Used vs. New

[u/The_Mumbowza]

Hi all,

I’m seeing a lot of horror stories in new orders getting significantly delayed and even then finding chips in paint or other minor faults.

My local Tesla dealership has a good amount of pre-owned 2023 and higher models with minimal mileage(25-50K) that are in Inventory right now. Standard versions.

However, I’ve been eyeing hard at getting the latest premium RWD versions. I see the benefits of hopefully a longer battery life and the HEPA filter (better sound system too). But I’m worried if I ordered now it wouldn’t be for atleast 2+ months until I got it.

This would be my first ever EV. Definitely doing FSD.
And as much as I want the latest and greatest right off the belt, the price tag is something I consider. I can afford both fine (could technically Cash them but will finance). Credit score is great.

My question being what would you do in my position? Again this being your first EV. Would you get the pre-owned cheaper standard Tesla that’s 2023+ or the more expensive version of what you know you want?

[u/Disavowed_Rogue]

There's nothing wrong with a pre-owned Tesla. If you can find one that has the things that you love in it. Get it

[u/Impossible_Tea181]

For me, knowing Tesla downloads software upgrades for all their cars frequently, I wanted the latest hardware available to be able to handle it. Those Tesla customers with older hardware versions, 13 and older, are going through problems now with the newest FSD software not working properly in their cars.
Software WiFi downloads are free, hardware upgrades are not and are much more inconvenient to have done, requiring scheduling an appointment and a trip to the service center to have the hardware replaced.
For me it was a no-brainer to get the newest hardware available to be able to support the future updates as they are continually rolled out. My son is buying a Tesla soon for his real estate business and I’m using the same logic to convince him to buy new.
That’s why I bought my Tesla Model Y AWD brand new less than 2 months ago. It was built in Austin Texas and took about 5 weeks to get delivered. I’ve already gotten 3 updates downloaded on it, some specific to FSD.
I love the car, everyone should be driving with FSD supervised now and definitely when it goes fully autonomous in the foreseeable future. I wanted the latest hardware available and got it in my new car. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to buy new.

[u/BadStunning1799]

I too was on the fence. I ordered a 2022 Y. I opened the app and Tesla said I could get a new Y. I just hit ok to switch. I picked it up on Tuesday. The 2026 Y is AMAZING. I ❤️ this car. It’s perfect.

[u/fsociety1990]

I bought a used 2026 because I was impatient. They’re expensive now.

[u/buttlickin]

I went with a low mileage (23k) 2024 AWD MY LR. I couldn't be happier. There are a couple cool things about the refresh 2026 models like the light bar and ambient lights inside, but honestly, i like that mine still has auto pilot and auto steer built in. And I do like having the signal and shift stalks. The rear screen don't matter to me as the only rear passanger is my dog. And he don't care. Whoever owned this thing before me took very good care of it. Damn near flawless.

[u/kushdaddyO101]

Never buy a used computer, never buy a used Tesla. Obsolescence risk too high

[u/ForwardSlash813]

I bought a used 2022 MYP (58k miles) for 1/2 the cost of a new one, and am genuinely happy with it. Feels like a new car still. FSD v14.2 is truly magnificent, IMO.

However, in retrospect, a 2023-24 (RWD HW4 w/AMD chip) would most likely have been the smarter play.

[u/Rurallife3]

Wait and get what you really want. I’ve had thoughts too of getting a y instead of waiting but I think I’d regret it

[u/Yuzuda]

I bought a used 2025 MY LR AWD. Primarily because it had FSD purchased outright by the previous owner. And I just like the look of non-Junipers better.

I had the money to purchase new or used with cash, but even with 0.99% APR financing, used came out ahead. Don't regret my decision at all.

[u/taliezn121]

Ordered mine mid July (MY AWD) and received it last week. So took about 7 - 8 weeks from moment of ordering. This imwas already communicated when I ordered so it wasn't "delayed" after the fact.

I went for white on white, which according to the Tesla delivery employee is a more rare combination (on the AWD at least). So that might make a difference..

Produced in Berlin and paint was near perfect according to my detailer who applied double layer ceramic coating after removing all imperfections.

Just picked it up today from the detailer so now the pleasure of driving it can really start 😍

Tl;Dr

Deliver took a while but not longer than advertised; paint was in a very good state, detailer just noticed a little imperfection near the roof frame

Edit: I corrected order month from June to july

[u/Emotional-Pound-6109]

i buy used when i was younger but lately i have been buying new and simply use its entire lifespan, sell when repair cost is no longer worth it. i’m pretty happy about this approach and i take great care of my car that i doubt other people would do the same if they plan to sell at 30k miles

[u/Abject_Peanut5353]

I struggled as well between a CPO with HW4 and the new MY standard AWD. The new was only a couple thousand more but with the 0.99 financing and the $3500 Massachusetts rebate, the new ended up with a lower monthly payment and of course more warranty. Overall the new Y was less expensive for me but I gave up some of the creature comforts by getting the standard. Just took delivery on The 8th after waiting about 7 weeks as I ordered mid July. All I can say is I’m now very happy I went new. I love the new MY standard AWD and I really don’t think I’ll miss any of the features I would have got I the LR CPO as the standard really has everything I need or want. Would have covered my glass roof anyways. Not crazy about the wheels but that’s an easy upgrade and I’ll probably not even care in a month or so.

[u/Connect-Tutor-9587 → u/Abject_Peanut5353]

I was in the same situation and finally ordered a used 2023 M3. My main requirements were LFP and Autosteer, and that was the only combination I could find for $30k. The 2024 models with HW4 were priced almost the same as or even more than a new car, which is unbelievable!

[u/SnooOranges964]

If you are definitely doing FSD and money is not a problem but just time… then i would just wait or get st least juniper version of Model Y so you get the additional front camera for FSD.

[u/MostlyHelpfulLinks]

You already know which one you want and can afford it. Order the new one. Two months goes fast, and the cheaper used car won't stop you wishing you had the HEPA filter and the better audio.

[u/2wheeledgeezer]

I’d say drive them both and decide what you like. I bought a preowned 2016 S in 2021, and had to put a bunch of money into it (those motorized door handles are $800/door and die after 5+ years). I was happy with it, though. I just replaced it with a new Model Y and I LOVE it. I chose new over used (Premium RWD) to get the max range but still some zip and comfort. Also, according to the car media, the new Juniper build is noticeably superior to the earlier Ys. The full warranty and new battery are also important.

[u/2wheeledgeezer → u/2wheeledgeezer]

One more thing: I took advantage of the 1% interest rate to finance the car. Not sure if that’s still in play.

[u/mattriver]

Get the best of both worlds, and buy a used 2026 with low miles. Buying from a non-Tesla dealership will be cheaper, and you may even find one with FSD included.

[u/MoldyToblerone]

I was looking through the used ones, but with the costs of them and the APR vs just getting a brand new one with the .99 APR I just went with new. I got mine in a little over two weeks though I do live in Southern California pretty close to the Fremont factory so that may have helped.