Just sold my gas guzzling car | Ready to move towards a better future!

[incrediwoah]

Good evening everyone,

My name is Chris and last Friday I sold my 18mpg gas guzzling 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I am ready to make the move into a Tesla now! A little background info: I am located in the Santa Monica area and am not looking at purchasing new due to the amount of miles I drive per year (25,000)! In fact, my goal is to spend less than $45k on a used Tesla Model S. I would love to hear from you fellow Tesla owners your thoughts on purchasing used high mileage Tesla's from private owners (not a dealership fan) and anything I should keep in mind when vetting, servicing, buying, etc!

Some of the things I will be looking for include

• Suspension does not rattle when driving
• Exterior is in generally good condition
• Battery charges to 90% of original capacity (based on my research)
• Calling Tesla for service records and battery replacement

Some questions I still have

• Most of the 2013's say they had a battery replaced already. Was this due to a previous issue?
• Will the 8-mile/unlimited mileage warranty cover me if there is a problem with the battery again?
• What is the general cost of installing a 240v charger in my garage?

Below I have found a two great examples I will be looking at this week:

• 2013 Performance 85 | 85,000 Miles | $40,900 | Second Owner Cars for Sale: Used 2013 Tesla Model S Performance for sale in Woodland Hills, CA 91367: Sedan Details - 467135506 - Autotrader
• 2014 85 | 94,000 Miles | $40,000 | First Owner https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...hRadius=25&makeCode1=TESLA&modelCode1=TESMODS

I plan on documenting my time (maybe on a thread?) with a used high mileage tesla purchase and hope to create precedent for future used buyers when I drive it to 150,000 to 200,000 miles!

I truly appreciate your input and any discussion pertaining to this! Would love to get together with a few owners once I make a decision!

Sincerely, Chris

 

[incrediwoah]

Here is another interesting one! Way lower mileage than the other two

2013 Performance 85 | 48,000 Miles | $42,000 | First Owner Cars for Sale: Used 2013 Tesla Model S Performance for sale in Malibu, CA 90265: Sedan Details - 468405875 - Autotrader

 

[BinaryField]

I'm in the market for a new / used Tesla myself. I don't have a lot of experience with the market, but the cars you posted seem very expensive for the mileage, except possibly the one you listed on post #2.Take a look at these high mileage S85s that sold from recently from Tesla, as archived by EV-CPO:

Is there something you have against buying from Tesla directly? You get the remainder of the battery and drive warranty and an additional four year warranty on most other components. If anything, it might help to use their CPO offerings as price reference.

 

[incrediwoah]

I'm in the market for a new / used Tesla myself. I don't have a lot of experience with the market, but the cars you posted seem very expensive for the mileage, except possibly the one you listed on post #2.Take a look at these high mileage S85s that sold from recently from Tesla, as archived by EV-CPO:

Is there something you have against buying from Tesla directly? You get the remainder of the battery and drive warranty and an additional four year warranty on most other components. If anything, it might help to use their CPO offerings as price reference.

Hey BinaryField! Thank you so much for the reply! Very interesting data here. It seems the first one I posted is only a little but over compared tto he one listed. My other question is that all of the ones I posted are Performance. Are the ones you listed only base 85?

Im actually totally ok with buying from Tesla CPO! I think I mis worded my post as in buying from dealerships sans Tesla itself!

 

[incrediwoah]

Another quick comment. It's actually crazy because running the vehicles I posted through kbb and cargurus provides a much higher priced value than what they are listed at! Yet factual evidence that BinaryField says otherwise! Thank you for the data!

 

[BinaryField]

Hey BinaryField! Thank you so much for the reply! Very interesting data here. It seems the first one I posted is only a little but over compared tto he one listed. My other question is that all of the ones I posted are Performance. Are the ones you listed only base 85?

Im actually totally ok with buying from Tesla CPO! I think I mis worded my post as in buying from dealerships sans Tesla itself!

Another quick comment. It's actually crazy because running the vehicles I posted through kbb and cargurus provides a much higher priced value than what they are listed at! Yet factual evidence that BinaryField says otherwise! Thank you for the data!

No worries! I guess I was specifically looking at the second link you posted, which you noted was a 2014 85. It wasn't too clear in the listing itself either. If it's a P-model, it'll definitely be worth more. Here are some current listings for P85s:

These have some features and a fraction of the mileage as the first two links you posted, and they're still in the same ballpark for price, so I think the linked cars are on the expensive side. Depends on what's in them of course. I don't know what a battery replacement is worth. If you haven't had a chance to yet, go check out EV-CPO or TeslaInventory and see what's available or what has been sold in the past.

In general, I've seen that a lot of private sellers tend to overvalue their cars, especially recent models with autopilot. For recent models, people pretend that the EV tax incentives don't exist and price their cars that way. In reality, you could order the exact same brand new car for the same price that they want, after collecting on the incentives.

 

[incrediwoah]

No worries! I guess I was specifically looking at the second link you posted, which you noted was a 2014 85. It wasn't too clear in the listing itself either. If it's a P-model, it'll definitely be worth more. Here are some current listings for P85s:

Ohhhh ok got it. Simple misunderstanding no problem! I appreciate your help here! Ill make sure to note when I check these vehicles out in person if they actually are performance! What are some of the good indicators for the difference?

These have some features and a fraction of the mileage as the first two links you posted, and they're still in the same ballpark for price, so I think the linked cars are on the expensive side. Depends on what's in them of course. I don't know what a battery replacement is worth. If you haven't had a chance to yet, go check out EV-CPO or TeslaInventory and see what's available or what has been sold in the past.

Funny enough I have EV-CPO in my favorites bar! I should subscribe there for instant updates. You are correct the three I posted do seem to be on the expensive side. I will use this data as a negotiating point!

In general, I've seen that a lot of private sellers tend to overvalue their cars, especially recent models with autopilot. For recent models, people pretend that the EV tax incentives don't exist and price their cars that way. In reality, you could order the exact same brand new car for the same price that they want, after collecting on the incentives.

I’ve noticed that too. I think the market for the newer end models is a little skewed right now. With time, it will correct.

 

[AnxietyRanger]

Welcome, Chris!

 

[HankLloydRight]

Hi there Chris...

Most of the 2013's say they had a battery replaced already. Was this due to a previous issue?

I could be wrong, but do you mean "drive unit" here? Early on, there were a lot of 2012 and 2013 cars that had their drive unit replaced. I haven't heard of that many batteries being replaced, or nearly as much as the drive units, which was pretty common until they fixed the source of the problem a couple of years ago. The DU in my P85+ was replaced in the 30ks miles range.

For a data point, I sold my P85+ in March of this year with over 40k miles on it for $65k. The buyer flew across country and drove it back to Arizona. I haven't heard from him since, so I have to assume it's still going well for him. I know that's out of your price range, but buying a high mileage Tesla is different than an ICE, as there are fewer moving parts and they "age" better. A 2013 Tesla kept in good condition is hard to distinguish from new (in 2013, that is).

The cars under $45k do pop up from time to time, but you have to be ready to commit to them right away, as they disappear very quickly!

Looking at the historical data on EV-CPO for cars under $45,000:
85s: 180 cars; Price Range: $27,400 to $45,000 Average Price: $42,170
--------------------Mileage Range: 18,236 to 98,942 Average Mileage: 57,935

P85s: 65 cars; Price Range: $30,500 to $45,000; Average Price: $41,902
--------------------Mileage Range: 29,369 to 99,185 Average Mileage: 58,953

P85+: 3 cars; Price Range: $42,000 to $44,900 Average Price: $43,800
--------------------Mileage Range: 43,720 to 82,718 Average Mileage: 64,402

Good luck in your search!

 

[davecolene0606]

Hey Chris, welcome, your not gonnna be disappointed. I am sure your aware of that the CPO vehicles come with a full 4 year warranty and the balance of the battery/Drive unit warranty. I think that you will find the price diff between private and CPO to be minimal.especially when the potential value of,the warranty and prep the vehicle has gone through is taken into account.
Batteries and drive units replaced on 2012/2013 vehicles should not discourage you as there were some issues with the earlier vehicles that have been resolved and in any case are still covered by the 8 year unlimited mile warranty.

There were some issues on 2012/2013 vehicles with the adhesive on the screen loosening which would result in bubbles on the perimeter of the touch screen. These are the type of things where the CPO warranty would help you out.

Personally, I would lean towards an S85 v P85 with 19" wheels I think you'll get a bit better economy from it and the tires are way less expensive and last longer. If you find an 85 without air suspension so much the better.

Best of luck, your gonna have a blast!

 

[HankLloydRight]

• What is the general cost of installing a 240v charger in my garage?

This varies on a lot of factors. It depends on if you have enough service (say 200 amp service) to support adding a 50 amp circuit. Is there space in your panel, or will you need to consolidate breakers or add a sub panel? How far is the run from the panel to the garage, and how accessible is that span to run wire or conduit? Do you need to get a town permit and inspection (some people do, some don't. We didn't). Mine cost us about $400 (it was a birthday present from my girlfriend (now wife), she installed it at her house!).. others I'd say run up to maybe $1000.

Also, you don't need to install a charger per se, you only need to install a NEMA 14-50 outlet, and use the UMC that comes with the car.

If you want to install a separate high power wall charger (HPWC), that's another $500 or so.

 

[Half Dollar Bill]

Chris,
The warranty is on the car, not the original owner, so you'd still be covered by the 8/unlimited.
Regarding the home charger, I think you probably need to settle on your car first, because the earlier years came with the option of having either one or two onboard chargers. If you get a one-charger car, a NEMA 14-50 service will be all you need. You noted you're driving 25k miles per year, which is about what I do. Some of those miles are supercharger miles, though, and I suspect that would be your case as well. I have a single charger and even with it, the 14-50 has been all I've needed for home charging for the last 4 years.
I rolled over 100k earlier this summer and am looking forward to the next 100. Make a good choice and hope you have a lot of fun!

 

[incrediwoah]

Welcome, Chris!

Thank you! Super excited to make the transition

 

[Electricfan]

There is a Houston Tesla club facebook page, which is where I live. Occasionally I see people wanting to sell their cars. You might see if there is a Tesla page for your locale and if so post that you want to buy one.

 

[incrediwoah]

Hi there Chris...

I could be wrong, but do you mean "drive unit" here? Early on, there were a lot of 2012 and 2013 cars that had their drive unit replaced. I haven't heard of that many batteries being replaced, or nearly as much as the drive units, which was pretty common until they fixed the source of the problem a couple of years ago. The DU in my P85+ was replaced in the 30ks miles range.

For a data point, I sold my P85+ in March of this year with over 40k miles on it for $65k. The buyer flew across country and drove it back to Arizona. I haven't heard from him since, so I have to assume it's still going well for him. I know that's out of your price range, but buying a high mileage Tesla is different than an ICE, as there are fewer moving parts and they "age" better. A 2013 Tesla kept in good condition is hard to distinguish from new (in 2013, that is).

The cars under $45k do pop up from time to time, but you have to be ready to commit to them right away, as they disappear very quickly!

Looking at the historical data on EV-CPO for cars under $45,000:
85s: 180 cars; Price Range: $27,400 to $45,000 Average Price: $42,170
--------------------Mileage Range: 18,236 to 98,942 Average Mileage: 57,935

P85s: 65 cars; Price Range: $30,500 to $45,000; Average Price: $41,902
--------------------Mileage Range: 29,369 to 99,185 Average Mileage: 58,953

P85+: 3 cars; Price Range: $42,000 to $44,900 Average Price: $43,800
--------------------Mileage Range: 43,720 to 82,718 Average Mileage: 64,402

Good luck in your search!

Hi Hank! Quite possibly it could be the DU. I do know that on the first car I had posted, a new battery was placed and has 45k out of the 84k on there! Thank you for all of the data!

Hey Chris, welcome, your not gonnna be disappointed. I am sure your aware of that the CPO vehicles come with a full 4 year warranty and the balance of the battery/Drive unit warranty. I think that you will find the price diff between private and CPO to be minimal.especially when the potential value of,the warranty and prep the vehicle has gone through is taken into account.
Batteries and drive units replaced on 2012/2013 vehicles should not discourage you as there were some issues with the earlier vehicles that have been resolved and in any case are still covered by the 8 year unlimited mile warranty.

There were some issues on 2012/2013 vehicles with the adhesive on the screen loosening which would result in bubbles on the perimeter of the touch screen. These are the type of things where the CPO warranty would help you out.

Personally, I would lean towards an S85 v P85 with 19" wheels I think you'll get a bit better economy from it and the tires are way less expensive and last longer. If you find an 85 without air suspension so much the better.

Best of luck, your gonna have a blast!

Interesting. Right now all of the CPO’s are pretty expensive, but do you suggest checking everyday to see if an 85 is posted for my price range? Also, regarding the 19inch wheels, because I drive a ton you reccomend going with these instead of the larger ones? Maybe if I bought a Tesla with the larger ones I could trade them on the forums for smaller 19inch? What are the chances of someone doing that? I know the larger ones were more expensive anyways up front!

This varies on a lot of factors. It depends on if you have enough service (say 200 amp service) to support adding a 50 amp circuit. Is there space in your panel, or will you need to consolidate breakers or add a sub panel? How far is the run from the panel to the garage, and how accessible is that span to run wire or conduit? Do you need to get a town permit and inspection (some people do, some don't. We didn't). Mine cost us about $400 (it was a birthday present from my girlfriend (now wife), she installed it at her house!).. others I'd say run up to maybe $1000.

Also, you don't need to install a charger per se, you only need to install a NEMA 14-50 outlet, and use the UMC that comes with the car.

If you want to install a separate high power wall charger (HPWC), that's another $500 or so.

Very interesting stuff. Can you reccomend any good specialists that I could speak to when it comes to installing in my local area (Santa Monica)?

Chris,
The warranty is on the car, not the original owner, so you'd still be covered by the 8/unlimited.
Regarding the home charger, I think you probably need to settle on your car first, because the earlier years came with the option of having either one or two onboard chargers. If you get a one-charger car, a NEMA 14-50 service will be all you need. You noted you're driving 25k miles per year, which is about what I do. Some of those miles are supercharger miles, though, and I suspect that would be your case as well. I have a single charger and even with it, the 14-50 has been all I've needed for home charging for the last 4 years.
I rolled over 100k earlier this summer and am looking forward to the next 100. Make a good choice and hope you have a lot of fun!

Great advice! Thank you for this. I will get the car first then look into installation!

 

[incrediwoah]

There is a Houston Tesla club facebook page, which is where I live. Occasionally I see people wanting to sell their cars. You might see if there is a Tesla page for your locale and if so post that you want to buy one.

Unfortunately not on Facebook, but I will see if there is a section here in Santa Monica!

 

[Electricfan]

Unfortunately not on Facebook, but I will see if there is a section here in Santa Monica!

Not on facebook? I thought I was the last person to get on facebook in the US. Nice to know I wasn't dead last anyway.

 

[incrediwoah]

Not on facebook? I thought I was the last person to get on facebook in the US. Nice to know I wasn't dead last anyway.

Ha! Social media is a scary addiction! Lol

 

[HankLloydRight]

Can you reccomend any good specialists that I could speak to when it comes to installing in my local area (Santa Monica)?

Any competent, licensed electrician should be able to to the job, check references.

 

[comanchepilot]

if you do the math, you will likely discover that buying a new Tesla with the current AWD standard, and tons of other former options now being standard, is a much better deal than a 50k mile CPO. YMMV.

A $55k vehicle [seems low end, but I doing that intentionally] prices out [in Malibu] as follows:

1. Vehicle: $55000 -- this most likely a 60kw battery - so consider your range.
2. Tax: $5,225/
3. Registration: $750

Total: $$60,925

New 75D: $75000
EAP / Interior: $8300
Tax: $7900
Title: $900
Minus rebate: [$7500]
Total: $84,600

A NEW Tesla only costs you just under $24000. And every dime the car costs more than $55k adds 11 cents to the price and reduces the cost differential by 11 cents.

Makes ZERO sense to buy a used vehicle when you get the FULL 4 year warranty, plus the FULL 8 year battery warranty. . . .

Its $328 a month for 72 months if you finance. And you are guaranteed not to spend a dime for repairs for 4 years. . . . For $300 a month - plus at the end of 4 or 6 years, you have an asset worth far more than the $24k you spent up front in terms of used value.

An AWD 75D gonna be worth a heckuva lot more in 2021 than a 60kwh Model out of battery warranty . . .