How to Buy a Used Tesla EV

If you’ve ever waited in line to buy gas, you’ve probably thought about switching to an electric vehicle (EV). The same can be said if you drive a lot and are tired of ever-increasing fuel bills. So, if an EV is on your mind, then no doubt Tesla is on the brain.

Despite what you might think about Tesla’s outspoken CEO, you have to give Elon Musk credit for making EVs part of the everyday automotive dialogue. And, arguably, Tesla’s meteoric rise in popularity is changing the direction of almost every carmaker on the planet.

Tesla’s formula for success not only includes a less maintenance-focused and more environmentally friendly transportation option, but these EVs are now the go-to choice for luxury car shoppers. Despite a raging pandemic, Tesla sold more Model 3s last year (over 206,000 units) than any other luxury vehicle in the U.S. Think about this for a moment. This is a sedan outselling every luxury SUV on the market at a time when crossovers are red hot. Even the Tesla Model S regularly outsells the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and Audi A8 combined.

Besides receiving tons of media coverage, Teslas are in demand for many reasons.

Better For The Environment: As can be said for all EVs, a lack of an internal combustion engine means no tailpipe emissions enter the atmosphere. Less demand at the pump means fewer deliveries of gas to stations, so truck emissions are lowered as well.

Reduced Maintenance: While not maintenance-free, fewer components (like no gas-powered engine or conventional transmission) means less time getting your car serviced. That means no more oil changes.

It’s Cool: If you like having the latest iPhone or Galaxy in your pocket, chances are you have an appreciation for the latest in technology. Thanks to clever use of electronics for things like over-the-air upgrades, Tesla vehicles are smartphones on steroids. And, even almost a decade after the launch of the Model S, a Tesla still turns heads.

It’s Convenient: Think about how much time you’ve spent over the years pumping gas or waiting on an oil change. That all goes away with a Tesla that can be charged at home or even work if there’s a handy EV charger nearby. In addition, Tesla’s own Supercharger network is the pre-eminent charging platform for EVs, and it’s exclusive to Tesla vehicles.

Savvy car shoppers have known for years that buying a late-model used vehicle is a great way to save money while taking advantage of newer automotive technology. And Teslas are no exception.

In most cases, a new car depreciates the second you drive it off the dealer’s lot. So, buying a used Tesla Model 3, a used Tesla Model X, or another used Tesla takes advantage of this. However, keep in mind that because of Tesla’s in-demand status among car shoppers, the drop in depreciation is less than most other vehicles (but that helps with resale value, which we talk about below).

As we mentioned, the value of most new cars sinks like a stone. However, thanks to high demand and advanced engineering, Teslas like the Model 3 may lose as little as ten percent of its new car value over three years, according to Car and Driver . This means that even a used Tesla will hold its value better than most other cars, including different brands of EVs. Trading in or selling your used Tesla down the road can still benefit you financially.

Tesla drivers take pride in ownership. Combine this element with reduced maintenance requirements, and used Teslas are more likely to be better looked after than conventional cars.

Thanks to fewer moving parts, there are fewer things in a Tesla to experience problems. Tesla vehicles are developed at the outset with longevity in mind. Over-the-air updates can remotely correct situations that arise, and even the main battery is designed for years of trouble-free use.

The Model S is Tesla’s first mass-market car (we’ll skip over the limited-run Roadster that preceded the Model S) and launched with great fanfare. Unlike weirdly designed vehicles such as the Toyota Prius, the Model S came onto the automotive stage as a sleek luxury sedan that could hold its own against the best offerings from Germany and Japan. First-generation models offered a range of about 250 miles per full charge, and this has steadily increased as some current-generation Model S cars can exceed 400 miles per charge. The Autopilot advanced driver assistance system first appears in 2013 and enjoys a continuous cycle of improvements. Tesla offers all-wheel-drive as an option. Performance junkies drool over Model S acceleration, which can include an optional Ludicrous mode with a sub-3 second time for zero to 60 mph.

Check out this low-mileage used Tesla Model S for sale.

Touted as the first affordable Tesla, the mid-size Model 3 first hit the EV scene in 2017. While still maintaining Tesla hallmarks like Autopilot and a center-mounted tablet in the dash, the car’s simpler approach kept pricing down (in some cases, half the price of the flagship Model S). Tesla could now knock heads with the mid-tier gas-powered models from BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus. Depending on the year and equipment, the range for the Model 3 is 215 miles to around 350 miles (for the long-range version equipped with all-wheel-drive/dual motors). The Model 3 is no slouch in the acceleration department either, with the Performance version able to hit 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Approaching one million units sold, the Model 3 is the best selling all-electric vehicle in history.

First entering production in 2015, the Model X is Tesla’s second mainstream model. This EV SUV, or eSUV, increased the company’s wow factor by using gullwing (or Falcon Wing in Tesla terminology) doors for second-and third-row access. Of course, many Model Xs are equipped with Autopilot and all-wheel-drive, among other features. Early-year Model Xs in base trim have a 200-mile range, while newer versions of this eSUV max out with about 350 miles of range.

Tesla’s newest vehicle is the Model Y SUV (we’re still waiting on the Tesla Cybertruck) and is based mainly on the Model 3 sedan. First deliveries of the Model Y began just as COVID-19 was hitting the U.S. Given this situation and the car’s overall newness, finding a used Tesla Model Y is challenging. Model Y features and acceleration are similar to its Model 3 sibling. Range begins at 244 miles for the base rear-wheel-drive Model Y to 326 miles for the all-wheel-drive Long Range edition.

Check Out Our Selection of Used Teslas for Sale Please note that our inventory changes frequently and is subject to prior sale. Be sure to ask us about incoming used Tesla models.

Whether you are looking for a used Tesla Model 3 for sale or another used Tesla model, Trust Auto is the best used car dealership for your search. Since 2010, our family-founded and local-operated dealership has been the source for high-quality used cars for Maryland and Virginia customers.

Trust Auto Sales is the right-size used car dealership for you. We’re large enough to have an extensive selection of premium used vehicles and small enough to know each customer’s unique needs and preferences. Unlike big-box mega dealers, Trust Auto is the local connection for car buyers from Baltimore, Frederick, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

Discover how Trust Auto stands out among used car dealerships in Maryland. Call or visit today and put your trust in us.