I Sell Teslas

Education only — not a broker or Tesla affiliate. Confirm inventory, pricing, FSD transfer eligibility, and title steps on Tesla.com and your state DMV.

Buyer hub

Buying a Tesla without the guesswork.

Pick a path, know what “good” looks like on a walkaround, and keep title/payment hygiene boringly safe. Use the free checklist on delivery day.

New vs used

New (Tesla.com)

  • Full warranty, newest hardware/software stack for that trim.
  • You configure (or take inventory) — less “surprise history.”
  • Price is list + fees you can see; incentives change — verify live on Tesla.com.

Used

  • Often better dollars-per-mile if battery health and title are clean.
  • You inherit history: accidents, prior Autopilot/FSD purchases, HW version.
  • Budget for a PPI (independent EV-aware shop) on private-party and many dealer cars.
Blunt rule If the discount vs a comparable new/inventory car doesn’t cover risk (title, battery, body, missing options), buy cleaner inventory instead.

Model chooser (high level)

Not a price list — trims and range change. Use this to narrow, then verify current specs on Tesla.com.

Model 3

Sedan, efficient, easiest daily driver for most people. Great if you don’t need crossover height or third-row space.

Model Y

Crossover hatch, more cargo and seating flexibility. Usually the “family default” in the lineup.

Model S

Flagship sedan: ride, performance, and cabin luxury. Higher purchase and potential repair costs — budget accordingly.

Model X

Falcon-wing SUV, more seating configs. Complexity and parts cost matter more on used examples — inspect carefully.

Cybertruck

Pickup with a different ownership profile (size, charging, aftermarket). Read current Tesla specs and local parking/charging reality before you commit.

Also decide early: RWD vs AWD, wheel size (efficiency vs looks), tow needs, and whether you care about HW3 vs HW4 for future Autopilot/FSD features.

Where to buy

  • Tesla new / inventory: Tesla.com — configure or shop available inventory.
  • Tesla used: Tesla Used Inventory — company-sold used; still verify options and remaining warranty on the listing.
  • “CPO-ish” / dealer used: Non-Tesla dealers vary wildly. Demand Carfax/AutoCheck, service records, and an independent PPI.
  • Private party: Best prices sometimes; highest process risk. Meet safely, verify title, never wire money to strangers.

California note: Teslas are ZEVs (no traditional smog test like ICE). Title/transfer still follows CA DMV rules — verify current steps at dmv.ca.gov. Other states: use your state DMV.

Inspection priorities

  1. Title & VIN: Clean title preferred. Match VIN on dash, door, and paperwork. Run a history report.
  2. Body & glass: Panel gaps, overspray, windshield chips (autopilot cameras live there), underbody scrapes.
  3. Tires & brakes: Even wear; Tesla brake dust is light but pads/rotors still wear.
  4. Battery & range: Ask for recent trip efficiency and rated range display; for used, a shop PPI with battery diagnostics is worth it.
  5. Software / hardware: Note Autopilot computer (Controls → Software), camera count, and which driver-assist features are active.
  6. Service history: High-voltage, suspension, and body repairs matter more than oil-change folklore.
  7. Test drive: Acceleration, regen feel, alignment pull, wind noise, seat/track motors, charge port door.
Not a substitute for a PPI This site’s optional Inspect & Go is companion coaching, not a certified pre-purchase inspection. For mechanical certainty, book an EV-aware independent shop.

Use the delivery-day checklist →

Guide: check used Tesla battery health before buying →

Title & payment hygiene

  • Never send deposits via gift cards, crypto, or “friend/family” payment apps to someone you haven’t met with documents in hand.
  • Prefer cashier’s check / bank procedures your bank recommends for large vehicle purchases; confirm funds before signing over title.
  • Seller name on title must match the person signing. Watch for salvage, rebuilt, lemon, or “title skip” stories.
  • Get a bill of sale with VIN, price, date, odometer, and both parties’ IDs (as your state requires).
  • Insurance: bind coverage effective at pickup — many lenders/sellers require proof.

FSD / Autopilot transfer gotchas

Tesla’s transfer rules for Autopilot / Enhanced Autopilot / Full Self-Driving change over time and depend on whether the feature was purchased, subscribed, and which vehicle/hardware is involved.

  • Do not assume FSD “comes with the car” on a private sale — verify in the seller’s Tesla account eligibility and Tesla’s current transfer policy.
  • Hardware matters: older Autopilot computers may not support the same feature set as newer ones.
  • Subscriptions are typically tied to an account/vehicle eligibility — a transfer of ownership may end the seller’s subscription; buyer may need their own.
  • Get written confirmation from the seller of what is permanently purchased vs subscribed, then confirm with Tesla Support before you pay a premium for “FSD included.”

Official reference: check Tesla’s current support articles for Autopilot / FSD transfer — do not rely on forum screenshots alone.

Next steps

Free checklists Build a Search Profile Charging & gear
Live hunt

Curated shortlist — $79

Human listing hunt matched to your Search Profile. AI won’t reliably pull today’s live links for your ZIP and must-haves.

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Deal-day paperwork / FSD coaching

Closing a specific car? Get coaching for that deal’s title/payment hygiene and FSD transfer checks — education only, custom quote.

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SoCal

Inspect & Go — $249

In-person viewing companion when you already have a car scheduled.

Inspect & Go

Secondary: $37 checklist PDF · warm intros / gear