Best Tesla Years to Buy Used

Quick Facts About Used Tesla Models

• If it’s a Tesla Model S, X, or 3 you want to buy, we suggest beginning your search with the 2019 build year. For the Model Y, we suggest buying from the 2022 or newer years. The Cybertruck is still too new, so we will report on its best years in the future. 
• Buying a used Tesla model directly from the carmaker includes a 12-month/10,000-mile limited bumper-to-bumper warranty.
• You can verify the year a Tesla model was built with its vehicle identification number (VIN).

Although Tesla arrived on the scene in the form of its Roadster in 2008, what most of us envision when speaking of Tesla models rolled out as the 4-door Tesla Model S sedan in 2012. In the 13 years since the first Model S arrived, Tesla has proven an aggressive and enduring competitor. According to Autotrader’s parent company, Cox Automotive, Tesla accounted for just under 50% of new electric vehicle (EV) sales in the United States in 2024.

If you’re shopping for a used Tesla model, there is no shortage of them for sale. As with most EVs, you can pick up some serious used Tesla bargains. However, there are a few things you should know before pulling the trigger on a used Tesla purchase. We share them with you below.  

• What Are the Best Years for Buying a Used Tesla?
• Identifying Used Tesla Cars Model Year
• What to Consider Before Buying a Used Tesla
• Common Tesla Problems
• How to Buy a Used Tesla
• Should You Buy a Used Tesla?

What Are the Best Years for Buying a Used Tesla?

As brands go, Tesla is a youngster among carmakers. This renders pinpointing trends—good or bad—a bit tougher. Furthermore, if you are shopping for a used Tesla, you are likely excited about the prospect of driving this game-changing brand, which means you will be more inclined to overlook a small issue or two. Moreover, because Tesla uses over-the-air (OTA) updates to refine or fix its software, several issues generating some owner complaints have been seamlessly addressed. Read on to see what years are best to buy by model.

Model S

We suggest beginning your Model S search with the 2019 build year because it was when Tesla introduced Media Control Unit 2 (MCU2). This updated infotainment system oversees all nonessential functions, such as navigation, HVAC, audio, and other auxiliary systems. Tesla had a major issue with its MCU1 unit, to the point that a recall was issued. Tesla fixed the problem free for owners, and the odds are, it was fixed in any 2018 or earlier versions you might run across. However, the updated MCU2 is simply head-and-shoulders better, with faster speeds and more memory.

Model S Years to Avoid

We’d steer clear of the earliest model years (2012-2014). Growing pains were rampant, and recalls were plentiful.

Find a used Tesla Model S for sale near you

Model X

No, this isn’t an echo, but we also suggest that anyone shopping for a used Model X begin with the 2019 model year. Again, the culprit is the MCU1 system. Likewise, there were lots of issues with the Model X falcon-wing doors in the early years. Apparently, another nagging issue was that examples from early model years suffered from Ludicrous-mode fatigue, which is responsible for weakening the front axle.

Model X Years to Avoid

Save yourself some potential grief and leave the 2016 and 2017 versions off your wish list.

Find a used Tesla Model X for sale near you

Model 3

Coming right out of the chute in 2017 with the MCU2, the infotainment system isn’t an issue in a used Model 3. However, we will stick with our advice when shopping for a used Model 3: Begin the search with 2019. The early years were plagued with startup issues like misaligned body panels, poorly attached body trim, and paint flaws.

Model 3 Years to Avoid

Need we say it? Don’t tempt fate, particularly with the 2017 and 2018 editions.

Find a used Tesla Model 3 for sale near you

Model Y

Because Tesla didn’t launch it until 2020, we don’t need to repeat ourselves when offering dates for beginning your hunt for a used Model Y. In this case, 2022 would be our jumping-off point. As with the models before it, the Model Y had lots of startup issues for its first couple of years. In addition to fit-and-finish problems, heat pump failures and the advanced driver tech were targets of owner complaints.

Model Y Years to Avoid

For sure, forget about the 2020 and 2021 Model Y versions.

Find a used Tesla Model Y for sale near you

Cybertruck

Launched in 2023, the Cybertruck is really too new to provide fodder for a reliability discussion. However, it has had some recalls already that include the drive inverter and backup camera.

Find a used Tesla Cybertruck for sale near you

Identifying Used Tesla Cars’ Model Year

By its very nature, Tesla has made identifying its vehicles’ model years somewhat challenging because it doesn’t adhere to formal model years. Its over-the-air (OTA) capability to update software means many changes don’t need to wait until Tesla introduces a new model-year version. Therefore, it doesn’t market its products by model year. Consequently, nailing down the model year of a particular used Tesla vehicle is difficult for consumers. However, shoppers can determine the year a specific vehicle—Tesla or otherwise—was built. Read on.

Tesla VIN Decoder

Unlike the Captain Midnight decoder rings of yore, you don’t need to buy a box of cereal to divine the secrets stored in the vehicle identification number (VIN) of Tesla cars and SUVs. Every car, truck, and SUV receives a unique VIN when manufactured. In other words, for vehicles, it serves a similar purpose as your Social Security number. A 17-character code, the VIN provides access to a vehicle’s history from cradle to grave. We can learn much about a vehicle’s origins and content through its VIN. For example, a VIN reveals which side the steering wheel is located, the number of doors, the number and type of seat belts, and so on. Also buried in the assorted letters and numbers are the year and place of manufacture. Bingo.

Carmakers scatter the VIN around different locations on a car, but it is always displayed on a metal plate on the dashboard where it meets the bottom of the windshield on the driver’s side. When shopping for a used Tesla, you can snap a photo of the VIN with your smartphone or go old school and jot it down on paper. (Already having the VIN will also be helpful when you order a vehicle history report.) Once you have the VIN, it’s just a matter of knowing which characters mean what.

Tesla Year of Manufacture

To locate the year-of-manufacture code, count across to the 10th character. It may be a letter or a number because Tesla used both to identify build years. Here’s what those letters and numbers mean.

What to Consider Before Buying a Used Tesla

Tesla was the first successfully mass-marketed electric car in modern history. It set the stage for all the electric vehicles that followed, and the company pioneered systems like its total control touchscreen. An oh-wow feature when launched is that virtually every system in a Tesla is controlled through the touchscreen, which can be as large as 17 inches. The absence of hard controls (knobs and buttons) looks cool, but scrolling and swiping to change the radio station or adjust the climate control can get tedious. Moreover, if the display malfunctions, which has happened, there is no manual backup. There’s only so much you can control from the Tesla app on your smartphone.

Many manufacturing startups encounter quality control issues at first, and early-model Tesla cars are not immune. When launched, Tesla wasn’t simply a new brand; it was a new everything from facilities, workforce, assembly processes, etc. Consequently, particularly with earlier models, fit and finish may not be all it should be.

Regardless of the carmaker, common issues among electric cars are elevated maintenance and repair costs when they crop up. Although owners avoid niggling costs like oil changes, an EV’s excess weight causes more wear and tear on the suspension and tires. Moreover, out-of-warranty repairs tend to be very expensive because of the high cost of the electric components.

Also, you won’t find Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone interfacing technology on any Tesla vehicle.

Find a used Tesla Model Y near you

Check Battery Health

Many experts advise that EV batteries can last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles. As Tesla progressed over more than a decade, so did battery technology. Consequently, the odds are that the newer the Tesla model, the longer its battery will last. Like other electric cars, the lithium-ion battery packs in Tesla models begin to die or degrade the first time they receive a charge. Just as the battery in your smartphone loses charging capacity as it ages, meaning shorter operation times between charges, EV batteries also wear out. In the case of EVs, that degradation translates into reduced range. Because EV battery replacement is expensive, verifying the battery’s health is imperative. In other words, what is the battery’s capacity to charge?

How to Test a Tesla Model’s Battery Health

Remember that an EV battery pack degrades over time. It’s unlikely that any used Tesla vehicle’s battery is 100% unless it was replaced. In the near future, Autotrader will publish battery health scores on every used Tesla EV model. Until then, the most accurate battery health assessment would be having the battery professionally tested.

However, if that option isn’t available, or you want to avoid spending the money, there are a couple of do-it-yourself tests to check out how a battery performs. A quick check of battery fitness is to charge it fully and, using the battery management system (BMS), note the estimated range. You will need to research the government-estimated range for that Tesla vehicle’s specific model and year. You can do that at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website. If the total range reflected by the BMS is notably less than the government estimate, there may be an issue. You can decide if you are satisfied with the maximum range of the current battery.

You can also get a feel for the battery’s health by taking the used Tesla you are considering out for a long test drive. Note the estimated range displayed by the BMS before starting the drive. Keep track of the exact mileage you drive and compare it to the BMS estimated range at the end of your drive. If the range decreased at a much faster rate than the miles you actually drove, it could indicate a failing battery. This test is less than scientific. Furthermore, other factors beyond battery failure can impact the range. For example, aggressive driving, excessive heat and cold, running the air conditioning, or hilly terrain can all affect range.

NOTE: If either of these DIY tests returns troubling results, we suggest spending the money to have a professional check out the battery. Read our article on checking EV battery health before buying used.

How Much Is a Tesla Battery Replacement?

If faced with replacing the EV battery on a Tesla that is out of warranty, you can expect to spend between $13,000 and $20,000. This estimate is for a straightforward replacement. By far, the costliest component in any Tesla (or just about any other EV, for that matter) is its drive-battery array. The total replacement cost will depend on the battery size, the cost of any accompanying parts needed to install it, and the fluctuating installation labor costs. Sadly, replacing a Tesla EV battery isn’t a do-it-yourself project; it requires a trained technician.

Warranty Status

With EV battery replacement costs being so high, buying a used Tesla with an active EV warranty is a sound idea. Tesla’s general bumper-to-bumper limited warranty is for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Tesla then provides a second warranty for the battery and electric drive unit. No matter the Tesla model, this warranty lasts eight years; however, the mileage limit varies according to the specific model and battery array. It can be the industry standard of 100,000 miles or longer (120,000 or 150,000 miles). An equally important aspect of the warranty is charging capacity retention. According to Tesla’s battery warranty, it will replace an EV battery that falls below 70% retention capability during the EV battery warranty coverage. California expects each 2026 electric vehicle battery in every EV, including Tesla, to retain at least 70% of its range for 10 years or 150,000 miles.

NOTE: The balance of the Tesla limited bumper-to-bumper warranty and EV battery warranty remaining in effect transfers to the next owner. Furthermore, Tesla sweetens the deal by adding one year or 10,000 miles of limited bumper-to-bumper coverage for used models. It is tacked on to the end of any remaining coverage or goes into effect on the resale date of purchase if the original coverage has expired.

EV Battery Warranty Coverage by Tesla Model

Tesla Repair Shops

Depending on where you live, there may not be a Tesla service center within convenient driving distance. Your location can make getting work done on your Tesla less convenient. This reality is true whether you require maintenance or collision repair. As a result, if you live outside a major metropolitan area, like Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, or Chicago, getting your Tesla serviced or repaired may require some research and planning. Tesla has arrangements with approved repair facilities and technicians in more remote areas that can travel to a location of your choosing. Tesla offers an app to help you schedule service and repair visits at a Tesla service center or with a mobile technician.

Vehicle History Report

We always recommend obtaining a vehicle history report when buying a used vehicle. Even if a vehicle looks pristine to the naked eye, past wrecks and other issues may be hidden beneath that shiny veneer. If the seller doesn’t provide a vehicle history report—most used car dealers do—you can order one from AutoCheck.

Charging Your Tesla

Although Tesla offers a healthy network of charging stations across the U.S., many EV buyers also purchase a Level 2 charger at home that operates on a 240-volt circuit, like your clothes dryer. Installation costs will vary with a Level 2 wall charger. However, you can buy a Level 2 charger for $500 or less. With a Level 2 charger, you can recharge any Tesla model in about six to eight hours. Plugging into a regular 110-volt household outlet will require more than a day to replenish a Tesla. If you are lucky and live in an area ripe with Tesla charging stations, you can probably find a Level 3 DC fast charger and get back on the road in 30 minutes or less.

Test-Driving a Used Tesla

As with any used car you consider buying, the test drive is essential in the vetting process. A certain degree of excitement is part of every car purchase, and it’s easy to be overcome by that feeling. Take your time, relax, and pay attention to what you see, feel, and hear. Check out “5 Things To Do on a Used Car Test Drive.”

Common Tesla Problems

We’ve discussed general EV issues like degrading batteries and higher repair costs. But let’s look at a couple of Tesla-specific problems.

• Autopilot: This is Tesla’s driver-assist driving system that can help steer, accelerate, and brake the vehicle. Often misidentified as an autonomous driving system, Autopilot has been the focus of a few crashes in which the driver turned over too much control to the vehicle’s system. Some have involved fatalities. For the most part, driver error is to blame, which means the driver needs to be aware of Autopilot’s limitations. It is a Level 2, hands-on-the-wheel-eyes-on-the-road system. Moreover, Tesla recalled more than 2 million Tesla models with an Autopilot steering issue.
• Recalls: In 2015, Tesla recalled 90,000 Model S cars for a seat belt issue. Rear-seat stability seems to be another chronic issue involving multiple recalls and thousands of vehicles. Before you buy a Tesla, check our sister site, Kelley Blue Book, for vehicle recalls. Plug in the specific VIN of the Tesla you want to purchase to discover what recalls it may face.

How to Buy a Used Tesla

Basically, you buy a used Tesla the same as any other used car, whether online through Tesla or any other resource. However, because Tesla doesn’t have a franchise dealer network, you can’t simply walk around a Tesla used car lot. Tesla sells used models through its website. This brings us to the first way to buy a used Tesla: online from Tesla.com. The advantage of buying a used Tesla from its maker is that it comes with at least one year or 10,000 miles of warranty coverage, which is either added to any remaining original bumper-to-bumper limited coverage or begins on the day you purchase your used Tesla. The disadvantage is that you will need to pay for Tesla to ship the car to you, which runs between $500 and $3,000.

You can also shop and purchase online at a site like Autotrader. Here, you can find used Tesla models for sale through car dealers and private parties. You can check out Autotrader’s Private Seller Exchange, an online marketplace that helps buyers and sellers safely and smoothly navigate all the twists and turns of private-party transactions. And the best news is most of those Tesla listings include a battery health score based on that specific Tesla’s VIN.

How Long Does a Tesla Last? 

Because the longest-selling Tesla S arrived in the marketplace in 2012, predicting how long the average Tesla will last is impossible. There are still plenty of 2012-2014 Model S cars on the road.

Find a used Tesla Model S near you

Is Tesla Reliable?

EVs are somewhat less reliable as a group than internal combustion vehicles, according to Consumer Reports. However, when compared to other EVs, Tesla models are among the most reliable. This is again from Consumer Reports, which ranks it in the middle of the pack of all 34 car brands for reliability. Although most model years have seen nine to 11 recalls, the high-water mark for any Tesla was in 2021, with 21 recalls, followed by 17 recalls in 2017 and 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Find a used Tesla Model 3 near you

Should You Buy a Used Tesla?

If you have your heart set on an EV, our answer is yes. Also, you can find some very good deals on used Tesla models. As long as you research, determine there is still plenty of life left in the battery, and be prepared for charging, there is no reason not to buy a Tesla. 

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