[Video] Used Tesla with less than 123K miles needs a $22,000 battery replacement already
Auction-goers operate in the realm of risk. Sure, that cheap car looks like a bargain. But you never know what nasty surprises are hiding in your auction-find treasure. Like this case of a Florida car buyer and his $12,000 used Tesla Model 3. One visit to the shop revealed a more expensive fix than he paid for the entire car.
The four-year-old Tesla Model 3 seemed like a used EV bargain at $12,000– maybe not
Instagram used Anthony Eric visited a car auction with the same hopes as most auction-goers. Namely, find a sweet deal on something useful, collectible, or flippable. Eric settled on a 2021 Tesla Model 3 with around 123,000 miles. Better yet, he paid just $12,000 for the EV, around $7,000 less than the four-year-old Model 3’s KBB value.
However, things took a turn for the worse when Eric had the car checked out by a professional tech. Since the EV’s battery would only charge to 30% of its original capacity, the technician quoted him at $18,000 to replace the battery architecture in the wounded Tesla. However, with labor and all parts considered, a Model 3’s full battery replacement may cost as much as $22,000. Yikes.
Ultimately, the bargain hunter ended up getting a refund on his used Tesla purchase. See, the Tesla Model 3 he purchased was a “green light” car, meaning the auction house guaranteed its sound mechanical and electrical condition.
So, when the would-be owner discovered the issue, he used the guarantee to get his money back. It’s certainly a case for warranties and guarantees. “Buyer beware if you’re buying a Tesla,” Eric said. “If you’re buying a used Tesla, get your car checked by a professional. Because this could have been bad.”
Speaking of warranties, Tesla has a separate battery warranty that lasts longer than the basic mechanical warranty on the brand’s vehicles. Tesla’s current warranty structure covers an EV’s battery for eight years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. Obviously, a 2021 model would still fall under that battery warranty. However, the 123,000 miles on the clock just pushes this gentleman’s Tesla out of warranty coverage.
