1:47Buying a used Model S or Model X now that production has ended: what to check
A used Model S or X offers a lot of luxury for the money. Here is how the generations differ, which computer and self-driving hardware to look for, and the weak spots to inspect.
With production over, the only way to get a Model S or Model X is the used market. There are plenty for sale, and prices have dropped a lot. But these cars span more than a decade of changes, so knowing what to look for matters.
The generations
- Model S 2012–2020 and Model X 2015–2020: the original design, with a vertical center screen.
- 2021 and later: new interior with a horizontal screen, a screen for rear passengers, new battery and motors, and the Plaid as the top version. Some cars have the yoke steering wheel instead of a round one.
The computer: MCU1, MCU2 or newer
Older cars up to about 2018 have the first infotainment computer (MCU1), which is slow by today's standards and lacks some features. Many have been upgraded to MCU2; ask for proof. Cars from 2021 have a much faster AMD-based system. The Intel-based MCU2 still gets updates, but some newer features are reserved for AMD cars.
Self-driving hardware
Look under Settings, Software, Additional Vehicle Information for the Autopilot computer version. Very old cars have HW1 or HW2/2.5, which no longer get meaningful updates. HW3 cars now get FSD v14 Lite, but will not get future major versions. Cars from about 2023 onward have HW4. If FSD was bought on the car, check that it stays with the car after the sale.
Weak spots to inspect
- Battery: ask for a battery health check and compare the range at 100% with the original figure.
- Air suspension: check that the car rises and lowers properly and sits level after standing.
- Door handles (Model S): the retracting handles on older cars can fail.
- Falcon-wing doors (Model X): open and close them several times and listen for noise; check the seals for leaks.
- 12-volt battery and screen: warnings or a yellowing screen edge on older cars are known issues.
Free Supercharging
Some older cars were sold with free unlimited Supercharging. In most cases, it is tied to the original owner or ends at resale. Check what applies to the specific car rather than relying on the ad.
After the end of production
Tesla has said it will keep servicing the Model S and Model X, supply parts and send software updates. Parts for the newest versions should be available for many years, but for very old cars, repairs can take longer.
