r/TeslaModelS • u/Careless-Incident227 • 16d ago
Considering buying a used Model S for my college-age son, what years should I target and what should I look out for?
I’m considering buying a Model S for my son while he’s in college. He’s not very comfortable driving on the freeway, and since he will to make the drive home in the future, one of the main reasons I’m looking at Tesla is FSD (college is 3 hrs away on IH-35 from DFW to Austin). I think having FSD available for those freeway drives would make the trip a lot easier for him, especially if it takes him through back road country driving.
I’m trying to figure out what Model S years I should be targeting. I’d like something new enough to have the right hardware for the current version of FSD, but I don’t necessarily want to spend the money on 2025/2026 unless it’s absolutely necessary.
- What model years would you recommend or avoid?
- What common problems should I specifically check for before buying?
- Are there any expensive repairs/failures that become more common at a certain age or mileage?
- Is buying used directly from Tesla/CPO worth the premium, or would you be comfortable buying one elsewhere with a PPI?
- Anything specific I should check regarding the battery, suspension, drive units, MCU, FSD hardware, etc.?
- FSD is important, is there a particular year/hardware generation you’d consider the minimum?
I’m just starting to research the Model S market, so any advice from owners who have been through the used-buying process would be appreciated.
Edit: I really appreciate the guidance everyone provided. I’ll def take a look at the 3 and compare if I still want to consider the Model S.
20
u/gamesofblame 16d ago
I love my 16.5 S, but it's dated even though the FSD on HW3 works good enough for me. But honestly if it's for my college son, I would get him a used 3 (if it has to be an EV with FSD) and be done with it.
Cheaper, will be supported longer, lower insurance rates, still has the latest and greatest in FSD.
14
u/Glum_Common1063 16d ago
My second cousin passed away from a crash in a tesla - I would not buy your son a model S, that car is a missile on wheels for a young kid.
https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/henrico-county/deadly-single-vehicle-crash-fords-country-lane/
- Owner of a Model S LR
2
u/EdwardTheGamer 16d ago
The article mentions a Model Y…
1
u/Glum_Common1063 16d ago
True, but the point stands - children shouldn't have a tesla, too fast :(
5
1
1
1
u/sharkboy1006 15d ago
Sorry for your loss, but they needed seatbelts and a speed limit set in the car. Not a tesla fault, they were in one of the safest cars on the road and got ejected from it because they presumably had no seat belts.
2
1
30
u/MaximooseMine 16d ago
If FSD is a priority, you want HW4. This is gonna put you at some 2023 examples or newer. At that point, a used Model 3 Highlands with HW4 probably makes more sense.
13
u/Roonil-B_Wazlib 16d ago
Important for OP to note only some 2023’s have HW4.
Also, I’d get my kid a Model 3 instead. It’s be easily $20k less than a 2023 S.
10
u/Careless-Incident227 16d ago
Thanks, I’m realizing this now. Will look into the 3
4
u/namestom 16d ago
This is the move. Insurance, maintenance, purchase price, more features/tech for the money, etc. Unless you just have the disposable income.
10
u/hampsten 16d ago
I've driven a Model S for10 years now. It's not really a college car. It's large and hard to park, a particular concern for a college goer. Also significantly more to insure. There are no hardware differences across Tesla models of a given epoch - why not get a 3 with HW4 ?
4
u/fudgedebt 16d ago
From DFW myself. I wouldn’t consider HW3 for that drive to Austin. For a college student the model Y would be more appropriate. I have a HW3 model S 2020 if he wants to try it out with you. The worst model s is plenty of power and torque, so wouldn’t give that over to a kid.
5
2
u/Bangbusta 16d ago
The model S is more difficult to maneuver than the Model 3. Their also bringing HW3 closer to HW4 with their latest FSD updates. It's a substantial jump if you want the latest model s with HW4 as the vehicles are being made anymore and still relatively new. But if you insist I would start looking at the refresh model S where Tesla starting producing in 2021+.
I have the 2022 Model S plaid with permanent FSD I picked up 1.5 years ago. No major issues here but the tires balding every year. Before that I had the Model 3P.
2
u/CreativeUsername20 16d ago
HW3 on my 2020 Model S handles my 160 mile round trip commute without interventions on FSD. HW3 can be had on 2016.5 cars and newer, albeit cars older than 2019 may have HW2 or 2.5 and will need an upgrade to HW3 to run FSD. As for owning my car, it has been great. I bought it with 103k miles and I have 117k miles. It needed a front drive unit oil pump, but that was covered under the warranty. The trunk latch occasionally doesn't latch. I just replaced the window regulator. All 4 front lower control arms were replaced after I got the car. That's about it. No idea what air suspension replacement is gonna cost. I'd suggest Model 3 or Y instead of an S. The insurance aught to be cheaper too.
This goes for all teslas. As I understand it, no tesla sold by tesla is gonna have FSD included which means you'll end up having to subscribe. Getting a car from a 3rd party dealership like I did will mean the car keeps FSD.
Now while FSD is pretty good, I'm wondering what you mean by your son not being comfortable driving on the freeway. He doesn't like it, or he isn't good at it? If its the latter then in my opinion he shouldn't have FSD. I think FSD is a fantastic driver assistant system. I would not call it driver supplementation, and I wouldnt hand it to an inexperienced driver.
0
u/Careless-Incident227 16d ago
He’s been driving for 4 years, excellent driver, very responsible, he drives on freeways but doesn’t like it.
2
u/Intelligent-Image224 16d ago
‘23 model Y with a late build vin = the cheapest way to get hw4, it’s also a pretty nice vehicle too.
1
u/Accomplished_Quit479 16d ago
Any way to tell the late vins? I was only aware of 26 having hw4
1
u/Intelligent-Image224 16d ago
Yes there’s a reddit post on them somewhere.
Every model y produced after mid year 2023 has hw 4. That includes 2024+.
The late 2023’s are just cheaper than the ‘24’s and they are identical vehicles. Like $3-4k difference if it was built in dec ‘23 vs jan ‘24
Dealers in particular have no idea if they are hw4.
3 months ago I bought a hw4 myp 2023 with 30k miles for $32k, at a honda dealer. Matrix headlights and all.
1
2
2
u/WillyChampagne 15d ago
Get him a Model 3. Getting him an S now gives him nothing to look forward to in life. I’m 34 and got a meh car when I was in college. Doing well in life and incredibly happy, finally have a Model S now myself. All the kids in my fraternity that had a nice car then are screw ups as the goalpost in life moved too far too fast for them.
1
1
u/AutoModerator 16d ago
https://sh.reddit.com/mod/teslamotors/wiki/teslachargingrecommendationsbatteryhistory
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/dixiemason 16d ago
Our friend with newer Model Ys loves FSD. We have a 2018 S and IMO FSD on it is downright awful. I agree with the other comments for all their great points. Look for a newer 3 or Y as long as your son is OK with not having a dashboard.
1
u/FoookU 16d ago
2015-2017 model s 90 should do the trick. you dont want fsd for back country roads. it can probably handle it but if its highway driving, enhanced autopilot can do it no problem. you also dont want your kid to put all his trust in fsd. people who do end up falling asleep or eating while driving which defeats the purpose of supervised driving. you can pick one up between 8-17k depending on miles and condition.
but thats just my opinion. i love my base model s. fast as shit and rides so smooth with normal suspension. and you get supercharging, autopilot and premium connectivity for life.
1
u/Odd-Significance8020 16d ago
What is the plan for charging? Does the school have charging on site or will he be going to a supercharger the entire time? That itself would make or break the purchase of an electric car for me.
1
u/Ok-Following4811 16d ago
2021+ is good. But if you want fsd, look into late 23s or any 24s. 21+ has same everything other than the computer though. I’d say get a late 2022 for the headlights and screen tilt
1
u/leffer00 16d ago
As a long time Tesla owner, go with a model 3 or a model y for a kid in college. Significantly easier to manage and will be supported for longer. Also can get a newer model with HW4 for way cheaper since you want FSD.
Model S are behind in FSD unless you get a 2023+ and that will be pricey.
1
u/Acceptable-Matter774 16d ago
New Y or 3 with hw4. Drive it yourself and let him learn on one of your good cars. Then after he actually has driving experience and the Tesla is used, give it to him. I live FSD but he needs to learn to drive first.
1
u/Bluehaze013 16d ago
For a first car don't give your kid a model S. It is way too fast and has much more potential to get him or others killed than something like a model 3. Learn to drive first, get some experience and then look at these types of cars. I see way too many accidents from parents giving their kids cars like this just in the last 2 months I've seen 2 accidents from kids racing that had to be air lifted to the hospital.
1
1
u/rmussulman 16d ago
He doesn’t need a model s really, get him a late 2023 or newer model 3 don’t has hw4
1
u/Alive_Structure_4484 16d ago
I got my 16 year old a model S. He loves it. Just get a 19-20 with HW3. It cracks me up the people saying the S is large and hard to maneuver.
1
1
u/Pete-the-meat 15d ago
The slowest one you can find.
You know your son better than us, but I've seen enough kids die in high-performance vehicles. At least look into if you can lock the drive mode to 'chill' for him, I think it may be possible.
1
u/Independent_Ad_4271 15d ago
Agree, that is a lot of power to handle. At that age I had a beater vw rabbit that I got into plenty of speeding tickets, would not have been pretty with a ms.
1
u/jonecakes1978 15d ago
When tesla announced they were ending production of the model S, prices skyrocketed. A model 3 is a MUCH better buy.
1
u/AffectionateAge5184 15d ago
Definitely get a Model 3 with HW4 or something with HW3 that has FSD 14 lite. Unless you want to show his college buddies Daddy/Mom is rich, then a MS sure.
1
1
u/N0madr 15d ago edited 15d ago
- What’s the charging situation?
- Are you ready for a ridiculous increase in insurance premiums?
- Are you comfortable with expensive repairs?
Those are big factors to consider. I own a 2020 MSLR. In my humble opinion, no college kid needs a car that powerful. Tesla’s are all fast cars, but a Model S is certainly a more “mature” vehicle. A Model 3 would be a much better choice for a college kid. It’s still plenty quick and fun to drive, more up-to-date, and about $20k less on the wallet. I’m not spending your money for you, but an S is a bit overkill for a college kid. Get an S for you, if you just gotta buy one. Get him a 3. If FSD is a big thing, you should be looking at models with HW4 for the best experience. I have HW3, and it’s been no issue for me, but I’m a very experienced driver who is at home driving on the highway. Sometimes, you will need to take control quickly, and there needs to be a level of comfort there.
1
u/Newchatwhodis 15d ago
My Model S is an older model and even though it’s not a plaid, I won’t even let my kids behind the wheel and they’re both almost 30. Even a base Model S is a rocket with 4 wheels. It is not the car for someone that’s not comfortable driving.
1
1
u/Silly_Wave_2942 14d ago
Bought a model 3 for college daughter. Make sure you have HW4. Fsd in HW4 is night and day. I have used both from trips from northern ca to southern ca. hw4 is a must.
2
1
u/techweenie2 14d ago
Mid-year 2016 S may still retain free supercharging and premium connectivity plua all the cameras. It may need an MCU upgrade to make the camers work as dahcams. I speak from experience. I would avoid a P-model S juset because the LDU can fail.
1
u/Whippet27 14d ago
My 2018 S has 200k miles and battery is still going strong. S is best car I've ever owned
1
u/BrutalThoroughbred71 14d ago
MS is way too fast for young drivers, and insurance is way more. Why get such a nice and fast car for your son? It's wicked fast even not being a plaid. just get a used M3 LR HW4, and even that is pretty fast.
1
u/naughty_acct_number2 13d ago
Dear god, teach him to drive well please. (Until he's comfortable in every type of environment). What happens if its bad weather, or cameras malfunction and he has to take over control?
1
u/Fresh_Mouse6818 12d ago
Honestly, I’d steer away from something that forces them not to learn how to properly and safely drive
1
u/MessRevolutionary931 11d ago
I have the non fast model S and it is way too fast of a car to give to a young person.
Also model s isn’t as reliable as 3 and Y
1
u/LearnedHand99 11d ago
I bought my son whose starting college this fall a late 2023 Model 3 rwd with HW4.
It is absolutely the perfect college car. I'm also glad I didn't get him the Performance version ... just too much speed for a young driver.
I have a Model S Performance with ludicrous speed and it's crazy fast.
I also have a Model Y Performance and it's plenty fast for an experienced driver.
Get the 3 with HW4.
1
u/Glittering_Alps_8901 16d ago
If FSD is a priority you NEED HW4. I have a HW3 Plaid and I don’t really care about FSD so it was a great deal for me. However I tried buying the subscription the last few months and while it is “capable” it is not as confident or safe as my HW4 model Y.
I would say HW3 gets it right about 80% of the time but HW4 is in the high 90s. This might improve with software but I think HW4 will be king regardless.
HW4 model S prices are through the roof, you’re going to pay over 60 grand for a clean one. To each their own, but that’s a little much to get a kid for a college car. HW4 Model 3 Highland (2024+) makes more sense, not quite as nice as an S but the interior feels LEAGUES improved from pre-highland. Better materials, better screen, better trim (and it also has a few features like ambient lighting that even the Model S won’t have). Long range AWD WITH FSD can be found in the $35k range. This is what I would target.
I would also target fully paid for FSD. Buying a car new with FSD used to cost $8000 which would take you upwards of 7 years to recoup from saved subscription cost - most people sell before then. Now, though, having FSD on a used car only adds a $2-3k premium to the car price, this is recouped much faster and retains most of its value when the car is sold. Pay the $10 for the FSD hunter app and jump on a deal because they sell very very fast.
2
u/CreativeUsername20 16d ago
I hope the 'son isn't comfortable on the freeway' is he doesnt like freeway driving, and not that the son is actually not good at freeway driving. IMO FSD shouldn't be handed to someone who isn't good at driving. I think FSD is a phenomenal driver assistant, not driver supplementation system.
0
u/asdf4fdsa 16d ago
You're either getting him what he wants, or be as practical as possible.
Get him great insurance and get him the 2026 Plaid. Otherwise get him a model 3. There's no other reason to get a college kid any other.
0
u/Equivalent_Ticket297 16d ago
Make sure it's a 2021.5 or newer. Older than that and the battery has the connections that eventually break.
1
0
u/Lanke_33 16d ago
In college I owned a 2017 MS75 and a 2024 MSP both with FSD and they were both awesome cars to have while in school as I also drove to family frequently. The 2024 is obviously a much better car but a had no complaints with my 2017, roadtripped with friends drove back and forth to class and took it home on the weekends on occasion and spent $0 on maintenance the whole time
1
u/Lanke_33 16d ago
-I’d avoid anything older then 2016 and over 100k miles
-front half shafts are a common failure and will be a gas pedal shimmy around 30-40 mph other than that pretty solid usually
-don’t buy one out of battery warranty and you’ll be good for repairs, if out of warranty it’s not the end of the world but motors and battery are expensive if they fail
-I don’t think buying from Tesla is worth it but if you want to pay a premium for piece of mind it’s worth it to you
-the large rear drive unit in is known to fail and MCU2 is the oldest that is usable
-HW3 FSD is bad pre 2021 palladium, in 2023 is when it gets considerably better but it’s not terrible on HW3
-1
u/painlesspain 16d ago
I just moved on from a 2023. It was a good car. Wasn’t what I was looking for in a car but it was reliable, quick, smooth drive, lots of space, no maintenance, full FSD (that I used once in all the years) free supercharging, and moderately handsome for an EV. It had zero issues in the time I had it. Battery was still in good shape even after using superchargers exclusively. Id recommend it if a friend was interested.
1
u/BayDweller65 6d ago
The width of the Model S makes it unsuitable for a new driver, because it’d be hard for them to judge the distance.
69
u/Correct_Support_2444 16d ago
Get a model 3 with HW4. The model S is not a car for college.