Pros
- Incredible performance
- Hugely practical
- Smooth and silent driving experience
- Acquiring one provides attention, instant popularity and a fan club
Cons
- Various build quality issues
- Exterior door handles known to fail
- Range anxiety
- Interior not wearing well
Verdict
We wouldn't...
We'd be cautious
We would...
Well…..maybe, as there are conditions.
For what Model Ss are asking for on the used car market, you can buy a brand new Model 3 which has (hopefully) a better build quality, a more modern design, excellent driving dynamics, near equivalent performance and is equipped with the absolute latest tech....
Publish: December 27, 2020
The first mass-market Tesla was launched all the way back in 2012 (with Australian deliveries beginning in 2014). While battery and EV technology has improved since then, the Model S remains almost completely unchanged.
The stylish four-door, five-seat saloon is not only the car that established Tesla as a true competitor to the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, but one that has grabbed the attention of even non-car people like nothing else in the last decade.
There’s no denying the Tesla Model S was and is a game changer and when new, is an excellent vehicle but now that Model Ss are coming out of warranty and lease periods, and are appearing on the used car market, are they still worthy of the hype?
The first mass-market Tesla was launched all the way back in 2012 (with Australian deliveries beginning in 2014). While battery and EV technology has improved since then, the Model S remains almost completely unchanged.
The stylish four-door, five-seat saloon is not only the car that established Tesla as a true competitor to the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, but one that has grabbed the attention of even non-car people like nothing else in the last decade.
There’s no denying the Tesla Model S was and is a game changer and when new, is an excellent vehicle but now that Model Ss are coming out of warranty and lease periods, and are appearing on the used car market, are they still worthy of the hype?
The first mass-market Tesla was launched all the way back in 2012 (with Australian deliveries beginning in 2014). While battery and EV technology has improved since then, the Model S remains almost completely unchanged.
The stylish four-door, five-seat saloon is not only the car that established Tesla as a true competitor to the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, but one that has grabbed the attention of even non-car people like nothing else in the last decade.
There’s no denying the Tesla Model S was and is a game changer and when new, is an excellent vehicle but now that Model Ss are coming out of warranty and lease periods, and are appearing on the used car market, are they still worthy of the hype?
- Various exterior trim and panel issues
- Interior quality issues e.g faulty seat bases
- Air suspension faults
- Paint discrepancies
- Expensive replacement parts
- Touch screen failure and discolouring
- Main computer issues
- Failing door handles
- Reports of the glass panoramic roof coming loose
- Various exterior trim and panel issues
- Interior quality issues e.g faulty seat bases
- Air suspension faults
- Paint discrepancies
- Expensive replacement parts
- Touch screen failure and discolouring
- Main computer issues
- Failing door handles
- Reports of the glass panoramic roof coming loose
- Various exterior trim and panel issues
- Interior quality issues e.g faulty seat bases
- Air suspension faults
- Paint discrepancies
- Expensive replacement parts
- Touch screen failure and discolouring
- Main computer issues
- Failing door handles
- Reports of the glass panoramic roof coming loose
Body style:
- 5-door sedan
Engine:
- Electric, reduction gear
Dimensions:
- Height: 1445mm
- Length: 4978mm
- Width: 1964
Weight:
- 1961kg (60)
- 2090kg (60D)
- 1999kg (70)
- 2090kg (70D)
- 1999kg (75)
- 2090kg (75D)
- 2108kg (85)
- 2188kg (85D)
- 2112kg (P85)
- 2239kg (P85D)
- 2120kg (90)
- 2200kg (90D)
- 2250kg (P90D)
- 2200kg (100D)
- 2250kg (P100D)
Body style:
- 5-door sedan
Engine:
- Electric, reduction gear
Dimensions:
- Height: 1445mm
- Length: 4978mm
- Width: 1964
Weight:
- 1961kg (60)
- 2090kg (60D)
- 1999kg (70)
- 2090kg (70D)
- 1999kg (75)
- 2090kg (75D)
- 2108kg (85)
- 2188kg (85D)
- 2112kg (P85)
- 2239kg (P85D)
- 2120kg (90)
- 2200kg (90D)
- 2250kg (P90D)
- 2200kg (100D)
- 2250kg (P100D)
Body style:
- 5-door sedan
Engine:
- Electric, reduction gear
Dimensions:
- Height: 1445mm
- Length: 4978mm
- Width: 1964
Weight:
- 1961kg (60)
- 2090kg (60D)
- 1999kg (70)
- 2090kg (70D)
- 1999kg (75)
- 2090kg (75D)
- 2108kg (85)
- 2188kg (85D)
- 2112kg (P85)
- 2239kg (P85D)
- 2120kg (90)
- 2200kg (90D)
- 2250kg (P90D)
- 2200kg (100D)
- 2250kg (P100D)
- 4-years/80,000kms
- 8-years/240,000kms (for the battery)
Model range, pricing and features
Well…..maybe, as there are conditions.
For what Model Ss are asking for on the used car market, you can buy a brand new Model 3 which has (hopefully) a better build quality, a more modern design, excellent driving dynamics, near equivalent performance and is equipped with the absolute latest tech. Therefore, the sensible decision would be to buy a new Model 3 instead of a used Model S.
But, if you need the extra size and practicality of the Model S and for whatever reason the Model 3 just doesn’t float your electric boat, you could consider a Model Y (when it arrives).
However, if you don’t fancy yourself as an SUV owner and you must have a Tesla right now but cannot justify the expense of a new Model S, then yes, a used Model S is a decent choice.
But which Model S should you buy?
Our recommendation is a post-facelift 75. A 2015 (or more recent) 75 will provide you with the most up to date styling, improved build quality and almost all of the latest tech while only missing out on the mind-bending acceleration and extended range the likes a P90D can provide.
Plus a 75 will save you tens of thousands of dollars when compared to its higher-powered siblings. In Australia, 75s are currently selling for around $90,000 whereas a fully-optioned P90D of the same vintage will set you back around $140,000.
But this recommendation comes with a warning. While a Tesla Model S 75
Well…..maybe, as there are conditions.
For what Model Ss are asking for on the used car market, you can buy a brand new Model 3 which has (hopefully) a better build quality, a more modern design, excellent driving dynamics, near equivalent performance and is equipped with the absolute latest tech. Therefore, the sensible decision would be to buy a new Model 3 instead of a used Model S.
But, if you need the extra size and practicality of the Model S and for whatever reason the Model 3 just doesn’t float your electric boat, you could consider a Model Y (when it arrives).
However, if you don’t fancy yourself as an SUV owner and you must have a Tesla right now but cannot justify the expense of a new Model S, then yes, a used Model S is a decent choice.
But which Model S should you buy?
Our recommendation is a post-facelift 75. A 2015 (or more recent) 75 will provide you with the most up to date styling, improved build quality and almost all of the latest tech while only missing out on the mind-bending acceleration and extended range the likes a P90D can provide.
Plus a 75 will save you tens of thousands of dollars when compared to its higher-powered siblings. In Australia, 75s are currently selling for around $90,000 whereas a fully-optioned P90D of the same vintage will set you back around $140,000.
But this recommendation comes with a warning. While a Tesla Model S 75 is all the electric car you’ll need, it may be wise to set a few thousand dollars away for any other issues that might (and probably will) pop up.
Well…..maybe, as there are conditions.
For what Model Ss are asking for on the used car market, you can buy a brand new Model 3 which has (hopefully) a better build quality, a more modern design, excellent driving dynamics, near equivalent performance and is equipped with the absolute latest tech. Therefore, the sensible decision would be to buy a new Model 3 instead of a used Model S.
But, if you need the extra size and practicality of the Model S and for whatever reason the Model 3 just doesn’t float your electric boat, you could consider a Model Y (when it arrives).
However, if you don’t fancy yourself as an SUV owner and you must have a Tesla right now but cannot justify the expense of a new Model S, then yes, a used Model S is a decent choice.
But which Model S should you buy?
Our recommendation is a post-facelift 75. A 2015 (or more recent) 75 will provide you with the most up to date styling, improved build quality and almost all of the latest tech while only missing out on the mind-bending acceleration and extended range the likes a P90D can provide.
Plus a 75 will save you tens of thousands of dollars when compared to its higher-powered siblings. In Australia, 75s are currently selling for around $90,000 whereas a fully-optioned P90D of the same vintage will set you back around $140,000.
But this recommendation comes with a warning. While a Tesla Model S 75 is all the electric car you’ll need, it may be wise to set a few thousand dollars away for any other issues that might (and probably will) pop up.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of December 17, 2020.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
Read our full terms and conditions here.
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