The Tesla Model S Is A Stunning Used Car Bargain Now

The Tesla Mannequin S is without doubt one of the most influential autos ever produced. Whereas the 2021 refresh did not include a really splashy redesign, Tesla made some notable enhancements to the getting older sedan. The 2021 refreshed model presents quite a few extra facilities, an EPA-rated vary of as much as 402 miles, and packs a twin motor setup pushing 670 horses—or over 1,000 in the event you go for the Plaid mannequin. 

However better of all, they’re now turning into comparatively reasonably priced within the used market. At the moment, yow will discover a great one for about the identical value as a brand new Mannequin 3 and even Mannequin Y.

There are many secondhand examples priced within the low to mid-$40,000 vary. And plenty of of those priced across the $45,000 mark have odometer readings of 40,000 miles and beneath. Whereas Tesla has altered its costs considerably, the 2021 Tesla Mannequin S Lengthy Vary initially price between $80,000 and $96,000 relying on when it was offered. However, the Mannequin S went from fairly costly new to comparatively moderately priced used.  

One instance is that this 2021 Mannequin S in Deep Blue Metallic. It has simply 30,000 miles on the odometer and is listed for $43,775. In response to its CarFax report, the unique purchaser purchased it in September 2021 for $92,440, factoring in vacation spot charges, order charges, and the $1,000 improve for blue paint. In its three years on the highway, this Mannequin S depreciated 52.7% in worth. 

One other one is a 2021 instance in Midnight Silver Metallic. This one comes with a couple of upgrades, together with the 21-inch Arachnid wheels and Full-Self Driving (FSD). This Mannequin S price $101,940 when it was new. At the moment, it is listed for simply $44,825 with 41,000 miles. The unique proprietor noticed round 56% depreciation in a bit over three years.

These used numbers value the Mannequin S consistent with model new Mannequin 3 and Ys. At the moment, the Mannequin 3 and Y begin at $44,130 and $46,630, respectively. Granted, these each qualify for the point-of-sale EV credit score, which means these two vehicles are realistically $36,630 and $39,130 for qualifying consumers. However, these vastly totally different autos at the moment are priced equally.

With Mannequin S costs on the decline, is it time to get behind the wheel of a Tesla Mannequin S? Or are there safer bets for all-electric transportation?

The Tesla Mannequin S: Tech Specs

The Tesla Mannequin S is without doubt one of the best-known EVs ever constructed. That is as a result of it has been available on the market for some time with no important exterior updates. However simply because the design has remained comparatively static does not imply the know-how underpinning it’s. 

The 2021 Mannequin S introduced an array of options to the desk, although it is nonetheless extra of an upscale car somewhat than a full-fledged luxurious sedan just like the Mercedes-Benz EQS (which occurs to depreciate much more.) 

The Mannequin S can settle for charging speeds as much as 250 kW, permitting for a good 10 to 80% cost time of 31 minutes on a Supercharger, based on EVKX. The Mannequin S additionally has a greater charging curve than the Mannequin 3 and Y by sustaining its peak charge to round 33%. The Mannequin S will not see speeds beneath 100 kW till 65%. From 10 to 80%, it averages 129 kW.

Whereas the 2021 Mannequin S’s charging pace is trounced by the Audi E-Tron GT, averaging 191.4 kilowatts, the Mannequin S is environment friendly for its measurement. Even with the inefficient 21-inch wheels, the refreshed Mannequin S achieved 335 miles at freeway speeds in an unbiased take a look at. Even utilizing this quantity, 31 minutes of charging would end in 235 real-world miles with the large wheels. It isn’t jaw-dropping, but it surely’s fairly good contemplating the huge and dependable Supercharger community. 

Moreover, the Mannequin S has adjustable air suspension and options 4.6 inches of floor clearance on the bottom setting and 6.2 on the very best. The air suspension will be tuned for consolation or sport, stiffening the experience when wanted. Those that need the total sports activities sedan expertise can change the acceleration mode to “Insane,” which permits launch management. With launch management, its 670 horsepower twin motors can thrust the Mannequin S to 60 mph in simply 3.1 seconds. 

Trims And Options

The Tesla Mannequin S solely has three inside decisions, all of that are colours. Black is normal, however white and beige run $2,000. All interiors include the identical array of facilities and options. For starters, all of the seats are heated, and the entrance ones have air flow. Passengers have entry to a tri-zone local weather management system, and the third zone is accessible by means of an 8.0-inch rear middle touchscreen.

All passengers are handled to the 22-speaker, 960-watt in-house audio system. The system has booming bass and sounds phenomenal; Tesla does know its stuff on the subject of audio. The Mannequin S additionally includes a black microsuede headliner that enhances the panoramic glass roof. On the cabin’s middle is a crisp, 17-inch show that may tilt left and proper. 

All Teslas include Autopilot as normal. Autopilot can management the acceleration and steering on a particular freeway. Autopilot is a system that blends adaptive cruise management and lane centering and different options to make your lengthy highway journeys simpler, offered you provide shut supervision. Full-Self Driving (FSD) is an $8,000 possibility right this moment, and it’ll permit hands-on automated driving with shut driver supervision in metropolis settings; it can even cease at cease indicators and visitors lights. However in my very own expertise, it generally works excellently however different occasions it does not.

The refreshed Mannequin S additionally has no stalks and options the notorious yoke steering wheel on 2021 fashions. The automotive has “Auto Shift Beta” performance, robotically choosing drive or reverse relying on the environment. In any other case, drive and reverse are chosen by way of the middle display screen’s leftmost facet. 

Any Areas Of Concern?

Typically, the Mannequin 3 and Y are essentially the most dependable Teslas, with the S and (particularly) X falling behind. However this does not imply the Mannequin S is unreliable. It’s only a extra complicated automotive. It has door handles that robotically retract (sometimes pose points) and different intricate elements like air suspension. Whereas the newer Mannequin S has been fairly reliable, it has extra issues that might go incorrect over time, and it’s nonetheless thought of much less dependable than common by consultants like Shopper Stories. (Older variations of the automotive from the 2010s have been recognized to have extra points.)

Photograph by: Tesla

Another points embrace generally poor noise, vibration and harshness (as high quality can range from car to car) and the yoke. The semicircle steering wheel has been recognized to peel on the edges, however Tesla will exchange them underneath guarantee if the issue arises. Nonetheless, traditionalists will need to spring for the $700 improve for Tesla to put in a standard steering wheel. 

Ought to I Purchase One? 

The Mannequin S is now an iconic American sedan, recognized for its glorious vary, lightning-quick acceleration, and ample cupboard space. A used refresh Mannequin S presents lots of worth, particularly within the low to mid-$40,000 vary. This makes them worthy opponents to Tesla’s personal new choices just like the Mannequin 3—it’s nicer, quicker, goes additional and simply feels extra distinctive within the panorama. 

Moreover, many used choices may have round a yr left of the essential guarantee, giving drivers added peace of thoughts. However, as Tesla’s flagship sedan depreciates, it opens the door for a brand new crowd of consumers to expertise the Mannequin S. Proper now, it is a compelling alternative for individuals who need one thing extra premium with out spending a large premium. 

Andrew Lambrecht is a contributor at InsideEVs and an industrial engineering pupil at Clemson College. Along with InsideEVs, Andrew writes for Forbes Wheels and Enterprise Insider, masking the transportation sector.