04:58 17-12-2025

Buying a used Tesla Model 3 or Y: what to inspect first

The used Tesla market is genuinely tempting right now: prices have retreated, the selection is wide, and the electric car is no longer seen as a toy for the wealthy. With pre-owned Model 3 and Model Y, however, there’s a catch: criticism tends to focus on the hardware around the powertrain rather than the motors and battery themselves. Reliability studies and European inspection statistics repeatedly point to a higher share of small, irritating defects that dull the shine on the secondhand market. On paper that may sound minor, yet in everyday use these trifles are often what buyers notice first.

First comes the suspension and axle components. Heavy EVs, burdened by the battery, wear control arms, ball joints, and bushings faster; with Tesla, the upper front control arms stand out. Water can get in, corrosion starts, and squeaks or crunches may appear after just two or three years. On a test drive, it’s wise to listen carefully over low-speed bumps and while turning the wheel.

Another recurring issue is the braking system, which often sits idle. Strong regeneration means many drivers barely touch the pedal; discs develop rust, effectiveness drops, and inspections flag it. The remedy is a habit: periodically use conventional braking to clean the working surfaces.

A third trouble spot is lighting. Inspection reports for Tesla frequently mention the headlights, and less often the tail lamps. Some cases were addressed in the past with updates, but checking the lights thoroughly before purchase is essential. A quick assessment in dim conditions usually tells more than a casual daytime glance.

Then there’s interior finish and minor bodywork on pre-facelift cars: uneven panel gaps, extraneous noises, signs of wear, and sometimes paint issues that over time can turn into localized corrosion. Finally, the lack of routine maintenance matters. Many owners simply drive the car until something fails, and the accumulated defects show up during diagnostics or inspection. None of this undermines the appeal of a used Model 3 or Model Y, but it shifts attention toward build quality and maintenance history; a careful pre-purchase inspection tends to pay off.