Battery health and range
All batteries lose some capacity. Compare the range at full charge with what the car offered new, and look for battery warnings.
Used Tesla inspection
Tesla pre-purchase inspection
A used Tesla has fewer moving parts than a petrol car, but it has its own list of things to check: battery health, suspension, tyres that wear fast, and build quality.
We inspect used Teslas at dealers and private sellers.
Known problems
What goes wrong on a used Tesla
Common on Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X. Not every car has these faults. They're what we look for.
Front suspension arms on Model S and X
Model S and Model X are known for creaking or worn front upper control arms.
Screen failures on older Model S and X
Older Model S and X cars with the first-generation media computer can lose their screen. Tesla ran a replacement programme, so check it was done.
Tyres
Teslas are heavy and quick, so tyres, especially the inner edges, wear fast.
Build quality
Look for panel gaps, paint flaws and water getting into the boot or cabin, particularly on early Model 3s.
Door handles and doors
Model S pop-out handles and Model X falcon-wing doors can fail.
Our inspection
What we check on every used Tesla
On top of our standard checklist of up to 180 points.
- Range at full charge and any battery warnings
- Charging works, with the charge port and cables
- Suspension noises on the road test
- Tyre wear, including inner edges
- Panel gaps, paint and signs of water getting in
- Every door, handle, screen and driver aid
Prices
Tesla inspection prices
Fixed prices, the same for every make and model.
Basic110-point · No road test£69.99
Full135-point · Road test up to 10 miles£99.99
Premium160-point · Road test up to 15 miles£139.99
Ultimate180-point · Road test up to 20 miles£169.99
Questions
Tesla inspection FAQs
How do I check the battery health on a used Tesla?
Look at the range at full charge compared with the car’s original range, and for any battery warnings. Newer software can run a battery health test. We record what the car shows.
Is a used Tesla still under warranty?
The battery and drive unit have an eight-year warranty with a mileage limit that depends on the model. Check how much is left for the car you’re buying.
How much does a used Tesla inspection cost?
From £69.99 for Basic up to £169.99 for Ultimate. The price is fixed, with no travel charge, in London.
Can you inspect a used Tesla at the dealer or a private seller?
Yes. The inspector comes to wherever the car is, on a forecourt or at the seller’s home or workplace. You don’t need to be there.
RevXpress is an independent inspection company and isn't connected to Tesla. Faults listed are common patterns reported for these cars, not a sign that any particular car has them.
Other makes