Is it worth it to get a used Tesla?

I honestly think the new Model 3 SR+ is a tremendous value. It has better tech than the older Model S and is more future proof. I'd still take the LR AWD Model 3 over any used Model S if their price is comparable.

Also, is there any rebate for a used model S?

At minimum 70km daily i'd do it. I'd just go for the SR+ new to take advantage of the rebates as well. Plenty of superchargers out there now, but it depends where you live

Thanks, helpful. A little concerned about dropping 60K now with the economic uncertainty but also want a smooth ride. Would it be more prudent to wait? I’ve seen Musk’s announcements that he wants to open the factories.

Driverbe wrote: ↑ Thanks, helpful. A little concerned about dropping 60K now with the economic uncertainty but also want a smooth ride. Would it be more prudent to wait? I’ve seen Musk’s announcements that he wants to open the factories.

Do you need a new car right now? Or your current one still works? If it still works (and you just want a new one for "nice" factor), then I'd stick with your current one if you are concerned with the economic uncertainty.

More can't help you since I don't know your finance/work situation.

Driverbe wrote: ↑Thinking of the Model S with rebate, but given the Covid situation, looking for some ideas to be more prudent with the finances. Is it worth looking at a used Tesla? I need a car for work, drive minimum 70 km each day. Thinking Tesla might make trip easier.

Appreciate any advice or helpful hints!

Do you mind elaborating a bit more what lead you to considering a used Model S?

Are you simply communiting 70km a day between home and work, or actually need this car for specific work related?

You thought about S will make the trip "easier", what you are not getting from your existing car?

b166er1337 wrote: ↑ I honestly think the new Model 3 SR+ is a tremendous value. It has better tech than the older Model S and is more future proof. I'd still take the LR AWD Model 3 over any used Model S if their price is comparable.

Also, is there any rebate for a used model S?

I agree with you that the SR+ (or even any M3) is a better value and has much better tech and is more future proof than a Model S but my biggest issue is that I want a bigger car, I want a hatchback / fastback and I much prefer the look of the Model S vs Model 3. (Model Y is a better fit for more because of a bit more space and hatchback but that's more money than the M3).

Buying even a used Tesla for what 40 k is not “financially prudent”if you are concerned about uncertainty due to COVID 19. If you absolutely need a car because you don’t have one or your other one is broken then the “prudent” thing to do in a financially uncertain situation is to buy something inexpensive and reliable and drive it until the crisis is over. Once it’s over and things are stable then you can indulge in the Tesla.
You do realize that Tesala repair facilities are very limited right? You know if you get into a fender bender that there are fewer than 10 Tesla certified repair facilities in the Province to choose from.

If you want a Tesla get a Tesla but trying to frame it within being financially prudent during COVID 19 seems odd.

Driverbe wrote: ↑ Thanks, helpful. A little concerned about dropping 60K now with the economic uncertainty but also want a smooth ride. Would it be more prudent to wait? I’ve seen Musk’s announcements that he wants to open the factories.

What do you drive right now? Have you done comparison in cost?

Dropping $60K to save $5K/year is a want, not a need.

But if you want a Tesla, you should buy now before CAD drops further in value and Feds becomes too poor and cut the EV rebate. Get a new one while it's good. And if CAD drops further, that just mean the resale of it will be higher down the road. Win/Win.

Now of course I'm basing this on cash deal. Assuming 4% loan from Tesla or HELOC basically wipes out all the savings with interest charges.


As for used, this looks decent if posting is real.
https://www.autotrader.ca/a/tesla/model ... R4&sprx=-1

Lack of detail and calling the seats Recaro concerns me a bit. LOL.

Nope it's not worth buying a EV period if you do the math even for 70kms daily. You buy one because you want EV or want to be more "green" period. No one knows your finances better than you do so that's a bloated question to ask.

Don't forget that used Teslas have all the software upgrades such as FSD stripped from them.

dealseaker101 wrote: ↑ Don't forget that used Teslas have all the software upgrades such as FSD stripped from them.

I would do some research on this if you are shopping for a used Tesla but based on my observations, this is not completely true. Used Teslas BOUGHT FROM TESLA have software upgrades stripped (Tesla removes what they want from it before they resell it (which is completely fine as it's their car, they can do what they want with it before they sell it. If you sell a car, you can choose to remove what you want from it to)). Based on my observations, if you buy a used Tesla from a dealer or privately, software upgrades (and free SC if it had it) are not removed.

michelb wrote: ↑ I would do some research on this if you are shopping for a used Tesla but based on my observations, this is not completely true. Used Teslas BOUGHT FROM TESLA have software upgrades stripped (Tesla removes what they want from it before they resell it (which is completely fine as it's their car, they can do what they want with it before they sell it. If you sell a car, you can choose to remove what you want from it to)). Based on my observations, if you buy a used Tesla from a dealer or privately, software upgrades (and free SC if it had it) are not removed.

Until random audit flags it for removal.

So far Tesla has not been clear what the stance is and how a consumer can be sure that buying a used Tesla other than from Tesla guarantee access too all the software.

They gave the guy back FSD when that issue blew up in Jan/Feb this year but it's still not clear other than free supercharging will be lost once the original owner sold the car. But like you said, that isn't always the case and nobody knows how and how often Tesla do audits and remotely disable stuff.

Xtrema wrote: ↑ Until random audit flags it for removal.

So far Tesla has not been clear what the stance is and how a consumer can be sure that buying a used Tesla other than from Tesla guarantee access too all the software.

They gave the guy back FSD when that issue blew up in Jan/Feb this year but it's still not clear other than free supercharging will be lost once the original owner sold the car. But like you said, that isn't always the case and nobody knows how and how often Tesla do audits and remotely disable stuff.

You're right that until Tesla provides more guidance on the policy it's not clear because they basically do whatever they want (I love their car and I really like Musk's vision but they suck as a company). The auditing is an issue for things like removing SC from salvaged vehicles (their policy makes it quite clear that a salvage vehicle is not longer eligible for SC) but IMO, their policy is not clear that as of now, that any software upgrades are for the current owner only and so I do think that they would lose any legal defense until they change their policy (i.e. if you buy a brand new Tesla and order FSD with it, is has not be indicated in the past that it's for you as the current owner only and it still doesn't say that for the new buyer today). Although, as mentioned, if you are buying used from Tesla, then it's clear and clean, when they take possession of the car, they can do whatever they want (including removing FSD or aftermarket mods, etc).

Based on what I've read, this is the current policy: You buy used from Telsa, you lose upgrades. You buy used privately or from a non-Tesla dealer, you keep the upgrades.

EP32k2 wrote: ↑ Nope it's not worth buying a EV period if you do the math even for 70kms daily. You buy one because you want EV or want to be more "green" period. No one knows your finances better than you do so that's a bloated question to ask.

Indeed, people don't buy Tesla to save money, they buy for the best EV out there.

michelb wrote: ↑ Based on what I've read, this is the current policy: You buy used from Telsa, you lose upgrades. You buy used privately or from a non-Tesla dealer, you keep the upgrades.

That makes sense.

I am slowly turning my attention to EVs as my next ride although I will concede that neither the convenience nor the economics support it when a regular IC vehicle with carbon offsets is way more affordable. My current car (a 10 y.o. Cadillac CTS) isn't really giving me much reason to jump now but in the next year or so rust and other gremlins will push me into a market. If I was in the market today, I would definitely consider a (slightly) used S 90/100D or a new 3. The SR+ wouldn't cut it for me as, after 16 years of driving AWD vehicles, I am pretty stuck on that feature. And a new S is not in the cards as I am not prepared to spend over $90k on a vehicle. Under $70k taxes inc works way better for me.

CaptSmethwick wrote: ↑ I am slowly turning my attention to EVs as my next ride although I will concede that neither the convenience nor the economics support it when a regular IC vehicle with carbon offsets is way more affordable. My current car (a 10 y.o. Cadillac CTS) isn't really giving me much reason to jump now but in the next year or so rust and other gremlins will push me into a market. If I was in the market today, I would definitely consider a (slightly) used S 90/100D or a new 3. The SR+ wouldn't cut it for me as, after 16 years of driving AWD vehicles, I am pretty stuck on that feature. And a new S is not in the cards as I am not prepared to spend over $90k on a vehicle. Under $70k taxes inc works way better for me.

If you want to be under $70k including taxes and AWD then a used Model S is your only option and you probably have to look at 2016 or older.

Driverbe wrote: ↑ Thinking of the Model S with rebate, but given the Covid situation, looking for some ideas to be more prudent with the finances. Is it worth looking at a used Tesla? I need a car for work, drive minimum 70 km each day. Thinking Tesla might make trip easier.

Appreciate any advice or helpful hints!

Buying an expensive car is never a prudent financial decision my friend. I have a Model 3 SR+ and it's a fantastic car. We could afford to buy it in cash otherwise I wouldn't have bothered with everything going on in the world today. Autopilot is very handy for commutes for sure. Keep in mind that if your Model S is out of warranty then fixes can be pretty expensive.

It has some downsides such as a spartan interior that arguably requires some accessories and the paint can be marred by a dirty look so factor in getting it wrapped as well. Between that stuff and tint it pretty much eats up the rebate.

But hey its a question of how much you want it. I think the SR+ is a great value in terms of what you get with the rebate but it's still an expensive car. If you want it badly enough and can afford it, get it. If not then keep looking.

CaptSmethwick wrote: ↑ Under $70k taxes inc works way better for me.

You are not ready for new AWD EVs. Only used ones at that low budget. And only compact ones, not mid size like your CTS.