I’m looking to buy a used Model 3 RWD here soon. Are there any advantages to buying through Tesla vs private party or another dealership? I’d be paying cash, so financing not a concern.
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Any advantage buying used from Tesla?
- Thread starter CleanDemon
- Start date
popgodazipa
Member
if you put your money down to reserve a car from Tesla sight unseen there is no refund. I'd go with local or owner sale with some warranty left.
EVRider-FL
Active Member
If you buy from a private party, any features that the previous owner had (FSD for example) will transfer to you (if the owner didn’t transfer FSD to a new Tesla). If you buy from Tesla, they can remove features that a previous owner paid for. That isn’t a reason not to buy from Tesla, but if you do, make sure you know what you are and are not getting.
If you buy used from Tesla, I think it comes with an additional 1 year 10k warranty after the existing one expires. Also, any advertised features (FSD, EAP, etc) will be on the car; you won't have to worry about them getting pulled unexpectedly.
The disadvantage is not being able to test drive the car. You might be able to see it if it's local. I've done that before. If the Tesla salesman is nice they might allow you to sit in it, but no guarantees. If you buy sight unseen, you get what you get. You might be able to convince the service center that certain dings/scratches don't meet their standards and have them repaired, but that's also no guarantee.
The disadvantage is not being able to test drive the car. You might be able to see it if it's local. I've done that before. If the Tesla salesman is nice they might allow you to sit in it, but no guarantees. If you buy sight unseen, you get what you get. You might be able to convince the service center that certain dings/scratches don't meet their standards and have them repaired, but that's also no guarantee.
They did for a short time, pretty sure they don't anymore. But more specifically whatever it is advertised as should be what the car has.
That's the million-dollar question.
If you can find one as a direct sale, it should be cheaper. But it definitely is sold as-is. And you may not have to pay tax on it.
I think that Tesla may give some slight additional warranty. But you should have an ample supply to choose from.
If loaner cars were in similar condition, you are in for a surprise buying sight unseen from them.
I looked at “Cosmetic and Mechanical Standards”, and noped the hell out of an inventory demo.
I looked at “Cosmetic and Mechanical Standards”, and noped the hell out of an inventory demo.
rotarypower101
Member
Are there any good threads anyone has found to learn about how Tesla "Used Inventory" works, what are some of the pitfalls and quirks to avoid?
Also interested in transport fees VS driving to pick up a vehicle across state lines, and what the difference between ads that physically state "Available to view" and those that do not?
Also interested in transport fees VS driving to pick up a vehicle across state lines, and what the difference between ads that physically state "Available to view" and those that do not?
