EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a sponsored post from Gumtree, an Australian-based classifieds site.
Tesla’s are all the rage at the moment. The hot new product that’s super cool…the Apple of the car industry.
A brand new Tesla is mostly unattainable for the majority of drivers. However, prices are dropping on the used market. Are they worth the money they’re asking for?
New Tesla Prices
For a brand new, showroom fresh Tesla Model S, you’re looking at $74,500 USD for the entry level 75 kWh version. That’s a healthy price increase from the $67,400 USD entry level 60 kWh model that launched back in 2012, but you would be getting four-wheel drive and a slight improvement in range.
At the top end of the spectrum the P100D, complete with ‘ludicrous mode’ acceleration of 2.5 seconds from 0-60 MPH, costing a whopping $135,000. Not cheap.
Used Tesla prices
Buying used means you’ll probably look at the Tesla Used Inventory. It’s basically Tesla’s own ‘approved’ used car program. The cheapest car currently is a Model S 60 kWh from 2014, with 23,400 miles on the clock. Price? $46,000 USD.
That may sound like a bargain, but it’s very basic. The only option is the panoramic sunroof. It’s as bare bones as you could order. It does however prove you can get yourself into a Model S at a knock down price.
It’s also worth noting that cars registered pre-January 2017 have free Supercharging for life. New Tesla’s are only allowed 400 kWh of Supercharger use.
Which Tesla model has the best specs?
There’s a few options that you should look out for. Ideally you want a car you’ll be happy with long term, not one that’s missing a certain feature that you’ll regret later.
Range and power are totally up to you. If you don’t want supercar killing performance, then you don’t need a P85+.
In terms of specs, aim for the minimum below.
Tech Package
This includes what should be in every Tesla as standard, don’t even think of buying one without it.
Sat Nav with Google Maps
3g/4G Connectivity
LED Cornering Lights
Automatic Keyless Entry
Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror
Illuminated Door Handle
Electric Folding Mirrors
Electric Tailgate
Driver Profiles
Panoramic Roof
A nearly full length glass roof with built in UV protection. It may not be to your absolute requirement, but you rarely see many without it. If it’s not desirable for you, think of the resale value.
Ultra-High Fidelity Sound Package
It features 12 speakers and a DAB radio which gives superb sound reproduction.
21” Wheels
Most Model S have the larger 21 inch wheels. 19’s just looks a little lost by comparison. Once again, if it’s not a desirable feature for you, it will help with the resale cost when it’s time to move on.
Some of these extras have annoyingly changed, being rolled into new options…like the “Premium Interior Package.” These normally have minor changes each year, so it’s worth checking out this Tesla Motors Club Wiki to see how the options vary for the model year you’re interested in buying.
The best used Tesla deal
Having a quick look at the market and prices vary wildly. There are some massive bargains to be found in the classifieds, just make sure their history checks out fully.
We found a 2013 Model S P85 with only 18,231 miles on the dash for $59,900. Why the P85? It does 0-60 MPH in 4.2 seconds, all the speed you’ll ever need. In terms of range, it easily makes over 200 miles, EPA range is certified as 265 miles.
It’s in a rare color, brown metallic (probably not to everyone’s taste). Panoramic roof, tan leather seats, wood inlay on the dash, carbon fiber spoiler, air suspension, extended leather and free supercharging because of its age.
Top 5 trends for the used Tesla marketplace
1. Prices will continue to fall
They may be cheap at the minute, but prices are definitely going to keep on falling. When taxi fleets look to renew and hundreds of Model S vehicles hit the marketplace at once, competition will drop prices. Especially when high mileage ones are going for a song.
2. Watch out for Model 3
Model 3’s are already significantly cheaper than the Model S. If you want a super cheap piece of the Tesla pie, wait two to three years. You’ll be able to pick one up for the same price as that low rent hatch you’ve been eyeing up.
3. Accident repairs
Because there are still so few of them on the road, accident damaged Tesla’s are few and far between. As they become more prominent and age, a small bump that may write the car off could ultimately be repaired cheaply.
Someone has already rebuilt a Tesla and it only cost him $6,500 dollars. It’s not for the faint hearted though.
4. Eight years old but still young
Tesla’s have an 8-year battery and drivetrain warranty; some are now nearing that age which could be a cause for concern. But after 250,000 miles the battery should still have roughly 93% of its original capacity left.
Motors have been known to go on well up to 300,000 miles without issue. So don’t be afraid, if there’s a bargain to be had, you should have a few years of safe motoring ahead.
But keep some cash aside…just in case.
5. Spare parts will become available
Currently Tesla hold the keys to the parts inventory. It’s not like a normal dealership where you can just turn up, ask for a part and they’ll sell you it.
This will have to change, if not third parties will start reproducing and copying the parts. It’s exactly the same with mobile phones, you crack your screen and the manufacturer tries to sell you a new one for $150, go online and you can buy one for $25.
To compete with the copycats, they’ll have to have a used parts service like every other manufacturer, thus making repairs cheaper.
Tesla’s are all the rage at the moment. The hot new product that’s super cool…the Apple of the car industry.
A brand new Tesla is mostly unattainable for the majority of drivers. However, prices are dropping on the used market. Are they worth the money they’re asking for?
New Tesla Prices
At the top end of the spectrum the P100D, complete with ‘ludicrous mode’ acceleration of 2.5 seconds from 0-60 MPH, costing a whopping $135,000. Not cheap.
Used Tesla prices
Buying used means you’ll probably look at the Tesla Used Inventory. It’s basically Tesla’s own ‘approved’ used car program. The cheapest car currently is a Model S 60 kWh from 2014, with 23,400 miles on the clock. Price? $46,000 USD.
That may sound like a bargain, but it’s very basic. The only option is the panoramic sunroof. It’s as bare bones as you could order. It does however prove you can get yourself into a Model S at a knock down price.
It’s also worth noting that cars registered pre-January 2017 have free Supercharging for life. New Tesla’s are only allowed 400 kWh of Supercharger use.
Which Tesla model has the best specs?
There’s a few options that you should look out for. Ideally you want a car you’ll be happy with long term, not one that’s missing a certain feature that you’ll regret later.
Range and power are totally up to you. If you don’t want supercar killing performance, then you don’t need a P85+.
In terms of specs, aim for the minimum below.
Tech Package
This includes what should be in every Tesla as standard, don’t even think of buying one without it.
Sat Nav with Google Maps
3g/4G Connectivity
LED Cornering Lights
Automatic Keyless Entry
Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror
Illuminated Door Handle
Electric Folding Mirrors
Electric Tailgate
Driver Profiles
A nearly full length glass roof with built in UV protection. It may not be to your absolute requirement, but you rarely see many without it. If it’s not desirable for you, think of the resale value.
Ultra-High Fidelity Sound Package
It features 12 speakers and a DAB radio which gives superb sound reproduction.
21” Wheels
Most Model S have the larger 21 inch wheels. 19’s just looks a little lost by comparison. Once again, if it’s not a desirable feature for you, it will help with the resale cost when it’s time to move on.
Some of these extras have annoyingly changed, being rolled into new options…like the “Premium Interior Package.” These normally have minor changes each year, so it’s worth checking out this Tesla Motors Club Wiki to see how the options vary for the model year you’re interested in buying.
The best used Tesla deal
We found a 2013 Model S P85 with only 18,231 miles on the dash for $59,900. Why the P85? It does 0-60 MPH in 4.2 seconds, all the speed you’ll ever need. In terms of range, it easily makes over 200 miles, EPA range is certified as 265 miles.
It’s in a rare color, brown metallic (probably not to everyone’s taste). Panoramic roof, tan leather seats, wood inlay on the dash, carbon fiber spoiler, air suspension, extended leather and free supercharging because of its age.
Top 5 trends for the used Tesla marketplace
1. Prices will continue to fall
They may be cheap at the minute, but prices are definitely going to keep on falling. When taxi fleets look to renew and hundreds of Model S vehicles hit the marketplace at once, competition will drop prices. Especially when high mileage ones are going for a song.
2. Watch out for Model 3
Model 3’s are already significantly cheaper than the Model S. If you want a super cheap piece of the Tesla pie, wait two to three years. You’ll be able to pick one up for the same price as that low rent hatch you’ve been eyeing up.
3. Accident repairs
Because there are still so few of them on the road, accident damaged Tesla’s are few and far between. As they become more prominent and age, a small bump that may write the car off could ultimately be repaired cheaply.
Someone has already rebuilt a Tesla and it only cost him $6,500 dollars. It’s not for the faint hearted though.
4. Eight years old but still young
Tesla’s have an 8-year battery and drivetrain warranty; some are now nearing that age which could be a cause for concern. But after 250,000 miles the battery should still have roughly 93% of its original capacity left.
Motors have been known to go on well up to 300,000 miles without issue. So don’t be afraid, if there’s a bargain to be had, you should have a few years of safe motoring ahead.
But keep some cash aside…just in case.
5. Spare parts will become available
Currently Tesla hold the keys to the parts inventory. It’s not like a normal dealership where you can just turn up, ask for a part and they’ll sell you it.
This will have to change, if not third parties will start reproducing and copying the parts. It’s exactly the same with mobile phones, you crack your screen and the manufacturer tries to sell you a new one for $150, go online and you can buy one for $25.
To compete with the copycats, they’ll have to have a used parts service like every other manufacturer, thus making repairs cheaper.
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