CPO: What questions would you ask?

[RockinWithKids]

This community has been very helpful in my pursuit of going all electric. I am now at a point that I am looking for that "perfect" CPO Model S that marries the features I want with the price point I am willing to pay. My question for the group is: When looking at CPOs what would be the top question(s) you would ask about the vehicle?

TIA in advance for any/all replies.

 

[kushari]

If it's a 60, is supercharging enabled, is it a 60, or a 40 (not sure if that question is actually valid)?

For any car I would ask if it was a smoking car or non smoking. I can't stand people smoking in cars.

 

[MsElectric]

This community has been very helpful in my pursuit of going all electric. I am now at a point that I am looking for that "perfect" CPO Model S that marries the features I want with the price point I am willing to pay. My question for the group is: When looking at CPOs what would be the top question(s) you would ask about the vehicle?

TIA in advance for any/all replies.

Yikes this topic had been discussed so much. Just go back and read some of the relevant threads. Basically:

+ Pull up the CarFax (will tell you the in service date, how many owners the car has had, and if the car was bought new or as an inventory car).
+ Ask for the service records and maintenance history so you know what work has been done with the car as well as what services have been done.
+ Don't accept no for an answer for the item above.
+ Before you pay for the car, take your time to go over the car in great detail and make a note of anything that requires to be fixed or made right.
+ Any items above should be on a "We owe you" list that is given to you by Tesla.
+ Take the car to a high end body shop for a pre purchase inspection of the paint and any past repairs that might not have been done properly.
+ Above step is very important as if you find anything improper with the paint after you buy your car, you might be on your own.
+ Buy the car with the peace of mind that you've done your due diligence. You are buying a used car. Don't skimp on your due diligence.

Also if a longer warranty is important to you, Tesla for whatever reason, refuses to sell an extended warranty for CPO cars so you can get a longer warranty buy purchasing private party with the Extended Warranty (but then realize you have a $200 per issue deductible).

There are GREAT CPO deals to be had and I'm not trying to discourage you. It is a great option to purchase the world's finest car at a lower price but just do your research and make an informed purchase.

Related topics:

http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/show...Tesla-Warranty-CPO-Service-and-Other-Policies

http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/51011-My-CPO-(and-disappointments)-Experience

 

[RockinWithKids]

Kushari... Appreciate the thoughts... smoking (never would want it) and battery size (must have 85) is already on the list.

MsElectic... Would never have thought about taking the thing to a high end body shop to inspect the paint. Those thoughts are much appreciated.

 

[austintexas]

Everyone keeps saying "drive the car before you buy it".

What do you recommend for people like me that live in Texas? We don't have any local pre-owned due to Texas dealership laws.

 

[rxlawdude]

Everyone keeps saying "drive the car before you buy it".

What do you recommend for people like me that live in Texas? We don't have any local pre-owned due to Texas dealership laws.

I recommend "caveat emptor." Fly or drive to where the car is before you put a dime down.

 

[MsElectric]

I recommend "caveat emptor." Fly or drive to where the car is before you put a dime down.

Absolutely agree. Caveat emptor indeed.

Drive or fly over and spend a good amount of time carefully going over every inch of the car and do the due diligence suggested above.

One you pay, you own it, and I don't just mean the car

 

[freeewilly]

Most of the CPO cars are very close to perfect. But, if you want to be 100% certain, listen to everyone here, go check it out in person. I hope you're not looking for the "best deal" CPO cars, because those don't last on the CPO site for long.
Asking Tesla will only get a standard response. The car is perfect, it has to pass 200+ inspection......bla bla bla. They are correct most of the time, but not always.

 

[SmartElectric]

I used this app (made by a fellow TMC member) to get a screaming deal on a CPO 85.

http://ev-cpo.com/

 

[RockinWithKids]

Thanks all. In the city I am looking in I have a buddy that is beyond anal retentive. He agreed to look over any car and I trust him fully. I might just be able to get him to take the car to the high end body shop as well.

SmartElectric... been using that site for a week now.. might I ask what price you got your CPO for and what the specs were?

 

[Cyclone]

+ Take the car to a high end body shop for a pre purchase inspection of the paint and any past repairs that might not have been done properly.
+ Above step is very important as if you find anything improper with the paint after you buy your car, you might be on your own.

Related topics:

http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/show...Tesla-Warranty-CPO-Service-and-Other-Policies

http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/51011-My-CPO-(and-disappointments)-Experience

I can't stress MsElectric's points above. I'm out four figures in paint repairs on my CPO. You do not want to get stuck in a scenario like mine where I'm almost at 4 months of ownership and still not driving my car (should finally be ready a week from today).

 

[austintexas]

I recommend "caveat emptor." Fly or drive to where the car is before you put a dime down.

I don't think I'll fly somewhere only to have it sold while I'm on the flight