WHEN most people think of an electric car, they think of a Tesla. The US brand is synonymous with sustainable driving.
While Elon Musk’s personal profile is taking a beating, his battery-powered electric vehicles continue to be the most popular electric cars in Europe. The brand is booming, and there are no signs of it slowing down.
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Buying a battery-powered electric vehicle makes sense. They’re cheaper to run, energy-efficient, fast, and fun.
While EV drivers will soon need to pay tax, they cost less per mile than a similarly sized petrol or diesel-powered family car.
If you’ve only ever driven an ICE car, buying a used EV can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.
Sun Motors has hundreds of used Teslas for sale, including Model X, Model S, Model 3 and Model Y cars all at low prices from trusted dealers.
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If you’re interested in going electric this spring, we’ll show you how.
Benefits of driving a Tesla
- Lower cost per mile: A Tesla will cost around 8p per-mile to run, says Lease Plan. That’s much less than a petrol or diesel-powered car, at over 13p per mile.
- Emissions-free: Battery-powered EVs release no harmful emissions, making them the environmentally friendly choice.
- Latest technology: Is it a car or a spaceship? Tesla EVs are packed full of tech, making driving easier and more enjoyable.
- Driving experience: Driving an EV is exciting, with near-instant torque, no gears, and almost no sound. Try it!
- Supercharger network: Tesla owns and maintains the world’s largest EV supercharger network, making it easy to get a top up when needed.
Buying a used Tesla: What you need to know and how to decide which model is right for you
- What model: You’ll find Model X, Model S, Model 3 and Model Y Teslas for sale. The choice depends on you, your budget, and the requirements you have for a car. We provide a basic breakdown below, so start there.
- What age: Older cars are cheaper to buy, but you might run into more problems as components wear out. Fact that into your costs and plans.
- Charging: Ensure you have the space for a Tesla home charger. Factor in installation costs to your calculations.
- Battery health: Get the dealer to provide details on the health of any Tesla battery. (They can do this by following this Tesla guide.)
- Finance: Buying a used Tesla with a finance agreement can help you spread the cost over several years, enabling you to get a better – and potentially more reliable – model.
- Warranty: Ask your dealer about the warranty they offer and consider extending it for added peace of mind and protection.
Used Teslas for sale UK
The Tesla Model X is a hugely popular SUV-crossover that’s been in production since 2015.
NCAP ratings are strong, meaning it’s a safe car for families. The latest model boasts the world’s largest windshield.
That’s the sort of detail that Tesla drivers love. They also love the gull-wing doors, and we do too. Back to the Future, indeed.
Specifications have changed over the years, but expect all Model Xs to deliver around 300 miles on a full charge.
Top-spec, dual-motor models will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph very quickly (sub-5 seconds) and reach speeds over 150 mph.
Watch out for wear and tear, high mileage and vehicles that haven’t been properly cared for.
Used Tesla Model X
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Model: Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is a hugely popular SUV-crossover that’s been in production since 2015. NCAP ratings are strong, meaning it’s a safe car for families.
The latest model boasts the world’s largest windshield. That’s the sort of detail that Tesla drivers love.
They also love the gull-wing doors, and we do too. Back to the Future, indeed.
Specifications have changed over the years, but expect all Model Xs to deliver around 300 miles on a full charge.
Top-spec, dual-motor models will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph very quickly (sub-5 seconds) and reach speeds over 150 mph.
Watch out for wear and tear, high mileage and vehicles that haven’t been properly cared for.
Our favourite used Model X is the top-of-the-range Tesla Model X SUV 100d (Dual Motor) Auto 4wd.
It’s packing an incredible 761 bhp, getting to 60mph in 4.9 seconds. While it was over £90,000 new, this one could be yours for £380 per month.
READ MORE BUYING A USED CAR
Used Tesla Model S
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Model: Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S has been on sale in the UK since 2014 and is an established and respected electric vehicle. When buying a used Tesla S, steer clear of early versions that have experienced serious reliability issues.
More recent Tesla Model S cars are a great investment for the family or commuter. Current models only come in left hand drive, so we (and Which?) recommend you pick up a 2014-21 model.
The single motor Model S is suitable for most drivers, with a 60kWh battery and power unit kicking out 314bhp.
Older models may seem like bargains, but large lithium-ion car batteries can lose their health over time and can be incredibly expensive to replace.
This sleek, silver Tesla Model S 75D 5d 517 BHP provides an affordable entry into the EV world. It’s a low mileage motor in good condition, with enough power and performance to knock your socks off.
Used Tesla Model 3
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Model: Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model 3 was a market leader on launch, but is rapidly being overtaken by cars from competitor brands, says Autotrader.
That doesn’t mean it’s a bad car, far from it. In fact, it means you can pick up a bit of a bargain Model 3.
It’s a highly competent and comfortable mid-level sedan car, which is at home on the commute as it is at the golf course or touring around Europe. Reliability is good, says Autotrader, with Model 3s more affordable than the Model S or Model X.
Performance is amazing, with Whatcar? calling it Tesla’s best ever vehicle.
The standard range will achieve almost 250 miles on a full charge. Expect to pay around £15,000 for a five-year-old car, such as this 2020 Tesla Model 3 70 Model 3 Standard.
Used Tesla Model Y
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Model: Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is another crossover-type vehicle (without the gull-wing doors!). It’s built on the Model 3 platform, with a large number of the same components, but with different styling.
That’s good news, because it means the Model Y is, like the Model 3, capable and reliable.
OK, so the latest version of the Model Y hasn’t got the best reviews, but the older versions have great handling, acceleration and precise steering.
Like all electric vehicles, go for a low mileage car with a full service history. You’ll pay around £25,000 for a two-year old model. With lots on the market, shop around and find the right spec and trim for you and your budget.
Our choice is this nearly new 2023 Tesla Model Y. It’s available at just under £30k and with under 5,000 miles on the clock, it’s almost brand new.
Used Tesla finance options
Teslas are cutting-edge cars with a similar price tag, right? You might think a Tesla will break the bank, but drivers can access a range of affordable finance options – including PCP and HP – that provide flexibility, enabling you to spread the cost of a Tesla car over several years.
Don’t believe us? Buy using PCP finance, and this low-mileage 2020 Tesla Model 3 comes in at less than £400 per month, for example.
Worried about your credit history? Don’t be. There are still ways you can buy a Tesla with bad credit.
Each application is judged on its own merits, with many Sun Motors lenders willing to consider those with poor credit.
Learn more about buying a car with bad credit history here.
Tesla FAQs
Can non-tesla cars use Superchargers?
Yes, other cars can use Tesla superchargers but there are limitations on their usage. It’s a complex situation that’s rapidly changing, so take a look at the Tesla site for the latest information.
How much does a Tesla cost to run?
The running costs of a Tesla depend on the model you have, how you charge it and when you charge it.
But, overall, it’s going to cost you less to charge and run a Tesla when compared to a similarly sized petrol or diesel-powered car.
Are Teslas considered a safe car?
Tesla uses tried and tested EV technology and is as safe, if not safer, than other cars. You can read more about Tesla’s safety record here.