Like cellphones ten years ago, electric automobiles have exploded into our daily existence. You obviously are not alone if you have typed “Used Tesla for sale” into Google more than once. The Tesla talk is everywhere: at the dinner table, on social media, most likely at the barbecue of your next-door neighbour. So should your hard-earned money go toward a little seasoned, wallet-friendlier Model S waiting for a new home or a brand-new Model 3 with that fresh-off-the-lot scent? Let us separate the layers and work through it together.
Stcker Shock vs. Value: The Price Tag Tango
Purchasing fresh is alluring. Along with maybe a better battery life and modern technology, you have the pure delight of being the first behind the wheel. But depending on the model and fanciness factor, new Teslas might have a price that causes your eyes to water—expect anything from $40,000 to over $100,000.
Teslas, meanwhile, are significantly less expensive used. One occasionally finds a 2021 Model 3 for under $30,000. For an EV still filled with features—like autopilot, heated seats, and a panoramic glass roof—that is a significant reduction. Teslas also follow different depreciation policies than conventional gas automobiles. Thanks to over-the-air software upgrades that keep them feeling fresh, older models sometimes maintain their worth better than most brands.
Wisdom on Warranty: Playing It Safe
For those who are risk apprehensive, new Teslas come with a factory warranty, which functions as a security blanket. Not yet, though, write off older cars. Although private-sellers’ vehicles may have battery coverage left—up to eight years in many cases— Certified Pre-Owned Teslas still come with warranties. Given repair costs—a Tesla battery replacement may price over $10,000—having some warranty coverage is absolutely ideal.