A Cheaper Tesla Model S Purchase Turns Out to Be a Costly Mistake

A UK-based buyer recently spent around $6,000 on the cheapest available Tesla Model S in Britain. The vehicle in question was a non-running 2016 model with over 184,000 miles on the clock. This purchase turned out to be a costly mistake for the buyer, who had to invest significantly more money into repairs and maintenance.

The car’s mechanical condition was in poor shape, which is likely why it was sold at such a low price. The buyer soon discovered that the vehicle wouldn’t start and displayed multiple error codes on its dashboard. This suggested that there were some serious issues with the car’s electrical system.

A team of mechanics from OGS & Mechanics removed the rear motor to investigate further. They found significant coolant leakage within the inverter and motor housing, which explained why the car wasn’t running properly. However, this was just one of several problems they encountered during their investigation.

The team also had to reinstall the firmware and adapt it to the new powertrain after replacing the rear motor. This process revealed another issue with the front suspension, which was found to be dangerously damaged. The buyer ultimately decided to replace the entire front suspension system to ensure safe driving conditions.

According to estimates, the total cost of repairs came out to around $14,000. This is a significant amount considering that the original purchase price was only $6,000. It’s clear that buying a used Tesla Model S can be a gamble, especially if it’s an older model with high mileage.

The buyer’s experience highlights some of the challenges associated with owning an older electric vehicle like the Tesla Model S 70. Pre-2019 Teslas are generally more difficult to fix due to outdated software and hardware configurations. This makes them less reliable compared to newer models, which have received regular updates and improvements over time.

One key change that occurred in 2019 was the introduction of a simplified naming system for the Tesla Model S lineup. The previous complex system used numbers (60, 70, 75, 85, 90, 100) and letters – like random Ps or Ds thrown in there. This made it confusing to understand which model offered what features.

The legacy models, such as the 2016 Tesla Model S 70 seen here, are partly responsible for some of these issues. These vehicles were sold before the naming system change and often had outdated software configurations that made them harder to repair.

Tesla’s decision to update its software in 2019 was a crucial step towards improving the reliability and maintainability of their electric vehicles. However, this also meant that older models like the Tesla Model S 70 became more difficult to fix due to compatibility issues with newer parts and tools.

The buyer’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering purchasing an older used car, especially one from a manufacturer known for its cutting-edge technology like Tesla. While it may be tempting to save money on a cheaper model, the long-term costs of repairs and maintenance can quickly add up.

Tesla Model S 70 key specs include a battery pack with 70 kWh capacity, powertrain options ranging from 315 horsepower (70) or 329 horsepower (70D), dual motor configuration, and an EPA range of 230/370 miles/kilometers for the standard model. The top speed is capped at 140 mph (225 km/h).