Buying a used Model S, what to look for?

There is little to look for compared to an ICE car. Check the 12V battery voltage and inspect for physical damage. The warranties are transferrable (There is a $100 fee for transferring the extended warranties.)

I don't have the link handy (and will probably need it soon), but there is a checklist that someone has come up with regarding a new delivery. You would probably be able to follow it as well...
Assuming that this is not coming from Tesla, you'll probably not get a walkaround done by the seller -- Therefore, you should watch the walkthrough video online to better "prepare" yourself.

Tesla Model S Delivery Checklist and Buyers/Owners Guide

Model S Delivery Checklist and Owners Guide

Jeddi said:

I have read through the checklist and watched factory provided video.
How and where can I inspect the 12V battery?

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As you face the Frunk from the front of the car, the battery is in the upper left hand corner under the air intake.

The battery is visible in some photos in this thread. There is some disassembly involved before you can visibly see the battery. I wouldn't expect the owner to let you do this.

You'll want to see a red 12v battery. The grey ones had issues and Tesla had to switch suppliers.

You may also want to inspect the inner aspects of the rear tires for excessive wear due to the high amount of negative camber in the suspension.

Make absolutely sure the mandatory oil-change interval was strictly adhered to.

With the proper SAE grade oil, too.

And oil filters, and fuel filters, also.

AudubonB said:

Make absolutely sure the mandatory oil-change interval was strictly adhered to.
With the proper SAE grade oil, too.
And oil filters, and fuel filters, also.

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Be wary of subtle humor with relatively new members...

Jeddi said:

Yeah and I'll make sure to get the smog check done too!

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: )

brianman said:

Be wary of subtle humor with relatively new members...

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Note to relatively new members: Be wary OF ANYTHING that that whack-job Audubon writes. Fairly warned.

AudubonB said:

Note to relatively new members: Be wary OF ANYTHING that that whack-job Audubon writes. Fairly warned.

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Hehe.

GasDoc said:

As you face the Frunk from the front of the car, the battery is in the upper left hand corner under the air intake.

The battery is visible in some photos in this thread. There is some disassembly involved before you can visibly see the battery. I wouldn't expect the owner to let you do this.

You'll want to see a red 12v battery. The grey ones had issues and Tesla had to switch suppliers.

You may also want to inspect the inner aspects of the rear tires for excessive wear due to the high amount of negative camber in the suspension.

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Just pop the nosecone. There is a positive and negative terminal there - should at least make you able to measure voltage.

Id tell the seller Im disassembling to check the battery - ask if he wants to help.

4 wheels. it should come with 4 wheels. and some lug nuts too. you're probably SOL for cup holders though.

These people are pulling your chain.

A P85+ has a good 12 volt battery. There is no way for you to evaluate it. Even checking the voltage will not tell you anything. The car is new.

Confirm car fax. i.e. no accident.
Inspect for damage. Esp. Curb rash on wheels. Scratches. B pillar wear. Dent on frunk. Scrapes on bottom of battery. Be sure the body panel alignment is good enough for you. (It won't be perfect.)
Check tire wear. Inside rear wheel tread.
Ask for permission to check with Tesla that only normal (non trauma related) repairs have occurred. Confirm this is a P85+ with VIN. Confirm what warranty goes with the car and who is paying for transfer. (Do it yourself if allowed.)
Drive the car on a bumpy road to check for creaking. There should be little to none.

Bring your wallet. You will buy the car.

Oh goody. I have a question now!

William13 said:

Confirm this is a P85+ with VIN.

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How do you confirm via VIN that the vehicle has the + option?

brianman said:

Oh goody. I have a question now!

How do you confirm via VIN that the vehicle has the + option?

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you can't. looking at full VIN numbers of P85+ vehicles and comparing them to mine they are exactly the same except for the last 5 digits which are the production sequence numbers.

yobigd20 said:

you can't. looking at full VIN numbers of P85+ vehicles and comparing them to mine they are exactly the same except for the last 5 digits which are the production sequence numbers.

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That was my recollection as well, hence the question.

I guess what William13 really meant was "confirm the P via the VIN" and "confirm the + by the rear wheels/tires and by consulting with a Tesla service center to check the suspension".

Interesting things to look for. Now this begs the question. Does Tesla offer to potential pre-owned (private) buyers a PPI option?