cptrq That really depends on how fast you are driving & other variables. What I would say is that you must change your mindset when it comes to EV's - My occupation is a commercial pilot & I find myself "flight planning" per say as opposed to just driving (if you know what I mean) ;)

[@kbram7363]

Great video

[@Noot279]

Are there options to purchase a warranty from Tesla for a car without one or once it's expired?

[@Nodrog832]

Hi Ben, whats you opinion about leasing a used Tesla? I seems you are buying them only in cash why not leasing or fiancing?

[@GregHassler]

Buying used through Tesla basically forces you into full self driving. They don't sell used cars without it for some time now. It's a cheaper way to get FSD than new if you want it, but if you don’t you can definitely find cheaper options.

[@sts3427]

What about selling a Tesla to a traditional car dealership after owning it for say 2 years? I see how easy it is to buy and trade through Tesla, but nothing really about trading one to say Ford for a car.

[@JohnWDavisMedia]

Do you think it's possible the AC on the Model X went out because that particular vehicle sat for years before you bought it? -John W.

[@joeliam]

Ben, is there a transfer of the basic warranty when you buy a used Tesla?

[@fullyelectric]

Great 👍 tips .. for me the model S is the best Tesla after owning both model X and 3 .. other family member owning the S had overall less issues and the model S looks better imo. As for range I would advise don’t go by any EPA numbers for Tesla, look at tested real world range at speeds you more than likely normally drive at, one thing you don’t want to end up doing is buying a more expensive car, going EV just to end up driving slower than you normally do .. Great content Ben .. keep them coming..

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Great advice, Ben. Thanks! ?: Do Teslas come with Run Flat tires?? I have those on my ICE cars and they're nasty only the wallet.

[@JGallis]

Nope they don't

[@PeaceChanel]

Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste and Thank You for All your efforts to support this Great Cause 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ☮️ ❤️

[@aaron_barreiro]

What about when you have a car sitting for a while. If you don't drive for a day or two does the battery drain anyways?

[@tristanskylark]

7:53 do can do self park on 2014+ cars, not 2017 and up

[@SkyBreakSecurity]

Do you think the updated 2021 Model 3 is worth buying compared to 2020 with the slightly upgraded features? Heat pump / windows / satin black finishes.

[@TheEmrickman]

Yes.

[@FinalVibes]

I believe Tesla made a change that free supercharging does not get passed to the new owners.

[@B5_Beehive19]

I want a Tesla but I’m debating if I should get one or not because there expensive 38k used is like ehhh good but still something I need to research a lot about before getting it I wish there was like a 25k option

[@xYaBoiii]

Wait so does this mean skip the FSD feature and just go with the standard Autopilot?

[@Tundra0128]

Just bought a used 2022 model 3 long range!!

[@jarethmarroquin5139]

I'm not old enough to own a Tesla or to drive a car, but that is good advice

[@jackylsmith8138]

Ben have you ever bought a car? Traditional auto makers do not change the vehicles on a yearly basis. It is usually around 5 years. They may make minor changes from year to year and Tesla does this as well. But buying a used Tesla from Tesla is about the worst experience anyone can have buying a used car. Because it can take months to get a car that you have paid for and are paying insurance for, but you have no car. At least when I walk into a traditional dealer I can drive away in a few hours with a vehicle. Tesla thinks that is crazy and makes you wait months to get the vehicle from the next state. Wow Tesla’s warranty is awful. 4 years 50,000 miles bumper to bumper.

[@worldwide_wes]

Mission Bay spotted! nice

[@sfifdy8]

Im deciding on a New model Y performance or a used model X

[@Andersljungberg]

in Sweden, however, the free charge will apparently not be transferred to the person who buys a used Tesla. it will only apply to the first owner of the car, as long as he owns the car

[@pattognozzi]

They no longer offer free supercharging on used Tesla’s they resell on their website.

[@PeaceNinja007]

fk

[@pathwaytoheaven12]

My tip for buying a tesla is to not love the world or the things of this world. Happy Easter! My son just bought a tesla and so I felt the need to make a vid to help.

[@flip_slasher5855]

I am debating if i should get 2021 or 2022 Mode Y. What you think?

[@CharlesJ3]

Just bought a used 2019 Used Tesla.. Love it....

[@Bbronson]

You able to get an extended warranty through tesla or you go private seller?

[@AlexanderRChaparro]

Ben in the Tesla world how important are the miles driven on the used car?

[@Rickster8560]

Ben, you mentioned if you buy a used car from Tesla, that you would get a 2 year additional warranty for bumper 2 bumper? Unless I'm reading it wrong on the Tesla site, you only get one additional year from when the original bumper 2 bumper warranty would have expired.

[@BenSullinsOfficial]

They changed it between when I recorded this and now

[@lyncchrys5523]

Love this damn channel