The Tesla Mannequin S often is the twenty first century’s most influential automotive launch. The electrical sedan propelled Tesla from a novelty into a significant participant within the automotive trade. It recast expectations for electrical autos, displaying they may very well be fascinating, pack excessive efficiency and ship sufficient vary to be helpful for most individuals.
The Mannequin S has been round some time, approaching 13 full years in manufacturing. There’s now a mature market in used variations. And with its large depreciation — the worst amongst electrical autos — a used Tesla Mannequin S could also be a greater choice than shopping for new.
If you happen to’re contemplating shopping for a used Tesla Mannequin S, listed here are the vital components to think about.
Which used Tesla Mannequin S are you shopping for?
The Tesla Mannequin S has been vastly totally different EVs throughout its mannequin run, starting from 208 miles of EPA vary (when new) to greater than 400 miles and from just a little above 300 horsepower to greater than 1,000. The variety of variations and nomenclature can get complicated.
Initially, Tesla employed an alphanumeric naming system for its Mannequin S variations, producing names such because the “Tesla Mannequin S P100D.” The quantity 100 represents the battery pack’s tough kWh capability. The “P” prefix stands for efficiency. The “S” suffix signifies dual-motor AWD.
Tesla later switched to names for its Mannequin S trims in 2019. These names have largely been primary descriptions of the model: Normal, Lengthy Vary, Efficiency, and so forth. Tesla presently provides the Mannequin S in two variations: “All-Wheel Drive” and “Plaid.”
When was the used Tesla Mannequin S constructed?
Tesla doesn’t adhere to automaker conventions relating to mannequin years and generations. The Mannequin S has acquired two substantial refreshes in 2016 and 2021. Nevertheless, vital updates have been dropped sporadically all through the mannequin run. Listed below are some dates to bear in mind.
2014: Tesla added Autopilot functionality for the Mannequin S in 2014. So, the 2012 and 2013 fashions aren’t appropriate.
2015: Tesla launched the “Insane Mode” launch functionality, which grew to become the “Ludicrous Mode” to the Mannequin S P85D.
2016: The Mannequin S acquired its first complete refresh. It modified visually, with a body-color entrance fascia changing the unique black grille. The Mannequin S acquired up to date Autopilot 2 {hardware} and faster 48-amp charging. The Mannequin S P100D grew to become the primary EV to ship greater than 300 miles of EPA vary.
2019: Tesla provides a brand new “Raven” powertrain for the Mannequin S. This replace elevated the vary and enhanced trip consolation with a brand new adaptive suspension.
2021: Tesla delivered one other refresh for the Mannequin S. Key updates embrace the brand new “Plaid” model packing over 1,000 horsepower, a warmth pump for extra environment friendly chilly climate operation, a brand new landscape-oriented horizontal touchscreen and an accessible yoke steering equipment.
How a lot does a used Tesla Mannequin S value?
Luxurious sedans and electrical autos endure lots of depreciation. The Tesla Mannequin S is each and generally is a surprisingly reasonably priced used car. Pricing by no means actually bottoms out. Early 2012-15 Tesla Mannequin S autos are inclined to vary between $12,000 and $25,000 relying on the mannequin yr, mileage and presence of autopilot. Mannequin S autos from 2016-20 usually vary between $20,000 to $35,000, relying on the identical components. Vehicles below $25,000 can qualify for a federal used EV tax credit score.
Patrons might discover the perfect worth with used Tesla Mannequin S autos from 2021-23. Plaid fashions are round $45,000 to $55,000, probably approaching $100,000 lower than once they had been new. Non-Plaid Mannequin S variations go for between $35,000 and $45,000.
Do used Tesla Mannequin S autos get free limitless supercharging?
Probably. Nevertheless it’s difficult. Tesla supplied Mannequin S early adopters from 2012-16 free limitless supercharging, terminating the supply in early 2017. Mannequin S autos from these years — variations able to supercharging — may very well be eligible to switch free limitless supercharging. Tesla has supplied free supercharging in numerous promotions since. Nevertheless, these subsequent promotions aren’t transferable to a brand new proprietor.
Initially, Tesla confirmed that free limitless supercharging could be transferable with the car. That coverage has modified. A 2019 report famous that Tesla was stripping free supercharging from Mannequin S autos that had been traded in. Tesla has sporadically supplied homeowners with free supercharging the chance to switch that to a brand new Tesla with a purchase order.
Theoretically, a 2012-16 Mannequin S may have free limitless supercharging. If it does, it ought to be transferable to a brand new proprietor. In apply, that info is difficult to search out. If Tesla took again the car in some unspecified time in the future, it will seemingly not have it anymore.
How a lot battery degradation will a used Tesla Mannequin S have?
All lithium-ion batteries degrade over time and use. However degradation shouldn’t be an excessive amount of of a priority for used Tesla Mannequin S patrons. Based on Tesla, a Mannequin S ought to endure about 12% battery degradation (sustaining 88% capability) on common after 200,000 miles of driving. Homeowners have famous excessive use instances with Teslas sustaining strong vary with a Mannequin S after 300,000 and even 400,000 miles. And Tesla’s newer batteries might show much more resilient.
Broadly, a used Mannequin S seemingly gained’t have the EPA vary listed when the automotive was new. Capability within the 90s is great. Capability within the 80s ought to nonetheless be serviceable. The 70s is the place a car could be approaching the battery restore threshold. Tesla repairs batteries below guarantee at 70% capability. Sellers might be able to make use of a service like Recurrent to offer a battery report for a used Tesla Mannequin S.
What are some recognized points with a used Tesla Mannequin S?
As an electrical automotive, the Mannequin S has fewer potential mechanical weak factors than a typical combustion automotive. If Tesla’s battery knowledge is right, there ought to be few considerations about longevity. One space to pay explicit consideration to is the suspension. Elements can expertise vital put on and tear when coping with the car’s weight over time. And air suspensions can develop leaks. Guaranteeing the air conditioner is useful is important, as that helps cool the battery.
What kind of guarantee protection does a used Tesla Mannequin S have?
Tesla has bought Mannequin S autos with a 4-year or 50,000-mile primary guarantee and an 8-year or 150,000-mile battery guarantee. These warranties switch with the car to a brand new proprietor. If you happen to purchase a pre-owned Mannequin S from Tesla, the model provides a yr or 10,000 miles to the essential guarantee or gives a brand new 1-year or 10,000-mile primary guarantee.
