Used Tesla Model S Buyer's Guide 2026: Every Year Compared
The complete guide to buying a used Model S — from 2013 originals to the latest Plaid.
2012–2015
Original design, older hardware, no Autopilot on early cars. Budget-friendly but requires careful inspection.
2016–2020
Updated suspension, HW1/HW2/HW2.5 Autopilot. Sweet spot for value and features.
2021–Present
Refresh with yoke option, new interior, Plaid tri-motor. Current production generation.
The Tesla Model S is the oldest continuously produced Tesla, with production running since 2012. That means there are used Model S vehicles spanning nearly every era of Tesla's development. This guide covers every model year worth considering, the key issues to know, and current market pricing.
2013 Tesla Model S
Range: 60, 85, 85 Performance trims. EPA range 208–265 miles (original; real-world after 10+ years: 150–220 miles)
Starting used price (2026): $15,000–$25,000
What you get: Original Autopilot-less experience — no TACC, no lane centering. These are pure driver's cars.
Key Issues — 2013
- Battery degradation is significant at this age
- Door handle motors wear out (~$200–400/handle)
- 12V battery failures more frequent
- Legacy Gen 1 charge port — less adapter compatibility
2014 Tesla Model S
Range: 60, 85, 85 Performance, P85D (dual motor debut)
Starting used price (2026): $16,000–$28,000
What's notable: The P85D launched in late 2014 — Tesla's first dual-motor AWD vehicle with "Insane Mode."
Key Issues — 2014
- P85D front drive unit failures on high-mileage units
- Same door handle wear pattern as 2013
Best trim: 85D or P85D for AWD traction; avoid the 60 kWh pack at this age
2015 Tesla Model S
Range: 70, 70D, 85, 85D, P85D, P90D
Starting used price (2026): $20,000–$35,000
What's notable: The 90 kWh battery pack option appeared. Autopilot Hardware 1 was available on cars built from October 2014 onward.
Key Issues — 2015
- HW1 vehicles deprecated for new Autopilot features
- MCU1 known eMMC flash storage failures (~$500–$1,500 replacement)
Best trim: 90D for the best range/value combination
2016 Tesla Model S
Starting used price (2026): $25,000–$42,000
What's notable: Significant interior refresh — redesigned center console. Hardware 2 (HW2) Autopilot started mid-year.
Best trim: 100D or 75D from late 2016 (HW2 Autopilot computer, largest pack option)
2017–2018 Tesla Model S
Starting used price (2026): $30,000–$58,000
What's notable: HW2.5 computers rolled out in 2017. P100D with Ludicrous Mode — the performance flagship before Plaid. 2018 is considered by many to be the most reliable year of the pre-refresh generation.
Best trim: 100D or P100D from mid-2017 onward (HW2.5 computer). 2017–2018 is the sweet spot for value.
2019–2020 Tesla Model S (Raven)
Starting used price (2026): $48,000–$75,000
What's notable: "Raven" powertrain and suspension upgrade in mid-2019 — improved efficiency (370 miles EPA for Long Range), regenerative braking improvements, and adaptive suspension. MCU2 introduced. HW2.5/HW3 transition.
Best trim: Long Range Plus (Raven) — best range ever measured at launch
2021–Present Tesla Model S (Refresh/Plaid)
Starting used price (2026): $65,000–$100,000+
What's notable: Current generation — yoke or round steering wheel, new horizontal touchscreen, dramatically updated interior, tri-motor Plaid option.
Tesla Model S Plaid: The Plaid ($89,990 new) is the performance flagship — 1,020 hp, 0–60 in 1.99 seconds. Used Plaid units from 2021–2022 are now appearing in the $70,000–$85,000 range. This is a legitimate performance bargain relative to comparable ICE exotics.
The Tesla Model S 70D Battery Swap Issue
The Model S 70D (2015–2016) was sold with a 70 kWh battery pack. However, Tesla was simultaneously producing 75 kWh packs — the 70D was actually a software-locked 75 kWh pack with 5 kWh locked via software.
Tesla has since stopped offering the unlock upgrade. There is no factory-supported battery swap program for consumer vehicles.
Current options for degraded batteries:
- Tesla Service Center replacement (~$15,000–$22,000)
- Third-party replacement (Gruber Motor Company)
- Module replacement for partial capacity restoration
For full details on costs, see our Tesla Battery Replacement Cost guide.
Current Used Model S Pricing Summary (2026)
| Year Range | Trim | Est. Used Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–2014 | 85 / P85D | $15,000–$28,000 | Budget buyers, accept older tech |
| 2015–2016 | 90D / P90D | $20,000–$38,000 | Balance of value and features |
| 2017–2018 | 100D / P100D | $32,000–$58,000 | Sweet spot — best pre-Raven value |
| 2019–2020 | LR+ / Performance (Raven) | $48,000–$75,000 | Max range pre-refresh |
| 2021+ | LR / Plaid (Refresh) | $65,000–$100,000+ | Current gen, best features |
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Request a BMS report via Tesla app or ask seller to show current range estimate vs. original
Check remaining warranty via Tesla VIN lookup — battery warranty transfers to new owners
Verify MCU version — MCU1 vehicles have known failure mode; confirm if replaced
Confirm Autopilot hardware generation (HW1, HW2, HW2.5, HW3, HW4)
Request full Tesla service records via VIN — look for suspension, drive unit, or door handle repairs
Verify charge port / connector type — very early cars have Gen 1 port
Buying a New Tesla Instead? Use a Referral Code
New Model S comes with full warranty, latest hardware, and no guesswork. Get 3 months of free FSD or $400 off Solar.
Browse Referral CodesLast updated: March 2026