Is a Used, High Mileage, 2013 Tesla Worth It? 

It's hard to believe there are Tesla cars that are over 10 years old now. Where did the time go?

You did very well! My first Tesla was a 2014 Model S P85. I loved that car but it was RWD, and I live in snowy Michigan. So, when I found out Tesla was going to end their free, unlimited Supercharging program starting in 2017, I bought a new 2016 Model S P100DL on 12/31/2016 - the very last day for free Supercharging. And, boy, am I glad I did! I’m now retired and can take road trips all over - and no cost for electricity. I even put Tesla Solar panels and 3 Powerwall batteries at home, so even those electrons are free. And I still only have just north of 57K miles on my Ludicrous beast, and it drives like it did the first day I drove it home. I also love that I and my family travel in one of the safest cars NHTSA has ever tested. Enjoy your Free Supercharging Model S - you’ll never want to let it go!

A bonus is if you ever get in a front end collision you can upgrade it to look like a new model and make sure the panel gaps are done right.

I drove my 2013 Model S for 9 years and 185k miles. It had every upgrade and it was great. Replaced the MCU and the drive unit just like you mentioned. I sold it last year for 15,000 to a person at work because i was afraid someone like carmax would just rip it apart of auction it off to someone else who would. It was too great of a car. But now I have the 2022 Model X Plaid and dear lord is it fast! I think old S's are a great buy.

My Tesla is one of the first teslas delivered and first 2,000 ever made! It has 127k miles and is still amazing! Fun facts, we lived in Cali at the time we got it and got invited to go pick the car up at the factory and ended up meeting Elon! He gave us a little tour of the factory in a golf cart and signed our car! As our car is getting older we just got the driver inside mirror (where the signature is) replaced so we can frame it. The car is in awesome condition and drives like a dream. I have people getting in my car daily saying it’s one of the nicest cars they ever been in and are blow away when I say it’s a 2013.

I’d love to buy one used but in this car market, they sell almost instantly at ridiculously inflated prices so $25k is a bit of a streach for the time being

That’s a great video. Lots of information. Incredible to see that infotainment system butter smooth after so many years.

Helluva video-super informative! Thanks 🙏🏾

Loved the video, been waiting for someone knowledgeable to do one to use as a template to avoid the pitfals of buying a used Tesla model S. Thanks so much, so helpful.

your contents all are so great! keep moving!!!!

Great review. Really informative and really like that you go through all your issues and scenarios.

Great find and some good points. I have a 2018 MS P100DL with 740HP and 75K Miles. The battery health is 98% and it has never let me down, so few moving parts to break. I have had the upgraded EMMC put in and It has all the options except FSD but does have enhanced Autopilot and Free Supercharging thanks to a friends referral code. All EV's are more reliable so it's not just Tesla but they have been doing it longer so obviously have an edge. Best of luck with your P85 and thanks for the video!!

Excellent Video!!!! I like how you slowly, with a very nice pace, are able to explain things very clearly and concisely. And I am glad you feel satisfied with your Tesla. I have a 2014 P85D with Ludicrous mode, and had made all those upgrades you talk about as they were coming, including the MCU thingy. The only problem I had was with the original battery that its capacity dropped below 85% at about 37000 miles with it, but it was within the warranty period, so it was changed for free and never got that problem again, and the new pack has more than 170,000 miles on it. I also checked the motor bearings issue and my car was equipped with the newer versions, so I am also good on that. I added a secondary market electronic frunk remote opener for my wife's convenience. And because of the OTA, the Air suspension, improved Regen and lifetime Supercharging the car doesn't feel like an 8-year old car. The only thing I paid for myself was to repaint the car again, but this time with a Polar White color with some Pear-like hues, and did an Upholstery change where I made my own covers in three color sets- Bright Salmon Red, Metallic Green and Cobalt Blue. It certainly looks a little different, but better than the old white paint and black interior( I actually hated the black color interior, so I learned how to use my wife's sewing machine, a new Bernina B880 with embroidery capabilities, and made my own stuff). I never cared about those panel gaps, they were not that big deal for me, I cared more about any rattle that could appear, and they never did, and my car is rattle free so far. I can say that my car is a gem, because as expected, no need of maintenance like an ICE car, no gasoline expenses, reliability have been exceptional, seats 5 people easily and comfortably. The comfort is first rate. I would like to switch my steering wheel to the Yoke. I tested a new Model S with the Yoke and became mesmerized by it!!! The only real expense are the tires, I have to change them every 45-50000 miles, and I am buying 80K Michelin or Pirelli, and those are quite expensive for the set of 4. But anything else is super economical. Again, I am so happy you found your Tesla. I will assure you will enjoy it for a long, long time with the proper care like I have done with mine!!!!!!

Thank you for the details in your video. Very informative. I've wanted a model S since they first came out.

I've been looking at the same type of cars and its great to hear your thoughts and experience on this. Thanks for the video!

I really enjoyed this. Thanks for the option checklist rundown. I've always wanted to know this.

Griffen: I am glad that you have given an used Telsa Model S a second life. In a modern world, we often look forward to what is new and trendy, and upgrade whenever we can. What we have forgotten is that it takes a lot of resource to build an EV. The cleanest (lowest emission and impact) to switch to an EV is to get an used one. Congrats.

Loved your vid. Considering a 2013/14 and this is valuable information!

Great review! Laid back, concise and informative

Now with the price of gas, the free supercharging makes it a no-brainer. I have a 2014 I bought as a re-furb directly from Tesla in 2017. It still drives like the day I got it. No rattles (unlike my old Chevy Volt) and really no deficiencies. I just had the motor replaced under warranty, since it's still under the 8 year drive train warranty, which expires next December. I'm hoping my battery goes bad, so I can get that taken care of under warranty, but it's still got a lot of life in it, so I don't think it will die anytime soon. I'm hoping some third party Tesla repair shops start showing up in my area, and with repair prices lower than Tesla's. Anyway, I hope you MS is still giving you good service.

Your video is awesome bro. I’m deciding on a 2013-14 model myself, and really appreciated the details you shared. Thanks for being so precise!

Nice video! I Bought a used 2015 S85D in April 2019 with 12,000 miles. Love it.

This is the review I needed to see!

cool... it is great that we are finally getting to the point where some of the older models are 'affordable'. In a few more years there will be lots more used Tesla's available. Love how well it seems to have held up. I hope my model 3 is still doing as well in 2030.

I have a 2017 90D with 124K. I drive a lot. No major issues. Still drives perfectly fine.

great job on this video man !!!

That was an excellent summary. Thank you and best wishes

I made exactly that 4 years ago because my Fiat broke down the fifth time (still under warranty). So I needed a new car and a new Tesla was far far beyond my financial possibilities. After 4 years with my 12/13 Model S I am still super duper happy. Yes I had MCU Retrofit and more but all was worth it. Free Supercharger and it never broke down on me. I can't say that from my previous cars. I just passed 200'000 km and looking forward to the next 100'000 km to go.

The way you narrate is quite amazing.

Fantastic video, thank you!

Have always wondered this, thanks for the really great info.!

I bought a used 2015 Model S just as covid locked us down ... I've since retired ... I've driven my beauty fewer than a dozen times, but she gets plenty of miles ... my daughter-in-law uses it to take my son to work daily (now that gas prices have made their huge extended cab pick-up too expensive to drive) and does all my errands for me ... I also benefit from free supercharging (though it's almost never used) and the remainder of the original warrantee (that doesn't expire until Nov) ... this purchase was one of the best decisions I've made, and the timing wasn't as bad as I originally thought (current gas prices considered)

I was looking for a model S p85kw 2013 and i had some doubts, ty for this video. I have clear ideas now❤️

awesome review…thanx!

Quality video this was really helpful!

Hey Griffen! This is John in Austin- I wanted to report to you that my 2014 Model S 85D just turned over 187,000 miles! It's the most reliable car I've ever had! The battery still takes a full charge of 235 miles. THERE IS NO REASON TO EVER BUY NEW!! I Highly recommend a nice used one AND... the mileage IS NOT the same as a gas car. The only sign of wear is on the edge of the seat!

Just picked up my model 3 75kwh Dual motor with 28k miles for £33k. A bit more, but good value. I dont think the dealership realised it came with enhanced auto pilot which was an added bonus. Absolutely love. Looking to own it for a long time.

Great review on an older MS. I own a new MS Plaid and love it, now thinking of a second used MS after your video, cheers.

Thanks for the info

I test-drove the P85D back in 2013. It cost like 200k USD in my region at the time. I loved that 4.4s acceleration but i wasn't able to afford back then. Now I drive a Model 3 performance and I'm glad to see the original P85D I fell in love with still holds.

Incredible video sir. Very well done. And thank you for addressing the issues with the MCU and the drive motors. A short. Yet surprisingly comprehensive info video. Cheers!! (Originally from Elyria). But i live in warmer climate now.

Greetings from Spain! I very much agree with you! I have a 2013 P85 with 160,000 miles on it. Keeps the original MCU and battery. Range is 215 miles (260 at nominal) and the motor was recently replaced with a fixed unit. I got my Tesla at a great price with a broken driver's lock and bad sunroof. But I was able to fix it for only $30, buying a sensor for the lock and lithium grease for the roof, albeit taking several hours to fix the lock. I am very happy with my Tesla

great video, thanks!

Excellent review. Clear, detailed, honest (!). But these days I walk (after owning ~60 cars) and beat the traffic jams to my favorite cafe.

I am *so glad* you made this video. I don't drive. I don't have a license, let alone a car. But, I am a massive car guy, and always have been. I'm also an environmentalist, and I'm happy to see people like you buying a really early Model S. I've heard the exact same superficial issues with early Model S's too, like the interior fit and finish not being great, and body panel gaps being massive. But, I've always been more interested to know more about stuff like motors, and the cost of a battery pack. 9% capacity loss, to me at least, is manageable. I live in Toronto. What I'd like to know is whether it would be possible to replace the older 85kWh battery pack with the newer 100kWh pack. An older Model S is something I'm seriously open to once I save up enough money.

Great video! I bought my 2014 Model S 60 last year for $25K and I love it. I had to replace my drive unit back December 2021 due coolant seal failure ($4800), a door handle motor ($250), and a window regulator ($400). But other than that, I love having a Model S. I've wanted one for years.

Brilliant review so glad you got a great deal, hi from the UK

enjoyed the video keep up bro👍🏻

I take my 2013 S back n forth from Colorado to Arizona, it’s nice having free supercharging even though it’s slow compared to newer models.

I worked for Tesla for 7+ years. The Model S Powertrain is anything but bulletproof...

Excellent video! This is why I love youtube! My model 3 was involved in an accident. Hit and run. Insurance company totaled it out. I paid 49k for that car in 2019.. insurance issued a check for 52k. Inflation and high demand for electric vehicles have driven prices up significantly. I'm in the market for an older model S until I can finally get my hands on a cybertruck.

Great video, just what I was thinking about the other day.

Thanks for detailing what to look out for on these older cars; hoping to sell my old BMW i3 (with it's pitifully tiny battery) and get a used Tesla later this year.

I'm shocked at the minimal level of battery degradation. I was under the impression they degraded substantially quicker

This an amazing video. Thank you for this.

Excellent video thanks!

It's interesting to see that they're holding their value well. It's a shame Tesla can't still offer subsidised charging rates to entice new owners. As far as I can see, they're the only EV manufacturer that offers both good range and performance. I'm sure others will catch up but it's still early days for this market. I'll stick with diesel for as long as its economically viable.

I had a 2013 model S 85kwh. Absolutely loved it, so did my kids back then it was like a spaceship that got envious look everywhere we went. Had to sell it 3 years later but was an absolute blast. However one thing I should point out is that those models did not have the Heat pump yet. So in cold weather the range drops significantly in winter, and starting up and getting it running takes some minutes of driving before all features become able. Other than all good

Good informational video thanks

Great video and very well delivered review!

I have a 13 P85 as well. Did MCU upgrade, love it! Wish it had the folding mirrors though ugh! So far is amazing. Took it for 3 hr road trip, one charge and back home. 0 cost. Best investment ever! Great video! Btw mine has same interior, rims etc with 95k miles

The miles and charge cycles aren't the problem. What concerns me about the battery packs is something called "calendar aging" which means even with low cycles on the battery pack, they still age. Since cars use higher quality cells than things like tools and cell phones, and take better care of charging, it's hoped the battery packs will last 15-20 years, but this is still unexplored territory. I replaced my S with a new one for that reason.

Truely informative

Really great video, enjoyed it a lot!

You should get an fm to Bluetooth receiver instead of the full fm upgrade depending on how much you use fm of course if you used it everyday then the upgrade would probably be worth it, but if you’re only going to use it like once a month the fm to Bluetooth receiver might be a better deal.

9 months later, how are things going with your model s? Any issues, repairs outside of normal wear and tear?

Very, very informative. Thank you.

Great video!! Your tesla is in such great shape! I'll subscribe so I can follow your progress.

I have a Chevy Volt, and the factory supplied 120 volt charge cord will charge from a 240 volt outlet using an inexpensive adaptor...I'd be surprised if this wasn't also true of the Bolt. Great video, I've got a Cybertruck reserved, and looking forward to becoming a Tesla owner, maybe next year.

Loved watching your video! I am the proud owner of a 2013 S P85 that I bought a little over 2 years ago with 185K miles on it. Yes, you read that right! She now has 234K miles and is an absolute dream. Minor issues like door handles, first brake pads put on at 8 1/2 years and of course tires every 25 to 39K miles. I go back and forth from New Jersey to Florida for work and free supercharging? PRICELESS!! Best car I’ve ever owned!

Amazing video. Subscribed

this is a good video. thanks man

Never get tired of hearing how old Teslas still feel new. No planned obsolescence here mate! Can't say that about big auto, even some German cars now.

I want to get a used Tesla Model S someday preferably with the panoramic roof, autopilot, and the ludicrous mode.

Great find!

Thinking of going this route. How long does your Model S take to charge on a Tesla Supercharger? Thanks

Good info, that battery is probably all you need to worry about, but it's significant, 23 large when it goes. Although, there are shops out there now who claim to be able to fix the batteries for far less than replacement cost.

I already knew what 4 seconds 0-60 felt like, being in Corvettes and S-model Audi's. Under 3 seconds is totally different. Take my word.

Bought my Model S in December. Love it!

My main issue is that I've seen where people need repairs and it will take literal months. And in a lot of cases they take the car from you to begin with and you just don't have a car in the meantime. So I would definately watch the video you make where you have something that needs to be repaired on it thats more than routine maintenance. I would be interested to see if you could find anyone besides Tesla to actually work on it, and to see how long the repairs takes to do.

I think you got a hell of a deal on that car. It's absolutely beautiful. Definitely the spec I would choose myself also. I especially like the fact that it has the metal roof. I live in the southwest and I have absolutely zero desire to have a giant panoramic glass roof with the sun broiling my head everyday. Definitely looking forward to more videos about the car.

Good luck, you are gonna need it !!!

great video. really informative. you sound like a really good guy too. god bless ya

what are your concerns about the battery dying? what convinced you to take the risk? im considering a 2014.

Thanks for the video. I bought a 2013 P85 in 2020 with just over 55,000 miles for just over $30K. Did just about all the homework you mentioned prior to buying. Love the car. However, about 22k miles and 18 months later, more importantly, six months after the 8-year battery warranty ran out I got a horrid error “Maximum battery charge level has been reduced.” The cost to repair was just short of $12,000. The good news is my car now has a battery charge level like it had when it was new, and I have the assurance of a 4 year warranty on the battery. With all the great and helpful insight included n this video about potential costs to buying a used older Tesla, Im surprised that the potential to have to replace the battery was left out. Hope you enjoy your Tesla for many years without ever running into this horrid message on your dash. Thanks again for the video.

Awesome 👌, thanks I will definitely consider this information in my car search

You did very well buying that car, if I was assured of getting a car as well sorted as yours, I would jump at the chance. Thanks for the video. 👍

We bought a 2014 Model S P85 Performance at 83,000 two years ago just after it had a replacement traction battery under warranty. We have now covered 100,000. Only cost has been new tyres, wiper blades and MCU2. Lifetime super charging and no UK tax makes it ridiculously cheap to run. Ours is red with 21" and all the stuff you list on yours. Great buy!

Would be awesome to see a 1 year later video of how many miles you drove and how the ownership was like :)

Great review 👍👍

Coworker bought a 2013 with 60k miles for 23k a year ago. 10 months after buying, it won't drive, giving him a message to get it serviced. Tesla wants to charge him 23 grand for a new battery. Because it doesn't drive, the best offer he has received for the car is 500$. He is now stuck paying a car loan while getting rides from us.

I think these old teslas, with the spec you’ve stated, are the way to go, as long as it’s cheaper than a model 3.

thank you for the video! please make more after a longer ownership.

I have a 2014 s with 73k miles and we LOVE it. free supercharin for life too, cant beat it

Keep in mind Consumer Report gave the Tesla Model S their highest rating ever when it first came out with 103 points now because of mostly reliability issues it scores a pathetic 60 points.

I'm happy to see that electric cars can perform great even after a decade :D

GREAT VID... after reserving my CYBERTRUCK I found a 2015 "S" .... I LOVE EVER AFTER !!!!

Love Your Great Informative Explanations …._Excellent

do some car vlogs and trip with tesla plz!!!

What happens if the battery goes bad and the warranty is gone? This is a serious question and I would appreciate legit non emotional answers from people who are fully informed. It wasn’t addressed in the video. I’d love to have a Tesla and I can fix anything if i can get parts but I heard the battery is crazy expensive if it fails and I hear they do fail. I’d be interested to know how common this failure is also. I’d be very upset if I bought a car for 25k and then had to buy a new battery for 13 grand. Can you get extended warranties affordably that cover battery failure? Are there options where you can just get individual bad cells replaced instead of the whole pack or something similar? Lmk. Thanks in advance!!