Searches for “Tesla Model S for sale near me” are turning up more options, and lower prices, than ever. In 2025, used Tesla values have dropped faster than the wider market, which is good news if you’ve had your eye on Tesla’s flagship sedan but didn’t love the new-car price tag.
What this guide covers
This guide focuses on shopping for a used Tesla Model S near you: real-world 2025 pricing, range and battery differences by year, where to search, how to evaluate battery health, and how platforms like Recharged can de-risk the process.
Why a Used Tesla Model S Is So Interesting in 2025
Used Tesla and Model S Snapshot, 2025
Over the last few years, aggressive price cuts on new Teslas and a wave of off-lease cars have pushed used Tesla prices sharply lower. For many shoppers, that flips the script: instead of paying a premium for the Tesla badge, you can now buy a used Model S for less than some new mainstream crossovers.
Why this matters for you
If you’re flexible on color and options and willing to shop used, you can often get a long-range luxury EV with serious performance for the price of a new, mid-trim gas SUV.
How Much Does a Used Tesla Model S Cost Near Me?
Exact pricing in your area will depend on mileage, battery size, trim, and local demand, but current listings across major sites paint a clear picture of the 2025 market. Here’s a simplified view based on real nationwide listings:
Typical Used Tesla Model S Price Ranges in 2025
Approximate U.S. asking prices seen across large marketplaces for clean-title cars. Your local results will vary.
| Model Years | Typical Trim / Battery | Typical Mileage | Approx. Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–2015 | 60/70/85 kWh RWD & early AWD | 90k–140k+ miles | $11,000 – $18,000 |
| 2016–2018 | 75D / 90D / 100D, facelift | 70k–120k miles | $17,000 – $28,000 |
| 2019–2020 | Long Range / Performance | 40k–80k miles | $25,000 – $38,000 |
| 2021–2022 | Palladium Long Range / early Plaid | 25k–60k miles | $35,000 – $55,000 |
| 2023–2024 | Long Range / Plaid | 10k–40k miles | $50,000 – $80,000 |
| 2025 (used) | Plaid, nearly new | Under 10k miles | $80,000 – $100,000+ |
Use these bands as a starting point, then adjust for mileage, options, and battery health reports.
Watch the outliers
Ultra-cheap Model S listings often come with a story: salvage titles, high battery degradation, or missing DC fast charging due to a past battery replacement. Always dig into history and battery health before getting too excited about a low price.
Model S Trims, Batteries, and Real-World Range
One challenge with shopping for a used Model S is decoding Tesla’s ever-changing trim names. Underneath that marketing churn are three key questions you should answer for each car: How big is the battery? How far will it really go? And how hard has it been driven and fast-charged?
High-Level Model S Generations
Use this as a quick decoder ring when you see listings near you.
Early cars (2012–2015)
Badges: 60, 70, 85, P85, P85+.
Battery: 60–85 kWh.
Range new: roughly 200–265 miles.
Good for: Lowest prices, shorter commutes, enthusiasts.
Facelift & dual-motor era (2016–2020)
Badges: 75D, 90D, 100D, P100D, Long Range, Performance.
Battery: Mostly 75–100 kWh dual motor.
Range new: roughly 240–370 miles.
Sweet spot: Balance of price, tech, and range.
Palladium & Plaid (2021–present)
Badges: Long Range, Plaid.
Battery: 100 kWh pack, upgraded motors and electronics.
Range new: up to ~405 miles rated.
Good for: Maximum range and performance at higher prices.
Real-world range vs window sticker
Expect real-world highway range to be 15–30% lower than the original EPA rating, depending on speed, weather, wheels, and degradation. A 2018 100D rated at ~335 miles new might realistically give you 230–260 miles at 70 mph in mild weather today.
Battery size cheat sheet
- 60 / 70 kWh: Entry packs. Fine for shorter commutes and urban use.
- 75 / 85 / 90 kWh: Mid-pack sweet spot for many buyers.
- 100 kWh: Best for long-distance driving and future-proofing.
When in doubt, a well-cared-for 90 or 100 kWh car will make road trips and cold-weather driving noticeably easier.
Performance vs range
Performance and Plaid trims are brutally quick but can trade a bit of efficiency for acceleration and wider tires.
- If you mostly commute, a Long Range is usually the smarter buy.
- If you live for launches and track days, Plaid may be worth the premium.
- Insurance and tire wear tend to be higher on performance models.
Where to Find a Tesla Model S for Sale Near You
Type “Tesla Model S for sale near me” into any search engine and you’ll see the usual suspects: big classified sites, dealer networks, and direct-from-owner marketplaces. Each has pros and cons, especially with an EV as complex as the Model S.
Main Places to Shop for a Used Model S
Mix online search with local test drives for the best results.
Large used-car marketplaces
Sites powered by Autotrader, Edmunds, TrueCar, and others give you nationwide inventory and price context. Use filters for:
- Model years and trims
- Mileage bands
- Clean-title only
- Distance from your ZIP code
Franchise & independent dealers
Traditional dealers may have trade-in Model S inventory. Benefits:
- Easier test drives and inspections
- Potential CPO-style warranties
- Trade-in handling for your current car
Downside: EV expertise varies wildly; always probe how well they understand battery health.
EV-focused platforms like Recharged
EV-centric retailers such as Recharged specialize in used electric vehicles. Advantages include:
- Battery health diagnostics with a Recharged Score
- Transparent pricing tied to market data
- EV-specialist support, financing, and nationwide delivery
Cast a wider net, then narrow down
Start with a nationwide search to understand fair pricing, then narrow to cars within a distance you’re willing to travel or ship. With EVs, the right battery and history often matter more than whether the car is 20 vs. 200 miles away.
How to Check Battery Health on a Used Model S
Battery health is the single biggest factor in whether a used Tesla Model S is a smart buy or a money pit. Two cars at the same price can have very different remaining range and long-term value.
Battery Health Evaluation Checklist
1. Ask for a quantified battery report
Ideally, you want more than a guess based on the dash. Platforms like Recharged use dedicated diagnostics to generate a <strong>Recharged Score</strong> that reflects usable capacity and DC fast charging history.
2. Compare current range to original rating
Have the seller show you the car at 100% charge and note the estimated range. Compare that to the original EPA figure for that trim. A moderate reduction is normal; a severe drop may signal heavy fast-charging or battery issues.
3. Look at charging patterns
If you can access charging history, prefer cars that spent most of their life on <strong>AC Level 2 home charging</strong> rather than constant Supercharging, which is harder on the pack.
4. Check for battery-related service records
Review the service history (Tesla app service logs or third-party records) for pack replacements, high-voltage system repairs, or repeated charging errors, all can be red flags.
5. Inspect for software-limited packs
Some older cars had software-limited batteries or range caps after warranty work. Verify that the display’s battery size, range, and performance match what’s advertised.
6. Avoid cars with unclear or missing data
If the seller can’t or won’t provide battery details, walk away. With EVs, missing data is more concerning than on a comparable gas car.
Don’t skip a high-voltage inspection
A general mechanical inspection is not enough. If you’re not buying through a platform that already provides a battery health report, pay for an EV-savvy shop to perform a high-voltage inspection before you commit.
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Must-Check Features and Options by Model Year
Beyond batteries and price, the Model S has evolved a lot in tech, safety, and comfort. When you’re comparing cars near you, you want to know what you’re giving up, or gaining, with each model year.
Key upgrades by era
- 2014–2015: Early Autopilot hardware appears (AP1). Great lane-keeping, but less future-proof than later systems.
- 2016–2018: Facelifted nose, LED headlights, updated interior options, Autopilot 2.0 hardware with more cameras.
- 2019–2020: Raven update brings more efficient motors and air suspension revisions.
- 2021+: Palladium refresh with yoke/round wheel options, revised interior, faster charging electronics, and Plaid performance.
Options that meaningfully affect value
- Autopilot / FSD status: Check exactly which driver-assistance features the car currently has and whether any are transferable.
- Premium sound and interior: These improve day-to-day enjoyment more than you might expect.
- Wheel size: Larger 21" wheels look great but can reduce range and increase tire costs.
- Subzero / cold weather package: Very desirable in northern climates.
Beware of option assumptions
Tesla has changed how it bundles and names Autopilot and FSD several times. Never assume a car has a feature just because of its year; verify exactly what’s currently enabled in the software menu.
Test-Drive and Inspection Checklist
Even if you’re shopping mostly online, you should approach a used Model S like a rolling computer with a very expensive battery. A structured test drive and inspection can surface issues that photos and Carfax can’t.
On-the-Ground Checks Before You Buy
Confirm basic charging works
If possible, plug into both AC Level 2 and a DC fast charger. Make sure charging starts quickly and no error messages appear.
Listen for suspension clunks
Over speed bumps and rough pavement, listen for knocks or rattles from the front control arms and rear suspension, common wear points on higher-mileage cars.
Inspect tires and brakes
Uneven tire wear or warped rotors may indicate alignment issues or aggressive driving. Performance and Plaid cars are harder on consumables.
Check all glass and seals
Look closely at the panoramic roof, windshield, and hatch for cracks, seal issues, and signs of previous replacement.
Stress-test the infotainment
Run navigation, audio, Bluetooth, and climate for at least 10–15 minutes. Laggy or rebooting screens could point to aging hardware that may need replacement.
Scan for warning lights & errors
After the drive, check the cluster and main screen for warnings. Take photos of any alerts and price in potential repairs, or let that car go.
Bring (or request) a checklist
Whether you’re visiting a local dealer or reviewing a vehicle remotely, work through a written checklist. You’ll catch far more issues than if you just take a quick spin around the block.
Financing and Total Cost of Ownership
One upside of the Model S is that, once you’ve bought a good one, operating costs can be much lower than a similarly quick gas sedan. But you still need to think holistically about total cost of ownership, not just the down payment.
What goes into your real monthly cost
- Purchase price & taxes: Higher-end Plaid models carry larger tax and insurance bills.
- Financing terms: Rate, term length, and whether you can pre-qualify without hurting your credit.
- Electricity vs fuel: Home charging can cost a fraction of premium gas, especially with off-peak rates.
- Maintenance & repairs: No oil changes, but budget for tires, alignment, and potential out-of-warranty EV repairs.
How Recharged can help with the numbers
Recharged offers EV-specific financing and lets you see estimated monthly payments, taxes, and fees up front, often with the ability to pre-qualify with no impact to your credit.
Because every car includes a Recharged Score Report tied to battery health, you’re not guessing about future range or resale value when you plug those numbers into your budget.
Run a 5-year scenario
Before you stretch for a Plaid, run a 5-year cost scenario that includes payment, insurance, electricity, tires, and a reasonable repair contingency. You may find a slightly older Long Range car frees up budget for road trips and home charging upgrades.
Why Shop Used EVs With Recharged
Traditional used-car infrastructure was built around combustion cars, not 4,000-pound smartphones on wheels. That’s why Recharged exists: to make owning a used EV, including the Tesla Model S, simpler and more transparent from end to end.
How Recharged De-Risks a Used Model S Purchase
Built specifically for EV shoppers, not just generic used-car buyers.
Recharged Score battery diagnostics
Every vehicle on Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report that measures battery health, charging behavior, and range impact, so you’re not guessing about the most expensive component in the car.
Financing & trade-in options
Get EV-friendly financing, explore trade-in or instant offer options for your current car, and handle everything digitally, no dealership games.
Nationwide delivery & support
Shop online, get expert EV guidance, and have your vehicle delivered nationwide, or visit the Recharged Experience Center in Richmond, VA if you prefer in-person support.
Not limited to your ZIP code
Because Recharged handles inspection, battery diagnostics, paperwork, and logistics, you can shop the best Model S for your needs, not just the one sitting on the nearest lot.
Tesla Model S Used-Buying FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Used Model S
Bottom Line: How to Find the Right Model S Near You
When you type “Tesla Model S for sale near me” in 2025, the challenge isn’t finding cars, it’s knowing which ones make sense long term. Focus on the fundamentals: a battery with clearly documented health, a trim and range that match your driving, and a seller who understands EVs well enough to be transparent about the car’s history.
If you want help de-risking that decision, Recharged was built for exactly this moment in the EV market. With verified battery diagnostics, fair market pricing, EV-savvy financing, and end-to-end support, you can shop nationwide, buy confidently, and end up with a Model S that still feels like the future, without paying tomorrow’s price for yesterday’s car.
