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What to Consider Before You Buy a Used Tesla Car

Blogs → Where and how to buy used tesla car | January 19,2021 • Grace Motors
The world is truly moving towards an electric future. Electric vehicles (EVs) are rising to fame across the globe as consumers demand for cars that can save thousands of dollars in maintenance costs. However, electric cars don’t come cheap, and even those in the more affordable end of the market would set you back thousands of dollars.
A popular and high-performing brand is Tesla. It’s packed with the latest driver assistance technology and other advanced features. It may not be budget-friendly for some, though.
Fortunately, there’s another option: buy used Tesla cars. In this article, we’ll go about the things you should know about Tesla cars. We’ll also include a quick guide on what to consider before you buy a used Tesla car in Australia.
Should you get a Tesla car?
Some of the highest performing electric vehicles to hit the Aussie roads are Tesla cars. They have a rechargeable lithium battery, just like smartphones. This means it can run without petrol and can wake up to a full tank every morning, which is honestly both a money- and environment-saver. In a survey, many Aussies said they would consider buying Tesla cars or other EVs. There is a caveat, however, for any Australian considering buying these electric cars. For one, EVs tend to depreciate much faster than petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars.
Unlike other developed countries, Australia lacks strong policies required to stimulate EV sales. This means you won’t get incentives for switching to an electric car, unlike residents in Norway, New Zealand, and other countries. Like with any major purchase, there are pitfalls to watch for when buying a Tesla car, even if it’s just a used one.
Buying a used Tesla car in Australia
The country has a limited supply of electric vehicles, both new and used ones. The data is mainly tied to new EVs sold, and the numbers show how often they end up in the used market. This is largely due to the cost of EVs in Australia. Electric vehicles in the country are still much more expensive than other more established markets in the United States and Europe.
Add in import taxes on cars and limited government incentives to buy electric vehicles, and you can expect a slow uptake in Australia. If you’re in the market for a used electric car, you should do all the checks and balances, and see if you could save thousands over a new vehicle. After all, it’s still a huge investment to make.
Before you buy a used Tesla car or any second-hand electric car, do your research first. Here are things you should consider if you want to get a good deal.
Check Used EV Battery’s Condition
The batteries in Tesla and other electric cars aren’t too dissimilar to what you can find in smartphones. Of course, electric car batteries weigh more than 500kg, but they serve the same purpose as that of tiny phone batteries. It’s the same concept, but just think on a larger scale. Just like smartphone lithium batteries, they deteriorate over time. Generally, it’s estimated that electric car batteries can last for a decade or two before they’ve deteriorated enough that they need to be replaced. And unlike internal combustion engines, mileage is not a factor in batteries. Instead, it’s the age, condition, heat, and charging habits.
If you’re considering buying a used electric car that’s about 4 or 5 years old, you could still be getting the most of its battery capacity. But then, you can’t really gauge the previous owner’s usage habits.
EVs can have multiple battery modules. A replacement module could cost as much as AUD $6,000-$9,000. That’s just for one battery module. You could be paying much more if your car battery is out of warranty.
Verify Warranty
In connection with the things mentioned above, also consider warranty and servicing. When buying a used EV, check that the warranty transfers over to the new owner. As with EVs, the vehicle and battery have separate warranties. Most brands offer greater coverage for the battery than the car itself, which is already a win. Electric vehicles don’t need much maintenance anyway.
Today, you can find specialist servicing companies that support the budding second-hand market. Still, it’s smart to check the terms of a second-hand EV’s warranty. Verify if it can still be serviced should something happen to it.
An eight-year warranty is standard for new EV batteries. If a car is sold before the warranty ends, then the warranty passes to successive owners. Some car dealers even offer a two-year warranty on the battery.
Determine Charging Needs
Most second-hand EVs in Australia will be compatible with highway chargers. Early models and imports may require an adapter. So, check the car’s plug type and use apps to ensure the charging station works for it.
Electric vehicle charging can also be done at home. As a safe and efficient option, install a dedicated electric vehicle charger at home.
Consider Technology Features
Most electric vehicles are technology-heavy in the interior and offer features like digital instrument clusters, fancy entertainment units, and transmission levers, etc. All these features have the potential to malfunction. If the Tesla car you’re considering buying has a 12-inch entertainment screen, check if it doesn’t go black after turning on.
This isn’t just an entertainment screen. Most controls and monitoring systems are also managed there. If it isn’t in good condition, then its ability to drive may be compromised.
How to Finance Your Tesla
While electric vehicles are inherently expensive, it’s now possible to buy them without breaking the bank. Fortunately, you can avail luxury car loans to get your own electric car. Car finance groups and lenders may be more likely to approve EV loans than similarly priced luxury cars.
Where to Buy a Used Tesla Car
Tesla is no doubt the most popular electric vehicle in Australia. If things go well over the years, Tesla may even offer second-hand cars on their website. As of writing, both the 2016 Model S and 2018 Model S are available.
You can also find other second-hand cars in car dealerships. You may even find private sellers on the internet.
Planning to buy a used electric car? Turn to Grace Motors Car Buying Advisory Centre. Let our team help you make your electric car-buying experience seamless.