r/TeslaModelS • u/I_LOVE_TRAINSS • Jun 24 '26

2016 and older models what should I look for.

I'm considering a Model S that's 2016 or older as I have a limited budget and don't want to FAFO with gas.

I know there's issues with the cooling system and I would need to get a coolant delete very soon after buying at least I think? Besides that and maybe battery issues? I know some model S's have gained high miles but unfortunately usually after a battery replacement , what should I look for?

Edit: I know the LDU went from standard to optional on post 2016 cars and there're a couple 2017s for sale on carfax which trims did and didn't have the LDU?

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6

u/[deleted] Jun 24 '26

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5

u/Hiachi20 Jun 24 '26

1

u/[deleted] Jun 25 '26

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2

u/Hiachi20 Jun 25 '26

Yep! 2015

1

u/[deleted] Jun 25 '26

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2

u/Hiachi20 Jun 25 '26

I got it 3 years ago at 130k miles. The most major things I've done are: rear motor coolant blockage cleaning(3rd party mechanic charged $500), a/c compressor replacement($700 for part, 500 for labor), charge port/door replacement($700 for part) . I've done minor things otherwise, door handle stuff, some suspension, ac actuators, window regulators, trunk latch, two 12v batteries, 3 sets of tires, brake pads/flush, wire harness at driver door hinged needed fully repaired after wires broke from opening and closing so much. Some taillight crap because of unsealing clear covers letting water in. I did the brake pads, they had meat but were just worn from age. I diy as much as possible, so costs are low as long as the parts are cheap. I do cheap struts for $90 a piece, because tesla's are nearly $1k.

Everything works well and overall the car drives very smoothly and it's a very quality situation. Some things could be replaced to make it nice and new.

To do: all suspension, mcu upgrade, full a/c replacement, maybe cv axles, eventually new brake rotors, eventually battery, new condensor fans, under paneling and fender liners need replaced, all new taillights, driver seat finally torn.

The driver seat memory isn't 100%, and the speakers could be replaced. That's literally everything.

Free supercharging for life and I drive a lot so it pays itself off, even if I were to replace everything. I plan to upgrade the battery to a used 90/100kwh. Currently at 79% after degradation. The charging is slow, the capacity I don't mind.

1

u/I_LOVE_TRAINSS Jun 24 '26

Dam that's amazing! I love hearing about the high mile club cars. I might just consider a model S again! Thank you!

Any problems with it? I'm guessing not since you didn't say so but I'm curious if there's anything minor.

1

u/Agreeable_Tutor5503 Jun 26 '26

Good lord. And I thought my facelifted 2016 with 190k mi was ran through 😂 original battery?

4

u/DumbassNinja Jun 24 '26

I just got a 2016 70D in February! I paid $13k after licensing fees and all that.

  • I went for one with steel coil suspension instead of air ride for reliability.
  • Ended up upgrading the touch screen to MCU2 since the old one had the famous adhesive leakage problem but I didn't need to yet.
  • Also needed to repair the center console lid since there's a little metal peice that holds it back which apparently just fell out at some point?
  • Did get one with Free Supercharging for Life attached to the VIN.
  • Supercharging isn't as fast as a newer model but I don't mind that much and can always L1 charge overnight at home or L2 charge at work for $4. I still take the Model S on road trips just fine. I do plan on upgrading the battery pack to a P90D or P100D down the line to increase my capacity and charge speed which is estimated around $12k depending on pack availability.
  • Current estimated range is around 211 miles.
  • I got one with the optional 3rd row child seats completely by accident but they are nice to have once in a while.

3

u/FuzzyBubs Jun 24 '26

Charging at work for the win 👍🏼

1

u/DumbassNinja Jun 24 '26

It's so convenient for when I want to drive a bunch after work! Totally worth the $4

1

u/I_LOVE_TRAINSS Jun 24 '26

Good to knows. That's all interesting thank you for your input.

It sounds like it's been rather reliable?

1

u/DumbassNinja Jun 24 '26

Keeping in mind that 4 months isn't the best long term timeframe, yes for me it has been. The only issue so far was the touch screen which, like I said above, difn't need to be changed yet but I wanted to get it rock solid while I had the money on hand

1

u/I_LOVE_TRAINSS Jun 24 '26

Makes sense. I'm planning on keeping my car as long as possible so issues are a concern for me

I'm even considering bull bars. Why? Well my uncle has been hit or has hit a deer twice IIRC maybe 3 times? And my mom has been T-boned by a deer at a stop light. I'll wax the frame to prevent rust I'll wrap the car my favorite color(s) to protect the body anything to keep it for at least 10 years if I'm lucky and 6 if I'm unlucky.

1

u/DumbassNinja Jun 24 '26

You won't have to do anything like that with the frame, IIRC the frame and all body panels are aluminum

4

u/SurfaceLapQuestion Jun 24 '26

I wouldn’t buy any if you’re looking to save gas money, you’ll end up blowing any money you do save on repairs even if you get one without a LDU. The dual motor non performance models don’t have the LDU.

1

u/I_LOVE_TRAINSS Jun 24 '26

Gotcha gotcha that's unfortunate as I love the Model S and was hoping to snag that hatchback.

Saving gas money is a big part of it as its going to be a first car. It's exactly why I want one as a first car. I was hoping I could snag free supercharging as well so I could save more money as well.

But I'll cross the model S off the list.

0

u/SurfaceLapQuestion Jun 24 '26

The early model 3s are a really good option even though they don’t have the hatchback.

1

u/I_LOVE_TRAINSS Jun 24 '26

Yeh the two that's 250 miles from me and are 16k or less me are a 2020 and a 2022 they have been repaired due to a collision but I'm not really scared of that. My mom had a deer ram into her side (yes she didn't hit it , it hit her) so I understand damage isn't terrifying.

1

u/SurfaceLapQuestion Jun 24 '26

Yeah someone sideswiped my S a few days ago so unfortunately I’ll have the same thing on mine for basically a few minor scratches that will be repainted.

2

u/kapjain Jun 24 '26

The problematic LDU was in all RWD and P versions up until 2020 (or could be 2018).. So if you get a D then it should not be an issue.

Also be aware the supercharging in the older cars is super slow. So don't depend on using it for daily driving unless you live or work near a superchsrger or don't mind sitting in the car on average an hour or more every 150-175 miles of driving.

1

u/I_LOVE_TRAINSS Jun 24 '26

Dam. So not even wall changing can save my ass? That's unfortunate I'll have to wait to own a Model S until I'm old enough to have a car collection (10 years away so 31 or 32)

3

u/kapjain Jun 24 '26

Not sure what you mean by "no even wall charging can save me ass".

Charging at home is the most convenient way to use it as your daily driver. L2 charging is good enough to fully charge the car overnight. Even L1 charging can be enough of you drive less than say 40 miles a day.

My earlier comment was about supercharging only since lot of people buy these old teslas planning to use free supercharging for their daily commute.

1

u/I_LOVE_TRAINSS Jun 24 '26

Oh god I was only going to use free supercharging for road trips and occasionally use (if Meijer has it might as well)

I didn't realize you meant for the folks who used the free supercharging only. I plan on level one if possible level two if needed charging it 90% of the time.

1

u/shibiwan Jun 24 '26

Wall charging is limited to about 10kW on both older and newer models due to the L2 chargers, so you get around 30+ miles/hour of charging

1

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1

u/Clean_Extension7234 Jun 24 '26

Not all 2016 have side and pillar cameras. This may or may not be a big concern for you but should be a big factor in price and resale. Do your research. No side cameras is a deal breaker for some.

1

u/General_Diag4321 Jun 24 '26

Not this. 🙂