A used Tesla can be a great deal: no oil changes, few moving parts and frequent software updates. But the expensive surprises, from a tired battery to a missing software feature, don't show up on a quick test drive. Use this checklist before you pay.

1. Run the VIN

Check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Most Tesla recalls are fixed over the air, but some need a service visit. Pull a vehicle history report and look for salvage titles and past fleet or rental use.

2. Confirm what hardware it has

This now decides which driver-assistance software the car gets. HW4 cars are receiving FSD (Supervised) v14.3.12. HW3 Model 3 and Model Y cars instead get a separate "v14.3 Lite" branch, which only just added parking and reversing. Ask the seller to show the hardware version in the car's software screen.

3. Verify FSD status in writing

Tesla stopped selling FSD outright in the U.S. on Feb. 14, 2026; it's now a subscription, $99 a month as of September, according to FSD Radar's review of Tesla's support pages. That makes a car with purchased FSD more valuable, so check it carefully:

  • Bought outright: Tesla's support page says it stays with the car for the next owner.
  • Subscription or free trial: ends with the seller's account.
  • Transferred away: some owners moved FSD to a new Tesla during transfer windows that closed around March 31, 2026; those older cars dropped to basic Autopilot even if the original invoice shows FSD.
  • Luxe Package (2026 Model S and X, some Cyberbeasts) ordered after Feb. 14, 2026: FSD ends at sale under Tesla's terms.

Look for FSD listed as included on the car's software screen and get the seller's confirmation in writing. Don't pay a premium for FSD on a salvage-title car unless you can see it active after the sale.

4. Check battery health

Charge to 100% and compare the displayed range with the original EPA figure for that model and year. An independent Tesla repair shop in Lithuania, Tesla DIY Repair, says it typically sees 5% to 10% loss in the first two years and roughly 1% to 2% a year after that; a much bigger gap deserves a closer look. Ask for battery or drive-unit replacement records and why they happened.

5. Check the remaining warranty

Battery and drive-unit warranties follow the car but vary by model and year. Confirm the in-service date and look up the terms on Tesla's warranty page for that specific car.

6. Look underneath

Scrapes or dents on the battery pack's underside, flaking rust on suspension parts, or coolant residue are reasons to stop and get a professional inspection.

7. Test the screen, climate and charging

Tap through menus for lag, look for a yellowing border on the display, run heat and A/C, and test both home and fast charging.

8. Listen on the drive

Clunks over bumps, clicking in tight turns or brake pulsation are common wear items on older, higher-mileage cars.

9. Check the service history and maintenance summary

Tesla's own maintenance list is short: brake fluid check every four years, cabin air filter every two years (HEPA and carbon filters every three, if equipped), wiper blades yearly, tire rotation every 6,250 miles, and caliper cleaning yearly in salted-road areas. The car keeps a record under Controls > Service > Maintenance that survives a factory reset, so ask to see it. Tesla notes the list doesn't cover consumables such as brake pads and the low-voltage battery, and tires wear out too.

10. Transfer it properly

After purchase, add the car to your Tesla account so you get app access, service scheduling and updates.

About maintenance costs: We couldn't find a published Tesla price list for these items, and costs vary by region. Get a quote from a Tesla service center or independent shop for tires and any wear items you spot during inspection before you settle on a price.