The ability to drive a Tesla without going over budget is something that everyone craves. Sometimes searching through low-priced secondhand Tesla listings is like going to a midnight yard sale: full of promise, half-lit, with intrigue lurking beneath every hood. If the sticker price is so low you can’t even speak, pull out your magnifying glass. You must determine what is happening – more bonuses.
Mileage is the biggest problem with any low-cost Tesla. Let’s discuss it. For that extra side gig, most of the low-cost choices have made lengthy trips, carrying families, delivering food, and maybe even a package or two. Electric motors are more capable of handling miles than most engines you’ve ever seen, but batteries are an entirely different matter. Ask sincere questions since they become exhausted more easily from a hot existence. Was the car overpowered by home power for years or mistreated by superchargers on lengthy road trips? Sweet deals can occasionally hide shoddy juice packets, which could cause you to replace them sooner than you thought.
Early birds, or the first batches of Model Ss, often see price reductions. There are several deals available, but you might have to forgo the massive Autopilot display or make up with a touchscreen that resembles an outdated smartphone. The real trick is to inquire directly about the battery’s history. That’s where an expensive endeavor can be separated from a lucky find.
Cut-rates can leave battle scars. Look for body repairs, repaired titles, or water damage issues. Request the vehicle’s entire history and servicing records. Grill the merchant as you would a campfire story. They will either give the details or say nothing, and both answers are rather informative.
Direct communication with the owner can result in some bizarre situations. You’ll see Teslas that have survived the cold and the sun next to gleaming deals. Examine the car before committing to the discount. Make sure the bumper is the same color as the others and that each door latch works in your hand, not just in theory.
Keep an eye out for anything hidden or missing in the trunk. A shockingly low-cost Tesla might conveniently ignore the lack of a mobile charger. They may be expensive necessities, especially if you find out they are missing a week after you take ownership. If you locate a decent deal, look at every piece; you’re purchasing the complete electric package, not just the thing in the Instagram picture.
Not all the bells and whistles are present in cheap Teslas. Don’t dream of opulent features only to be disappointed when your inexpensive model falls short. Look around the touchscreen to see more than just what’s posted; see what’s occurring now. If there is no Autopilot or heated seats, they probably won’t come back for free.
The states are very different. Some owners followed every change and tweak, while others simply wiped the dashboard. Don’t be scared to bang on the body panels or bring your mechanic along.
You can get a Tesla for cheaper if you don’t lose your cool. As you envision the possibilities, proceed swiftly, test everything, and keep an ear out for odd clunks or rattles. A cheap Tesla can either make you want to run away before you part with your money or it can make it the best car you’ve ever bought if you have a little guts and a little skepticism.