Used Tesla Model S buying guide
A used Tesla Model S typically costs $17,800–$59,100 (2016–2019 cars, November 2026). It has 6 recalls in Australia, all with a free fix. Battery warranty: 8 yrs (km limit depends on the version: check Tesla's terms). Here's what to pay, what goes wrong and what to check.

Photo: Granada, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. May show an overseas version or a related model.
Is this used Tesla Model S a fair price?
Enter the year, kilometres and asking price to see where it sits against typical prices.
Used Tesla Model S prices by year
Typical November 2026 prices. Each range spans the versions sold that year, from the base model to the top one; kilometres and condition move a car within it.
2014–20
430 km range (claimed), 120 kW fast charging (Tesla (CCS2 on later cars)). Battery sizes from 60 to 100 kWh (the number in the badge). 2019–20 Long Range: 100 kWh, about 600 km claimed.
- 2019$29,700–$59,100About 1 year of battery warranty left
- 2018$25,700–$55,100 (estimate)Battery warranty has ended
- 2017$21,800–$51,000 (estimate)Battery warranty has ended
- 2016$17,800–$47,000Battery warranty has ended
Warranty left is counted from the year the car was first sold, so check the exact date it was first registered.
Tesla Model S recalls in Australia (6)
Every recall has a free fix at a dealer, so a recall doesn't rule a car out. Make sure each one was done: ask for the paperwork or enter the VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
- Safety Software can reduce or remove power steering assist. Fixed by a software update. (2017–20, REC-005562)
- Safety Secondary bonnet latch may be out of place, so the bonnet could open while driving. (2014–20, REC-005041)
- Safety Takata airbag inflators can rupture and throw metal fragments. (2014–16, PRA 2019/17269)
- Safety Corroded bolts can let the power steering motor shift, losing assist. (2012–16 (built to Apr 2016), PRA 2018/16713)
- Safety Parking brake gear fault. (2016 (built Feb to Oct 2016), PRA 2017/16039)
- Safety Front seatbelt may not be attached to its pretensioner. (2014–15, PRA 2015/15058)
Battery and warranty
8 yrs (km limit depends on the version: check Tesla's terms). The warranty runs from when the car was first sold, so a 2016 car has none left and a 2019 car about 1 year left. Ask for a battery health (state of health) report before you buy: how to check the battery, including independent tests from about $200. If it ever needs one: what a new battery costs.
Running costs
At 250 km a week with NSW prices, a 2014–20 Tesla Model S costs about $17 a week charged mostly at home, or $32 on public fast chargers.
Checklist for a used Tesla Model S
- Check the Takata airbag recall was done on 2014–16 cars.
- Older cars may have the slower MCU1 screen: check it works and gets updates.
- Ask for the service history in the owner's Tesla app.
- Do a PPSR check for finance owing or a written-off history.
- Check the charging cables come with it, and take our used EV checklist.
Compare before you buy
- Pick my used car: our top three used picks for your budget and driving.
- Best used EVs and hybrids by budget
- Used price checker for other cars
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Common questions
How much is a used Tesla Model S in Australia?
Typically $17,800–$59,100 for 2016–2019 cars (November 2026), depending on the year, version, kilometres and condition.
Does the Tesla Model S have any recalls?
Yes, 6 in Australia. All have a free fix. Check the VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au to make sure they were done.
What is the battery warranty on a used Tesla Model S?
8 yrs (km limit depends on the version: check Tesla's terms). It transfers to the next owner and runs from when the car was first sold, so check how much is left.
Is a used Tesla Model S a good buy?
It's worth a look if the recalls were done and the price is right. We didn't find a pattern of common faults. It makes most sense if you can charge at home.
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How we work it out, and our sources
Weekly cost = the car's energy use × 250 km × your electricity or fuel price, with 90% of charging at home. Prices are list prices at October 2026; check with the dealer.
- Electricity: 2026–27 default rates (AER, Victorian Default Offer, state retailers). Public charging: Sydney network prices, July 2026.
- Petrol and diesel: ACCC capital-city averages, 21 October 2026.
- Cars: maker figures via CarExpert, Drive, CarsGuide and EV Central. Plug-in electric range is taken as 80% of the claim.
- Servicing: published capped prices; marked as an estimate where not yet published (CarExpert comparison).
- Tyres: an EV set lasts about 35,000 km, a petrol or hybrid set 50,000 km (RACV); prices from Gridly.
- Home charger: about $2,000 installed ($1,000–$3,000). Novated leases: PwC summary.
Printed from EV Pick · evpick.com.au. Prices and costs are estimates; check with the dealer. © 2026 EV Pick (T. Crouch). For personal use only; not to be copied, republished or sold without permission.