Let’s face it: if you’re reading this, you’ve probably typed “second hand Tesla cars” into your search bar at least once. Maybe it was midnight. Maybe you were daydreaming during a boring Zoom call. Either way, you’re ready to roll electric—but choices await. Specifically, are you set on a certified pre-owned (CPO) Tesla, or does a regular used Tesla get your wheels spinning?
Start with this: a Certified Pre-Owned Tesla comes from Tesla itself. The vehicle’s been checked—really checked—using Tesla’s inspection process. They’re not using a flashlight and a prayer. We’re talking a thorough bumper-to-bumper look over. Anything sketchy? It gets fixed or replaced. Plus, CPO Teslas include an extra warranty: typically one to two years or 20,000-50,000 miles on top of what’s left of the original new car warranty. For the Model S and X (vehicles sold since April 2021), you get one year or 20,000 more miles. Model 3s and Ys come with a one-year or 10,000-mile add-on. Numbers matter in case life throws you a curveball.
On the flip side, non-certified used Teslas can pop up anywhere. Craigslist postings, independent dealers, or Aunt Marge’s neighbor who swears he only drove it to the grocery store. These rides are, well, used—no factory reinspection, and no extra Tesla-backed warranty. Some may still have a portion of their initial warranty left, depending on their age and mileage, but that’s a roll of the dice. Expect lower prices, though. A non-CPO Model 3 could be $3,000-$6,000 cheaper than its CPO twin. That’s a chunk of change—and maybe the difference between splurging on paint protection film or not.
Let’s talk software. CPO Teslas are updated, and features like Autopilot or Full Self-Driving Capability are guaranteed to stay. Occasionally, a non-certified car might lose software perks if Tesla finds out they were added by the original owner but not paid for. Awkward, right? Some shoppers find their “Full Self-Driving” vanishes after a software update. Certified cars shield you from these surprises.