Ways To Buy A Used Model S
If youre looking to buy a used Tesla Model S, there are a few options:
If youre looking to get the widest selection of Teslas and the best prices, Find My Electric is your best bet overall.
Shopping for a Used Tesla Online
While there are other sites such as Craigslist, AutoTrader, etc. where you can shop for used Teslas, they really arent created for electric cars, especially not Teslas. You cant search/sort/filter based on Tesla-specific options, and theyre overrun with ads that often times dont even differentiate between Model S sub-types. Even sites that claim to cater to electric vehicles or Teslas specificall dont work well, are clunky, and dont allow you to manage your own ads.
Facebook or other social media groups can be a decent place to look for a used Tesla, but its very hard to see more than the last day or so of posts, so many good deals slip through the cracks, and its really hard to find what you want as theres really no filtering beyond price.
Buying From a Dealer
Buying from a dealer is an OK option when it comes to buying a used Model S, but you need to make sure theyre a dealer who understands Teslas and has taken care of the car while they have it.
The Used Tesla Model S Buying Guide Putting It All Together
We hope you enjoyed this ultimate guide to buying a used Tesla Model S! At this point, we cant imagine theres anything left to coverbut if youve got any questions, feel free to reach out to our team and well help you with anything that we can!
And if youre currently in the market for a used Tesla Model S, be sure to check out our current listings. Happy Tesla hunting!
Not sure which used Tesla you should buy? Wondering where to begin?
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO USED TESLAS
Everything You Wanted to Know About the Tesla Model S, 3, X & Y
Used Model S Vs Cpo Model S Whats The Difference
Whenever the words used Model S are thrown around, undoubtedly the term CPO Model S is tossed in alongside it somewhere. What does that mean, exactly? Well, it refers to Teslas factory Certified Pre-Owned program.
Technically, Tesla doesnt certify pre-owned vehicles anymore , but people still refer to them as CPO cars in the Tesla community. Essentially, youre buying a used car directly from Tesla that theyve taken back on a trade, lease, or in some other way and then they check the car over and issue either a 2-year or 4-year warranty on the vehicle depending upon the year and mileage . The 2-year warranty goes up to 100k miles, and the 4-year warranty typically goes an additional 50k miles above the current mileage on the vehicle, and is similar to the initial factory warranty.
The fact that you get a warranty is definitely a benefit to buying directly from Tesla, but the problem is that this comes at a higher cost, and you can often add an extended warranty to a used Model S as long as there is some remaining balance of the factory warranty. In addition to that, many used Model S vehicles for sale still have a balance of the factory warranty too. So, you might be able to get a better deal from a private party and then just add your own extended warranty direct from Tesla.
In the next few sections, well look directly at some of the pros and cons related to buying a used Model S vs. a CPO Model S.
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Used Tesla Model S For Sale
If youre looking for a used Tesla Model S for sale, theres no doubt that youve come to the right place! Find My Electric is the ultimate Tesla marketplace, and were glad youre here!
We built Find My Electric to be the best, easiest to use Tesla marketplace on the web, hands down. Whether youre looking to sell a used Model S, or buy onethis is the most technologically-advanced platform in existenceso feel free to dig in and check out our listings below posted by Tesla enthusiasts and fans, just like you.
FIND THE PERFECT USED
On this page, weve also taken the time to create the ultimate guide to buying a used Tesla Model S in 2020. We cover the basics, and also the in-depth, nerdy tips and tricks that you can use to find the best deal possible on a used Model S.
Sound good? Alright, lets jump into everything youve ever wanted to know about buying a used Tesla Model S!
Used Tesla Model S For Sale Near You Finding The Best Deals

Now that you have an idea of what it costs to buy a used Model S, that raises an important questionwhere is the best place to find a deal?! Were glad you asked
In our opinion, Find My Electric is hands down, the best place to buy a used Model S. We bring together private sellers, Tesla enthusiasts, and dealers in a single marketplace that allows you to search/sort/filter down to the nerdiest, most specific Tesla options in order to find exactly what youre looking for!
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Used Tesla Model S Frequently Asked Questions
In order to make this page the absolute, ultimate guide to buying a used Tesla Model S, we collected questions from users across the Internet and answer them allright here! If youve got a question about buying a used Model S, chances are if we havent already answered it on this page, its answered below.
Should I buy a used Tesla Model S?
We think so! A used Model S represents one of the best values in EVs anywhere, and its a great way to get an awesome performing and looking Tesla if a new Model S is outside of your budget.
Which used Tesla Model S should I buy?
This really depends on your own preference, but our favorite used Model S for the money is the P100D. The 85D is also a popular option for people looking to get into a Model S on the cheap and still have good looks coupled with decent performance and range.
Is it worth it buying a used Model S?
In our opinion, definitely! As mentioned above, it represents one of the best values in EVs that you can find today. Theres no doubt that a new Model S is expensive for most people, so buying a used Model S is a great way to get one at an affordable price.
Is a used Model S a good buy?
Definitely! As long as you do your research, make sure you arent overpaying, and find a nice Model S thats been well taken care of by its previous owner.
How much does a used Tesla Model S cost?
Anywhere from about $30k to $100k depending upon the specific trim, mileage, condition, and options, give or take about 5%.
What Is The Best Time To Buy A Used 2016 Tesla Model S
Good times to buy | – Save $237 on average: January, August, September, October, November, December are good times to buy to find the best prices. |
Good times to sell | – Make an extra $241 on average: February, March, April, May, June, July are good times to sell to get the best prices |
Search for a used 2016 Tesla Model S near me | See my listings |
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Used Electric Cars Model S Vs The Competition
Most people in the electric car world know that Tesla leads the packand this isnt really up for debate. However, with that saidthat doesnt mean that there arent other interesting offerings among other car manufacturers.
Which raises the questionhow does a used Tesla Model S stack up against the competition? The TL DR answer isvery well. In fact, as Elon said during the last Tesla Autonomy Eventmost manufacturers are still struggling to keep up with the 2012 Model S and cantso thats about all most people need to know. However, with that saidlets take a look at how a used Model S compares to other relatively popular EVs like the Nissan Leaf, etc.
Lucid Air
Lucid Air vs Tesla Model S
Ah, the fabled Lucid Airit seems this long-rumored premium EV sedan will finally come to fruition in 2021. But the question ishow does the Lucid Air compare to a Model S? Although no one knows for sure, we can examine some of the early data.
With a range of 400-500 miles, and a 1/4 mile time of 9.9 seconds , this seems like it could be the first time the Model S has a true competitor. We also know just how hard it is to bring a concept to productionso in reality, theres a lot that remains to be seen.
Tesla Superchargers In Canada
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Price Of Used Tesla Model S In Top 10 Cities
Average Price | |||
---|---|---|---|
Save $14,128 on 46 deals | 58 listings | ||
Save $19,552 on 138 deals | 170 listings | ||
Tesla Model S in Dallas | $62,038 | Save $21,509 on 148 deals | 176 listings |
Save $19,939 on 100 deals | 114 listings | ||
Save $21,941 on 37 deals | 48 listings | ||
Save $25,513 on 262 deals | 328 listings | ||
Save $23,660 on 51 deals | 60 listings | ||
Save $20,839 on 18 deals | 19 listings | ||
Save $12,356 on 47 deals | 81 listings | ||
Save $16,589 on 29 deals | 38 listings |
Save $18,008 on 3,849 deals | 4,641 listings |
Save $28,386 on 1,654 deals | 2,236 listings |
Save $25,698 on 1,092 deals | 1,420 listings |
Tesla Model S Used Vs New Pricing
In 2020, the pricing for a new Tesla Model S is as follows:
- Model S Long Range Plus: $69,420
- Model S Performance: $91,990
There are a few things to note about these prices as well:
Still, with that said, as awesome as Teslas are , $80k+ is just simply out of reach for many consumers
So, what do you do if you want a Tesla but cant afford a new Model S? Well, you basically have 2 options:
Leasing a Model S could potentially be considered a third option, but generally speaking if you cant afford to buy a new Model S on a loan, leasing will probably be out of range too.
Lets talk about the Model 3 for a momentits an amazing vehicleand here at Find My Electric, we love the Model 3for sure. But what if you have your heart set on a Model S? Well, in that case it might be hard to settle for a Model 3
Its definitely up for debate, but the Model S is likely one of the best-looking sedans of all timeit just exudes tech cool, and as much as we love the nimbleness and value of the Model 3we have to say Model S has the edge on looks.
Read Also: List Of Electric Cars By Range
Used Tesla Model S Prices How Much Do They Cost
In this section, were going to break down used Tesla Model S prices by model-specific trim to give you a better idea what price range you might be looking at when searching for a used Tesla Model S.
One thing to note is that these prices are approximations that generally fall under a bell curve, so there will be outliers on both ends.
And also, pricing can change quickly in the Tesla worldfor example, each time Tesla raises the price of Full-Self Driving , it becomes a bit more valuable on the used market. And if 2020-2021 rumors are true, they may end up offering FSD as subscription software, which could change the value of that in a completely different way.
With that said, lets take a look at model-specific pricing on the used market
First Generation Model S 2013 Model S 85 seen here
First Generation Model S 2012 2014
If youre looking for a used Tesla Model S, and funds are the biggest concern, your best chance of getting into one is by looking at the oldest generation models.
Sure, youll be sacrificing a few things like battery capacity, Autopilot, looking at an older Media Control Unit , and some other older tech, but since the exterior design of the Model S has basically remained the same from 2012-2020, youre still getting the same awesome looking car for a lot less money. You also wont be getting a D model with dual motors in this price/year range, which can affect drivability if youre in a cold climate state too.
Used/cpo Model S Vs New Model 3 Which Should I Get

We wrote an entire, in-depth blog post on this topic which you can find here. So, if youre looking for a complete, nerdy breakdown on the topic, you should check that out.
However, just to summarize in this ultimate guide to buying a used Tesla Model S, well touch on some of the main points as this is a common conundrum for Tesla buyers.
The allure of a used Model S often weighs heavy when looking at how closely the prices compare to a new Model 3, leaving people to wonderWhich Tesla should I get? A CPO or used Model S or a new Model 3? Lets take a quick look at some of the pros and cons of each.
Also Check: Tesla Free Supercharging For Life
How To Buy A Used Model S2020 Buying Guide
Theres no doubt that buying a used car of any type can be intimidating to some people, and with Teslas thats no exception. How do you know if youre getting one thats been well taken care of? Are there any years, model-specific trims, or problems to avoid? Is it better to just buy a new Model S? If youre not buying new, how much should you pay for a used Model S?
These are all valid questions, and in this guide, were going to break down questions like this and much more. First, lets take a look at pricing
Tesla Technology And Performance
Tesla has offered its flagship Model S sedan with a range of battery sizes with the most recent long-range models capable of travelling over 630 km on a single charge. Owners are able to receive updates “over-the-air” without having to go into a service center and Tesla launched its Autopilot feature through an OTA update in 2014. The Tesla Model S received a facelift in 2016. Tesla launched the Model S P100D in 2016, before outdoing its performance with the Model S Plaid in 2021. The Tesla Model S Plaid is the world’s fastest-accelerating production car, with three electric motors and a total of 1,020 horsepower.
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Used/cpo Model S Pros
Model 3 can be delivered faster in many cases Autopilot is often already included/paid for Model 3 may have better range and a fresher battery Free unlimited supercharging is often already included/paid for Model 3 battery technology is more efficient All aluminum so the body panels wont rust in winter-climate states Model 3 may be easier to park in urban areas and tight spots More options for wheels and tires Tires are typically cheaper due to their smaller size Larger interior and bigger seats Model 3 charges faster on lower amperage outlets Longer/wider rear view mirror All Model 3 vehicles are FSD-capable
As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. So, we recommend taking a look at our used/CPO Model S vs. new Model 3 blog post to dive into some nerdy specifics!
Tesla Model S For Sale
The Tesla Model S made its debut in 2012 and was capable of 335 or 426 km of range, depending on which battery was installed. An all-wheel-drive version was introduced in 2014, with badging including a letter D for Dual Drive thanks to a motor located on each axle. The Tesla Model S has won hundreds of awards and is generally regarded as one of the most significant vehicles in the history of the automobile.
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