Used Tesla Buying Checklist: 20 Things to Check Before You Pay
Twenty things to check before you hand over money for a used Tesla — from FSD and hardware to battery health and the test drive. Tick them off as you go; your progress saves on this device, or print it.
The checks that matter most
- FSD: "has FSD" can mean purchased FSD that stays with the car — or a subscription that ends when the seller cancels. Verify before you pay a premium.
- Hardware: HW4 cars get new FSD versions first and qualify for Lemonade's FSD insurance discount. 2023 Model S, X and Y can have either HW3 or HW4.
- Battery: check range at 100% against the original EPA figure and run the battery health test. The battery warranty runs 8 years from first delivery.
- Title: a salvage or rebuilt title can affect Supercharging, warranty and insurance — and resale.
Before you go
Ask the seller for the VIN, the original delivery date and a photo of the Controls > Software screen. You can check most of this list from home before you ever see the car.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for when buying a used Tesla?
Verify FSD and the hardware version, check battery range and health, run a vehicle history report, inspect tires and glass, test every camera, and listen for drive unit noises on a test drive.
How do I check a used Tesla's battery health?
Compare the range shown at a 100% charge with the original EPA range, and run the battery health test in the service menu on recent software. About 10–15% loss over 100,000+ miles is normal.
Is a used Tesla still under warranty?
Possibly. The 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and 8-year battery warranty both run from the original delivery date and transfer to new owners.
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