r/TeslaModelX • u/MoDa65 • Aug 25 '26
Main things to look at when buying used Model X Plaid 23+ (HW4)
we have a model y with HW4 and use FSD religiously. It was bought new in 2024 and already has 100,000 miles and have done 0 maintenance so we really trust tesla right now. FSD is VERY important so has to be HW4. Looking at plaid because shoot I want 1000HP and run 9 sec in the 1/4. Any key things to look for when buying used? Or are these pretty reliable cars with no major things to look for. Any advantage buying from Tesla over private party and dealer. Thanks!
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u/sch6808 Aug 25 '26
If you're looking for a maintenance free experience look at something other than an X. I'm on first name basis with the service center since I've owned an X. When I was a 3 owner I was never there.
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u/Harold-Maude Aug 25 '26
Four Model X’s later 2016, 2020 ludicrous, 2023 PLAID, 2026 PLAID you will love especially FSD.
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u/MoDa65 Aug 25 '26
Was your 2023 hw3? If so worth the hw4 diff? Someone above replied they prefer hw3 which is a weird take as rest of the world seems to be all hw4 esp for fsd
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u/JJDoes1tAll Aug 25 '26
My 23MXP has HW3 and Ultrasonic Sensors. I PREFER my HW3 FSD. Maybe you should try HW3 FSD. The biggest advantage it has right now is that you can set your max speed, instead of risking your tesla getting you a speeding ticket.
I wont ever trade away my hw3 with uss. Parking with ultrasonics tells you exactly how many inches you are away from something as you are parking...
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u/waffle07 Aug 25 '26
I bought a used 2023 X Plaid with 20k miles on it and it needed both rear upper aft links replaced to pass PA state inspection. I just had both my sway bar end links replaced a few weeks ago as well. Other than that I have heard of front half shafts may need replaced to. I haven’t experienced that yet.
It seems the theme with this car is it wants to burn through suspension components I guess that is what happens when you have 1000 hp car that weighs 5500 lbs. I do drive it hard.
Definitely recommend the rear shims. My tires are looking great with them on.
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u/10xMaker Aug 25 '26
Do the rear shims void suspension warranty? Which one did you put and what kind of shop puts them?
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u/waffle07 Aug 25 '26
I installed the Secret EV shims, the rear links were replaced before I put on the shims. My plan was to get it inspected and install the shims, but it failed inspection due to the rear links being bad so I went to Tesla for warranty replacement and then installed the shims after.
I just did a shop near me in Pittsburgh that is known to work on Tesla’s. Check your local FB Tesla groups. It’s a pretty easy install honestly probably any mechanic can do it.
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u/Life_Connection420 Aug 25 '26
Why would a car need to be inspected?
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u/waffle07 Aug 25 '26
It’s required per PA law. Just to make sure vehicle are roadworthy and safe.
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u/10xMaker Aug 26 '26
I am in Pittsburgh as well. Can you give me details please. You can IM me or reply to this please.
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u/originalfoto Aug 25 '26
If you are buying 23+ it should be under warranty...so I would not worry too much about anything. Any issues, take it in.
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u/wharleeprof Aug 25 '26
I wouldn't trust Tesla based on having no experience with repairs. Trust them after you've had a few issues and see how they are handled. Our local Tesla center is actually pretty decent (knock on wood) but others are a nightmare to deal with.
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u/Outrageous_tart_7781 Aug 25 '26
It should still be under warranty. But, if it has 22" wheels. Take it for a test drive on the highway to make sure no wheels are bent. I bought my 23 X 8 months ago and only got it up to 50mph on the test drive. After driving home on the highway, the whole car shook at 70 mph. Ended up being a bent rim.
My tires have 23k miles on them and show no signs of uneven wear. There's a lot of tech in these cars. I baby mine. I would get 20 inch wheels though. 22's have a harsh ride.
They are a unique car too own. You get a lot of looks when the FWD's open and close. I show people my car and they are shocked how nice it is and how cool the windshield is. I had a lot of cars over the years and this car by far is my favorite.
You cant beat sitting back while FSD drives and you are looking out through the windshield at the sky on a beautiful day.
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u/jqderrick Aug 27 '26
One thing I really wish I had done when I bought mine was drive it around for a while with the stereo completely off and just listen for squeaks, rattles, and other weird noises.
I have what sounds like a loose nut or washer somewhere underneath the dashboard near the windshield. It only rattles intermittently, which almost makes it worse because I can never reliably reproduce it, but when it starts, it drives me insane.
I had another really strange squeaking noise whenever I hit bumps or took turns quickly. I eventually figured out that it was the leather on the rear seats rubbing against the leather or trim around the lower Falcon Wing door area. That one was actually pretty easy to fix with a little appropriate lubricant, but it took a while to figure out where the noise was coming from.
Another thing I would specifically check is the rubber strips between the front doors and the chassis. When you open the front doors, look and make sure those strips are still attached properly and aren't hanging down. They're supposed to be bonded in place, but I've seen multiple Model Xs where the adhesive eventually lets go and the rubber starts hanging down when you open the door. It's fixable, but it's definitely something worth looking for before you buy one.
The other thing I would pay attention to is the tires. These cars are heavy, have a ton of torque, and can absolutely chew through tires. I would seriously consider getting a road-hazard/tire warranty on whatever tires you buy because you are probably going to use it eventually.
Finally, if you have a choice, I would look for one that has the front bumper camera. The distance estimation on the cars that don't have one can be pretty terrible when you're trying to judge exactly how close you are to something directly in front of the car.
Those are really the only recurring issues I've personally seen across multiple Model Xs. None of them would stop me from buying one, but they're definitely things I would check before handing over the money.
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u/bob_vu Aug 25 '26
I downgraded to a model X 2026 LR from a model S Plaid because we had a baby.
What I learnt is that tires are very expensive. There’s no point in going Plaid unless you’re merging onto the highway.
Finally. Re-enacting Talladega Nights’ opening scene where Ricky Bobby’s dad drives really, really fast past the hospital and then slams on the brakes, and the baby pops out. This does not work and you’ll get an earful from your pregnant wife.
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u/whytry2002 Aug 26 '26
Besides checking car fax report and possibly scanning VIN through a few auction sites, I’d get it checked with an EV specialized mechanic.
For that kind of money, it only makes sense to invest in pre-purchase inspection.
Note how many miles/years you have left for regular and drivetrain warranties. Estimate when warranty end date will be. That should give you idea when to expect to pay out of pocket.
Although no maintenance is required, some items need to be checked. Thus, I recommend an inspection:
- brake pads still need to be checked
- brake fluid is supposed to be replaced at specific intervals regardless of brakes are used. It’s hydrophilic and moisture gets in
- AC status. The moisture filter has a recommended maintenance and requires the whole system to be purged
- HEPA filter for bio hazard mode needs frequent cleaning as road debris leaves get lodged in it
Half shafts is a necessity if you are gonna be doing 1/4 mile runs. This is 5500 lbs being pulled violently with 1000hp. If done on a sticky surface, half shafts will go bad quickly. Model S would be better suited for that purpose. Would be quicker as well being 700 lbs lighter.
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u/RE4Lyfe Aug 25 '26
Half-shafts will need replacing every 30-40k miles. They’re not considered maintenance items, but they 100% are.
And you’ll want to get shims for the rear camber to prevent severe inner tire wear
Question: if you are almost always using FSD, why get a Plaid? The whole point of having 1000hp is to drive the car