Hey everyone. Well, it’s been a long time since I’ve been on this site so hopefully I’m posting in the right place and hopefully a thread like this hasn’t already been addressed.
I remember going on this site before I was even old enough to drive to geek out on my dream car, the Tesla Model S, and other Teslas as a bonus. However, nowadays the dream of owning a Tesla Model S doesn’t seem so far off now with how inexpensive Model Ss have become.
Before I make a terrible financial decision (which seems to be inevitable with me) and ditch my beloved 2013 Volvo S60 T6 AWD for a fancy used Tesla, I would really appreciate some feedback on a few concerns I have about buying a used Model S.
Right now I think the one to get is a 2014MY+ with AP1, with the tech package, panoramic moonroof, 85kWh battery or better, with a battery pack that has already been replaced. A Model 3 seems to be a great option too, they have reasonable prices too, and they’re probably going to be more reliable. I’d still rather have a Model S because the Model 3 doesn’t resonate with me quite like the S does. A 2012 Signature is tempting too, especially in Signature Red, but I think the lack of features in the early cars will make the novelty wear off fairly quickly.
Anyways, I had a few questions about buying old Teslas. Is there a way to tell if the HV battery has been replaced, and if so how? Are there certain model years to avoid at all costs? What are some problem areas and are some of them potentially expensive repairs? What are some things to look for in a test drive? Are sub $20k Teslas a red flag? Would buying an old Tesla be a huge mistake or a catastrophic mistake (what’s the difference you may ask? A huge mistake is a mistake that you can ultimately live with because you still don’t fully regret your decision. A catastrophic mistake is a mistake so bad that it’s crippling you for many years to come)? To a lesser extent, is there an aftermarket solution for blind spot monitoring? I understand Tesla has a substitute for BSM with the Autopilot screen, and the cameras in the newer cars, but really I just wish for a yellow light in the sideview mirrors.
Well hopefully that wasn’t too much word vomit, but I look forward to reading your responses. I should also mention that I’m a college student currently with a car loan on my Volvo, and right now I’m driving for Uber, which makes a Tesla sound even more attractive. I’m thinking about upgrading to a Model S next year, but not without gaining some perspective from you guys.
Thank you for reading thus far, and thank you in advance for the feedback.
I remember going on this site before I was even old enough to drive to geek out on my dream car, the Tesla Model S, and other Teslas as a bonus. However, nowadays the dream of owning a Tesla Model S doesn’t seem so far off now with how inexpensive Model Ss have become.
Before I make a terrible financial decision (which seems to be inevitable with me) and ditch my beloved 2013 Volvo S60 T6 AWD for a fancy used Tesla, I would really appreciate some feedback on a few concerns I have about buying a used Model S.
Right now I think the one to get is a 2014MY+ with AP1, with the tech package, panoramic moonroof, 85kWh battery or better, with a battery pack that has already been replaced. A Model 3 seems to be a great option too, they have reasonable prices too, and they’re probably going to be more reliable. I’d still rather have a Model S because the Model 3 doesn’t resonate with me quite like the S does. A 2012 Signature is tempting too, especially in Signature Red, but I think the lack of features in the early cars will make the novelty wear off fairly quickly.
Anyways, I had a few questions about buying old Teslas. Is there a way to tell if the HV battery has been replaced, and if so how? Are there certain model years to avoid at all costs? What are some problem areas and are some of them potentially expensive repairs? What are some things to look for in a test drive? Are sub $20k Teslas a red flag? Would buying an old Tesla be a huge mistake or a catastrophic mistake (what’s the difference you may ask? A huge mistake is a mistake that you can ultimately live with because you still don’t fully regret your decision. A catastrophic mistake is a mistake so bad that it’s crippling you for many years to come)? To a lesser extent, is there an aftermarket solution for blind spot monitoring? I understand Tesla has a substitute for BSM with the Autopilot screen, and the cameras in the newer cars, but really I just wish for a yellow light in the sideview mirrors.
Well hopefully that wasn’t too much word vomit, but I look forward to reading your responses. I should also mention that I’m a college student currently with a car loan on my Volvo, and right now I’m driving for Uber, which makes a Tesla sound even more attractive. I’m thinking about upgrading to a Model S next year, but not without gaining some perspective from you guys.
Thank you for reading thus far, and thank you in advance for the feedback.
