With more Teslas hitting the roads every year, it’s no surprise that the secondhand EV market is growing fast. Many buyers are now eyeing used Models S, 3, X, and Y as a more affordable way to enter the electric lifestyle. But just like with any used car, what you don’t know can hurt your wallet or emergency fund. Whether it’s a previous accident that wasn’t disclosed, failing suspension components, or an internal system error you can’t see on the screen, buying a Tesla without a Pre-Purchase Inspection or “PPI” can turn a good deal into an expensive mistake.
At Unplugged Performance, we’ve been working exclusively on Teslas since 2013. We’ve seen everything from just delivered Model S Plaids to heavily worn Model 3s. That’s why we are excited to now offer Pre-Purchase Inspections (PPIs) for people who don’t want to end up buying someone else’s expensive problem.
What to Check Before Buying a Used Tesla (DIY Style)
Before you call in the Unplugged Performance Team, there are a few things you can look out for on your own:
Tires & Wheels: Uneven tire wear can hint at alignment issues or suspension wear.
- You can use a simple tread depth gauge or if you don’t have a gauge handy, use a penny. Once you have the penny in your possession, insert it into the tread grooves with Lincoln’s head upside down; if you can see the top of his head, the tread is too worn and the tires should be replaced.
Brake Condition: Don’t be fooled by regenerative braking technology, brake fluid, rotor condition, and brake pad wear still matter.
- Shine a flashlight to locate the brake pads—these are the flat, rectangular pieces pressing against both sides of the brake rotor. A healthy brake pad should have at least 4mm of material remaining (about the thickness of two stacked nickels); if the pad looks thin or you see metal-on-metal contact, it’s time for a replacement.
Suspension Wear: Teslas are heavy cars. Take the vehicle out for a test drive, turn the car’s sound system off, and listen for clunks.
- Take the car on speed bumps with the front end of the car passing through first. If there are creaking, clunking, or raspy noises, investigate if the noise comes from the front or rear of the car.
- Check the bushings for your suspension arms, some of them might be ready for a replacement.
- Model S, Model X and Cybertruck have air suspension so we suggest cycling through the suspension heights. Select each height level (Low, Standard, High, Very High) listen and observe.
- Red flag: If it takes too long, makes excessive noise, or fails to respond—there may be a leak, weak compressor, or a faulty height sensor.
- During the test drive, pay attention to how the vehicle feels: If it floats or feels bouncy, the air struts may be aging or leaking.
Leaks: Check under the car and around the motor area for any signs of leaks.
Software Faults: Most private sellers won’t be able to detect hidden system faults—only professional tools can access these.
Panel Gaps & Repairs: Look closely at the body for signs of collision repair or inconsistent panel alignment.
- Carefully walk around the car and look closely at the spaces between doors, fenders, hood, and trunk. Uneven or inconsistent gaps—where some panels sit higher, lower, or don’t line up smoothly—can indicate previous bodywork or collision repairs. Also, look for differences in paint color or texture that might suggest a repaint or patch. To dig deeper, run a strong magnet over the panels; since Tesla bodies are mostly aluminum and won’t attract magnets, any spot where the magnet sticks or feels grabby could mean there’s body filler or steel patchwork underneath—signs of hidden repairs not obvious at first glance.
Don’t Have The Time To Perform A Pre-Purchase Inspection?
Most generic shops won’t have the tools or know-how to truly evaluate a Tesla. That’s where we come in.
Unplugged Performance has been supporting and servicing Teslas since 2013. From daily drivers to high-performance track builds, we’ve seen and fixed it all, literally.
Here’s what our PPI includes:
- Tread depth & tire safety
- Brake fluid, pad & rotor check
- Suspension & motor mount inspection
- Leak detection (coolant, oil, etc.)
- Air suspension diagnostics (if vehicle comes with it)
- Hidden/pending system fault scan with Tesla-specific software
Confidence, Backed by Experts
We’re not just here to point out problems—we’re here to give you confidence in your purchase. If any issues are found, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown and even apply your inspection deposit toward any needed repairs performed by our team (once you purchase your vehicle)
You deserve to know exactly what you’re buying. Let us help you buy smarter.
Questions or ready to book a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
Email us at info@unpluggedperformance.com or call us today to schedule.
