A Tesla Model S For $9,000?

One of the more interesting and exciting aspects of the electric vehicle market is the possibility of snagging a low-cost used one in good condition. About five years ago, I wrote about several lightly used Chevy Bolts that all cost less than $20,000. A 2019 Model S Standard Range (Raven) with 250,000 miles for less than $10,000 is quite a deal. The mileage might seem high, but there are some other Teslas that have achieved more miles on a single battery. 

In the video, Kyle and Ben agree that the Model S Ben just purchased is in very good condition, especially for the mileage. Kyle makes the point that it having one owner is key because it may have been well maintained and that appears to be the case. When they look at the rear seats they are in excellent condition, meaning it probably was not used as a rental. Rear seats in poor condition in a used high-mileage Tesla might indicate it was used as an Uber. This particular one has the 75 kWh battery, not the larger 100 kWh battery.

It achieved just over 200 miles in the 70 mph highway range test on a full charge. The battery degradation is estimated to be 15-17%. The charge rate is acceptable until the battery reaches a higher state of charge at which point it decreases to a rather slow rate: a full charge took about 3 hours. Ben says this vehicle is not for road trips, but it will be a commuter car. He understands a road trip would be better in an EV with a faster charge rate or a non-EV.

All the LED lights work on this particular Model S and it has FSD. The vehicle rides very well because it has a beneficial suspension upgrade over the previous Model S. It also has a vertical console screen for extra passenger seat space. It does not have a heat pump.

Ben makes an excellent point that, when he bought it, it might have been eligible for a used EV tax credit, but his income was too high. Depending on the buyer’s income level and location, a used EV might still qualify for a used EV tax credit. Some states still have these credits. So, if the buying price was less than $10,000 and the buyer qualified, the after tax credit price could be $7000, or maybe even less.

If the battery module with a potential issue needs replacing, there will be a cost for that, but such a cost is not likely to be that large. A full battery replacement might cost between $12,000 and $22,000. It isn’t entirely clear from the video, but it might be possible that Tesla covers a full battery replacement or the replacement is discounted. Some of the Model S have an unlimited mileage warranty, or are supposed to.

One of the important points about EV battery replacement is that the costs have been declining and they may reach half of what they are now or less in about five years. So, if Ben replaces a battery module or two now and the battery lasts another 3-5 years, full replacement should be less than what it is now.

A little online searching for a similar 2019 Model S shows prices in the $20,000-30,000 range. Ben did get a great deal. More importantly, there is a greater diversity of used EVs available now and there will only be more and more. There are now, and will be, affordable used electric vehicles available for people who have less money, proving that one does not need to be wealthy to drive an electric vehicle.

There are some people who, for whatever reasons, have decided they don’t like Mr. Musk. Consequently, they may not or will not buy a new Tesla because they don’t want their money to go to him. Buying a used Tesla solves that problem; the money does not go to Mr. Musk.